Here is the threaded transcript of the discussion I moderated today on Twitter for the Music Ed Motivation Day.
GREETING
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
It's Noon! @MusicHeather is our moderator for a discussion on Teacher Evaluation! Come join in!
Heather @MusicHeather
#musedmot Teacher Evaluation in the Music Classroom.
QUESTION #1
What, where, and for how long have you been teaching?
Heather @MusicHeather
Music (band & general), MD & PA, 12th year :)
Catie Dwinal @musiccargirl14
Elem general, NH, 3 years!
Kelly Petro @kellyapetro
7-12 choral Rochester, NY 9 years
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
5-12 band, HS music tech, theory, comp, history at Berwick Academy southern ME 9 yrs there - 35 total Yikes!
Pat Toben @mrstoben
19 years- general music, music tech, band, choir
Elizabeth N @MsNystedtMusic
Elem general in Elgin, IL. This is my (gulp) 10th year.
QUESTION #2
Have you been evaluated this Semester, or will you be evaluated next Semester? Was (or will) your evaluator knowledgeable in music?
Kelly Petro @kellyapetro
Our eval is a year long process I've been observed 3 times so far. There will be at least 3 more.
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
informally but formally probably not. DFA visual art based good educator, likes music but really knowledgeable in music ed. ped. no.
Pat Toben @mrstoben
No. Walk-throughs but not formal.
Elizabeth N @MsNystedtMusic
My evaluator is in charge of Fine Arts for the district, but she is a former art teacher, not music.
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
@MsNystedtMusic same here.
Heather @MusicHeather
I have been evaluated this Semester, and I will be evaluated again next Semester.
Elizabeth N @MsNystedtMusic
I think my evaluator knows what to look for, though, since she does see so many music teachers in action. I have not been evaluated yet this year, but I am on the cycle to be.
QUESTION #3
Briefly describe the evaluation form or system for your school.
Pat Toben @mrstoben
Hybrid CharlotteDanielson model every 3 years. Walk-throughs all the time.
Heather @MusicHeather
@mrstoben CD as well here, 2nd year using the Framework
Pat Toben @mrstoben
@MusicHeather I love it! Very comprehensive.
Kelly Petro @kellyapetro
end of the year I will be given a number score based on my observations and the results of student tests - both music and ELA
Heather @MusicHeather
@kellyapetro My final eval also depends on math & reading scores
Kelly Petro @kellyapetro
this is the 1st year of this eval system. NY districts were required by law to adopt this system because of RTTT
Elizabeth N @MsNystedtMusic
This is the 3rd year we're using Danielson, the 2nd time for me being evaluated with it. We are evaluated every other year.
Kelly Petro @kellyapetro
scored out of 100 based on a 38 page rubric, observation results, and student test scores
Heather @MusicHeather
2nd year on Danielson Framework; 2 evals (50%) + MAP scores (30%) + School Index; used to be "check-list" form: poor, area for growth, satisfactory; I find Danielson more comprehensive & useful
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
Very generic form, 3yr cycle, 2-3 DFA in-class obsv., mostly based on yearly self-evaluation, sit-down chat w/DFA. we are moving to a more formal evaluation but not quite there yet. we also currently include Ss evaluation in each class we teach 7-12
Catie Dwinal @musiccargirl14
We have a confusing teacher eval system, It makes it look like we did badly but in reality a check minus is good. I get observed 9 times a year because I'm in my first 3 years. Anyone else have this happen?
Heather @MusicHeather
@musiccargirl14 That's a lot! First 2 years = 4 times for me.
Joe Guarr @jguarr
@musiccargirl14 I think that's new standard in MI. 3 observations/year until you get tenure.
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
@musiccargirl14 in public/current school supposed to be several times 1st 3 years in school. In all my years never happened.
Catie Dwinal @musiccargirl14
@MusicHeather @jguarr told admin I get nervous when they're in there. The new admin started showing up at least for 5 min 2X a wk
QUESTION #4
How does the eval system work FOR you as a music teacher?
Heather @MusicHeather
Checklist system did not work for me. Danielson kicks my butt into gear!
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
self-eval is good for me, makes me reflect/document Whole process makes me look good but doesn't help me be a better teacher.
Heather @MusicHeather
@Stephdon Part of my eval is to video record lessons and self-eval 2x a year; definitely see myself differently!
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
@MusicHeather Yes! Video and/or audio tells it as it is! Agree!
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
@MusicHeather record audio almost every band class mostly to check band sound - but amazing things I learn about my teaching!
QUESTION #5
How does the eval system NOT work for you as a music teacher?
Joe Guarr @jguarr
@MusicHeather I crave content-specific feedback. There's no system in place right now to get observed by a music expert
Heather @MusicHeather
@jguarr I had the privilege of getting a music expert in to observe me last spring... soooo helpful!!
