CASC CONNECTION w/

Coach Jara
December 2023 /January 2024

The Vital Role of Classroom Walk-Throughs in Developing Instructional Leadership

Dear School Leaders,

I hope this “connection” finds you well and filled with enthusiasm for the educational journey ahead. As we navigate
the complex and ever-evolving landscape of education, I'd like to take a moment to emphasize the critical role that
classroom walk-throughs play in building our capacity as instructional leaders.

Classroom walk-throughs are more than just routine observations; they are a powerful tool for professional growth
and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within our schools. Here are a few reasons why classroom
walk-throughs should be an integral part of our leadership approach:

1. **Real-Time Insight:** Classroom walk-throughs provide an opportunity to witness teaching and learning in
real-time. They allow us to see what is happening in our classrooms on a day-to-day basis and identify both
strengths and areas in need of improvement. This firsthand experience is invaluable for making informed
decisions about instructional practices.

2. **Targeted Support:** By engaging in walk-throughs, we can pinpoint specific areas where teachers may
benefit from additional support or professional development. This targeted support can have a profound
impact on teacher growth, leading to increased student achievement and overall school success.

3. **Modeling Expectations:** Our presence in the classrooms sends a powerful message about our
commitment to the teaching and learning process. When teachers know that leaders are actively involved in
their work, it reinforces the importance of our shared educational mission and the high expectations we
have for our school community.

4. **Building Trust:** Effective classroom walk-throughs are not about judgment or evaluation; they are about
collaboration and growth. When conducted in a respectful and supportive manner, walk-throughs build trust
among teachers and leaders, fostering a climate of openness and receptivity to feedback.
 5. **Data-Informed Decision-Making:** The data collected during classroom walk-throughs can inform
strategic decisions, resource allocation, and professional development planning. It provides us with valuable
insights into the areas where our efforts will have the greatest impact.

6. **Cultivating a Learning Community:** By engaging in walk-throughs, we model the importance of being

lifelong learners. This approach promotes a culture of continuous improvement and encourages both
teachers and leaders to embrace opportunities for growth.

To make the most of classroom walk-throughs, it's essential that we approach them with a growth mindset, a
commitment to ongoing professional development, and a focus on fostering collaboration and trust. By doing so, we
can enhance the quality of instruction in our schools, improve student outcomes, and create a positive, supportive
educational environment for everyone.

Let's continue to prioritize classroom walk-throughs as a central element of our instructional leadership practices.
Together, we can empower our teachers, enrich the educational experience for our students, and achieve our
shared vision for educational excellence.

Thank you for your dedication to your school communities, and I look forward to working collaboratively with you to
make a lasting impact on the lives of our students.

Celebrating Dr. Canales

Dr. Canales will be completing the clearing of her administrative credential in January! Please send celebratory
vibes to Maria as she does the victory lap of a 2-year journey. Wishing you inspiration and an abundance of happy
moments as you lead students, adults, and the community into ways of being that they have been wanting and
deserve. You are just the person to make it happen! Congratulations!

Dr. Maria Canales

Principal of Los Altos Elementary School
Chula Viista Elementary School District

RESOURCES to Support Your Leadership Practice

● Playlist of Harvard “Education Now” Webinars:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJX6dtNZ-81aNGAnXF4-BVD9TKXTGz04V
● Article: Making Time for Instructional Leadership
● Lead By Learning Webinar: Strengthen Community: Recommit to beginning-of-year goals to cultivate collective efficacy
and increase buy-in (free)
● Book: Self-Care for Latinas: 100+ Ways to Prioritize & Rejuvenate Your Mind, Body, & Spirit
● Article: Making Culturally Responsive Teaching Work: Zaretta Hammond Corrects 3 Big Misconceptions
● Video: What Makes Teachers Special? - Pedagogical Content Knowledge
 ● Article: Using picture books and classroom dialogue to honor and respect students' names
● Book: Racial Wellness: A Guide to Liberatory Healing for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
● Article: Making Podcasts Part of Professional Learning
● Article: Teens are overwhelmed by pressure to achieve. How can parents restore balance?
● Info. Sheet: 504 and IEP... What’s the Difference?

Multicultural Calendar
NOVEMBER DECEMBER
All Month National American Indian and Alaskan Native 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Heritage Month

1 All Saints’ Day 6 St. Nicholas Day

1-2 Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead 7-15 Hanukkah

11 Veteran’s Day* 8 Bodhi Day

12 Diwali 10 Human Rights Day

20 World Children’s Day 16-24 Las Posadas

23 Thanksgiving 21-Jan. 1 Yule

24 Native American Heritage Day 24 Christmas Eve

25 Christmas

26-Jan. 1 Kwanzaa

SAVE THE DATES

Seminar Year 1 Year 2 Notes

CLS 1 September 28, 2023 In Person @ SDCOE

8:30-12p
CLS 2 November 2, 2023 November 16, 2023 Online. 8:30 am to 10:30 am

CLS 3 January 11, 2024 February 8, 2024 Online. 8:30 am to 10:30 am

CLS 4 March 7, 2024 March 21, 2024 Online. 8:30 am to 10:30 am

CLS 5 April 11, 2024 April 25, 2024 Online. 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Registration Links:
Year 1 - https://sdcoe.k12oms.org/894-234103
Year 2 - https://sdcoe.k12oms.org/894-234104