Using Tuning Protocols

What is a Tuning Protocol?

A tuning protocol, a staff development tool, one of many similar formulaic processes, helps a group of stakeholders, working collaboratively, examine student work to determine what is working in instruction and assessment and what needs adjustment.  

At STHS using the tuning protocol will

• Provide a step-by-step process that focuses us on the actual student response to our school wide focus on improving our students’ research skills

• Offer a supportive, problem-solving venue

• Help us determine what we need to do next as a school, within departments, and/or across grade levels 

• Suggest tools and professional development that we may still need          

Most importantly, our use of a tuning protocol honors the work we are trying to do while “tuning” or refining our practice for better results.

How does a tuning protocol work?

Tuning protocols involve a collaborative (interdisciplinary or departmental) group:

• Facilitator—keeps group to “rules” of the protocol and its time limits

• Presenter—offers his/her students’ work as the focus for discussion

• Participants—contribute to meaningful discussion about the work

          Tuning protocols consist of the following steps in an hour long process

• Introduction

• Presentation

• Clarifying question

• Individual writing

• Participant discussion

• Presenter reflection

• Debriefing

Why use a tuning protocol?

• Provides risk-free way to get at what makes a difference in learning
• Prevents attacks and rebuttals
• Offers everyone involved an opportunity for growth in his/her own practice
• Prompts everyone involved to think deeply about classroom practice, arrive at creative solutions, and connect with colleagues
• Stimulates a learning community
• Validates shared goals
• Provides support

What tuning protocols are NOT:

• Showcases for validation

• Opportunities for “one-upmanship”

• Havens for venting about students

  Adapted by Carol H. Rohrbach, K-12 Language Arts Coordinator, School District of Springfield Township, Erdenheim, PA (01/07/04) from “Collaboratively Examining Student Work: Why and How,” presented by Lois Easton, Director of Professional Development, Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center, Estes Park, Colorado, at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 on 10/02/03.

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