ABSTRACT

During the preobservation conference, teacher and supervisor establish the focus for the classroom observation. In talking about concerns or areas of practice, the teacher should take the lead (though the teacher’s career stage naturally makes a difference here). This conversation supports decisions about what data will provide useful information for the postobservation conference and what tools the supervisor will use to gather those data. Ideally, the preobservation conference

♦ strengthens the professional relationship between the supervisor and the teacher;

♦ is held within 24 hours of the observation;

♦ takes place in the classroom where the observation will occur;

♦ defines a clear focus for the observation, with the teacher taking the lead;

♦ gives the teacher the opportunity to “talk through” teaching; and

♦ illuminates the context, characteristics, climate, and culture of the classroom.