ST.

CHARLES PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

TEACHER OBSERVATION FORM I
Teacher:

Shannon Nicelely

Grade and/or Discipline:

Biology

I/10TH

Grade

4+ Years:

0-3 Years:

Observer:

Ken Oertling

Pre-Observation Conference Date: 10-08-07

Observation Date: 10-08-07
I.

Time Period: 4TH/12:45-2:20

Activities Observed:
Sponge
Egg Osmosis Lab
Lab Rerun-closure
Sponge Review
Class Discussion/lecture
Rerun-closure

II.

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

1. Planning: Lesson objectives and agenda were written on board as well as reviewed
with students prior to lesson implementation (1.2). Lab correlated to understanding
cellular transport and mechanisms involved in homeostasis (1.3). Written lesson plan
reflects teacher observation (1.5). Teacher prepared microscopes for student use
prior to lesson implementation (1.6) Teacher used projector and power point
presentation to present student notes (1.18).
2. Management: Lab activity materials including eggs, beakers, scales, and
microscopes were organized in the lab prior to students entering (2.1). Teacher
praised students throughout the lesson and promoted a positive learning
environment. For example the teacher said, Good job on doing your homework
classonly three people did not complete it (2.2). Teacher told class two times they
had five minutes left to complete an assignment, however, 13 minutes actually
passed (2.4). Teacher established clear expectations of student behavior through
redirection and use of a countdown signal. For example, the class was becoming
loud and the teacher redirected them by saying, five, four, three, two, one, after
which the class was attentive and focused on the teacher (2.5). Although teacher
walked around and monitored student groups during lesson instruction, teacher
dismissed some students to classroom without supervision (2.6).
3. Instruction: Teacher modeled appropriate instructional methods including an
anticipatory set, objectives, purpose, input, modeling, checking for understanding,
guided practice, lecture, cooperative group lab, and closure (3.1-3.2). Teacher made
relevant examples throughout lesson, including a discussion of Down syndrome and
a well-known actress who had a genetic disorder (3.8). During lab activity, teacher
answered student questions by first redirecting them with another question and
probing them for answers (3.9). Teacher used higher order questions to encourage
student academic growth in the subject matter, for example the teacher asked Did
your results match your hypothesis, why or why not? (3.12, 3.19). Teacher used a
clipboard and marked student participation (3.13). Teacher continuously monitored
student progress by walking around the lab to each group and asked guiding
questions and progress status (3.16) Teacher integrated technology into lesson with
projector, and microscopes (3.17).
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 professional learning
community meetings constructively participates in team and professional
development meetings (5.1- 5.3). Teacher sits as the science department chair on
the school improvement committee (5.4).
6. Evaluation: Teacher performed satisfactorily on all indicators in this area(6.1-6.4).
7. Interpersonal Relationships: Teacher provides a safe and secure atmoshphere for
student learning (7.1). Teacher consistently treats colleagues and students with
dignity and respect (7.2). Teacher provided students opportunities to lead
cooperative groups during egg osmosis lab (7.3)
8. Professional Attitude and Conduct: Teacher regularly arrives to school on time (8.3,
8.4) Teacher performed satisfactorily on all other indicators in this area (8.1-8.10).

III.

Commendations: Mr. Niceley is well-prepared and exhibits strong content knowledge. It is

evident through answers to student questions he has a genuine interest in the subject
content and student understanding of it. He incorporates a variety of activities and
differentiation of instruction to ensure student comprehension of subject matter. He
consistently reviews subject matter taught with questions, independent practice and
closure reruns. Teacher raises student engagement by using real-world examples and
encourages student participation and academic growth. He develops strong interpersonal
relationships with his colleagues during various academic and departmental meetings.
He is actively involved in school improvement by leading a professional learning
community and standing as department chair.

IV.

Recommendations: Teacher should post time on board or use a timer when managing
time of lesson activities (2.4). Teacher should keep assignments in lab for early finishers,
to allow them to complete work under supervision of the teacher (2.6).

________________________
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