The Author vii

Acknowledgments viii

Introduction 1

ONE The Challenge: Closing the Achievement Gap 7

TWO Supervision and Evaluation: Why We Need a New Approach 19

THREE Mini-Observations 1: A System Is Born 43

FOUR Mini-Observations 2: Doing Them Right 57

FIVE Curriculum Design: The Foundation of Good Teaching 87

SIX Interim Assessments: Using During-the-Year Evidence of Learning to Continuously Improve and Evaluate Instruction 103

SEVEN Rubrics: Potent, Efficient End-of-Year Evaluation Tools 123

EIGHT Time Management: Doing First Things First 157

NINE The Role of the Superintendent 173

TEN Putting It All Together 195

APPENDIX A A Slim Curriculum Expectations Booklet: Atlantic Elementary School, Grade 4 Learning Expectations 199

APPENDIX B Examples of Brief Write-Ups after Mini-Observations 213

APPENDIX C A Comparison of Rubrics 219

Bibliography 221

Index 227