Insight Help Center
Observation and Feedback
Classroom observations can be a powerful source of feedback for teachers and a valuable source of information for teacher evaluation. In this Insight survey domain, teachers report how frequently they are observed and how consistently they get feedback that helps them improve their instruction.
Recommendations
Based on our extensive experience, TNTP recommends the following as evidence-based practices for this domain:
- Observe teachers frequently and regularly through the school year.
- Collect low-inference notes during observations.
- Give teachers feedback after every observation.
- Give feedback on what is taught, in addition to how it’s taught.
- Engage teachers with the development of specific action steps for improving their practice.
- Support teachers’ success through modeling and practice.
- Assess how successfully teachers improve instruction via action steps.
- Use a system to record observations, including strengths, areas for growth, and agreed-upon action steps.
Resources
| Resource | Description |
| TNTP Core Teaching Rubric | A tool for conducting Common Core-aligned classroom observations |
| Core Observation Guide | A collection of resources to help you use the TNTP Core Rubric effectively and consistently |
| Classroom Observation Protocols | Protocols to help observers prioritize their feedback and coaching support for teachers |
| The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation by Elena Aguilar | A practice-based guide on the foundational skills and tools needed by coaching educators |
| Student-Centered Coaching: The Moves by Diane Sweeney and Leanna S. Harris | An overview of an evidence-based coaching model that shifts the focus from “fixing” teachers to collaborating with them to design instruction that targets student outcomes |
| Leverage Leadership 2.0: A Practical Guide to Building Exceptional Schools by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo (Chapter 3: Observation and Feedback) | Concrete guidance for leaders regarding best observation and feedback practices |