Teachscape Focus

Overview

Observation Training and Assessment System 

Effective assessment of teaching begins with a common language to describe teaching practice, so teachers and observers can engage in constructive dialogue and set action plans for improvement. Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching helps establish this common language.

The Teachscape Focus observation training and assessment system helps teachers and observers develop a deep, shared understanding of how the Framework for Teaching is applied in observations and evaluations. This online system enables districts to set the stage for continuous improvement in teaching practice.

Through video-based learning, scoring practice, and an observer assessment and calibration, Teachscape Focus allows districts to:

  • Establish a common language to describe teaching at all performance levels, both in and out of the classroom
  • Create shared expectations for evaluation of teaching practice
  • Conduct classroom observations that are accurate and consistent

Prepare Teachers and Observers for Effective Evaluations

Teachscape Focus enables districts to:

  • Train observers, assess their proficiency in accurately scoring classroom lessons, and calibrate their scoring accuracy on a regular basis
  • Train teachers in expectations for observations, prepare them for professional conversations that lead to reflective practice, and help them actively focus on their teaching effectiveness

Developed in partnership with Charlotte Danielson and ETS and informed by our joint work in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) project, Teachscape Focus includes:

  • Online training in all four domains of the Framework for Teaching
  • Master-scored videos that show classroom teaching at all performance levels
  • Scoring practice for observers that provides instant feedback on their practice scores  
  • A rigorous proficiency assessment for observers to help ensure high-quality classroom observations
  • Online calibration to monitor observers' scoring accuracy throughout the school year (new for Spring 2013!)