Instructional Rounds

Learn the principles and practices of instructional rounds, a research-based approach to observing, analyzing, and improving teaching and learning.

Overview

Instructional rounds—a practice adapted to education from the field of medicine—offers a structure for educators to work together to solve common problems and improve their practice. The model has been used in schools and across districts to raise the quality of instruction for all students.

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This intensive course is led by the Harvard faculty who created the methodology and authored Instructional Rounds in Education. It includes opportunities to observe real-world classrooms, where participant teams apply protocols, build their observational skills, and consider how to integrate such practices in their own schools and districts. 

Program Details

This five-day program is designed for school and district teams. Recent program updates reflect lessons learned from working with educators in the field.

Prior to arriving in Cambridge, participants should read Instructional Rounds in Education (included in tuition) and prepare responses to study guide questions. You will also need to complete a classroom observation and hold one team meeting when you will craft a group essay and plan for your on-campus work. Detailed instructions for pre-program work will be supplied to all accepted teams. Individuals should expect to spend about 20 hours on pre-program assignments.

During the on-campus program, you will experience rounds simulations and conduct classroom observations at local schools. You will also have dedicated daily time to meet with your team as you define and refine your rounds practice.

After the program, your team will implement the skills and protocols learned in your home setting.

Objectives

• Understand the instructional core, the power of focusing attention on learning tasks, and the elements of a school or system that support continuous instructional improvement
• Learn to use protocols and a structured process to collaboratively observe classroom instruction, analyze learning tasks, and develop ideas for next steps in an ongoing improvement cycle
• Explore different design decisions necessary to customize the rounds practice for your context and purpose
• Generate an explicit theory of action and first-draft action plan that connects instructional rounds within your organizational landscape and other professional learning structures and instructional improvement efforts

Who Should Attend

Team enrollment is required. Schools and districts should send teams that will collaborate to improve instruction upon their return home. Teams should include a cross-section of stakeholders, including:

• School staff: principals, teachers, department directors, coordinators, curriculum specialists
• District staff: superintendents, chief academic officers, union leadership, instructional coaches

Teams are strongly encouraged to include, at minimum, a mix of classroom teachers and school leaders.

Fees & Policies

The comprehensive tuition includes all instructional materials and refreshments. Participants receive a certificate of participation and a letter confirming clock hours of instruction. Payment or a purchase order must be received within 30 days of program acceptance, or upon receipt of the invoice if acceptance is within 30 days prior to the start of the program. Click here for more information on payment and financial aid.

Please click here for more information on our on-campus and online refund and withdrawal policies.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education reserves the right to change faculty or cancel programs at its discretion. In the unlikely event of program changes, the school is not responsible for non-refundable travel arrangements or other planning expenses incurred.