Appendix B:

Teacher Self-Assessment Guide

 The Thoughtful Classroom Teacher Effectiveness Framework
Teacher Self-Assessment Guide

Organization, Rules, Preparing Students Positive Relationships

and Procedures for New Learning

How do you organize your How do you establish your How do you build deep and
classroom to enhance learning and purpose, activate students’ meaningful relationships with your
establish rules and procedures prior knowledge, and prepare students and among students?
that clarify expectations? them for learning?

Deepening Learning Presenting New Learning Helping Students Reflect on

and Celebrate Learning
How do you help students How do you present new How do you help students look
solidify their understanding information and provide back on their learning and refine
and practice new skills? opportunities for students to their learning process?
actively engage with content?

A Culture of Thinking Applying Learning Engagement and Enjoyment

and Learning

How do you develop a classroom How do students demonstrate How do you motivate students
culture that promotes serious their learning and what kinds of to do their best work and inspire
learning and sophisticated evidence do you collect to assess the love of learning?
forms of thinking? their progress?

NEW YORK STATE

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 The Thoughtful Classroom Teacher Effectiveness Framework
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE

Overview & Where This Model Comes From 1

This section provides teachers with an overview of how The
Thoughtful Classroom Teacher Effectiveness Framework is
organized and its foundation in current research.

Self-Assessment and Reflection Forms 3

Teachers use these forms—one for each dimension—to self-assess
their effectiveness for various indicators on a 1-4 rating scale. After
self-assessing their effectiveness using these indicators, teachers
will have an opportunity to reflect on their practice, collect
evidence, and generate ideas to improve their planning and
implementation.
1. Organization, Rules, and Procedures 3
2. Positive Relationships 6
3. Engagement and Enjoyment 9
4. A Culture of Thinking and Learning 12
5. Preparing Students for New Learning 15
6. Presenting New Learning 18
7. Deepening Learning 21
8. Applying Learning 24
9. Helping Students Reflect on and Celebrate Learning 27
10. Professional Practice 30

References 31
 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

The Thoughtful Classroom Teacher Effectiveness Framework

OVERVIEW & WHERE THIS MODEL COMES FROM

Overview
This framework provides teachers and administrators with a comprehensive system for assessing,
discussing, and refining classroom practice. It synthesizes the insights from a wide body of research on
instructional design and teacher-effectiveness models. It is ideal for use as a self-assessment tool by
teachers and as a supervision/observation tool by administrators.

The ultimate goal of this framework is to create a common language for talking about what constitutes
high-quality teaching and how classroom practice can be improved. This framework allows for
assessment according to nine dimensions of teaching and outlines a set of specific and observable
teaching behaviors within each dimension. Each behavior can be assessed quantitatively using the
rating scale that precedes each series of questions.

In addition, this framework provides room for comments and notes within each dimension, allowing
for deeper and more nuanced assessments.

Where This Model Comes From

This model is made up of two components:
I. Instructional Design and Delivery
II. “Cornerstones” of Effective Teaching

Component One: Instructional Design and Delivery – At the heart of this framework is a
“knowledge construction” model synthesizing the best research on instructional design, including
• Madeline Hunter’s classic “Elements of Lesson Design” (1984).
• Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe’s Understanding by Design (2005).
• Robert Marzano’s The Art and Science of Teaching (2007).
• A wide body of research into how schools can prepare students for 21st-century careers,
global citizenship, and the demands of the “knowledge-based” economy.
Preparing Students
for New Learning
(Knowledge Anticipation)

Deepening Learning Presenting Helping Students Reflect

(Practicing and Processing New Learning on and Celebrate Learning
New Knowledge) (Knowledge Acquisition) (Reflecting on New Knowledge)

Applying Learning
(Knowledge Application)

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Component Two: The Four Cornerstones of Effective Teaching – Around the framework are four
foundational elements that support teaching and learning, adapted from the pre-eminent teacher-
effectiveness models, including
• Charlotte Danielson’s Enhancing Professional Practice (2007).
• Robert Marzano’s The Art and Science of Teaching (2007).
• Robert Marzano, Tony Frontier, and David Livingston’s Effective Supervision: Supporting
the Art and Science of Teaching (2011).
• Jon Saphier, Mary Ann Haley-Speca, and Robert Gower’s The Skillful Teacher (2008).
• Pamela Tucker and James Stronge’s Linking Teacher Evaluation and Student
Learning (2005).

