Effective Supervision: Supporting the Art and Science of Teaching

Marzano looks at 40+ aspects of effective teaching with his usual sense of balance and realism. He offers a clear, multi-tiered rubric for teacher evaluation with an emphasis on teacher growth and critical insights into teaching and student learning. This book could easily begin and end the conversation for performance based evaluation being held between teachers and principals across the nation. As a 26 year teacher (NBCT) and a brand new principal this book provides me and others the place to begin the dialogue that will lead to classroom excellence for all teachers. No teacher will ever achieve the highest levels of performance in all 41 areas, but every self-critical educator will be able to to affirm his strengths and improve his "developing" areas. Both teachers and principals will benefit by studying this book even if they are unfamiliar with Marzano's extensive body of work.This book would best be used collaboratively in an atmosphere of safety, trust, and professionalism with a goal of improving classroom instruction over several years.(Politicians, please pay heed to Marzano's wisdom when he alludes to the reality that schools do not change profoundly in less than a decade and teachers do not hit their greatest understanding of teaching until after their twelfth year in the classroom and beyond. It would be best for all concerned if teachers did not make laws and politicians stayed out of classrooms.) Principals, I strongly urge you to read Kim Marshal's book first and apply Marzano's work to the fourth and final area Marshal addresses. Teachers on professional growth plans or plans for improvement will find this work helpful and insightful.

I like this book because it is research based and gives practical, specific ideas about classroom supervision. It is shorter than most of the Supervision books and yet has what is needed to help supervision become a way for student learning to improve. I also appreciate that it is available as a hard copy or a soft copy in e-book form.The forms are also available for free on-line.

Well written and informative. The author is not my favorite person, as I have seen public education devastated as a result of his research, but this book is an appropriate read for burgeoning administrators.

Good book

I truly learned a great deal from reading this book. It helped coach me through how I should evaluate.

Be sure to take notes and use the supplements in the chapters. Very helpful.

Phenomenal book. Provides a research-based, clear, logical path to significantly improving teacher practice at the district and school level. Quick read.

CAUTION: I am a practicing administrator with extensive experience observing and providing feedback to teachers.Teacher evaluation is a hot topic right now. I get it. We all do, and while I appreciate the depth of history about teacher supervision that is covered in this book, there is not much here to help practitioners of teacher evaluation get better at providing meaningful feedback to teachers. For instance the authors write, "If student achievement is not linked to teacher evaluation, teachers have little incentive to develop into experts." They got that one wrong. This is simply not true.Teachers don't need a ranking from a state test in order to be motivated to be an expert. There is not a one-to-one correlation between expertise as a teacher and student scores on large scale, summative, standardized tests. The large scale tests that districts and states have been using lately to call out the effectiveness of individual teachers is a completely flawed model. Those tests were never designed to measure the expertise of individual teachers. They were designed to measure the overall quality, progress, and improvement of the system (school or district) in general. The fact that states are using these tests for high stakes (diploma requirements) is not an good excuse or a best practice. However, the recent practice has increased student motivation to do their best on the state tests.Side note: Interesting.Expert teachers inspire their learners, and inspiration is hard to measure. The seed of inspiration doesn't bear fruit in less than 9 months. However, even experts need meaningful feedback to improve, and experts are always improving. Intrinsically motivated teachers are no different. They will seek out feedback and training. Student learning is an important part of the effective teacher equation, and any teacher worth their salt can rattle off (and show you) a variety of ways (summative and formative, formal and informal) they measure student learning, achievement, and growth. The key to developing teachers into experts does not rely on more or better tests that "link." It relies on finding people who care and providing them exceptional training and support. FYI: that equation works for other school leaders as well.

As an educator, I have come across numerous books on teaching and supervision, but none have been as transformative and enlightening as "Effective Supervision: Supporting the Art and Science of Teaching." Authored by experts in the field, this book is a masterful guide that offers a comprehensive and invaluable resource for educators, administrators, and anyone involved in the supervision and improvement of teaching practices.From the very beginning, the authors set the tone for a deeply insightful and evidence-based exploration into the art and science of effective supervision. Their approach combines a perfect blend of theoretical foundations with practical applications, making it highly relevant and accessible to educators of all experience levels. Whether you're a novice supervisor seeking guidance or an experienced educator striving for continuous improvement, this book caters to your needs.One of the standout features of this book is the emphasis on fostering a growth-oriented and supportive environment for teachers. Instead of the traditional top-down approach, the authors advocate for collaborative and reflective practices that inspire professional growth and development. They delve into the intricacies of observation, feedback, and coaching techniques that empower teachers to hone their craft and, in turn, elevate student learning outcomes.Moreover, the authors address the challenges that supervisors often encounter when providing feedback and handling delicate situations. Their insights on promoting a positive and constructive culture of supervision are incredibly valuable, as they equip readers with the tools to navigate challenging conversations with empathy and respect.Another commendable aspect of this book is the integration of technology in the supervisory process. The authors explore how leveraging digital tools can streamline data collection, analysis, and reporting, ultimately enhancing the efficacy of supervision."Effective Supervision" also places a strong emphasis on equity and inclusivity. The authors stress the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity in the supervision process to ensure that all educators and students feel valued and represented. This focus on diversity aligns perfectly with the evolving landscape of education, making this book a must-read for educators committed to creating inclusive learning environments.In conclusion, "Effective Supervision: Supporting the Art and Science of Teaching" is an exceptional resource that transcends the boundaries of a typical educational book. It is a comprehensive and thought-provoking guide that enriches the practice of supervision while nurturing the growth of educators and, by extension, their students. I highly recommend this book to all educators and administrators who seek to create a positive and impactful learning environment for their students. Prepare to be inspired and equipped with a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly shape your approach to supervision and teaching for the better.

As a leadership team we read this book to create a plan for supervision of staff. This book has given us lots to think about.