Why Use the Danielson Framework for Teaching, 2011 and 2013 Editions (Over 2007, That Is)?

When Charlotte Danielson first published the Danielson Framework for Teaching in 1996, her intent was to describe what good teaching was. Over the course of several revisions in 2007, 2011 and 2013, the Framework has provided a common language for discussing teaching practice for a vast number of districts across the country. It also serves as a guide for professional learning over the course of a teacher’s entire career.

You may be wondering, Isn’t using the 2007 edition basically the same as using the newer 2011 and 2013 editions?

Not exactly.

Here’s Charlotte Danielson herself, describing what makes the Danielson Framework for Teaching, 2011 and 2013 editions different from earlier versions.

Need the info even faster? Here are her main points:

• First, it turned out to be impossible to train observers with sufficient accuracy and inter-rater agreement on the 2007 edition of the Framework. This led to the creation of the 2011 edition, which was explicitly intended as an evaluation instrument, and was released with tighter language. The 2013 edition brought even more enhancements, particularly in embedding the language of the college and career-ready student learning standards.
• Second, not only do the 2011 and 2013 editions include revised language on the rubric, they also include critical attributes and examples for each level of performance, which Danielson describes as “enormously helpful,” in bringing the language of the rubrics to life.

Did you know?

Electronic use of the Danielson Framework for Teaching, 2011 and 2013 editions is available through Frontline Professional Growth, giving you the tools to simplify evaluations and promote ongoing professional conversations about teaching practice.