The observation tools below illustrate what each component of the corresponding instructional vision looks like in action. These tools provide a common language to articulate what the vision looks like in practice for both teachers and students. Each tool is intentionally short but comprehensive to focus the observer on the most essential components. Thus, these tools are not an exhaustive list and should not be used for teacher evaluation. Rather, they may be used for systems-level progress monitoring or to capture a “snapshot” in time for coaching, feedback, and development. Leaders may choose to use the tools to narrow their focus during classroom observations, prepare for observation debriefs, conduct walkthroughs focused on particular domains and/or indicators, or collect formative data on the quality of instruction across a school, district or system. Teachers may choose to use these tools to self-identify strengths and goals for continuous improvement, or to conduct peer observations.
Note that the tools linked below will be revised in the 25-26 year based on on-the-ground piloting and user feedback.
***3-12 ELA tool updated on June 24, 2025***
***K-2 Foundational Skills & K-2 ELA tools published on June 26, 2025***