Sunday, May 31, 2009

Chapter 13

Clinical supervision requires a significant investment of time. How will you determine when to use clinical supervision as a school principal/supervisor?

27 comments:

  1. While clinical supervision seems like it would take a lot of time, it seems like it would be a useful tool for an administrator to use. As an administrator I would use the entire clinical supervision cycle for all new teachers, those teaching in their first through third years. Clinical supervision puts focus on self-reflection, a great learning tool. The book specifies that clinical supervision may be too in-depth and time consuming for teachers who have been teaching awhile; however, I would still like to use the "shorthand" version of clinical supervision for more experienced teachers. Simply because it is natural to get stuck in a rut, and self-reflection will help all teachers become even better educators.
    -- Jennifer Campbell

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  2. Agreeing with Jennifer, I beleive as an administrator at the begining of the year I would focus more on the new teachers in the building. Which in a small county like I teach in is usually the young first year teachers. I beleive really taking the time to get to know them more than just an interview is very beneficial. You are letting a new teacher come into your building and enter a brand new atmosphere. It is vital to the administrator to evaluate if the teacher fits the culture and academic stadards that he/she has set for the school community. As the book states, that for time reasons small group supervision is a useful modification. This is I would use for the veteran teachers throughout the remainder of the school year. Not to say they are not important, but prior knowledge of classroom management would allow more time for the administrator to focus more on the supervision of instructional practice.

    zack dotson carroll co-hort

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  3. I do agree with what Zack and Jennifer have said about the use of clinical supervision for new teachers but would do a lot of front end work so that the new teachers didn't feel they were being singled out for intense scrutiny. If a new teacher - or any teacher, really - is able to see this process as a wonderful opportunity to ensure they are engaging all students in learning, it should be a positive experience. I would also consider clinical supervision if something has happened within the school to cause a culture change. It would also be an excellent tool to use is a school would embrace a new curriculum, or a school-wide program such as ESD.

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  4. I will use clinical supervision in my school as an administrator.  It significantly improves teaching and learning in the schools.  It improves the teacher's performance in the classroom. With students being the first focus, I will use it with all new teachers and with teachers who need some extra help in making their children successful in the classroom. When we have a faculty meeting and after introducing the clinical supervison method I feel that all teachers who know and understand the impacted of this method will be acceptable of change. What a difference it could make in student growth. I think all teachers would be interested in using the clinical supervision method. If we set our standard high and the students standard high what a successful school it will be. Jamie Cain

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  5. In order to carry out the practice of clinical superivison and to conduct it meaningfully, as an administrator, I believe that I would begin with my first-year teachers. I believe that the teachers (and their students) would benefit from this “powerful and appealing strategy” since it is based on the teacher’s issues and concerns – and only a few of these at a time. What a great way to have first-hand help and experience at one’s fingertips.
    Other personnel who might benefit from the process of clinical supervision might be teachers who have had issues in the classrooms or who have had students who are performing below par on year-end and other standardized tests, for example. Previous years' observations might be examined to help determine selection of teachers who would benefit from this process as well.
    While the full process would be carried out with my first-year teachers, the abbreviated version - dependng on time constraints - might be utlized with the more experienced staff whom I believe need the closer supervision, some assistance, or just simply an opportunity for self-reflection.
    Movita Utt

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  6. As an administrator I will use clinical supervision as a tool to better adapt my school as a whole. I also agree with others that first year teachers should be involved.
    Although, I think back to when I was a first year teacher and the pressure/stress you face may overwhelm them. One may want to have a trial run their first year with by having fewer faculty/team present during observations.
    Although, to be effective, I feel that as a principal you should incorporate an experienced member to show the mentoring aspect as well as someone with a few years experience to give some added support and similariities. Most definitely, concentrate on the first year teachers, but with some restraint to better suit each individuals needs. One major plus for clinical supervision is I believe it will promote relationships that will enhance school teammwork and planning. Overall as an administrator to manage my school properly, I must be involved intensely to be sure it is run effectively.
    Israel Easter

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  7. I would use the entire clinical supervision cycle for all new teachers and continue the cycle based on the supervision of their mentors. The big problem would be finding time for a new teacher to complete the cycle, because of all the pressure that they may be under. I would conduct a similar cycle and have them to complete it with their mentor. I do think it is possible to carry out clinical supervision. I would determine the number and the characteristics of personnel for whom I would utilize clinical supervision on a school-by-school basis. Every school is different and would need a variety of supervision techniques in order to be successful. I do believe that the preobservation conference stage is very important; because it develops that the framework for observation. Furthermore, since clinical supervision is not for everyone, I would discuss with my faculty collegial clinical supervision and the additional stress that it may bring. I would also enforce more trainings and conferences to enable the faculty to learn more about clinical supervision.

