School Leadership by Paul Shepherd, EdD

Frequent formative assessment of educators can make a big difference for your staff, especially when using ObserverTab tools. Focusing on regular check-ins and practical feedback will help your teachers grow throughout the school year, making it easier for them to improve and adapt while feeling supported.

Why Formative Observations Matter

Checking in with teachers often, instead of only doing formal evaluations, gives them more chances to get useful feedback and know which areas to work on. Unlike end-of-year summative reviews, formative assessments are for growth, not grading. This helps teachers feel supported, not pressured.

Make the Most of ObserverTab Tools

ObserverTab offers diagnostic, consulting, and coaching templates tailored to what each teacher needs whether they are in their first year of teaching or a master teacher. Here's how you can use them:

Use diagnostic tools at the start of the semester to spot where staff need support.
Consulting tools help set and track improvement goals alongside each educator, fostering collaboration and ownership over their growth.
Coaching tools support ongoing conversations, guiding teachers to self-reflect with practical feedback and data from observations.

Practical Tips for Administrators

Schedule short, regular observations (even 10 minutes works) so teachers get feedback quickly and often.
Mix directive feedback ("Try this strategy") with coaching questions ("What worked best for your class today?") to give actionable suggestions and promote self-reflection.
Use ObserverTab to document progress and revisit goals—keep it simple, focusing just on one or two things at a time.
Change your stance based on the needs of the individual teacher. Is your teacher highly effective? Focus on collaboration and coaching. Is your teacher struggling? Focus on consultations that provide data-driven goal-setting.
Celebrate effective and innovative practice by highlighting practices you’ve seen in formative visits—this encourages sharing and boosts teacher morale.

Remember, these observations aren’t for grading; let staff know it’s safe to take risks and try new things without worry. Encourage staff to invite you to observe, when they are doing something they would like you to see or they would like you to provide feedback and data.

Benefits You Can Expect

With frequent formative assessment using ObserverTab, teachers are more likely to:

Improve their skills faster, because feedback comes while they are teaching.
Feel more confident and willing to try out new teaching strategies.
Work together more, as sharing ideas and observing each other becomes part of the school culture.

Using ObserverTab for formative observations isn’t just about tools—it’s about building a supportive environment where teachers constantly get better and feel valued as professionals.

Effective Professional Development - Fall Edition