This is a compilation of two visits to Ms.

John-Baptistes Block 1 and 4 Grade 8 LA class on

Wednesday March 4 and 11. I wanted to see how you incorporated checking for understanding
and chunking strategies in your classroom.
We conferenced and discussed what went well and what you might have done differently. We
focused our attention on INTASC and the Danielson Framework. Lesson plans are provided as
well as the reflections that Ms. John-Baptiste has been keeping.
What Went Well:

You are becoming an integral part of the classes and the school now, and that is both
exciting and encouraging. Your students are really responding well to you. I pointed out
that you have developed a look that refocuses even the most unfocused student. You
have told me that students have noted this and pointed it out to you. Awesome! You
also are very proud and pleased that a parent of one of your students complimented
you. Terrific, Niesha. I also noted that the students I see in the hallway ask about you!!!
You have a large contingent join you for lunch each day. You are making that
difference. Even teachers are noting your presence. We teachers really enjoy hearing
these, and I am very happy for you. They are well deserved!!!!

You know I have always discussed the difference between good and bad noise.
Often, new teachers think all noise is bad. You are seeing more and more of the good
with your students now discussing amongst themselves the topics and issues you have
introduced. Keep it up.

You have been trying to include more and more students in the lessons and discussions
and you are making progress here. (see below)

Suggestions:

You recognize the need for chunking, checking for understanding throughout the lesson.
Even if you include chunks larger than you originally planned for, you can still
accomplish your goal, by checking and rechecking.

One block, your students are very engaged; another block, you have to struggle to get
there. At times, you are able to move through the examples (on March 11, for example,
you had the students develop hooks for writingquestions, action lead, dialogue,
snapchat were just a few of theseone of the groups struggled, the other move quickly)
This is not unusual, and you are recognizing the scenario and making the adjustments.
You have taken suggestions well and you move on these which are so important. I have
shared with you that there are no geniuses in this area, and that trial and error are so
valuable. You have embraced this, and I am so pleased. If it doesnt work, try
something else!
In the March 4 lesson, I got involved. I engaged the students in two ways. First, I had
each of the tables come up with a response to the question on the smartboard, then
polled each one having one student from each area serve as responder. We also asked
students to explain and support their answers. Similarly, we also had a student come to
the smartboard to explain their answer and to show why that answer was the only one.
You noted how involved the students were. Easy strategy, and it works!!! On March 11,

you conferenced with a student to be sure she felt comfortable enough to participate and
had her read to the class her hook. It was so neat to see how this student made sure
the students participated in determining which category was that hook! It was also neat
to see how she ensured that the class was on task!!!
You have learned from every experience and have worked to implement these into your
classes

Our next piece to work on has to do with continuing to hold the students accountable.
While they may not do their homework, for example, what can you do to assist in this
area. We have discussed this. I strongly believe and have shared with all my students
that you dont call home unless you know exactly who you are calling. That parent may
not be receptive the way we want her/him to be and the consequences to that child may
be unfortunate. Continue to learn about your students (you are doing a great job of this
already) from staff members and then you can make those calls.
The research is compelling: when students know what we expect of them AND we hold
them accountable, they will respond. This, Niesha, is your next challenge. I know you
are up to it!!!

You have made terrific strides so far, Niesha. I knew you would. Now, we are going to work on
really refining and expanding your repertoire (your bag of strategies to refer to) to make you
even more effective!! You are getting there!!!!