Organization, Rules, and Positive Relationships

Procedures

A Culture of Thinking Engagement and

and Learning Enjoyment

Components One and Two Combine to Create a Complete Framework with Nine Dimensions

Preparing Students
Organization, Rules, and for New Learning Positive Relationships
Procedures (Knowledge Anticipation)

Deepening Learning Presenting Helping Students Reflect

(Practicing and Processing New Learning on and Celebrate Learning
New Knowledge) (Knowledge Acquisition) (Reflecting on New Knowledge)

Applying Learning
A Culture of Thinking (Knowledge Application) Engagement and
and Learning Enjoyment

Looking Beyond the Classroom

In addition to the nine dimensions presented above, this framework also includes a tenth dimension
for assessment. This tenth dimension addresses the important non-instructional responsibilities of
teachers, including their commitment to ongoing learning, leadership, and the school community.

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Cornerstone
DIMENSION ONE: ORGANIZATION, RULES, AND PROCEDURES

Overview
Our first cornerstone of effective teaching has to do with the rules, procedures, classroom policies, and
organizational decisions that underlie effective classroom management. Obviously, such elements of
classroom management are highlighted extensively in all the major research on teacher effectiveness
including Robert Marzano’s The Art and Science of Teaching (2007) and What Works in Schools (2003),
Charlotte Danielson’s Enhancing Professional Practice (2007), and Jon Saphier, Mary Ann Haley-Speca,
and Robert Gower’s The Skillful Teacher (2008).

Using these models to guide our thinking, we developed self-assessment questions to help you think
about the organization, rules, and procedures in your classroom.

Use the following 1-4 rating scale to respond to each of the questions on the next page.
1 Novice – I do not do this in my classroom, or my use of the practice is not having positive effects on
student learning.
2 Developing – I do this in my classroom, but only notice positive effects on student learning
sometimes.
3 Proficient – I do this well and notice consistent positive effects on student learning.
4 Expert – I see this as a strength of mine: I can adapt it to fit my students’ needs and notice
consistent and significant positive results in student achievement.
NA Not Applicable – This does not apply to my work in school.

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DIMENSION ONE: ORGANIZATION, RULES, AND PROCEDURES

Instructional Indicators
How would you rate yourself at…
1.1 Organizing classroom space (e.g., seating, resources, technology, decoration) to ensure safety, maximize
learning, and meet your overall goals and objectives?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

1.2 Keeping the flow of activities in the classroom moving smoothly?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

1.3 Establishing a manageable set of classroom rules and procedures and communicating with students
about them regularly (e.g., posting them, modeling them, explaining the rationale behind them,
discussing their applications in the classroom, and refining them as needed)?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

1.4 Providing clear directions for classroom tasks using a variety of modalities (e.g., verbal, visual, physical
demonstration) and checking to make sure students understand their roles and responsibilities?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

1.5 Developing an effective plan for managing student behavior that includes positive consequences,
negative consequences, and an appropriate level of home involvement?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

1.6 Managing non-instructional duties (e.g., taking attendance, distributing materials and take-home
notices, lunch counts) with minimal disruption to classroom learning?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

1.7 Working effectively with other adults in the classroom (e.g., co-teachers, paraprofessionals, aides,
student teachers)?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING

Remember: The ultimate result of quality teaching is quality learning. Look for these student behaviors, which are some
of the sure signs of teacher effectiveness.

Students… NOTES

Show respect for each other and
the classroom.

Have access to necessary supplies
and resources.

Understand classroom rules and
procedures and follow them.

Make good use of their time.

Know what to do (self-directed).

Take responsibility for their
own learning.

Have a positive attitude.

Use conflict-resolution techniques when there is a disagreement.

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DIMENSION ONE: ORGANIZATION, RULES, AND PROCEDURES

Teacher Self-Assessment & Reflection

Evidence of your commitment to this dimension…

Ideas for improving planning…

Ideas for improving implementation…

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Cornerstone
DIMENSION TWO: POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Overview
Positive relationships are the heart of successful teaching and learning, whether those relationships
are defined in terms of “respect and rapport” (Danielson, 2007), “effective relationships” (Marzano,
2007), or “personal relationship building” (Saphier, Haley-Speca, & Gower, 2008). In designing the self-
assessment questions for this—the most personal of all the cornerstones—we synthesized the major
research on classroom relationships while adding a dash of our own work in helping schools
differentiate instruction and assessment. Why differentiation here? Well, by allowing all students to
experience success through differentiation, we lay the groundwork for positive interaction throughout
the classroom.

