Observing SIA Videos
Classroom observations are a hallmark of standards-based instructional leadership. They are a prime method program administrators can use to monitor the consistency of instructional practices and their fidelity to standards.
Using the Standards-in-Action (SIA) Observation Tool (Unit 4, page 21) with an actual lesson on videotape will enable instructors to gain and share an understanding of what constitutes "evidence" of each indicator in concrete terms. Instructors also will likely get ideas from watching another instructor in action. Going through this process will prompt them to reflect on their own practice and to consider—and perhaps sharpen—each element of their lesson delivery.
If possible, take time to watch more than one lesson. The added practice will not only help observers-to-be to become more comfortable with the observation tool but the added viewing will sharpen their observation skills and build their confidence. Moreover, one of the most powerful features of Observing SIA is to reveal effective and ineffective teaching practices and curriculum choices recurring across multiple classrooms within a program—not to judge the merit or performance of a specific instructor. Thus viewing and looking across two or even three lessons will allow a fuller picture of standards-based instruction to emerge for those in training.
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Observing Standards-in-Action: ESL Classroom Lesson
Observing Standards-in-Action: Reading Classroom Lesson
Observing Standards-in-Action: Math Classroom Lesson