Step 1:
Acquire feedback from students on what needs to happen in order to improve the grades in the class.
  • What does the student need to do differently?
  • What does the teacher need to do differently?

Step 2:

Confer with the teacher to acquire his or her feedback on the same two questions. Share with the teacher the feedback from students and plan strategy to enhance student achievement.

Step 3:

After three weeks, check with the teacher and students to find out if grades are getting better. Continue this practice every three weeks.

Step 4:

If the percentage of failing grades is still high, ask a content specialist to visit the teacher for the entire period and observe the following teacher­student interactions: pacing of instruction; reinforcement strategies; reteaching strategies; checking for understanding; teaching strategies; testing and retesting; grading procedures; and time on task.

Step 5:

Upon completion of the observation, the content specialist and teacher should meet to discuss findings. Together they should prepare a plan for improving the learning environment and opportunities. The plan may involve observations of other teachers, working with a mentor teacher, readings and participation in particular training sessions.

Step 6:

The academic dean or designee should monitor the implementation of the plan by observing and providing support to the teacher.

Step 7:

If the situation does not improve by the following grading term, the principal must note this in the formal evaluation and take appropriate action.

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