The formal observation cycle option is an opportunity for teachers to experience the LAUSD Educator Growth and Development cycle.  Formal observations involve paired observers certified in using the Teaching and Learning Framework rubric to score teachers in each of the elements.  The tail end of the cycle involves the development of an Individual Growth Plan based on feedback from the observation as well as other measures.  We encourage teachers to try the formal observation cycle to get a sense of how this works, and use this opportunity to give feedback on behalf of the SIG teachers.  Below, you will find a description for each of the components in the formal observation cycle. 

True North Logic web platform

Description of Formal Observation Cycle:

1. Wisdom of Practice Refresher Course:  Online course that provides an overview of the Teaching and Learning Framework and introduces the Teaching and Learning Rubric.  (1 hour)
2. Web Platform Training:  In-person workshop introducing the web platform that will be used to record, analyze, and report data from the observation cycle.  The web platform is also the point of contact between the observers and teacher.  (2 hours)
3. Teacher Self-Assessment:  Individual activity completed through web platform.  Teachers will reflect broadly on their current practice according to the Teaching and Learning Framework, rating themselves with the rubric and providing evidence as needed.  Teachers have the option of sharing their Self-Assessment with the observers.  (3 hours)
4. Lesson Design:  Individual activity completed through the web platform.  After scheduling the formal observation and conference dates with the observers, teachers will prepare a lesson plan.  Teachers can use the lesson design template on the web platform, which is aligned to the Teaching and Learning Framework, or use their own design template.  (4 hours)
5. Pre-Observation Conference:  Meeting with observers.  Teachers will have the opportunity to provide the context for their lesson and clarify any questions the observers may have about the lesson.  Observers can use the conference to collect additional evidence of the teacher’s lesson meeting the standards of the Teaching and Learning Framework.  (3 hours)
6. Observation:  Observers will stay for the duration of the lesson and collect evidence.  (Time varies)
7. Lesson Design Reflection:  Individual activity completed through web platform.  After the lesson, teachers will submit student work, review evidence collected by observers, and reflect on the lesson against the rubrics.  (3 hours)
8. Post-Observation Conference:  Meeting with the observers.  Teachers will discuss student work analysis and reflect on evidence against rubrics, and then make suggestions for improvement.  After the conference, observers will score the teacher by each element in the Teaching and Learning Framework based on the evidence collected from the lesson observation and conferences.  Teachers will review the scores and acknowledge the ratings.  (3 hours)
9. AGT Reflection:  Individual activity completed through web platform.  In preparation for the Individual Growth Plan, teachers will analyze their AGT results as well as other assessments that may inform their instruction, such as teacher-created formative and summative assessments, periodic assessment, inventories, diagnostics, etc.  (3 hours)
10. Individual Growth Plan:  Individual activity completed through web platform.  Teachers will look at all of the data collected from the observation cycle, scoring, assessment results, and last year’s Stakeholder Survey results (if available) to select strength and challenge-based goals for further professional development.  After the supervising administrator conferences with the teacher and reviews and approves the growth plan, teachers can use the $500 growth fund to further their professional development goals.  (3 hours)
11. Growth and Development Module:  These workshops will focus on three of the essential components of the LAUSD Teaching and Learning Framework: 1) Questioning; 2) Designing Instruction and Engaging Students in Learning; and 3) Designing Assessment and Using Assessment in Instruction.  (6 hours)
     

#

Activity

Month

Hours

Running Total

Type

1

Wisdom of Practice Refresher Course

Mar

1

1

Online course

2

Web Platform Training

Mar

2

3

In-person workshop

3

Teacher Self-Assessment

Mar

3

6

individual

4

Lesson Design

Mar

4

10

individual

5

Pre Observation Conference

Mar-Apr

3

13

meeting

6

Observation

Mar-Apr

During school hours

7

Lesson Design Reflection

Mar-Apr

3

16

individual

8

Post Observation Conference

Mar-Apr

3

19

meeting

Stakeholder Survey

10

AGT Reflection

May

3

26

individual

11

Individual Growth Plan and Conference

Apr-Jun

4

30

individual