Phase 1. Examine and Identify

DIY Phases

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0. Prepare

1. Examine & Identify

2. Review & Plan

3. Teach & Observe

4. Reflect & Revise

5. Share & Network

Check out the overview video of Phase 1

Steps for Phase 1: Examine and Identify

Teachers determine the area of instruction they want to improve.

TEXAS LESSON STUDY 5 PHASES - 1. Examine & Identify, 2. Review & Plan, 3. Teach & Observe, 4. Reflect & Revise and 5. Share & Network, where phase 1 is visually selected
child reading a book

Step 1

Develop a Research Theme (optional enrichment)

  • Identify the skills students will continue to grow, and connect Lesson Study work to the campus vision and mission for students
teacher in classroom

Step 2

Agree on a focus or problem-of-practice

  • Determine the subject area and grade level
  • Identify possible areas for growth or exploration
    • What is difficult to teach?
    • What do students have difficulty learning?
    • What curriculum or initiative is our campus implementing?
teacher talking to student

Step 3

Consider a theory of action

  • What changes to instruction or instructional strategies might help your students?


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Teacher Tip

Choose a focus that the team is truly curious about or has been an instructional challenge.

Explore these Tools for Phase 1

The documents with a star icon are essential to the process.

Press the tab key to access the content

  • Research Theme Facilitation Guide

    (Research Theme Meeting)

    image of Research Theme Facilitation Guide document

    Download Research Theme Facilitation Guide

  • Research Theme Exemplars

    (Research Theme Meeting)

    image of Research Theme Exemplars document

    Download Research Theme Exemplars

  • Template to Capture Work

    image of Template to Capture Work document
    image of star icon

    Download Template to Capture Work

  • Select a Focus Facilitation Guide

    (Focus Meeting)

    image of Select a Focus Facilitation Guide document

    Download Focus Facilitation Guide

  • Exemplar Focus and Rationale

    (Focus Meeting)

    image of Exemplar Focus and Rationale document

    Download Exemplar Focus and Rationale

  • Data Dig Process

    (Focus Meeting)

    image of Data Dig Process document

    Download Data Dig Process

  • Theory of Action Facilitation Guide

    (Theory of Action Meeting)

    image of Theory of Action Facilitation Guide document

    Download Theory of Action Facilitation Guide

  • Theory of Action Exemplars

    (Theory of Action Meeting)

    image of Theory of Action Exemplars document

    Download Theory of Action Exemplars

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Next Phase: 2. Review & Plan laptop icon