How to Conduct Better Observations:
A Strengths-Based Approach for Educators
Discover practical ways to identify and avoid deficit perspectives in our observation practices.
ONLINE WORKSHOP
November 8, 2024
10am-12pm PST / 1pm-3pm EST
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
This workshop will provide you with practical tools to conduct student observations that are unbiased and promote better, more accurate assessments of student learning behavior.
Participants will:
1. Deepen their understanding of deficit thinking and how to use an "assets-based" orientation to student observations (often nuanced and sometimes overtly biased ways)
2. Practice distinguishing between description, interpretation, and evaluation and why this matters when conducting student observations.
3. Explore an assets-based observation protocol and discuss ways to adapt it for different ages and contexts.
The session will be recorded and materials shared in a membership portal for 3 months, so participants can return to the workshop for review if needed.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
#1
Practical Skills Development
- Engage in exercises that refine your observation techniques and help you differentiate between description, interpretation, and evaluation.
#2
Assets-Based Observation Protocol
- Learn how to use this protocol to conduct observations that are unbiased, focused on students strengths, and promote better, more accurate assessments of student learning behavior.
#3
Access to Recorded Session and Materials
- On-demand access to the session replay and supplementary resources via a membership portal for 3 months.
#4
Unpacking Deficit Thinking
- Dive deep into five prevalent categories of deficit thinking—such as academic, behavioral, and socioeconomic.
- We will identify where these biases commonly appear in our observations, equipping you to recognize, address, and prevent deficit thinking from dominating your observational practices.
IMPROVING LEARNING OBSERVATIONS
The problem: educators often rely on familiar observation methods that may inadvertently perpetuate bias and deficit thinking. This can occur in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal evaluations.
The solution: bias free observation tools you can use & share with your team!
This workshop equips educators, including special education teachers and learning specialists, with updated resources, tools, and strategies to conduct strengths-based observations free from harmful bias.
By refreshing our observation practices, we can better promote fair, comprehensive assessments that support all students' educational needs, especially when identifying learning challenges and potential disabilities.
YOUR INVESTMENT?
VALUED AT: $395
TODAY'S PRICE
$125
WHO THIS IS FOR...
✅ Educators seeking to enhance their observation skills and/or the skills of educators on their student support teams.
✅ Special education teachers and learning specialists involved in identifying learning challenges.
✅ Administrators and instructional leaders aiming to promote equitable assessment practices for students experiencing learning challenges.
WHO THIS IS NOT FOR IF...
❌ Individuals not currently working in educational settings.
❌ Those who are not open to re-evaluating their current observation methods.
❌ Participants seeking a theoretical overview without practical application.
MEET YOUR HOST
DR ALYSON KANESHIRO
Alyson Kaneshiro, Ed.D, is the founder of Learning Specialist LLC and a learning specialist in Oakland, California.
With a varied background in education that spans 20 years, Alyson is passionate about designing equitable student support systems that center relationships and compassionate care.
She loves learning about the newest tech tools and gets excited about ways technology can bring creativity and innovation to her practice.
Beyond her work in schools and academia, she finds joy in practicing yoga, surfing Pacific waves on outrigger canoes, and embarking on pizza adventures in search of the “perfect” slice.
DON'T MISS THE CHANCE TO BE PART OF THIS WORKSHOP
Elevate your practice and join a dynamic community of fellow educators striving to create meaningful change and put their intentions into practice.
© 2024 Copyright by Learning Specialist LLC. All Rights Reserved.