Providence Public School District Uses iPads and Teachscape's 'Classroom Walkthrough' Tool to Streamline Data Collection

Classroom walkthrough data helps district conduct data-driven conversations around teaching and learning

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Under the leadership of Superintendent Thomas Brady and Chief Academic Officer Sharon Contreras, Providence Public School District has completed a district-wide adoption of Teachscape's Classroom Walkthrough (CWT) system to help improve the collection of classroom instruction data and to analyze and act on the information. The information is collected using iPads and Teachscape's data collection tool and allows district personnel to make informed decisions about ongoing training and support designed to improve teacher effectiveness and drive student achievement.

The use of Teachscape's CWT technology allows Providence Public Schools' administrators to conduct classroom walkthroughs and collect data based on look fors, or instructional indicators, more efficiently than with a paper-driven process. After observation, the data are uploaded from the handheld device to the Teachscape website for detailed analysis and reflection.

"The implementation of Teachscape's Classroom Walkthrough system and iPads has taken our classroom walkthroughs to the next level by allowing us to create a robust system that efficiently collects and aggregates data. This system allows us to more effectively monitor implementation efforts and provide appropriate supports to schools," said Sharon Contreras, chief academic officer of Providence Public School District. "Having the data readily accessible in electronic format allows our administrators to easily share data with classroom teachers through reflective, data-driven conversations focused upon instructional practice in our core subject areas."

Before completing the district-wide adoption, Providence initiated the Classroom Walkthrough for Continuous Improvement process through its strategic partnership with the Charles A. Dana Center during the 2008-09 school year; initial implementation focused upon collecting data in mathematics and science.  With the latest implementation of Teachscape's CWT technology, the district can now engage in the timely examination and analysis of instructional practice across the four core content areas, including English language arts and social studies.  

For more information on Classroom Walkthrough and Teachscape's complete product offerings, visit www.teachscape.com.

About Providence Schools

The Providence Public School District is a large urban district in Providence, RI, which consists of 43 schools, three annexes, two charter schools and one center serving students with disabilities. With nearly 24,000 students, the district's mission is to educate its entire student body for success at both the collegiate and professional level through effective teaching strategies and initiatives.  To learn more about Providence Public Schools, visit http://www.providenceschools.org/.

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 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. For more information, visit Teachscape at http://www.teachscape.com.

SOURCE Teachscape