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ACTIVE IMPLEMENTATIONS

30 states

Urban, suburban, rural, charter, and private school contexts

See state approvals

RESEARCH FINDING

Largest predictor of student growth

Teacher observation score was the strongest predictor of student growth

Basileo & Toth, Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 2019 · 12,000+ teachers · Florida

DATASETS

277,000+ classroom observations

The largest dataset linking observation scores to student growth on state assessments

Applied Research Center 2012-2018

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT

Focused Teacher Evaluation Model vs. Traditional Teacher Evaluation

Most evaluation systems were designed to document teacher performance. The Focused Teacher Evaluation Model was designed to change it. Here’s what that difference looks like in practice.

Traditional Model
  • ✕Scripted observations measure what teachers do — not whether students are learning
  • ✕70+ elements create observer burden — averaging 13 hours per teacher per year
  • ✕Simple score averaging penalizes teachers for growing — early low scores drag down year-end ratings
  • ✕Vague feedback ("great lesson") gives teachers no clear path to improving their practice
  • ✕Evaluation data sits in HR files — disconnected from PD planning or instructional decisions
Marzano Focused Teacher Evaluation Model
  • ✓Student evidence is the primary measure — every element has a specific desired effect tied to observable student and teacher evidence
  • ✓23 focused competencies streamline observations — returning time to principals for coaching work that actually moves outcomes
  • ✓Competency-based scoring uses multiple observations allowing teachers to refine their practice — rewarding growth rather than penalizing early developmental practices
  • ✓Feedback is tied to a specific strategy, its desired effect, and a concrete set of techniques and ideas to improve — not just a score
  • ✓Real-time data in iObservation connects observation scores allowing teachers and administrators to identify PD priorities, provide needed support and track professional growth

THE FRAMEWORK

23 Competencies Across Four Domains of Expertise

The Focused Teacher Evaluation Model rubric gives observers a consistent, evidence-based standard across all 23 competencies—replacing subjective judgment with a shared language for growth. Each domain builds on the last — from how teachers plan, to how they teach, to the conditions they create for learning, to how they grow as professionals. Every competency has a specific desired effect tied to student evidence.

Standards-based planning

3 elements · Planning standards-based lessons, aligning resources, using data to close gaps

Pre-observation conferences
ensure teachers and observers review their standards-based plan —setting the teacher up for success when observed in the classroom

Standards-based instructions

10 elements · From identifying critical content to engaging students in cognitively complex tasks

Addresses the misalignment between the high cognitive complexity of standards- based learning targets and the lower-level tasks students are often asked to complete.

Conditions for learning

7 elements · Formative assessment, feedback, engagement, high expectations for every student

Creates the classroom environment where rigorous instruction becomes possible — establishing the relationships, routines, culture, and teacher actions that students need to succeed.

Professional responsibilities

3 elements · Adherence to policies, content expertise, leadership and collaboration

Anchors instructional excellence
in professional practice — ensures evaluation reflects the full scope of what it means to be an effective educator, teacher leader and collaborative learner.

5-level performance scale

Not Using › Beginning › Developing › Applying › Innovating

91-100%

Student evidence threshold for "Innovating"— the highest scoring level

Competency-based

23 strategies with specific performance scales provide transparency and improvement insight

THE 5-STEP OBSERVATION PROCESS

The Focused Teacher Evaluation Model: Built for Accuracy, Not Just Compliance

The Focused Teacher Evaluation Model uses a structured 5-step observation process that moves observers from watching teacher actions to evaluating student evidence —ensuring every score is defensible and specific enough to drive meaningful feedback.

  • Identify which elements the teacher is using — does the teacher use the strategy correctly?
  • Identify how the teacher monitors for the desired effect — what technique is being used?
  • Determine what percent of students demonstrate achievement of the desired effect.
  • Does the teacher make adaptations when fewer than 91% of students show the desired effect?
  • Assign the final score using student evidence — confirmed in the post-observation conference in collaboration with the teacher.

COMING SEPTEMBER 2026

Ready for something more customizable?

Evaluation by Design lets your district build its own evaluation system from 73 research-based elements

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Emily Freck

"I love using the Focused Teacher Evaluation Model because it gives me very specific examples of how I can help my students succeed in the classroom. It gives me measurable ways to check myself and to check my students and it gives me great strategies to utilize in the classroom to get my students where they need to be."

Emily Freck
Teacher, Brook Park Elementary, MSD of Lawrence Township, Indianapolis, IN

STATE APPROVALS

Teacher Evaluation Model: Active in 30 States

The Focused Teacher Evaluation Model is active in 30 states and maintains alignment to state evaluation requirements as a core function.

Ready to build an evaluation system your teachers will actually trust?

Talk to one of our specialists about your district’ts goals, timeline, and current system. No pitch decks. No pressure.

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FREE DIAGNOSTIC

Is your teacher evaluation system driving growth — or just documenting it?

18 questions across 6 areas. Score yourself 1–4. Start the conversation with your leadership team.

Get the free diagnostic

Ready to build an evaluation system your teachers will actually trust?

Talk to one of our specialists about your district’s goals, timeline, and current system. No pitch decks. No pressure.

Schedule a Discovery Call

No obligation. Response within one business day