Visit Date:

2-18-16
Comments:
It was a pleasure to observe Halle teach Macbeth to her students. The combination of Aristotle's
structure for tragedy, of Shakespeare's characters, language and plot as well as adherence to the
MLA format for both quotes and the essay made for an ambitious academic goal. I was delighted
to see Halle's students achieve that goal. They followed her willingly and respectfully as she
guided them through an assignment designed to show them the inevitability of Shakespeare's plot
while enabling them to present their understanding in an impressive academic format. They did
so in an amazingly engaging way, discussing the play, their day and each other in such a way that
I felt quite comfortable. Halle's performance promises excellence in her career as a teacher.
A. The Learner and Learning
# Ratings

1 COMMEND

COMPETEN
2
T

COMPETEN
T

4 COMMEND

Indicator
Plans and delivers developmentally appropriate instruction
Halle's lesson enabled students to develop an understanding of a deep structure for tragedy.
Consults a variety of sources (e.g., student records, counselors, resource specialists, parent
conferences, test results, and other diagnostic tools) to determine the learning needs and
capabilities of individual students
Differentiates instruction appropriately for specific needs of learners
Persists in helping all students achieve success
Halle visited each student more than once to assist them in their writing.

COMPETEN
T

Brings multiple perspectives to the discussion of content, including attention to learners

personal, family and community experiences and cultural norms

COMPETEN
T

Designs instruction to build on learners' prior knowledge and experiences

7 COMMEND

Displays consistency in dealing with behavior in the least disruptive manner, utilizing

appropriate positive and negative consequences

Halle is equitable: she reminds everyone of common expectations.
8

COMPETEN
T

Demonstrates positive rapport with a diverse student population

COMPETEN
T

Understands and respects a diverse student/parent population and helps all students learn
respect for the traditions and cultures of others

1 COMPETEN
0 T

Uses appropriate nonverbal communication

1
COMMEND
1

Provides a learning environment which includes high time-on-task and active engagement

1
COMMEND
2

Promotes a classroom environment that is caring and supportive to all students

1 COMPETEN
3 T

Organizes and maintains the physical environment of the classroom in a pleasant and orderly
manner conducive to student learning and safety

1 COMPETEN
4 T

Monitors students behaviors and activities in the classroom at all times

1 COMPETEN
5 T

Handles multiple tasks, intrusions and distractions while maintaining the flow of the lesson

1 COMPETEN
6 T

Teaches and reinforces classroom expectations, rules, routines and procedures fairly

I have rarely seen students so intellectually engaged in an assignment.

Halle has created an environment where students can help each other.

B. Content
# Ratings

Indicator

1 COMMEND
7

Demonstrates content area knowledge

Halle's knowledge of both Aristotle in the service of Shakespeare is significant.

1 COMMEND
8

Keeps abreast of new ideas and understandings in the field

1 COMPETEN
9 T

Effectively uses multiple representations and explanations that capture key ideas in the
discipline, guides learners through learning progressions and promotes each learners
achievement of content standards

2 COMMEND
0

Engages students in learning experiences in the discipline(s) that encourage learners to

understand, question and analyze ideas from diverse perspectives using standards of evidence

Halle's use of state-of-the-art writing templates is laudatory.

Halle manipulated the concepts of character and plot to provide a cause-and-effect argument
based on the play.
2 COMMEND
1

Creates opportunities for students to learn and practice content language

2 COMPETEN
2 T

Provides a real world context for lesson content

2 COMMEND
3

Demonstrates pedagogical knowledge relevant to the discipline

Halle is especially proficient at enabling students to use the language of Shakespeare to supp
their theses.

Halle's use of Aristotle's structure of tragedy combined with Franklin's writing template is
impressive.

C. Instructional Practice
# Ratings

Indicator

2 COMMEND
4

Creates lessons that encourage students to think creatively and critically and to solve problem

2 COMPETEN
5 T

Develops clear lesson plans which include objectives, materials, activities,

adaptations/modifications and evaluation techniques based on the curriculum

2 COMPETEN
6 T

Develops clear long-term instruction plans (e.g. units and/or modules) which include
objectives, materials, activities, adaptations/modifications and evaluation techniques based o

The essay is a problem-solving exercise with more than one correct answer to a constant
question.

the curriculum
2 COMMEND
7

Selects materials and activities consistent with the objectives of the lesson and students dive
abilities resulting in appropriate adaptations and modifications
All students were able to engage the material at a high level of achievement.

2 COMPETEN
8 T

Applies the appropriate scope and sequence of objectives for teaching the curriculum (nation
state and/or local standards)

2 COMPETEN
9 T

Uses available educational technologies for effective instruction

3 COMMEND
0

Provides opportunities for all students to successfully apply or practice knowledge and skills
learned
The entire class worked consistently and communally toward a common goal.

3 COMPETEN
1 T

Designs assessments that align with learning objectives

3 COMPETEN
2 T

Effectively uses multiple and appropriate types of assessment data to identify each students
learning needs and to develop differentiated learning experiences

3 COMPETEN
3 T

Maintains clear and reasonable work standards and due dates

3 COMPETEN
4 T

Makes changes in instruction based on feedback from multiple classroom assessment sources

3 COMPETEN
5 T

Gives constructive and frequent feedback to students on their learning

3 COMPETEN
6 T

Balances the use of formative and summative assessment as appropriate to support, verify an
document learning

3 COMPETEN
7 T

Accomplishes smooth and orderly transitions between parts of the lesson

3 COMMEND

Communicates clearly to all students the objective and purpose of each lesson

8
Excellent directions at the beginning of class, complete with a substantial example.
3 COMMEND
9

Conducts class with poise, confidence and enthusiasm

4 COMMEND
0

Maximizes instructional learning time by working with students individually as well as in

small or whole groups

Halle acts, speaks and teaches like a pro.

Halle knows her students: those who require more attention received it.
4 COMMEND
1

Gives clear directions

4 COMMEND
2

Provides focus on important points and checks for understanding

4 COMPETEN
3 T

Uses a variety of effective and appropriate instructional strategies and resources

4 COMPETEN
4 T

Encourages participation from all students through effective questioning strategies (e.g., equa
distribution, level variation, adequate wait time, probing and clue giving, and appropriate
correctives and feedback)

4 COMMEND
5

Presents lessons in a clear, logical and sequential manner

Halle's lesson is so powerfully structured that it reinforces her directions.

Halle worked with laptop screens to be sure that students understood the assignment.

The lesson was as clear as Shakespeare's play with its inevitable climax and conclusion.

D. Professional Responsibility
# Ratings

Indicator

4 COMPETEN
6 T

Models and teaches safe, legal and ethical use of information and technology

4 COMMEND
7

Demonstrates maturity and accepts constructive criticism in a positive manner

Halle predicts suggestions for improvement and implements them in class.

4 COMPETEN
8 T

Knows and follows school policies and shares in the general responsibilities and duties
associated with teaching (e.g., attendance, discipline, hall duty)

4 COMMEND
9

Listens carefully to all students then responds in a professional manner

5 COMPETEN
0 T

Practices self-evaluation and reflection

5 COMPETEN
1 T

Maintains confidentiality at all levels

5 COMPETEN
2 T

Implements the recommendations from evaluations of professional performance

5 COMMEND
3

Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills

5 COMMEND
4

Maintains a consistently positive and professional demeanor

5 COMPETEN
5 T

Communicates effectively, appropriately and professionally in all forms and to all audiences

Halle is an excellent active listener.

Halle's interpersonal intelligence is first-rate.

Halle believes that her students are capable of succeeding; she organizes class so that the
opportunity to do so is constantly available.