Use the following 1-4 rating scale to respond to each of the questions on the next page.
1 Novice – I do not do this in my classroom, or my use of the practice is not having positive effects on
student learning.
2 Developing – I do this in my classroom, but only notice positive effects on student learning
sometimes.
3 Proficient – I do this well and notice consistent positive effects on student learning.
4 Expert – I see this as a strength of mine: I can adapt it to fit my students’ needs and notice
consistent and significant positive results in student achievement.
NA Not Applicable – This does not apply to my work in school.

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DIMENSION TWO: POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Instructional Indicators
How would you rate yourself at…
2.1 Maintaining a positive and “with it” demeanor that shows students you care about what’s going on in
the classroom and are committed to the idea that “we’re all in this together?”

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

2.2 Getting to know your students and incorporating their interests, aspirations, and backgrounds into the
curriculum?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

2.3 Differentiating instruction and assessment so students of all styles and ability levels can experience the
joys of success?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

2.4 Building a classroom community that insists on respect and mutual support for each student’s learning
and provides opportunities for students to become familiar with each other?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

2.5 Designing learning experiences that call for high levels of collaboration, discussion, and interaction
among students?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

2.6 Maintaining an open and appropriate level of communication with students and the home?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

2.7 Showing you care about your students as individuals?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING

Remember: The ultimate result of quality teaching is quality learning. Look for these student behaviors, which are some
of the sure signs of teacher effectiveness.

Students… NOTES

Are respectful of each other and
the teacher.

Collaborate with each other.

Participate in whole-class and
small-group discussions.

Feel that “We’re all in this together.”

Display empathy.

Share their feelings.

Resolve conflicts.

Have a voice.

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DIMENSION TWO: POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Teacher Self-Assessment & Reflection

Evidence of your commitment to this dimension…

Ideas for improving planning…

Ideas for improving implementation…

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Cornerstone
DIMENSION THREE: ENGAGEMENT AND ENJOYMENT

Overview
For this cornerstone of effective teaching, we draw on four current lines of research:
• Robert Marzano’s (2007) meta-analytic research into the factors affecting student engagement;
• Robert Marzano and Debra Pickering’s (2010) research into what makes classrooms engaging;
• Charlotte Danielson’s (2007) framework for engaging students in learning; and
• Our own research investigating the core motivational drives that influence students’ level of
commitment in the classroom (Silver & Perini, 2010b).
From this body of research, we extracted key principles and identified a set of questions for teacher
self-assessment.

However, if we have one quibble with the major literature on teacher effectiveness, it’s that words like
“joy” and “pleasure” are so hard to find. Perhaps this is a symptom of a bottom-line mentality that can
make it all too easy to forget that few things will snuff out learning as well as a joyless classroom. And
so we deliberately set out to expand the meaning of classroom engagement by including self-
assessment questions about things like inspiring passion for learning and the capacity of the classroom
to surprise and delight students.

Use the following 1-4 rating scale to respond to each of the questions on the next page.
1 Novice – I do not do this in my classroom, or my use of the practice is not having positive effects on
student learning.
2 Developing – I do this in my classroom, but only notice positive effects on student learning
sometimes.
3 Proficient – I do this well and notice consistent positive effects on student learning.
4 Expert – I see this as a strength of mine: I can adapt it to fit my students’ needs and notice
consistent and significant positive results in student achievement.
NA Not Applicable – This does not apply to my work in school.

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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

DIMENSION THREE: ENGAGEMENT AND ENJOYMENT

Instructional Indicators
How would you rate yourself at…
3.1 Engaging students in diverse forms of thinking (e.g., practical, analytical, creative, exploring feelings
and values)?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

3.2 Using key “motivational levers” like controversy, choice, and competition to increase students’
commitment to learning?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

3.3 Employing a wide variety of tools and strategies to keep your teaching fresh and keep your students
excited and on-task?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

3.4 Communicating and maintaining a passion for teaching, learning, and quality work throughout your
lessons and units?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

3.5 Tapping into the power of “selfhood”: encouraging students to pursue their own interests, make their
own choices, develop their own perspectives, and express their values and dreams?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

3.6 Creating a classroom environment that has the capacity to surprise and delight (e.g., through
enthusiasm, humor, novelty, color, movement)?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING

Remember: The ultimate result of quality teaching is quality learning. Look for these student behaviors, which are some
of the sure signs of teacher effectiveness.

Students… NOTES

Are energetic and enthusiastic.

Display effort.

Enjoy themselves in the classroom.

Express their own interests, ideas,
and insights.

