New York City Schools Use Data from Teachscape Classroom Walkthrough to Improve Professional Learning

Schools utilize mobile technology for greater efficiency of classroom walkthroughs and organization of observation data

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to provide more targeted professional development to improve teacher effectiveness, more than 150 New York City schools, which represent eight Children First Networks, have adopted Teachscape's Classroom Walkthrough (CWT) software application and online Professional Learning Suite. Created by Teachscape, the leader in delivering web-based professional learning content, innovative technologies, and expert services to improve teaching practice, CWT helps instructional leaders elevate student achievement by combining its proven classroom walkthrough process with innovative data-collection and robust reporting and tracking technology.

CWT is a research-based process that allows instructional leaders and others to quickly collect data about classroom practice. Teachscape CWT software includes Charlotte Danielson's Framework for Teaching and other look fors and provides educators with the technology needed to conduct observations by using mobile devices such as iPads and smartphones. Observation data is uploaded to and hosted on a secure Teachscape platform and allows instructional leaders to collect and track instructional data about teaching practice and implement targeted, differentiated professional development.

"Teachscape Classroom Walkthrough, in conjunction with the Teachscape Professional Learning Suite is going to revolutionize how we engage our teachers in professional development in a very reflective and transparent way," said David Cintron, principal of P.S. 214, The Lorrain Hansberry Academy in New York City. "The Classroom Walkthrough software will allow us to provide teachers with clear data-driven feedback in a timely manner and develop a common language for best practices. Based on this data, we will deliver professional development through the online courses offered in the Professional Learning Suite."

Teachscape's online Professional Learning Suite offers supplemental support by providing content on more than 40 topics from literacy to math to English language learning, and includes authentic classroom video and featured experts, interactive tools, and classroom resources. This online course library supports targeted, job-embedded development of teacher and leader knowledge and skills.

With pending changes in teacher evaluation in New York City, Teachscape's technology will allow schools to more frequently and effectively collect and track observation data for more targeted professional development.

A few examples of the schools in New York City that have recently adopted CWT are:

Beach Channel High School -- B.E.S.T. Network CFN 308
Bread & Roses Integrated High School -- East NY Middle School of Excellence
Emolior Academy -- Fordham NYC CFN -- Francis Lewis High School
I.S. M286 Renaissance Military Leadership Academy -- Intermediate School 30
J.H.S. 234 Arthur W. Cunningham -- J.H.S. 291 Roland Hayes School
John Adams High School -- NYC Children First Network 307
NYC Children First Network 608 -- NYC District 75
NYC Fordham Children First Network -- P.S. 116 Elizabeth L. Farrell School
P.S. 146 Howard Beach School -- P.S. 175 Henry H. Garnet School -- P.S. 190 Sheffield -- P.S. 214 -- P.S. 29 Melrose School -- P.S. K396 -- Port Richmond High School
Rockwood Park PS/MS 207Q -- School of Science & Applied Learning
UFT Elementary Charter School -- Upper School P.S. 025

To learn more about Teachscape's Classroom Walkthrough and Professional Learning Suite, visit www.teachscape.com.

About Teachscape

Teachscape uniquely combines innovative technology, engaging content and expert services to develop great teachers. From its Classroom Walkthrough technology, to its powerful web-based content delivery platform, to its online masters programs, Teachscape's award-winning products and services have been inspired by its dedication to sparking transformative change in teaching practice.  Since 1999, Teachscape has worked with schools and school districts, charter networks, archdioceses, universities and state education departments to measurably and continuously improve the effectiveness of teachers and instructional leaders to produce gains in student achievement. Teachscape's partners include Kogeto, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stanford University, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and Charlotte Danielson to help shape its vision, its products, and its strategies. To learn more about Teachscape and its complete collection of professional development offerings, go to http://www.teachscape.com.

SOURCE Teachscape