This Arizona School That Solved the #1 Problem Every Principal Faces (And How You Can Too)

For Meghan Boyle at the Arizona School for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB), supporting teacher growth used to be a paper-based process filled with limitations. Walkthroughs were done using printable forms purchased from Teachers Pay Teachers, feedback was handwritten, and strategic planning felt nebulous.

Since partnering with Education Walkthrough, ASDB has undergone a major shift—one that centers around visibility, data, and real instructional momentum.

Bringing Clarity to the Classroom

Before Education Walkthrough, classroom observations were infrequent and inconsistent. Meghan often managed only one walkthrough per classroom per semester. Now, she completes at least one walkthrough per classroom each quarter—plus weekly drop-ins—across approximately 40 classrooms.

“The teachers really appreciate the feedback… the digital PDF they receive helps them stay on track with goals.”

The impact goes beyond frequency. Using insights gathered through the platform, Meghan was able to identify that classroom environment was a common growth area. That realization led to new strategies and a district-wide plan for improvement.

Four Ways Education Walkthrough Is Changing the Game

1. Accountability and Visibility

By enabling administrators to easily log walkthroughs and review trends, Education Walkthrough helps drive greater presence in classrooms.

“It helps hold administration more accountable—we’re monitoring the data and seeing how many walkthroughs are actually happening.”

2. Meaningful, Data-Backed PD

The tool makes it easy to align professional development goals to real classroom needs. It even helps guide lesson planning and identify instructional gaps, such as missing lesson closure components.

“We started collecting data on student engagement… and the Education Walkthrough form is what really started that process.”

3. Flexible Templates that Reduce the “Fear Factor”

With a wide range of customizable templates, Meghan and her team can meet varied instructional needs without overwhelming staff.

“We love that there are so many different types of templates—it takes a lot of the ‘scary’ out of getting an email with feedback.”

4. Enhanced Accessibility with Video Feature

A key feature that sets Education Walkthrough apart is its video capability. This allows for messages in American Sign Language (ASL), greatly enhancing accessibility for staff members at the Arizona School for the Deaf and the Blind. This feature was a critical factor in choosing Education Walkthrough over other platforms.Enhanced Accessibility Through ASL Video Integration

A defining characteristic of Education Walkthrough, and a significant advantage for the Arizona School for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB), is its integrated video functionality. This powerful feature enables the delivery of crucial information and professional development content in American Sign Language (ASL). By embedding ASL videos directly within the platform, Education Walkthrough dramatically improves accessibility for ASDB’s diverse staff, ensuring that deaf and hard-of-hearing employees have equitable access to communication and resources.

This commitment to inclusivity through ASL video support was not a secondary consideration for ASDB; rather, it emerged as a pivotal factor in their decision to adopt Education Walkthrough. After careful evaluation of alternative platforms, the robust video capabilities, specifically the ease with which ASL messages could be incorporated and disseminated, ultimately distinguished Education Walkthrough as the optimal solution for meeting the unique communication needs of the school’s staff. This strategic alignment with accessibility underscores ASDB’s dedication to fostering a supportive and communicative environment for all its employees.

A Culture of Reflection and Sharing

Meghan also shares her walkthrough findings during campus-wide webinars and newsletters, turning individual insights into school-wide learning. The platform’s ease of use on mobile devices and tablets has made walkthroughs more agile and visible—earning praise from both administrators and staff.

“Administrators are being noted for being more visible… this digital world is holding them a little more accountable.”

Looking Ahead

Meghan is exploring more ways to use Education Walkthrough’s community template library and has been actively referring the platform during PD sessions and peer webinars.

Want to see how Education Walkthrough can bring clarity and momentum to your instructional practices?