Are on-task and motivated.

Stretch their minds with different
forms of thinking.

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DIMENSION THREE: ENGAGEMENT AND ENJOYMENT

Teacher Self-Assessment & Reflection

Evidence of your commitment to this dimension…

Ideas for improving planning…

Ideas for improving implementation…

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Cornerstone
DIMENSION FOUR: A CULTURE OF THINKING AND LEARNING

Overview
In Enhancing Professional Practice, Charlotte Danielson (2007) explains the importance of classroom
culture.
Classrooms without a culture for learning are characterized by an atmosphere where no one—
teacher or students—cares about the content to be learned… On the other hand, classrooms
with a culture for learning are cognitively busy places. Students have clearly accepted the notion
that important outcomes can be achieved only by hard work, and they invest energy in their
activities and assignments, persevering to overcome temporary setbacks. (p. 67)

This cornerstone rests solidly on Danielson’s work in defining the criteria by which a culture of learning
should be evaluated. But also notice the insertion of the word “thinking” into this cornerstone’s title—
A Culture of Thinking and Learning. Placing a more significant emphasis on thinking led us to draw on a
number of other research bases as we developed this set of self-assessment questions, including
• Art Costa and Bena Kallick’s (2008, 2009) Habits of Mind framework for increasing the power of
student thinking;
• Richard Strong, Harvey Silver, and Matthew Perini’s (2001) work on increasing the level of rigor
in classrooms; and
• Research demonstrating the value of teaching students how to use classroom strategies as
thinking and learning tools (Brown, Pressley, Van Meter, & Schuder, 1996).

Use the following 1-4 rating scale to respond to each of the questions on the next page.
1 Novice – I do not do this in my classroom, or my use of the practice is not having positive effects on
student learning.
2 Developing – I do this in my classroom, but only notice positive effects on student learning
sometimes.
3 Proficient – I do this well and notice consistent positive effects on student learning.
4 Expert – I see this as a strength of mine: I can adapt it to fit my students’ needs and notice
consistent and significant positive results in student achievement.
NA Not Applicable – This does not apply to my work in school.

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DIMENSION FOUR: A CULTURE OF THINKING AND LEARNING

Instructional Indicators
How would you rate yourself at…

4.1 Challenging students’ minds with rigorous texts and content and equipping them with the skills they
need to handle rigorous content?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

4.2 Engaging students in higher-order thinking challenges (e.g., inquiry, investigation, problem-based
learning, action research projects)?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

4.3 Encouraging and challenging students to support their written and spoken ideas with evidence?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

4.4 Probing, extending, and clarifying student responses using effective questioning techniques?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

4.5 Encouraging discussion, dialogue, and debate around important ideas?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

4.6 Requiring students to use critical academic vocabulary in their speaking and writing?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

4.7 Using technology as a tool for fostering critical thinking, creative expression, and problem solving?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

4.8 Teaching students how to use strategies on their own, as tools and frameworks for thinking and learning
(e.g., moving from using Compare & Contrast to teaching students how to conduct their own
comparative analyses)?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING

Remember: The ultimate result of quality teaching is quality learning. Look for these student behaviors, which are some
of the sure signs of teacher effectiveness.

Students… NOTES

Use different forms of critical thinking.

Show curiosity.

Use thinking and learning strategies.

Support their thinking with evidence.

Use academic vocabulary.

Ask meaningful questions.

Challenge themselves.

Apply technology in meaningful ways.

Exhibit habits of mind to work through
problems.

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DIMENSION FOUR: A CULTURE OF THINKING AND LEARNING

Teacher Self-Assessment & Reflection

Evidence of your commitment to this dimension…

Ideas for improving planning…

Ideas for improving implementation…

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Instructional Design
DIMENSION FIVE: PREPARING STUDENTS FOR NEW LEARNING
(Knowledge Anticipation)

Overview
The first thing students need to do to build their knowledge is to get ready for it. Thus, knowledge
anticipation typically marks the beginning of the unit and “primes the engine” for serious learning.
Knowledge anticipation experiences help students call up what they already know about the topic of
the unit and connect that background knowledge to the content to come. Knowledge anticipation is
also a time to introduce the essential questions that will drive the unit, explain expectations, describe
the products and tasks that students will be asked to create, help students pre-assess their skills and
understanding, and encourage students to identify their personal interests related to the content.
Source: From Classroom Curriculum Design: How Strategic Units Improve Instruction and Engage Students in Meaningful Learning (p. 80), by H. F. Silver &
M. J. Perini, 2010a, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ: Thoughtful Education Press. © 2010 Thoughtful Education Press.

