DOE Visits and IRT Walkthroughs

Many schools are scheduled for DOE visits while others are still waiting for the first IRT walkthrough. I’ve been receiving feedback from many
of the schools that have had the IRT visits.
The visits focus on the following topics:
• Classroom Environment Conductive to Teaching and Learning
• Materials Support a High Level of Teaching and Learning
• Higher Order Questioning and Thinking is Evident
• Instruction Engages Students
• Small Group, Differentiated Instruction is Utilized
to Address Students’ Instructional Needs
• Reading and Writing Activities are Evident Across the Curriculum
• School and District Leadership and Coaching is Evident

The visits seem to have a common thread. Comments are generally about
•deciding on a process for data chats/progress monitoring discussions with students
•making sure students are exposed to grade level work regardless
of ability level and
•making sure PLCs are scheduled bimonthly and aligned to SIP plan
•developing consensus across the curriculum for a common board
configuration
• having an interactive word wall (student-made).

The photo (on the right) is from a school that uses the following configuration:
-Date
-Benchmark
-Objective
-Agenda
-Essential Question
-Opening Activity
-Closing Activity
-Materials or Homework

Notice that this teacher used blue tape to separate her classroom periods.
I understand that classroom word walls need to be interactive and need to be made by students.
I’d really like to hear feedback from other schools that have had visits.
Please post your experience.