In an article entitled “The Most Important Data,” Leslye Abrutyn, former Superintendent of the Penn-Delco School District, explained how a one-day assessment of school achievement provides valuable data on strengths and weaknesses. Abrutyn outlined the “walkthrough” method of school assessment. In a walkthrough, a team of teachers, administrators, and educators interviews every student in the school. Interviewers ask targeted questions in order to determine what students are learning and where there are institutional weaknesses. At the end of the day, a team analyzes the gathered data and makes recommendations for improvement. In the spring, the team conducts another day-long walkthrough to see if the school has addressed the problems.
Leslye Abrutyn found that walkthroughs provided unique insight by focusing on what students actually learned, as opposed to what teachers tried to teach. The interview setting facilitated student buy-in, as the children enjoyed the opportunity to voice their views and concerns. Teachers approved of the walkthrough technique because it provided concrete, actionable feedback at the school level, and only minimally impacted instruction time. Abrutyn’s article contained suggestions for other districts considering walkthroughs as a tool for school improvement.
Leslye Abrutyn found that walkthroughs provided unique insight by focusing on what students actually learned, as opposed to what teachers tried to teach. The interview setting facilitated student buy-in, as the children enjoyed the opportunity to voice their views and concerns. Teachers approved of the walkthrough technique because it provided concrete, actionable feedback at the school level, and only minimally impacted instruction time. Abrutyn’s article contained suggestions for other districts considering walkthroughs as a tool for school improvement.