Creating the future is about adopting a mindset, then a passion, then a plan, rather than choosing a path offered by the present... The future is a place we are creating, and the task of creating a path forward will change both us and where we are going.- Kember, 2006, Futures Thinking for Leading Learning |
The idea behind instructional rounds is that everyone is involved in working on their practice, everyone is obliged to be knowledgeable about a common task of instructional improvement, and everyone’s practice should be subject to scrutiny, critique and improvement. (City et al Instructional Rounds.) |
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Check out the photos of our network in action from our Term 2 round 2018 at Georges Hall PS.
What is instructional rounds?
Instructional rounds is a network approach to improving teaching and learning. It involves a network of participants who commit over time.
Instructional Rounds involves a different kind of professional learning and a different way of collecting evidence about teaching and learning. It follows a process with a defined sequence of activities. It's based on the book, "Instructional Rounds in Education" by City, Elmore, Fiarman and Teitel. 
Why Instructional Rounds? Watch this short video from the Flip Pond website to see the process of Instructional Rounds in action in one primary school, Rosemeadow PS. Hear the perspectives of teachers and leaders about the impact it's had on their teaching and leading. Overview of Instructional Rounds. This presentation developed by our network highlights the theory behind rounds, the steps in the process, and the benefits we've found. Click here to download
Instructional Rounds is about instructional leadership:
In this short video one school leader describes the way that using instructional rounds has transformed her leadership. How Can De Develop a Theory of Action to Lead Change? One of the key practices of Instructional Rounds is to use the observation data to lead successful change. This booklet is a summary of the key points of chapter 2 from City et al. 2 page summary of the basis of instructional rounds
NORMS OF THE CREATING A PATH NETWORK
Commitment: Dates are timetabled in advance and everyone attends regularly and comes well-prepared. Involvement: Every member contributes to all activities, shares expertise and supports others as we move towards common understandings. Intellectual Rigour: Every member engages in learning that challenges and mystifies. We won’t dumb it down. Trust and consideration: Every member actively invests in listening, acknowledges differences, and trusts others’ ability to grow. Openness: Every member is open to new ideas and practices, and honestly expresses opinions. Confidentiality and respect: Every member maintains confidentiality on sensitive matters and shows respect for the students, teachers and parents in our schools. Celebration and Laughter: Every member takes opportunities to acknowledge successes – no matter how small – and to share fun and laughter. |
How does instructional rounds work?Each round follows a set process:
Creating a Path Protocols for Observation
"What Makes a Good Problem of Practice?" Deciding on the problem of practice is the first step in the process. This booklet explains some of the key principles. Click here to download
"Learning to See, Unlearning to Judge":
One of the key points of observation is to ensure that we record without judgement. This is a practice that needs to be learnt and practiced. Click here to download. During Instructional Rounds we focus our observations and recommendations on the Instructional Core.
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