SamTastic Weekly Tip: 11/3/25 - More is Better

This week’s Tip: More is Better

SAM principals know the frequency of classroom visits, coupled with feedback conversations with teachers, is a good predictor of improved practice. In other words, more is better.  TimeTrack data reveals SAM leaders spend far more time in classrooms in informal, formative visits than formal, evaluative observations.

Does work with teachers in grade level, subject, PLC and planning meetings help?  Can principals use their experiences in classrooms in group meetings effectively?

In an Edutopia article, Using Your PLCs to Promote Collective Instructional Improvement, author Olivia Odileke makes a persuasive case that the answer is yes.

“The most effective learning walks I’ve facilitated follow a focused, grade-level approach that builds team ownership from the start. Choose one area that aligns with your school improvement goals—student engagement, questioning strategies, or differentiation—and visit several classrooms teaching similar content within a 60-minute window.

Before conducting learning walks, involve your teams in identifying what to look for. During a PLC meeting, ask, “If we’re focusing on student questioning this month, what specific behaviors should I be watching for?” Let teachers help create the observable indicators. This collaborative approach immediately builds shared ownership—teachers become partners in defining excellence, not just subjects of observation.

Strategic Questions That Build Team Ownership

Here’s how curious principals transform observation data into powerful team inquiries.

Focus: Student participation. Instead of “Some teachers need to call on more students,” ask the team, “We noticed that participation varied significantly across rooms. What conditions help quiet students feel safe to share their thinking?”

Focus: Pacing and processing time. Instead of “Lessons are moving too quickly for some students,” ask the team, “We observed different pacing approaches. What have you noticed about how processing time affects student understanding?”

Focus: Response to student questions. Instead of “Teachers should encourage more student questions,” ask the team, “We saw fascinating moments when students asked unexpected questions. What strategies help you feel confident when students take learning in unexpected directions?”

Notice how each question shifts ownership from individual deficits to collective exploration. The team becomes invested in solving challenges together rather than feeling evaluated individually.”

Read the full article:  https://bit.ly/3WAxF6c

Special thanks to Kim Marshall for featuring Odileke’s article recently in the Marshall Memo, a weekly email publication that summarizes key ideas and research from over 60 educational sources for K-12 educators.  NSIP offers the Marshall Memo to active SAM principals and SAMs at no cost.  Use this link to begin receiving this useful resource.  https://bit.ly/3nE9hm3

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19^th Annual National SAM Conference

Registration link:  https://registration.samprocess.com/ 

A few things to consider when planning to attend:

Ø The conference is January 15-18. 2026.

Ø To be eligible to attend, you must be a SAM team member doing the process with efficacy, NSIP staff, Board member or presenter.

Ø The conference will be in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Marriott Harbor Beach Resort

Keynote Speakers

·      Will Parker, Principals Matter: Living your Best Life as an Educator

·      Will Bowen, You Can’t Complain Your Way to Success

·      Tracie Swilley, The PrinciPAL Effect: Setting the Vibe, Energy, and Excellence Every Day

·      John Antonetti, Personal Response: Am I safe to share my thinking?

·      William Martinez, Signing the Song: The Power of Belonging

Pre-Conference All-Day Workshop Presenters

·      Jim Masters, Beyond Why and What – Getting to How School Leaders Make a Difference

·      Ken Williams, Better Teachers, Better Results: Where Students Learn Because Of US

·      Willow Sweeney, Top 20 Moves for Building Effective Staff and Student Relationships

·      Brendan Houdek and Caleb Shomaker:  Executive Speaking Coaching Seminar

Breakout session preference selection, featuring national presenters and SAM practitioners, will open December 1.