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
@jguarr @MusicHeather This would be so helpful to us!
Catie Dwinal @musiccargirl14
Wish I could have a music expert eval me!
Joe Guarr @jguarr
@MusicHeather Somebody from your district, or somebody from outside?
Heather @MusicHeather
@jguarr The principal of our Arts Magnet HS, who is a former band director; he provided amazing feedback, insight, and ideas
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
@MusicHeather @jguarr That is fabulous!
Catie Dwinal @musiccargirl14
@jguarr @MusicHeather its hard to get evaluated fairly on one class
Joe Guarr @jguarr
@MusicHeather @musiccargirl14 So true. A brief snapshot isn't terribly informative for admins or teachers.
Heather @MusicHeather
50% of my overall yearly eval is based on items NOT in my classroom: math & reading tests scores and school performance, and my evaluator last year & this year are not knowledgeable AT ALL in the arts, much less music!
Joe Guarr @jguarr
@MusicHeather That's a huge flaw in eval today. We should not be evaluated based on students that we might not even teach
Catie Dwinal @musiccargirl14
I really wish my evals were based at least a little on my shows, thats the final result of those classes that they come watch!
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
It is too fluffy. Doesn't help me improve my teaching and specifically related to how I teach music.
Heather @MusicHeather
@Stephdon Fluffy? How so?
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
@MusicHeather Not consistent from teacher-teacher/yr.-yr., set up to make us feel good w/o any concrete, helpful feedback.
Heather @MusicHeather
The current system (Danielson) is better than checklist, but seems better suited to ES classroom teachers
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
@MusicHeather con't. I feel the "form" is generic seems like it covers the fact the evaluator lacks content knowledge.
QUESTION #6
Where could you find "music experts" in your area to ask to observe you?
Heather @MusicHeather
Colleges & Universities (although some may have been out of "the classroom" too long)
Joe Guarr @jguarr
Put out a call to any retired music teachers in the area. Wouldn't be "official" but could be beneficial.
Heather @MusicHeather
@jguarr Definitely! Great idea! I'm sure my fine arts supervisor knows who they are.
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
univ. faculty observe, more relevant to have music colleagues w/excellent programs. Issue = their time.
Heather @MusicHeather
@Stephdon Yes, and the idea of "compensating" them for their time is always my concern.
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
@MusicHeather Yes $$ compensation important!
QUESTION #7
Does the eval system provide useful feedback for you as a music teacher?
Catie Dwinal @musiccargirl14
Somewhat, I get good feedback on classroom management but nothing else really
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
some things relating to classroom mngmt/org but not at all related to my music teaching.
Heather @MusicHeather
Yes and no. The feedback on the new sys is more valuable and useful, however does not come from a musician
Joe Guarr @jguarr
Classroom management tips have been helpful, content specific feedback has been non-existent. So yes and no.
Elizabeth N @MsNystedtMusic
I agree, not much on actual MUSIC teaching, just on teaching in general.
Kelly Petro @kellyapetro
we used to have a peer eval/mentor program. this provided me with the most useful feedback ever! I worked with other choral teach
Elizabeth N @MsNystedtMusic
We can take days to visit other music teachers in our district for ideas, although I haven't taken advantage of it.
Elizabeth N @MsNystedtMusic
I'm assuming it can work in reverse and we can ask those other music teachers to visit us for evaluation.
WRAP-UP
Heather @MusicHeather
Our time is up!!! Thanks to @Stephdon @jguarr @musiccargirl14 and @mrstoben for an excellent discussion!
Heather @MusicHeather
Also thanks to @kellyapetro and @MsNystedtMusic! What an awesome PD method :)
Catie Dwinal @musiccargirl14
@MusicHeather Thank you for moderating!!
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@MusicHeather Thank you for moderating!!
Kelly Petro @kellyapetro
@MusicHeather Thank you for a great discussion
Stephanie Sanders @Stephdon
@MusicHeather Thank You! I so value these opportunities to connect with my virtual colleagues!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Posture Pictures
Every couple of years, I do a project with my band class I call "Posture Pictures." Not only do I find out what concept of "good" playing posture the student's have, we have fun and laughter is always involved.
Supplies:
A Band Class (or Orchestra or Chorus or Jazz)
Various Instruments (or none if the students sing)
Chairs & Music Stands (or none if not used in the ensemble)
Picture-taking apparatuses (camera, iPod, iPad, etc.)
15-20 Minutes of Class Time (or more or less depending on class size and number of apparatuses)
Process:
1. Inform the class that they will be posing 3 pictures: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
2. The students may select the groups or it can be done by section; I put a max of 3 students in a group to ensure they are all participating.
3. The "model" in the pictures may be the same student in each, the students may take turns, and/or multiple students may be in the pictures.
