In a conversation with L.D. Skarzinski, Administrative Assistant for Curriculum & Instruction and Maintenance at Marion County Schools in West Virginia, we discussed how the district has used eWalk for the past five years. By combining intentional planning, consistent classroom observations, and data-driven decision-making, they’ve created a culture of continuous improvement that supports teachers and enhances the learning experience for students.  

eWalk: How do your principals ensure they are consistently visible in classrooms and plan their schedules for frequent observations? 
Marion: Principals who are consistently visible in classrooms don’t leave it to chance. They plan with purpose by scheduling walkthroughs, blocking protected time, treating them as a priority, and delegating non-instructional tasks when possible. Walkthroughs are often pre-planned with leadership teams, aligned to instructional goals, and spaced out to ensure every teacher is seen regularly. These principals view instructional leadership as the heart of their role. By being consistently present, they build trust, strengthen instructional practice, drive improvement, and shape a culture focused on learning. 

eWalk: How is the data you collect used to make decisions? 
Marion: We use data to identify patterns and trends, pinpointing strengths and areas for improvement. This helps us make informed decisions about professional development, resource allocation, instructional adjustments, school priorities, and support for teachers and students. 

eWalk: What impact have frequent classroom observations had on student outcomes? 
Marion: Observations provide targeted feedback and support to help refine instructional practices. As teachers receive more targeted guidance and professional development, teaching quality improves, directly impacting student engagement and learning outcomes. Leadership presence also fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, further supporting student success. 

eWalk: In what ways do informal classroom observations influence teacher retention? 
Marion: Informal observations show teachers that their growth and success are valued by providing constructive feedback and personalized support, which boosts job satisfaction and confidence. Teachers who feel supported and recognized are more likely to stay long-term. Leadership visibility also fosters a sense of community and collaboration, strengthening teachers’ commitment to the school. 

eWalk: How do you track growth across different levels? 
Marion:  

District Level: We examine broad trends to identify systemic patterns, such as student achievement, equity gaps, and the effectiveness of district-wide initiatives.  

Building Level: We track student performance and growth trends using assessment data and teacher feedback to gauge the overall health of the school and to set and monitor schoolwide goals.  

Content Level: We analyze subject- or grade-level data to identify strengths and weaknesses, helping to target areas for instructional improvement.  

Teacher Level: We use data from assessments, observations, and surveys to track teacher effectiveness, guide personalized professional development, highlight successful strategies, and provide targeted support to improve student outcomes.  

Reviewing data across these levels helps us make informed decisions that align instructional practices and resources with student needs and school goals. 

eWalk: What are your top three goals when it comes to observations? 
Marion:  

Enhance Instructional Quality: We provide actionable feedback that helps teachers refine their practices, implement effective strategies, and improve student outcomes.  

Foster a Supportive and Collaborative Environment: We build a culture of continuous improvement by using observations for positive reinforcement and collaboration, ensuring teachers feel supported, not evaluated.  

Identify and Address Gaps: We use data from observations to identify patterns or gaps in student engagement, understanding, and achievement, which helps shape interventions or professional development for teachers.  

These goals help create a more effective, responsive, and supportive school environment that ultimately drives student success. 

eWalk: What keeps you coming back to eWalk? 
Marion: eWalk streamlines the observation process and makes tracking classroom trends easier. It enables quick, organized note-taking during walkthroughs, providing timely and relevant feedback to teachers. Its data visualization tools identify trends across classrooms, grade levels, and content areas, supporting data-driven decisions. The system also enhances communication and collaboration, allowing teachers to access feedback in real time and support a continuous improvement cycle. 

Key Takeaways from Marion County Schools 

• Make classroom visits a non-negotiable part of your leadership schedule. 

• Use eWalk to consistently collect and analyze observation data. 

• Lead with support, not surveillance. When teachers feel valued, they thrive. 

• Let data guide decisions for PD, coaching, and instructional strategies. 

• Stay visible, stay involved. Your presence matters more than you think. 

With 37 years in education and over three decades in leadership roles, L.D. Skarzinski brings a wealth of experience as a Principal, Assistant Principal, and Head Football Coach. He has served students and communities through his work with the Marion County and Lewis County Boards of Education, as well as the West Virginia Department of Education.