I think we have all heard of the classroom walk-through.  They are part of  our famous buzz word collection.  I think CWT’s are a great way to get out and “smell what’s cooking”.  I also think there can be a lot of fluff, or stuff that I do not necessarily need with CWT’s.  I have been reflecting on how I incorporate CWT’s in my daily routine and how I can improve my practice in this area.

I currently use a hybrid system of CWT’s.  I think they are a great way to manage by walking around (another buzz word!).  They do afford you the chance to visit many classes in a short amount of time.  If you observe a problem over the course of a few visits, you can probably bet IT IS a real problem.  That is the essence of CWT’s–you may only be in the room for a few minutes so you need to look for patterns.  When you visit your best teacher’s room for only a few minutes, it may look great or horrible.  However, over time you will see the truth emerge. 

Here is how I use CWT’s and how I plan to improve-

I realize the value of being in each class as much as possible.  My CWT’s usually last about 3-5 minutes.  These are just CWT’s—regular visits need to take longer.  I like CWT’s, but sometimes you just need a bigger picture.  I also keep track of when I visit each class.  I need to observe each teacher with different classes.  We all know the dynamics of a class are different during first hour and directly after lunch! I also make sure to leave feedback for the teacher each time I visit.  I strive to visit each teacher once per week.

Those were my goals at least.  We know it sometimes gets hectic, but I need to make visiting classes a priority.   In reality, we often get involved with a million different things and our visits are much less frequent.  For some reason, I also tend to do my visits at the same time each day.  What good does is it to see Mr. X teach his 4th period honors class every time I step foot in his room?  What about his other classes?  Here is my plan for the upcoming year.

1.  Start my CWT’s before I return to my office from morning supervision duties.  Once I step foot in the office area, I often get stuck.  Albeit, I am doing necessary parts of the job-answering teacher questions, talking with parents, etc.  However, I need to be in the classrooms!

2.  Create a weekly schedule for my visits.  Everyone needs a plan!  I think this will help eliminate my repeated visits to Mr. X’s advanced honors class each CWT.  I already keep track of the time and dates of my visits so I should be able to spread them out fairly.

3.  I will give more authentic feedback.  I know most CWT programs say you should just leave a question.  I usually do, but sometimes I just have to give a pat on the back!  This feedback needs to be given the same day.

4.  I think this is the biggest–I will speak to the teacher the day after my visit, after they have had time to reflect on my feedback.  Ideally we would have time to  sit down and chat over coffee, but we know that is not going to happen each and every time.  I plan on doing quick chats in the hall or during lunch duty, etc…Of course this would not be the time for serious issues that need to be addressed, but this will open more lines of communication. 

5.  When I walk in a class, I want it to be just another day for the students and the teacher.  If I am in the room enough, my entrance will not be an event.  I need to work to make sure I am a steady fixture in our rooms.

It is tempting to handle referrals, return email and phone calls and begin pecking away at your to do list first thing in the morning.  I think we all get caught up in certain things that consume a lot of our time.  I am going to make it my top priority next year to be in as many classes as possible.  Is 25 a week unreasonable?  To me, it sounds like a reach.  However, when you break it down, it is only 5 a day.  Maybe it won’t be so difficult.

There is a bunch of software for your PDA that affords an easy method to capture your CWT’s.  We had a great program at my last district.  However, I now use pen and carbon paper.  I actually like it better than using the PDA. For some reason, I just think it is easier.  I know that is not the “green” answer (but hey, I am going to purchase a “reel” mower this weekend)!

I hope to hear from you and how you use CWT’s.