Danielson Framework for Teaching Overview

Summary

Ebony Demendez, Assistant Superintendent, reviews Charlotte Danielson's Framework for Teaching, a research-based evaluation method used by the District of West Orange to assess teachers. The framework consists of four domains: Planning and Preparation, Classroom Environment, Instruction, and Professional Responsibilities, each with specific components and elements. It emphasizes the importance of effective instruction and student engagement, with rubrics provided for various staff roles to guide teaching practices and professional development.

Takeaways

• 📚 Charlotte Danielson's Framework for Teaching is used by the District of West Orange to evaluate and observe all certificated staff members.
• 🔍 The framework consists of four domains: Planning and Preparation, Classroom Environment, Instruction, and Professional Responsibilities.
• 📈 Domain 1 (Planning and Preparation) focuses on how teachers organize content and design instruction, emphasizing content knowledge, pedagogy, and student engagement.
• 🏫 Domain 2 (Classroom Environment) is about creating a conducive learning environment that is comfortable, respectful, and fosters a culture for learning.
• 👨‍🏫 Domain 3 (Instruction) is considered the heart of the framework and includes components like communication, questioning, student engagement, assessment, and flexibility.
• 🤝 Domain 4 (Professional Responsibilities) involves off-stage activities such as self-reflection, professional growth, community participation, and advocacy for students.
• 📝 Each domain is broken down into components with specific elements that define the work and expectations for teaching and learning.
• 📊 Rubrics are provided for each component to determine the level of teaching performance, ranging from ineffective to highly effective.
• 👩‍🏫 The framework is research-based and identifies aspects of teaching that promote improved student learning, defining what teachers should know and be able to do.
• 🔗 There are direct relationships across the domains, indicating that effective teaching is a cohesive and interconnected process.
• 📋 The framework is not only for classroom teachers but also includes rubrics for non-instructional staff, reflecting a comprehensive approach to educational evaluation.

Q & A

What is Charlotte Danielson's Framework for Teaching?

Charlotte Danielson's Framework for Teaching is a research-based evaluation method used to assess and observe teaching practices. It outlines the expectations for teaching and learning, focusing on various components of instruction that promote improved student learning.

Which district uses Charlotte Danielson's Framework for Teaching?

The District of West Orange uses Charlotte Danielson's Framework for Teaching to evaluate and observe all certificated staff members.

How many domains are there in Danielson's Framework for Teaching?

There are four domains in Danielson's Framework for Teaching: Planning and Preparation, Classroom Environment, Instruction, and Professional Responsibilities.

What does Domain 1, Planning and Preparation, focus on?

Domain 1, Planning and Preparation, focuses on how a teacher organizes content and designs instruction, including understanding of content and pedagogy, knowledge of students, and engagement strategies in learning.

What are the components of Domain 1, Planning and Preparation?

Domain 1, Planning and Preparation, has six components: Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy, Knowledge of Students, Setting Instructional Outcomes, Knowledge of Resources, Designing Coherent Instruction, and Designing Student Assessments.

Why is Domain 1 considered an 'off stage' domain?

Domain 1 is considered an 'off stage' domain because planning and preparation are usually discussed during a pre-observation conference and not directly observed during classroom visits.

What is the significance of Domain 3, Instruction, in the framework?

Domain 3, Instruction, is considered the heart of the framework as it contains the components that are essential to teaching and directly reflect the primary mission of schools, which is to enhance student learning.

What are the components of Domain 3, Instruction?

Domain 3, Instruction, has five components: Communicating with Students, Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques, Engaging Students in Learning, Using Assessment in Instruction, and Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness.

What is Domain 4, Professional Responsibilities, and why is it important?

Domain 4, Professional Responsibilities, captures the essence of professionalism by teachers and includes a wide range of responsibilities such as self-reflection, professional growth, participation in a professional community, and contributions to the profession as a whole.

How does the framework define effective instruction?

Effective instruction, as defined by the framework, involves teachers who organize and present content in ways that produce student initiative, engaging them in meaningful work that carries significance beyond the classroom.

How can teachers access the rubrics for different specialists within the framework?

Teachers can access the rubrics for different specialists, including non-instructional staff, on the district website or through the provided padlet.