Use the following 1-4 rating scale to respond to each of the questions on the next page.
1 Novice – I do not do this in my classroom, or my use of the practice is not having positive effects on
student learning.
2 Developing – I do this in my classroom, but only notice positive effects on student learning
sometimes.
3 Proficient – I do this well and notice consistent positive effects on student learning.
4 Expert – I see this as a strength of mine: I can adapt it to fit my students’ needs and notice
consistent and significant positive results in student achievement.
NA Not Applicable – This does not apply to my work in school.

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DIMENSION FIVE: PREPARING STUDENTS FOR NEW LEARNING

Instructional Indicators
How would you rate yourself at…
5.1 Selecting relevant standards that are appropriate to your content and grade level?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

5.2 “Unpacking” standards and turning them into clear learning goals and targets?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

5.3 Using essential questions to guide learning and promote deep thinking?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

5.4 Beginning lessons and units with engaging “hooks”—thought-provoking activities or questions that
capture student interest and activate their prior knowledge?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

5.5 Assessing students’ background knowledge, skill levels, and interests relative to learning goals and
targets?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

5.6 Introducing students to the key vocabulary terms they will need to know and understand to successfully
learn the content?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

5.7 Helping students develop insights into the products they’ll be creating, performances they’ll be
delivering, and/or tasks they’ll be completing to demonstrate what they’ve learned (e.g., providing
models of high-quality work, rubrics, checklists, etc.)?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

5.8 Encouraging students to establish personal learning goals and plans for achieving them?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING

Remember: The ultimate result of quality teaching is quality learning. Look for these student behaviors, which are some
of the sure signs of teacher effectiveness.

Students… NOTES

Understand/restate learning goals in
Their own words.

Ask questions about learning goals.

Know what they have to produce and
what’s expected of them.

Assess own knowledge of vocabulary.

Call up their prior knowledge.

Generate questions about content or
personal goals.

Understand the plan for learning.

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DIMENSION FIVE: PREPARING STUDENTS FOR NEW LEARNING

Teacher Self-Assessment & Reflection

Evidence of your commitment to this dimension…

Ideas for improving planning…

Ideas for improving implementation…

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Instructional Design
DIMENSION SIX: PRESENTING NEW LEARNING
(Knowledge Acquisition)

Overview
Knowledge needs to come from somewhere, whether that somewhere is a text, article, film,
lecture, lab, demonstration, interview, Internet research, or as is most likely, a combination of sources.
But knowledge acquisition requires more than raw information; it requires tools and strategies for
accessing, collecting, organizing, and comprehending new information. As unit designers, we need to
ask ourselves not only “Where will the information come from?” but also “What kinds of notemaking
tools, visual organizers, and inquiry techniques will my students use to make sense of this new
information?”
Source: From Classroom Curriculum Design: How Strategic Units Improve Instruction and Engage Students in Meaningful Learning (p. 80), by H. F. Silver &
M. J. Perini, 2010a, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ: Thoughtful Education Press. © 2010 Thoughtful Education Press.

Use the following 1-4 rating scale to respond to each of the questions on the next page.
1 Novice – I do not do this in my classroom, or my use of the practice is not having positive effects on
student learning.
2 Developing – I do this in my classroom, but only notice positive effects on student learning
sometimes.
3 Proficient – I do this well and notice consistent positive effects on student learning.
4 Expert – I see this as a strength of mine: I can adapt it to fit my students’ needs and notice
consistent and significant positive results in student achievement.
NA Not Applicable – This does not apply to my work in school.

THE THOUGHTFUL CLASSROOM TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS FRAMEWORK |© 2011 Silver Strong & Associates | www.ThoughtfulClassroom.com 18
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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

DIMENSION SIX: PRESENTING NEW LEARNING

Instructional Indicators
How would you rate yourself at…
6.1 Designing lessons and units around the way the content is organized (e.g., topic-subtopic, cycle,
procedural, comparison, etc.) and breaking the content up into manageable “chunks?”

