Resources
Co-Observation
Two or more appraisers observe the same live lesson at the same time, score 2-3 predetermined rubric dimensions, and then use the evidence collected to norm on ratings.
When is this useful?
- This can be used by appraiser managers as a coaching tool to develop appraisers’ accuracy in rating and their ability to collect high-quality evidence.
- It can be used for peers to increase their calibration to each other.
- It can also be used to assess how calibrated an appraiser is to the rubric.
Before the observation:
- Decide which appraisers should participate in the co-observation and which teacher to observe.
- Schedule the co-observation and inform the teacher.
- Decide which part of the rubric to score. Avoid scoring the entire rubric. Rather, pick a few strategic dimensions to focus on.
| Time (Minutes) | Process |
|---|---|
| 0-5 | Immediately before co-observation, the teacher’s main appraiser shares necessary context with the other appraiser(s). |
| 5-20 | Appraisers go into the classroom together and collect observable evidence on the pre-determined dimensions and take notes. |
| 20-25 | If needed, each appraiser takes a few minutes to finish organizing evidence.Assign one person to be the facilitator. |
| 25-45 | The facilitator names a dimension, and each appraiser shares the evidence they collected. Then, appraisers share their rating and rationale. Each appraiser notes their partner’s rating to refer to later.If appraisers have scored a dimension differently, come to an agreement on which rating is best supported by the evidence. When in doubt, rely on scripted evidence. |