ST.

CHARLES PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

TEACHER OBSERVATION FORM I
Teacher:

Shannon Niceley

Grade and/or Discipline: Biology

4+ Years:
Observer:

0-3 Years:
Ken Oertling

Pre-Observation Conference Date: 8-27-08

Observation Date: 8-27-08
I.

Time Period:

2nd/9:00-10:40

Activities Observed:
Bell ringer
Anticipatory Set
Demonstration
Lecture
Guided Practice
Closure

II.

Comments on teacher performance with respect to the indicators of effective teaching:

1. Planning: Lesson objectives and agenda were written on board and lesson sequence
was reviewed with students prior to implementation (1.2). Activities correlated to
lesson objectives (1.3). Written lesson plan reflects teacher observation (1.5).
Teacher staged activity materials before lesson implementation (1.6). Lesson plans
are submitted on time and available on request (1.11, 1.12).
2. Management: Teacher promotes a positive learning climate by demonstrating
courtesy, respect, and friendliness among students and using words such as good,
thank you, and good job (2.2). Teacher established clear expectations for learner
behavior; for example the teacher said, there should be no conversations going on
at this time and make sure you write this down (2.5). Teacher probed students with
questions to check for understanding and ensure they remained on task (2.8).
3. Instruction: Teacher used logical order of activities and appropriate instructional
methods to develop lesson objectives including anticipatory set, objective and
purpose, input, individual practice, modeling, checking for understanding, and lesson
closure (3.1-3.3). Teacher uses relevant examples throughout lesson and engages
students through thought provoking real-world questions; for example the teacher
asked,How do you specifically know how much energy is in food? Why would this
paper clip float? What kind of fractures have you had? How did that happen? (3.8).
Teacher had early finisher assignment for students who completed worksheet activity
and accommodated a variety of learning styles including auditory and visual learners
(3.10). Teacher uses technology on a daily basis including the use of a smart board
(3.17).Teacher asked both volunteers and non-volunteers questions in a variety of
ways including asking a question then calling on student with significant wait time
between questions (3.19). Teacher posts daily assignments on board and reminds
students of timelines (3.26).
4. Professional Development: Teacher has developed and implemented a professional
growth plan related to his job responsibilities (4.1, 4.2).
5. School Improvement: Teacher leads department meetings and is an active member of
our school advisory committee. In addition he routinely leads a professional learning
community (5.1, 5.3).
6. Evaluation: Teacher performed satisfactorily on all indicators in this area(6.1-6.4).
7. Interpersonal Relationships: Teacher promotes a positive learning environment for
students by commending them and allowing them to take risks (7.1). Teacher
consistantly treats colleagues and students with dignity and respect in all settings
(7.2). Teacher accepts and uses contstructive feedback (7.5).
8. Professional Attitude and Conduct: Teacher displays a positive attitude and adheres
to all school board policies and regulations (8.3, 8.8). Teacher performs satisfactorily
on all other indicators in this area (8.1,8.2, 8.4-8.7, 8.9, 8.10).

III.

Commendations: Mr. Niceley presents accurate subject matter at the appropriate levels
through a variety of methods including the use of demonstrations, manipulatives, handson activities, direct instruction, independent practice, and videos. He consistently uses
real-world examples to encourage higher order thinking and raise student engagement.
He establishes clear behavior expectations to reinforce classroom rules and procedures.
He checks for understanding in a variety of methods including questioning volunteers and
non-volunteers. He routinely uses real-world relevant examples and higher order
thinking questions to engage students in the learning process. He demonstrates
enthusiasm for subject matter and promotes a positive learning environment for all
students to learn. He demonstrates strong interpersonal relationships with colleagues
and students as department chair, teacher, and coach. He is actively involved in the
school improvement effort at Hahnville High School.

IV.

Recommendations: Teacher should ensure GLEs are listed on lesson plans. Teacher
should break longer sessions of direct instruction into smaller sessions and continue to
walk throughout the classroom during those periods.

________________________
Observers Signature

__________________________
Position

Teachers Signature

________
Date

________
Date

My signature does not imply that I agree or disagree with this observation, but only that I have
received a copy of it.
(NOTE: There is a statutory requirement that both parties sign the observation form
Deficiencies on this form are subject to professional assistance
Intensive assistance plan required?

Yes

Signed comments are attached by the:

Principal and/or

No
Teacher