What is Instructional Rounds?

Instructional Rounds is a networked approach to learning and leading change.    It's based on the book, "Instructional Rounds in Education" by City, Elmore, Fiarman and Teitel. A great way to start your learning about Instructional Rounds is to watch the ClassMovie made by Rosemeadow Public School.

Each round follows a set process:

1. The host school identifies a problem of practice related to student learning.
2. Our network members engage in professional learning to explore best practice.
3. There are 20-minute classroom observations without judgement.
4. In debrief session, we look for patterns and develop findings based on our evidence.
5. Our network members propose recommendations for the host school for the next level of work.

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The extract below from the book "Instructional Rounds" introduces you to the first three principles in which Instructional Rounds is based. Click here to download

THe instructional core

During Instructional Rounds we focus our observations and recommendations on the Instructional Core.  There are 7 principles of the Instructional Core.

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THE NORMS OF OUR NETWORK

1. We will remain focused on improving student learning and outcomes.
2. We will ensure that all relationships in our network are respectful and non-judgemental so that we develop a network that is high in trust and support.
3. We will approach the rounds process with integrity and commitment, each taking responsibility to ensure its success.  We’ll be prepared and use the time wisely.
4. We will listen actively and be and honest in our communication, challenging the thinking of colleagues to remain focused on improving learning and teaching in our schools.
5. We will remain committed to sharing and reflecting on both our successes and our failures.
6. We will maintain confidentiality

what makes a good problem of practice?

This booklet summarises the key ideas about how the network should develop each problem of practice. Click here to download. 

learning to see: DESCRIPTIVE OBSERVATIOn

Descriptive Observation is one of the key practices of Instructional Rounds. 

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SOME USEFUL RESOURCES

An overview of Instructional Rounds in a PPT created by Barbara Reynolds for the Dural network. Click here to download

This two-page summary highlights the key ideas and steps in the Instructional Rounds process. Click here to download

• What is it?
• Why did we do it?
• Question for reflection?

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Oakhill Drive completed their second round of Instructional Rounds in 2016 with their question being:
'Can out students explain what they are learning and its significance? How do they know if they are successful in this learning? '

We wanted to see the result that our Visual Learning strategies had on our students.  Could our students explain what they were learning and its significance?  Could they reflect on their learning and know if they were successful?

1. How can you ensure that all your students can answer the three questions:

• Where are you going in your learning?
• How are you doing with your learning?        and
  
• Where are you going next with your learning? (Halbert & Kaser, Library Resource 4 - scroll down)