The ultimate goal of the Framework is to create a common language for talking about high-quality teaching and how classroom practice can be improved. The Framework allows for assessment according to ten dimensions of teaching, outlining a set of observable teaching indicators within each dimension and relevant student behaviors associated with effective instruction. It also includes a set of rubrics for conducting summative evaluations, a simple feedback protocol to help administrators provide meaningful feedback to teachers, and targeted PD 360 professional development videos aligned to each instructional indicator in the Framework.

Four Cornerstones

Around the Framework are four foundational dimensions that have been adapted from the preeminent teacher-effectiveness models (Danielson, 2007; Marzano, 2007; Marzano, Frontier, & Livingston, 2011; Saphier, Haley-Speca, & Gower, 2008; Tucker & Stronge, 2005). These four dimensions are:

• 1. Organization, Rules, and Procedures
• 2. Positive Relationships
• 3. Engagement and Enjoyment
• 4. A Culture of Thinking and Learning

These cornerstones represent the universal elements of quality instruction, whether in a kindergarten class, AP Physics lab, or anywhere in between. Without these four cornerstones in place, student learning will be compromised.

Five Episodes of Effective Instruction

While there are clear universal elements to good instruction, it is also true that good instruction tends to unfold in a series of distinct learning episodes. By synthesizing the best research on instructional design (Hunter, 1984; Marzano, 2007; Wiggins & McTighe, 2005), we’ve identified five critical episodes that increase the likelihood of deep learning. In these five episodes, teachers work towards distinct instructional purposes:

• 5. Preparing Students for New Learning
• 6. Presenting New Learning
• 7. Deepening and Reinforcing Learning
• 8. Applying Learning
• 9. Reflecting on and Celebrating Learning

Understanding these five episodes—and their driving purposes—is critical for both the teacher and the observer. Teachers use these episodes to design high-quality lessons and units. For classroom observations, these five episodes immediately orient the observer within the instructional sequence, ensuring that teachers and observers are “on the same page.”

Effective Professional Practice:
Looking Beyond the Classroom

The Framework also includes a tenth dimension focused on professional practice, which addresses important non-instructional responsibilities, including the teacher’s commitment to ongoing learning, professionalism, and the school community.

What does a dimension look like?

How can schools and districts use the framework?

Schools have a variety of implementation options for The Thoughtful Classroom Teacher Effectiveness Framework. Two to three days of on-site training is highly recommended with each of the following options.

Silver Strong & Associates: Schools can purchase an annual print licensing fee. This license enables each school to print Administrator’s Observation Guides and Teacher Self-Assessment Guides as needed.

School Improvement Network - PD 360 & Observation 360: The Thoughtful Classroom Teacher Effectiveness Framework is available through Observation 360. Observation 360 facilitates tech-based classroom observations on ipads, mobile devices, and laptops, while PD 360 provides professional development resources that are aligned to the framework—to give teachers on-demand resources based on each teacher’s specific needs. By purchasing both Observation 360 and PD 360 every educator in the school has unlimited access to over 2,000 professional development video learning segments in PD 360, aligned to the framework.
www.schoolimprovement.com

Zimco - Stages Software: Stages is a web-based system to automate your staff evaluations. By selecting a customizable data collection tool, you can manage all components of your evaluation process. STAGES has evolved into a robust comprehensive data collection tool being used at school districts throughout the country to evaluate administrators, teachers and ancillary staff. The Thoughtful Classroom Teacher Effectiveness Framework is fully automated through the Stages software.
www.k12evaluationsolutions.com

Other Resources

• Thoughtful Classroom Teacher Effectiveness Framework Quick Guide
• View Archived Webinar
• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4