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Observing and Analyzing Teaching 1 (OAT1), and Observing and Analyzing Teaching 2 (OAT2) are leadership courses required for all staff who write observations that contribute to staff evaluations in the Professional Growth System (administrators, assistant school administrators, content specialists, consulting teachers, and secondary resource counselors, resource teachers, and IRTs). Based on the same principles as the Studying Skillful Teaching courses, OAT courses also focus on the development of classroom observation and conferencing skills. Courses are generally offered twice yearly: beginning in the summer, with completion by January; and beginning in January, with completion by June. Registration for these classes usually opens on the Professional Development Online system (PDO) in mid-March for summer/fall sessions and in mid-October for winter/spring sessions. For questions about registration, contact Catherine Allie at (301) 840-6740.
Observing and Analyzing Teaching 1 (OAT 1) is a six-session (39 hours) course in which participants examine the knowledge base on teaching, are introduced to the MCPS professional standards, and develop skills in communicating to teachers in a balanced way about their teaching repertoire. In addition to practicing administrators as noted above, aspiring administrators are eligible to take a course called OAT 1 for Aspiring Administrators. Admission to OAT 1 for Aspiring Administrators is limited to those who have completed or who are about to complete their administrative and supervisory certificate and who intend to apply to the AP Promotion Pool within the ensuing 12 months. As of September 2005, successful completion of OAT 1 is a requirement for admission to the AP Promotion Pool for both new applicants and when applicants reapply after being in the pool for three years.
Observing and Analyzing Teaching 2 (OAT 2) is a six-session (36 hours) course in which participants delve deeper into supervisory skills in challenging situations, linking course content to MCPS standards for teacher evaluation. The course focuses on developing knowledge, skills, and confidence to confront and address mediocre and ineffective teaching. Conference and goal-setting skills are emphasized. Successful completion of OAT 1 is a prerequisite for participation in OAT 2. Admission to OAT2 classes is limited to those who have successfully completed OAT1 and who are currently required to write observations that contribute to staff evaluations in the Professional Growth System.
AP Promotion Pool
For further details about the AP Promotion Pool go to our Leadership Development Program page or call the Leadership Development Program office at 301-353-8870.
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Directions to the Center for Skillful Teaching
Since OAT 1 and OAT 2 are required for all instructional leaders, participants can earn three graduate credits from Fitchburg State University (tuition: $255) upon successful and timely completion of the course, even if the course is taken during the duty day. If one of these courses is taken during the duty day, tuition reimbursement through MCPS is not available.
Credit Towards Renewing Advanced Professional Certificates (APC) from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
If you already have an advanced professional certificate (APC) from the Maryland Department of Education (MSDE) you can use the Skillful Teaching and Leading courses as three (3) credits toward renewal of your MSDE certification. Check your certificate to determine if you have an APC, or check with your school. Each spring the school receives a list of staff members’ certification. Credit towards salary advancement does not apply when taking a class only as credit towards certificate renewal.
Additional Credit Information
Credit information on specific sections of each course can be found on the Professional Development Online (PDO) system. In addition, instructors will distribute credit information at the first session. If you have questions regarding credit for a course you are interested in, please call 301-840-6740. If you have questions and are currently enrolled in a course, please ask your instructor.
Tuition reimbursement through MCPS applies for credit earned through Fitchburg State University, provided that the course was taken outside the duty day. See the following links for additional information:
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