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Contact: Kati Elliott
KEH Communications

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Brian K. Fawkes
Teachscape
415-369-3131 brian.fawkes@teachscape.com

Charlotte Danielson Enhances Framework for Teaching with New Evaluation Instrument

Teachscape named exclusive digital provider of Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument

SAN FRANCISCO, March 29, 2012 – To further support the widespread adoption of the Framework for Teaching, Charlotte Danielson has made several enhancements to the Framework that make the new instrument, the Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument, more practical and easier to use for teacher evaluation while maintaining its integrity as a tool for teacher training and professional development. The new enhancements stem from work done on the Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The new Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument includes tighter rubric language to describe performance; rubrics for 22 components versus more than 70 elements; critical attributes, or essential characteristics, for each component that offer essential guidance for observers in distinguishing between practice at adjacent levels of performance; and, the addition of examples that show possible illustrations of the rubric language for each level of performance for each component. Teachscape has the exclusive rights to incorporate the Instrument in software tools and online content.

“The new Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument has the same architecture as the prior Framework, including the same domains, components and elements, which will ease the transition to the new Instrument for the many districts and states already using it,” said Charlotte Danielson. “The enhancements add a level of practicality and ease-of- use to evaluations, which will hopefully promote greater consistency and reliability in today’s high stakes teacher evaluations.”

While the new Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument is broadly available in paper form, Teachscape is the exclusive digital provider of it. “I chose Teachscape as my partner for the digital delivery of the Evaluation Instrument based on our long- standing work together, beginning with the MET project, and our shared understanding of the necessity and importance of using teacher evaluations to improve teaching practice,” said Danielson.

The Framework has been implemented in more than 15 states and is an approved teacher practice rubric in New York State, New Jersey, Ohio, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Washington and many other states. In addition to statewide usage, the Framework has been adopted by hundreds of districts in other states including Los Angeles Unified School District, Pittsburgh Public Schools and Hillsborough County Public Schools.

“The widespread adoption of the Framework is a strong testament to its value as a professional development resource, and therefore, as the foundational element in teacher evaluation systems and evaluator training,” said Kathy Yates, chief executive officer of Teachscape. “Improving teaching practice is the ultimate objective of all that Teachscape does. Our partnership with Charlotte Danielson has produced robust, research-based technology offerings grounded in the Framework that help schools and districts with these ongoing processes.”

The Framework on which the Instrument is based has been shown as a predictor of student learning according to research from the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. A copy of the research report can be accessed at: http://www.ccsr.uchicago.edu/content/publications.php?pub_id=161. It also includes Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Standards alignment and component validity supported by a solid research foundation.

To learn more about the Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument, visit www.teachscape.com.

Free Charlotte Danielson Webinars

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Teachscape is offering webinars featuring Charlotte Danielson who will discuss the enhancements made to the new Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument. The webinars are scheduled on Tuesday, April 17 1pm PT/4pm ET and Tuesday, April 24, 11am PT/2pm ET. Click on the date of your choice to register.

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.

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