Frequently Asked Questions

Now We’re Talking!

18 questions answered by the author

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Getting Started

• How many classroom visits should a principal do per day?
• How long should a classroom walkthrough last?
• What should I look for during a classroom visit?
• What's the difference between a walkthrough and a formal observation?

Time Management

• How do I find time for classroom visits as a busy principal?
• How do I keep email and other communication from consuming my whole day?

The Conversation

• How do I start a conversation with a teacher after a classroom visit?
• How do I give feedback without making teachers defensive?
• What if a teacher doesn't want me in their classroom?
• What is a shared instructional framework and why does it matter for classroom visits?

Common Challenges

• What's wrong with the feedback sandwich?
• How do I handle the "dog-and-pony show" when I walk in?

Habits & Productivity

• How do I build the habit of visiting classrooms every day?
• What task management system works best for principals?

Evaluation

• How do I balance classroom walkthroughs with formal teacher evaluations?

School-Wide Impact

• How can classroom visits improve school-wide instruction?
• How do I spread the practice of classroom visits to other leaders in my building or district?
• Can classroom visits really make a difference if I'm the only administrator in my building?