4. If the class is an instrumental group, the instruments must be included in the pictures.
5. The "Good" picture must demonstrate the preferred playing/singing posture for the instrument.
6. The "Bad" picture must demonstrate the typical posture issues seen during class (slouching, leaning, arms on legs/chair, feet on case, etc.)
7. The "Ugly" picture can be any creative idea that is school appropriate; it may be impossible to play the instrument while in the posture.
8. Each group must plan and "practice" each pose before asking to use an apparatus.
After:
I download the pictures to my computer and organize them by class and by type (good/bad/ugly) for my purposes only. I create a slideshow for each class that has the poses mixed and not categorized. For each pose, the class votes on whether it is Good, Bad, or Ugly, and I select students to explain why the pose fits that category. The "Ugly" pictures get some great laughs, and the "Bad" pictures often get comments such as, "You sit that way every day!" Of course, the "good" pictures are excellent representations of the preferred playing postures.
For your pleasure, here are some examples from a class a few years ago. No worries: the models are college-age at this point and have fond memories of this project. I will not label the category; I'm sure you know to which category each examples belongs. Enjoy!
Supplies:
A Band Class (or Orchestra or Chorus or Jazz)
Various Instruments (or none if the students sing)
Chairs & Music Stands (or none if not used in the ensemble)
Picture-taking apparatuses (camera, iPod, iPad, etc.)
15-20 Minutes of Class Time (or more or less depending on class size and number of apparatuses)
Process:
1. Inform the class that they will be posing 3 pictures: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
2. The students may select the groups or it can be done by section; I put a max of 3 students in a group to ensure they are all participating.
3. The "model" in the pictures may be the same student in each, the students may take turns, and/or multiple students may be in the pictures.
4. If the class is an instrumental group, the instruments must be included in the pictures.
5. The "Good" picture must demonstrate the preferred playing/singing posture for the instrument.
6. The "Bad" picture must demonstrate the typical posture issues seen during class (slouching, leaning, arms on legs/chair, feet on case, etc.)
7. The "Ugly" picture can be any creative idea that is school appropriate; it may be impossible to play the instrument while in the posture.
8. Each group must plan and "practice" each pose before asking to use an apparatus.
After:
I download the pictures to my computer and organize them by class and by type (good/bad/ugly) for my purposes only. I create a slideshow for each class that has the poses mixed and not categorized. For each pose, the class votes on whether it is Good, Bad, or Ugly, and I select students to explain why the pose fits that category. The "Ugly" pictures get some great laughs, and the "Bad" pictures often get comments such as, "You sit that way every day!" Of course, the "good" pictures are excellent representations of the preferred playing postures.
For your pleasure, here are some examples from a class a few years ago. No worries: the models are college-age at this point and have fond memories of this project. I will not label the category; I'm sure you know to which category each examples belongs. Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
2013 - Looking Ahead
In the essence of the new calendar year, I present my blog and teaching resolutions... and you will help to keep me on track.
1. I will post to the blog twice per calendar month. My original intent back in August was to post once per week. If you look back through the posts, you know exactly how well that worked. So I'm adjusting my goal. My new goal is still a challenge, but not to the point of failure.
2. I will work on my Patience in the classroom. Some days, the well is limitless. Other days, I only have a few drops. So using a mixture of breathing techniques, meditation techniques, and mantras ("be calm"), I will be more in control of my personal response to the occasional crazy in the classroom.
3. I will actually upload something to my Teachers Pay Teachers store. I opened one. There's nothing in it so far. I will share the address once there is something in the store. Although I happily offer many of my ideas for free to whomever needs them, I have complete lessons and units that have teaching & monetary value.
Three is a good number: for keeping track of progress, for making real progress, and for not spreading myself any more thin than I already am.
Happy New Year! May your year be an enjoyable roller coaster ride: full of ups and downs but ultimately leaving a smile on your face and the want to do it again!
1. I will post to the blog twice per calendar month. My original intent back in August was to post once per week. If you look back through the posts, you know exactly how well that worked. So I'm adjusting my goal. My new goal is still a challenge, but not to the point of failure.
2. I will work on my Patience in the classroom. Some days, the well is limitless. Other days, I only have a few drops. So using a mixture of breathing techniques, meditation techniques, and mantras ("be calm"), I will be more in control of my personal response to the occasional crazy in the classroom.
3. I will actually upload something to my Teachers Pay Teachers store. I opened one. There's nothing in it so far. I will share the address once there is something in the store. Although I happily offer many of my ideas for free to whomever needs them, I have complete lessons and units that have teaching & monetary value.
Three is a good number: for keeping track of progress, for making real progress, and for not spreading myself any more thin than I already am.
Happy New Year! May your year be an enjoyable roller coaster ride: full of ups and downs but ultimately leaving a smile on your face and the want to do it again!
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