    Cory Hawks
    Carroll County Cohort

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  8. I would determine when to use clinical supervision by assessing the needs of the teachers. Clinical supervision would not be necessary for each teacher nor would it be feasible to utilize the process for each teacher. I believe I would attempt to carry out clinical supervision with the following populations:
    Anytime the school system’s protocol dictates I do so, teachers new to the profession, teachers new to the subject they are teaching, teachers that I have determined may need additional assistance through informal observations, and teachers that have requested additional assistance in particular areas. We all know this system is not right for every teacher every time but its good to have a standardized system; especially for something as critical and sensitive as observations and evaluations. Thanks, Marlin Campbell

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  9. I would also assess the needs of teachers. Clinical supervision would be used for teachers who expressed the need to learn how to better their own practices. I would try to use it on as many teachers as possible, but in order to make clinical supervision valuable I would concentrate on 2 or 3 teachers at a time and continue applying it to other teacher throughout the year.

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  10. I believe that clinical supervision is something that should be used for all of your teachers. Of course because of time constraints, it may not be possible for you to cover all of your teachers. So the teachers with priority would have to be the teachers that are on the provisional level of teaching. I would also include the teachers that are not as strong in the areas that they teach. This could be determined by testing scores or previous observations. I think it would be a great thing to include other teachers in this process of evaluation so the entire staff understands the process. It would also improve the understanding of we are all in this together as opposed to the view that the principal is out to get you. I know when I began teaching it would have been great to have direction of what is expected, and what are good practices for me to have. So I think it is a great process I would adapt as a part of my teachers annual goal plans and yearly evaluations.
    Jason Morris

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  11. I also think that clinical supervision is something that should be used for all teachers. The only problem with using clinical supervision for all teachers is time. In order to solve this problem, I would limit the process and only do it with two or three teachers at a time. I think this is a great reflective tool to use for first year teachers and also for teachers who have been teaching for a long time. This process will allow all teachers improve on their teaching styles and also have better understanding of his or her practice.
    Amy Woodard

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  12. Clinical supervision is not intended to be used on all teachers. I feel it would be best used on teachers who are struggling in the grade level or content area in which they are teaching, on new teachers, or on teachers who need to incorporate new ways into their teaching. Learning and reflecting in this way will be beneficial to almost any teacher, but especially those who need to grow in their area.
    Samantha Reed

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  13. Clinical supervision can be carried out, but only for those who are in need. Clinical supervision should be used for new incoming teachers (non tenure) as well as for teachers who are not meeting the standards you set as an administrator. The process sounds like it could be too time consuming and possibly take time from a successful tenure teacher whose time could be better utilized elsewhere. Some supervising teachers may resent the fact that their time is consumed by new and struggling teachers while others may consider it a compliment. An administrator should stay on top of the situation to ensure all are understanding their job is to promote the success of each child.

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  14. I feel that clinical supervision needs to be used throughout the school if it is carried out at all. New teachers in Carroll have to go through a program there first three years and it is very reflective and they have a monitor. But I feel that clinical supervision would be beneficial to the entire staff, it would put the principal in the classroom more often off the bat. I feel that it could be most effective for a teacher after the year that their observation is due. They will have been observed (usually briefly) and given a report. After reviewing the report maybe they could being the clinical study to improve on their teaching. I also believe this would be beneficial to do during the year that a teacher is to be observed, but to start out with I would probably do the clinical supervision during a year that they are not scheduled to be observed so that the teacher doesn't feel extra pressure and maybe it will allow time for other teachers to get comfortable and get on board with the program.

    Shane Reed CC

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  15. clinical supervision may be a useful tool when evaluating new teachers (never taught before) or when evaluating teachers who have not been performing up to standards for at least a year or two. I also agree with Shane, that it would be a good tool to use when teachers are not scheduled to be observed. That way teachers are always aware that observations are taking place, but it allows them to know that these observations are to help them suceed. I don't belive that need to be used at all times b/c they are time consuming and do not always produce the results that you need or want. For example, if there was a teacher whose students consistently did not perform well on the SOL's, it may be necessary to be a little more harsh with them, esp. if you have given them warnings and help before. Clincal observations may not be the best way to handle this situation.

    Melissa Ogle

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  16. Clinical supervision is usually determined by the need.A teacher that is in need of improving his/her teaching practices, has low SOL scores or has no classroom management skills may be in need of a little supervision. However, finding someone that is able to fulfill such a time consuming task while trying to maintain their own position becomes a problem in itself.