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

6.2 Incorporating multiple sources of information, including multimedia resources, into lessons to help
students acquire new knowledge?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

6.3 Demonstrating high-quality communication skills (e.g., expressive language, rich vocabulary,
proper use)?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

6.4 Using a variety of presentation techniques (e.g., visuals, drama, stories, use of imagery, etc.) to make
lessons vivid and memorable? (presenting declarative information)

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

6.5 Using modeling and think-alouds to help students understand the thinking skills, processes, and
procedures they’ll need to master? (presenting procedural information)

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

6.6 Using a variety of questions and response techniques (e.g., signaling, surveying, whiteboard-response
systems, Think-Pair-Share, provisional writing) to check for understanding in real time?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

6.7 Making use of outside resources (e.g., field trips, guest speakers from community, interactive
technology) to make learning authentic?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

6.8 Helping students assemble big ideas and important details through notemaking, summarizing, graphic
organizers, and/or other forms of linguistic and nonlinguistic representation?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING

Remember: The ultimate result of quality teaching is quality learning. Look for these student behaviors, which are some
of the sure signs of teacher effectiveness.

Students… NOTES

Actively process new content (e.g.,
notes, questions, provisional writing).

Are able to identify big ideas and
important details.

Communicate about their learning.

Can answer questions about their learning.

Raise their own questions.

Can summarize what they’ve learned.

Make connections to real world.

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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

DIMENSION SIX: PRESENTING NEW LEARNING

Teacher Self-Assessment & Reflection

Evidence of your commitment to this dimension…

Ideas for improving planning…

Ideas for improving implementation…

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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

Instructional Design
DIMENSION SEVEN: DEEPENING LEARNING
(Practicing and Processing New Knowledge)

Overview
This phase of knowledge construction has two distinct parts, but each serves the same purpose of
deepening students’ knowledge. Let’s start with practice. Practice pertains to the procedural side of
knowledge—to the skills and procedures that we expect students to master during our unit. Often,
teachers will use modeling and coaching sessions to help students develop a solid skill base, then use
guided practice sessions and feedback to foster independence in applying these skills.

The other half, or part, in this phase of knowledge construction relates to processing declarative
knowledge. Declarative knowledge is information. During the knowledge acquisition phase, students
collect and make sense of information. Now they need to make meaning of it, to turn it into knowledge
that they own and are ready to apply. This goal of moving students from superficial to deep
understanding can be accomplished through discussion and debate, questioning techniques, analytical
strategies such as Compare & Contrast, and creative thinking strategies like Metaphorical Expression,
among others.
Source: From Classroom Curriculum Design: How Strategic Units Improve Instruction and Engage Students in Meaningful Learning (p. 81), by H. F. Silver &
M. J. Perini, 2010a, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ: Thoughtful Education Press. © 2010 Thoughtful Education Press.

Use the following 1-4 rating scale to respond to each of the questions on the next page.
1 Novice – I do not do this in my classroom, or my use of the practice is not having positive effects on
student learning.
2 Developing – I do this in my classroom, but only notice positive effects on student learning
sometimes.
3 Proficient – I do this well and notice consistent positive effects on student learning.
4 Expert – I see this as a strength of mine: I can adapt it to fit my students’ needs and notice
consistent and significant positive results in student achievement.
NA Not Applicable – This does not apply to my work in school.

THE THOUGHTFUL CLASSROOM TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS FRAMEWORK |© 2011 Silver Strong & Associates | www.ThoughtfulClassroom.com 21
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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

DIMENSION SEVEN: DEEPENING LEARNING

Instructional Indicators
How would you rate yourself at…
7.1 Identifying critical junctures in the learning sequence, establishing targets that students must achieve at
each juncture, and using a variety of formative assessment activities to help students assess their
progress toward the targets?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

7.2 Engaging students in regular content-based writing that helps them clarify their thinking and deepen
their understanding?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

7.3 Building in periodic review and guided practice opportunities to help students master key skills and
content?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

7.4 Providing clear and descriptive feedback to help students refine their use of key skills and/or deepen
their comprehension?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

7.5 Using heterogeneous and homogeneous groups to maximize student learning (e.g., grouping students
according to ability levels, interests, learning styles, etc.)?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

7.6 Providing a wide variety of resources (e.g., manipulatives, models, learning centers, multimedia) to
enhance practice and learning?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

7.7 Providing students opportunities to process new knowledge deeply through questions, discussion, and
critical thinking activities?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

7.8 Assigning purposeful and grade-appropriate homework for students to practice and reinforce learning?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING

Remember: The ultimate result of quality teaching is quality learning. Look for these student behaviors, which are some
of the sure signs of teacher effectiveness.

Students… NOTES

Are able to distinguish between what they know,
don’t know, and what they need to work on.

Practice and rehearse.

Use writing and thinking strategies.

Display effort.

Coach each other.

Use feedback (what they see, hear) to assess and modify their performance.

