Charlotte Danielson Releases Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument, 2013 Edition

Updated Evaluation Instrument to incorporate instructional implications of Common Core State Standards

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and based on feedback from educators, Charlotte Danielson has updated her Framework for Teaching (FFT) Evaluation Instrument with the 2013 Edition.  The 2013 Edition incorporates the instructional implications of CCSS and includes language refinements to further improve scoring accuracy when using the Framework for evaluations and observations.  Developed in 1996, the FFT, a research-validated instrument, has now been adopted in more than 20 states and is used as the basis for professional learning and teacher evaluation by providing a common language for defining and reflecting on teaching effectiveness.

"The core concepts and architecture of the Framework remain the same. However evolving requirements from educators and the field continue to drive ongoing enhancements to the Evaluation Instrument, as they have throughout its history," said Charlotte Danielson. "The evolution of this instrument speaks to the strength and stability of the tool as well as its flexibility in meeting districts' changing evaluation needs. The 2013 Edition is my most robust instrument to date for observers to conduct fair, consistent and reliable evaluations in today's high stakes environment, and maintains its integrity as a tool for teacher training and professional development."

While the FFT has always been grounded in student learning – a key tenet of the CCSS – the new enhancements to the FFT Evaluation Instrument, 2013 Edition help classroom observers in the 46 states that have adopted the CCSS more deeply understand the instructional implications of the new standards. The enhancements explicitly address the CCSS themes of academic language, argumentation and student strategies. The enhancements also focus on curriculum and assessment – a major instructional implication of the CCSS – and provide observers of classroom practice with possible examples they can use to conduct evaluations across academic disciplines.

The language refinements throughout the 2013 Edition help classroom observers more accurately conduct evaluations and observations and were made in the interest of clarity, consistency and ease of use. These specific refinements provide classroom observers with additional guidance for scoring and help observers provide more precise feedback to teachers.

Teachscape, the leader in delivering Web-based professional learning content, innovative technologies, and expert services to improve teaching practice, will update its Teachscape Focus observation training and assessment system to include the observable components of the 2013 Edition. As the exclusive digital provider of the FFT Evaluation Instrument, the 2013 Edition will also be available in the Teachscape Reflect observation and evaluation system. "Through our partnership with Charlotte Danielson, we are able to provide educators with a comprehensive set of tools to understand and implement the Framework to advance teaching effectiveness," said Kathy Yates, chief executive officer of Teachscape.

The FFT is an approved teacher practice rubric in close to 25 states including New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The Teachscape Focus observation training and assessment system is now being used by close to 30,000 observers across the country.

To learn more about the FFT Evaluation Instrument, 2013 Edition, visit www.teachscape.com.

About Charlotte Danielson

Charlotte Danielson is an internationally recognized expert in the area of teacher effectiveness, specializing in the design of teacher evaluation systems that, while ensuring teacher quality, also promote professional learning. She advises State Education Departments and National Ministries and Departments of Education, both in the United States and overseas. She is frequently a keynote speaker at national and international conferences and is as a policy consultant to legislatures and administrative bodies.

For more information on Ms. Danielson and her work, visit the Danielson Group at

http://www.danielsongroup.org.

About Teachscape

Teachscape uniquely combines innovative technology, engaging content and expert services to develop great teachers. From its classroom observation training and technology to its powerful web-based content delivery platform, Teachscape's award-winning products and services have been inspired by its dedication to sparking transformative change in teaching practice.  Since 1999, Teachscape has worked with schools and school districts, charter networks, archdioceses, universities and state education departments to measurably and continuously improve the effectiveness of educators to produce gains in student achievement. Teachscape's partners include Charlotte Danielson, ETS, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stanford University, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to help shape its vision, its products, and its strategies. To learn more about Teachscape and its complete collection of professional development offerings, go to http://www.teachscape.com.

SOURCE Teachscape