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  17. I would use the clinical supervision with new (first year) teachers. Aside from that I would use it on a as needed basis. I believe it is time consuming, and judging by the shedules and tasks people have to get done in my school, I wouldn't want to use it any more than I had to.
    Jacob Leonard, //carroll co

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  18. Although time consuming, I believe clinical supervision would be useful for first year teachers or teachers new to the division. I also would use it for teachers on an improvement plan. It would be nice to utilize on all staff through a rotation period, maybe every other year, depending on staff size. Christy Sparks

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  19. I feel clinical supervision would be valuable for new teachers, instructors teaching new content or new strategies. I know clinical supervision is time consuming, I would the shortcut strategy if I did not have time for the all five steps.
    I would have teachers with experience, use lesson study, collegial or peer supervision. I have always learned alot form observing other teachers and their strategies and teaching methods. I feel working together in a positive atmosphere will help improve the professional teaching community. Misty Zyvoloski

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  20. Though time consuming, clinical supervision provides exception feedback allowing for a more positive and practive observation experience. I agree with the other posts that clinical supervision would be best for new teachers because of the time reality. The clinical supervision shortcut stragey and peer supervision would be more appropriate given the time constraints with more experienced teachers. However, it would be a great stragegy to work with experience but underperforming teachers as well.

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  21. Clinical supervision should be used for all first year teachers and all teachers new to the system. I think that it should also be done on a rotating basis for all other teachers. I think that new teachers can definately learn from the feedback, new teachers to the system could benefit from suggestions especially if they are new to the format of the school (periods to block, visa versa), and more experienced teachers could always use new feedback on their teaching practices. I don't think that I, as prinicpal, would necessarily do these clinical supervisions. I think it would be perfectly acceptable to let department heads, grade level heads, or other such leaders do these supervisions. I think it would be important for me to do the supervisions for first year teachers, but unless a situation has been called to my attention, I would prefer to let others who have more experience in the subject area/grade level do the supervisions.

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  22. I agree that clinical supervision would be in the best interests of all new teachers and those on an improvement plan. Ideally, it would be great to do it for all staff but that doesn't seem very realistic. Maybe every other year? My principal has done this and the pre and post conference meetings have been very helpful.
    Angie Cornett

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  23. In using a clinical supervision approach, I would choose teachers based on evaluations and years experience. For example, I mentored a 1st year teacher this past year who has a Master's degree and makes more money than me after teaching for 7 years, but had a terrible time getting through to students. I think a lot of young teachers are like that. I also think targeting experienced teachers that seem to have fallen into a "rut" would be effective using clinical supervision. Also, teachers who seem to have consistant weaknesses in past and present evaluations would be a good place to start. Although it seems very time consuming, it does seem very effective.

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  24. I feel that clinical supervision would work better when you could allow the teachers to work in a mentorship style and doing the process more internally. However there owuld need to be a more official presence established for new teachers or teachers that are on an improvement plan. The teachers in "coast mode" would be receiving exposure to new ideas also through mentoring and being involved in the process with the newer teachers. While they would also receive more direct monitoring over the process and could given insights to "share with the new teacher".
    Rusty

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  25. If time restraints only allow for a few supervisions a year I would make sure that it was applied to the teachers who were most in need of improving their pratice. This may be the students of teachers who do not seem to know concepts or SOL's in the following grade, who are not making progress on test scores such as PALS or on the SOL's, teachers who do not use their instruction time wisely, or who have difficulty creating effective lessons.
    Clincial supervision can also be helpful to all teachers beause no teacher should stop improving their practice. Therefore, if at all possible, each teacher should be on a cycle to receive this practice.
    Shelly Goad

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  26. Clinical supervision offers experiences that are worth the time and effort you must put into it so it would be an asset to use as I enter administration. Realistically you can not use it on every teacher especially the bigger schools but I agree with what has been said many times over. The best way to utilize clinical supervision would be on first year teachers so that they get a clear idea of what is expected out of them and what the vision of the school is.

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  27. I think clinical supervision is all about improvement, and all teachers could stand to improve, whether it is in instruction or classroom management. I would certainly think it would be a way to build positive relationships in the school if you were a new principal with the attitude of “what would you like to improve on? I’m here to help.” Routine would speed up the time process, teachers knowing what they want you to observe and help them with, and knowing the type of students in the classroom ahead of time (because you have already been doing walkthroughs). I am in agreement with others to hit the new teachers first. This would be a helpful tool to get new teachers to focus on the most important issue first. I completely understood what Israel Easter was saying about being overwhelmed. I was overwhelmed with four staff members coming in with their chairs in a line to observe me my second year. There was no meeting with a set focus before the observation to help me. All I heard in the meeting afterwards was “You gave too much wait time.” Imagine that… in my below level reading class. If I did not give them enough wait time, they would have never answered. Perhaps they should have given me ideas to get my students to think faster.
    One idea… maybeif you pitched the clinical supervision process in a Faculty meeting and had teachers pair up to practice on each other, you would at least have teachers become familiar with the steps.
    M. Gillie

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