Dawn Cottnair

EDAD 543
Assignment 7
Observation and Evaluation
My Learning Standards - AWSP Criterion 1
1.1 Develops and sustains focus on a shared mission and clear vision for improvement of
learning and teaching
1.2 Engages in essential conversations for ongoing improvement
1.3 Facilitates collaborative processes leading toward continuous improvement
Part 1: The Observation
see additional file of notes and summary form
Part 3: The Reflection
a. How do you think the conference went?
I think the conference went really well. We went through the script I wrote. I showed her the
words she spoke and then highlighted all the places where she stated the directions for the
assignment. It was very clear to her how often she had said the directions. Then, we were able to
discuss ways to, and reasons to not repeat directions so many times, and let kids get started. I
emphasized her use of modeling and having kids highlight the part of the directions they are to
highlight and underline what they are to underline. I also confirmed her use of having students
repeat back the directions, but suggested that instead of repeating again what the students said,
let the students voice be the only voice the other kids heard. Give that student the locus of control
to reaffirm she/he understands the directions.
b. How do you think the teacher felt during the conference?
The teacher appeared relaxed and engaged. She and I sat next to each other at the front
table, leaning over the notes. When we began dialoguing some solutions to challenges she was
facing we both stood up and move around the room as we thought. She used words like, Oh I
see, so maybe I could and So what you are saying is

c. Describe your tone, body stance, and listening skills.

I felt I was calm and supportive. I sat next to her, faced her when I spoke, and worked really
hard to let her process ideas and talk less. When I was trying to engage her in the issue of talking
too much, I always came back to my notes of her words, avoiding phrases that sounded
accusatory or evaluative.
d. What did you learn about your leadership?
I am getting more comfortable helping teachers start with a strength and move forward. In
order to support this teacher I have had to come in several times to just watch to try to figure out
what it was that was off. This visit and conference, happened after 3 or 4 informal stop bys to just
see what was happening. I am learning that it is powerful to just walk around and watch, no pen
and paper in hand so I can just see. Then when I am ready I can come with my pen and paper
with a focus area. In this case I was seeing she was just talking too much and her kids had so little
time to actually work. By scripting this conversation I was able to see that she was just repeating
directions over and over - even interrupting work time to repeat the directions again. Now, because
I took the informal time, I have a clear focus to work with her on.
e. What are your strengths as a coach/ leader?
I think one of my biggest strengths is my ability to build relationships. I spend time getting to
know people and give them space. I build the trust and understanding before tackling issues that
need to be addressed. Because I have built the relationships over the past year and a half, I can
now begin to press a little on issues that I see impede student learning or seem unequitable or
inefficient. Now that I have learned about starting with a strengths based approach, I am able to
start with the positive and build from there with a teacher, rather than just jumping on what needs
to be addressed.
I have also learned my go to question, Why? I have discovered that when I dont agree
with a teaching practice that a teacher defends or tries to advocate for I ask Why? Sometimes I
will follow it up with a qualifier, like Why is that helpful for kids? or Why are you choosing to use

(or not use) ___? There have been conversations where I simply ask Why? three or four times
in a row til the teacher cant explain anymore and then we are able to talk about alternatives. I am
finding it is a very powerful tool to help teachers and administrators come to their own conclusions
rather than having me tell them what is right or wrong?
f. What would you like to continue to improve?
I am still working on gaining my confidence. I feel like who am I to tell them what to do even though I now know that I do know what good teaching looks like and I do see what ineffective
teaching looks like. I am learning to become more comfortable living in the land of uncomfortable
as I stir things up when they arent right for kids. I am finding my voice to speak up for student
equity and effective instructional practices.
g. How did your leadership moves support your growth toward your standards?
This assignment was heavily supportive of my growth in AWSP 1.2, engaging in essential
conversations for ongoing improvement. Most specifically provides leadership such that the
essential conversations take place and in ways that maintain trust, dignity, and ensure
accountability of participants. Using the actual notes from my observation helped with trust as it
doesnt look like I came into the conversation with a preconceived plan - I feel like had I rewritten
the notes or made them look pretty before she saw them it would have made it look like I twisted
her words around. In addition, I have started using a tool that teachers are using with conferring to
track specific feedback I am giving to help me follow-up on previous conversations. With prior
feedback sessions I have had with teachers I often have the one conversations and then move on.
I need a system to track my impact on teachers and ensure follow through. By having a tool to
hold me accountable to follow through helps teachers feel I am going to hold myself accountable
to them.

Reflection: What did you learn about your leadership?

I learned that I am good at

I learned that I am good at building relationships, but sometimes I spend too much time on
the relationship rather than digging into the tough work when it needs to happen.
I learned that I need to work on
I learned that I need to work on asking questions.
I learned that it is difficult to
I learned that it is difficult to determine what to focus on when you just dont know what is
wrong.
I learned that
I learned that its okay to take time and just watch - do nothing. There really is benefit in just
watching without taking notes. I also learned that I need to practice observing teachers who are
experienced and successful to practice supporting teachers who dont need triage.