Look-Fors and Ah-has: A Discussion on Observations in the Immersion Classroom
Session Type
Paper/Best Practice Session (1 hour)
Immersion/Partner Language(s)
Spanish, French, Mandarin
Context/program model
Two-Way Bilingual Immersion
Level
Middle School/Junior High
Program Summary
Many school leaders use Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching as a professional tool to improve teaching and learning. In this session we will discuss one district’s initiative to embed an immersion-specific lens into three domains of the “Look Fors” document to enhance observation in the immersion classroom.
Abstract/Description for Paper, Discussion, and Laptop Poster presentations
Many school leaders use Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching (2013) as a professional tool to improve teaching and learning. In this session we will discuss one district’s initiative to embed an immersion-specific lens into three of Danielson’s four domains of teaching responsibility. Drawing on behaviors identified in the Immersion Teaching Strategies Observational Checklist (Fortune, 2014), immersion program leaders and specialists collaborated to adapt the “Look Fors” observational tool used to guide instructionalpractice in the immersion classroom. Sample videos from one-way and two-way immersion classrooms will be shown for discussion purposes.
Lead Presenter/organizer
Carmen Henninger, Prince George's County Public Schools
Role/Title
Immersion Instructional Specialist
State (in US) or Country
MD
Co-Presenters
Tara W. Fortune, CARLA- University of Minnesota
Role/Title
Immersion Program Director
State (in US) or Country
Minnesota
Jane M. Ness, Prince George's County Public Schools
Role/Title
Immersion Instructional Specialist
State (in US) or Country
MD
Martha Kristy, Prince George's County Public Schools
Role/Title
Principal
State (in US) or Country
Maryland
Shu Ruby Costea, Prince George's County Public Schools
Role/Title
Immersion Coordinator
State (in US) or Country
MD