Think critically—synthesize and discuss ideas, give explanations, make new hypotheses.

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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

DIMENSION SEVEN: DEEPENING LEARNING

Teacher Self-Assessment & Reflection

Evidence of your commitment to this dimension…

Ideas for improving planning…

Ideas for improving implementation…

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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

Instructional Design
DIMENSION EIGHT: APPLYING LEARNING
(Knowledge Application)

Overview
Once students have acquired, practiced, and processed new knowledge, they need to put it to use by
creating a product that demonstrates what they’ve learned. It should come as no surprise then, that the
knowledge application phase is when summative assessment takes place. Two important, and sometimes
forgotten, elements of knowledge application are self-assessment and planning. In planning their products,
students need to ask themselves questions like: “What do I need to know? What do I need to be able to do?
What does success look like and how will I achieve it?” Students’ self-assessment and planning skills are greatly
enhanced when students have the opportunity to see examples of first-rate products and when the teacher
models the process of creating them.

Source: From Classroom Curriculum Design: How Strategic Units Improve Instruction and Engage Students in Meaningful Learning (p. 81), by H. F. Silver &
M. J. Perini, 2010a, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ: Thoughtful Education Press. © 2010 Thoughtful Education Press.

Use the following 1-4 rating scale to respond to each of the questions on the next page.
1 Novice – I do not do this in my classroom, or my use of the practice is not having positive effects on
student learning.
2 Developing – I do this in my classroom, but only notice positive effects on student learning
sometimes.
3 Proficient – I do this well and notice consistent positive effects on student learning.
4 Expert – I see this as a strength of mine: I can adapt it to fit my students’ needs and notice
consistent and significant positive results in student achievement.
NA Not Applicable – This does not apply to my work in school.

THE THOUGHTFUL CLASSROOM TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS FRAMEWORK |© 2011 Silver Strong & Associates | www.ThoughtfulClassroom.com 24
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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

DIMENSION EIGHT: APPLYING LEARNING

Instructional Indicators
How would you rate yourself at…
8.1 Aligning your summative assessments with learning goals and targets?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

8.2 Designing culminating assessments that require students to transfer their learning in meaningful ways?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

8.3 Designing tasks around the kinds of writing required for college and career readiness (argument,
informative/explanatory, narrative)?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

8.4 Engaging students in research projects that capture student interest and have relevance in the world
beyond the classroom?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

8.5 Challenging students to present their findings and defend their ideas?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

8.6 Equipping students with the planning, thinking, and self-assessment skills they need to analyze and
address task demands?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

8.7 Making sure students understand what’s expected of them (e.g., examining rubrics, checklists, models of
exemplary work, etc.) and providing feedback as they work?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

8.8 Differentiating assessment tasks so that students can show what they know in different ways?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING

Remember: The ultimate result of quality teaching is quality learning. Look for these student behaviors, which are some
of the sure signs of teacher effectiveness.

Students… NOTES

Plan out their work.

Analyze and revise their own work to
improve its quality.

Incorporate feedback into their revisions.

Use rubrics and checklists.

Develop meaningful products.

Present and explain their work.

Take pride in their work.

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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

DIMENSION EIGHT: APPLYING LEARNING

Teacher Self-Assessment & Reflection

Evidence of your commitment to this dimension…

Ideas for improving planning…

Ideas for improving implementation…

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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

Instructional Design
DIMENSION NINE: HELPING STUDENTS REFLECT ON AND CELEBRATE LEARNING
(Reflecting on New Knowledge)

Overview
Deep learning requires both intimacy and distance. The previous four phases are all about intimacy. They bring
students closer and closer to what they’re learning as they acquire, practice, process, and apply that learning.
Reflection, on the other hand, encourages students to step back from the profusion of details, concepts,
procedures, skills, and tasks to take a long view of their learning. By allowing students to survey their learning
from a broader vantage point, we give them the opportunity to form generalizations, make personal
connections, and ask their own questions about what they have learned. There are many tools and activities you
can use to reap the benefits of reflection, including What? So What? Now What? (What did you learn? What
does it mean to you? What will you do with this learning?), Reflective Writing Prompts, and Four-Style
Reflection.

Source: From Classroom Curriculum Design: How Strategic Units Improve Instruction and Engage Students in Meaningful Learning (p. 81), by H. F. Silver &
M. J. Perini, 2010a, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ: Thoughtful Education Press. © 2010 Thoughtful Education Press.

