For LEAs that implement a differentiated supervision cycle, the Differentiated Observation module and workflow is available within PAETEP.  The Differentiated Observation process is a yearlong process that is initiated by supervisors. Once initiated, professional employees complete and submit an action plan, mid-year update, year-end update, and self-assessment rubric. A post-conference can also be completed, as desired.

Note - According to Act 13 and PDE, Differentiated Supervision can be used in school years when a professional employee is not being formally observed and has received a proficient or distinguished annual rating in both the two immediately proceeding years.  Differentiated Supervision may not be offered to temporary professional employees. 

Table Of Contents

• Tutorials
• Step-by-Step Guide
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tutorials

Slideshow: Differentiated Observation - Overview for Teachers/NTPs 

Slideshow: Differentiated Observation - Overview for Principals/Supervisors 

Step-by-Step Guide

Beginning of the Year

Step 1 - Supervisor initiates a Differentiated Observation

Step 2 - Employee completes the Action Plan... and Submits

Step 3 - Supervisor reviews/adds comments... and Submits

Middle of the Year

Step 4 - Employee completes the Mid-Year Update...and Submits

Step 5 - Supervisor reviews/adds comments... and Submits

End of the Year

Step 6 - Employee completes the End-Year Update... and Submits

Step 7 - Employee completes self-assessment rubric... and Submits

Step 8 - Supervisor reviews, completes rubric, submits, and authenticates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: What is a Differentiated Observation?
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• Q: Who initiates a Differentiated Observation?
• Q: What questions are included in a Differentiated Observation?
• Q: What types of Differentiated Plans are available?
• Q: What is the difference between each type of Differentiated Plan?
• Q: Why can't I submit my Mid-Year/End-Year Update to my supervisor?
• Q: How can I view the Differentiated Observation component scores when completing a 13 Form?

Q: What is a Differentiated Observation?

According to PDE (Pennsylvania Department of Education), LEAs have the option to implement a multi-year cycle between a comprehensive formal observation and a differentiated supervision. The Differentiated Observation module and workflow within PAETEP can be used in school years when a teacher is not being formally observed.

As part of this observation, teachers will be asked to submit an action plan, a mid-year update, an end of year update, and a self-assessment rubric. This tool will track a teacher's progress on one of the following projects: Action Research, Peer-Coaching, Portfolio, or Other.

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Q: Who initiates a Differentiated Observation?

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Q: What questions are included in a Differentiated Observation?

During the Action Plan, teachers will first identify the type of observation (Action Research, Peer-Coaching, Portfolio, or Other), and areas of component focus. Teachers will then answer the following five Action Plan questions.  

1. Project Goal - Describe the goal of your Differentiated Supervision Action Plan.
2. Purpose/Rationale - Describe the rationale for selecting and implementing your Differentiated Supervision Action Plan.
3. Steps and/or Activities to Achieve Goal - Describe the various steps and/or activities that will be involved in completing your Differentiated Supervision Action Plan. 
4. Implementation Timeline - Describe how you will implement your Differentiated Supervision Action Plan over the course of the school year.
5. Indicator of Effectiveness/Measures of Student Success - Describe what you will use to measure student success and/or the effectiveness of your Differentiated Supervision Action Plan. 

During the Mid-Year Update and Year-End Update, teachers are provided with an open response question in which they can update their supervisor on their progress. 

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Q: What types of Differentiated Plans are available?

There are three types of Differentiated plans available. Teachers can choose to complete Action Research, Peer-Coaching, or Portfolio. If a project does not fit one of these three options, teachers can select "Other" for type and specify the project details in the Action Plan. 

Please know that regardless of the specific type selected, the Action Plan questions remain the same. 

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Q: What is the difference between each type of Differentiated Plan?

According to PDE's Evaluation of Educator Effectiveness Toolkit, 

• Peer Coaching - working in dyads or triads to discuss and observe each other's practice, define their professional needs, and develop plans for addressing specifically targeted areas, the evidence to be collected, dates of observation, and opportunities for reflection.
• Self-Directed/Action Research - working individually or in small groups to develop a structured, on-going reflection of a practice-related issue and complete a related action research project.
• Portfolio - examining one’s own practice in relation to the framework for evaluation and to established interest- or needs-based criteria and providing evidence and reflection in a written report and/or documented discussions with colleagues.

Please know that regardless of the specific type selected, the Action Plan questions remain the same.

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Q: Why can't I submit my Mid-Year/End-Year Update to my supervisor?

For a teacher to submit a Mid-Year or End-Year Update, all previous steps of the observation must be completed. Please refer to the Step-by-Step Guide.

In particular, please ensure that your supervisor has submitted the previous step before moving on to the Mid-Year/End-Year Update. For example, The Mid-Year Update cannot be submitted until the supervisor reviews and submits the Action Plan.

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Q: How can I view the Differentiated Observation component scores when completing a 13 Form?

A Differentiated Observation's component rating will be visible in the quick view panel of a 13 form under the Domain headers. See image below for details.

Note that only completed observations will populate this panel. Please ensure that your Differentiated Observation is closed and that the Supervisor has provided authentication.

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