Use the following 1-4 rating scale to respond to each of the questions on the next page.
1 Novice – I do not do this in my classroom, or my use of the practice is not having positive effects on
student learning.
2 Developing – I do this in my classroom, but only notice positive effects on student learning
sometimes.
3 Proficient – I do this well and notice consistent positive effects on student learning.
4 Expert – I see this as a strength of mine: I can adapt it to fit my students’ needs and notice
consistent and significant positive results in student achievement.
NA Not Applicable – This does not apply to my work in school.

THE THOUGHTFUL CLASSROOM TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS FRAMEWORK |© 2011 Silver Strong & Associates | www.ThoughtfulClassroom.com 27
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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

DIMENSION NINE: HELPING STUDENTS REFLECT ON AND CELEBRATE LEARNING

Instructional Indicators
How would you rate yourself at…
9.1 Celebrating student learning and achievement?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

9.2 Providing students with opportunities to look back on the content so they can make generalizations,
develop new insights, and/or formulate questions?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

9.3 Helping students reflect on their own learning process to identify what they did well and where they’d
like to improve?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

9.4 Creating an environment that takes metacognition—or thinking about thinking—seriously?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

9.5 Helping students review learning goals and targets, assess their level of achievement, and “close the
gap” when goals are unmet?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

9.6 Working with students to set future performance goals?

Novice (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient (3)
Expert (4)
NA

IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING

Remember: The ultimate result of quality teaching is quality learning. Look for these student behaviors, which are some
of the sure signs of teacher effectiveness.

Students… NOTES

Take a step back to see the big picture.

Ask questions.

Talk about their own learning process.

Talk about the content.

Make meaningful connections
and generalizations.

Look back at their learning goals
to assess their effort and achievement.

Set new goals for themselves.

Compare their performance with
Previous performances.

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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

DIMENSION NINE: HELPING STUDENTS REFLECT ON AND CELEBRATE LEARNING

Teacher Self-Assessment & Reflection

Evidence of your commitment to this dimension…

Ideas for improving planning…

Ideas for improving implementation…

THE THOUGHTFUL CLASSROOM TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS FRAMEWORK |© 2011 Silver Strong & Associates | www.ThoughtfulClassroom.com 29
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 TCTEF| TEACHER SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE | PROPRIETARY

Dimension Ten: Professional Practice

A full self-assessment means looking beyond the classroom. Below are some indicators to help you think about your
commitment to professional learning and your contributions to the school community.

Commitment to Professional Growth

Signs of commitment include… Notes
10.1 Self-assessing and working to improve
his or her own classroom practice.

10.2 Developing and implementing a

professional growth plan.

10.3 Seeking out professional development

and continuous learning opportunities.

10.4 Working with colleagues to improve

practice throughout the building as part
of a professional learning community.

How would you rate your commitment to professional growth?

Novice (Minimal or No Commitment)
Developing (Initial Commitment)
Proficient (Clear Commitment)
Expert (Strong Commitment)

Commitment to School Community

Signs of commitment include… Notes
10.5 Maintaining open communication with
the entire school community (e.g.,
administrators, teachers, parents, students).

10.6 Assuming appropriate leadership roles (e.g.,

mentor, instructional coach, teacher-leader).

10.7 Helping maintain and build a positive

school culture (e.g., through athletic coaching,
volunteerism, and other forms of non-required
participation or contribution).

How would you rate your commitment to the school community?

Novice (Minimal or No Commitment)
Developing (Initial Commitment)
Proficient (Clear Commitment)
Expert (Strong Commitment)

Commitment to Professionalism
Signs of commitment include… Notes
10.8 Maintaining a high level of professionalism
at all times.

10.9 Becoming aware of and adhering to legal

responsibilities and current educational
policies of the school, district, and state.

How would you rate your commitment to professionalism?

Novice (Minimal or No Commitment)
Developing (Initial Commitment)
Proficient (Clear Commitment)
Expert (Strong Commitment)

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The Thoughtful Classroom Teacher Effectiveness Framework

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Costa, A. L. & Kallick, B. (2009). Habits of mind across the curriculum: Practical and creative strategies for teachers.
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Danielson, C. (2007). Enhancing professional practice: A framework for teaching (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Friedman, T. L. (2006). The world is flat: A brief history of the twenty-first century (release 2.0). New York: Farrar,
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THE THOUGHTFUL CLASSROOM TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS FRAMEWORK |© 2011 Silver Strong & Associates | www.ThoughtfulClassroom.com 31
PROPRIETARY: No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission from Silver Strong & Associates.