The NTP Observation is a year-long goal and component focus setting and evidence collection process which can be used by all NTPs, supervisory or non-supervisory.  The process can be initiated by either the employee or supervisor. Once initiated, the NTP sets goals and identifies component focus areas. Based upon the component focus areas selected, the NTP provides information pertaining to how they plan to improve their practice. 

The NTP Observation is then submitted to their supervisor for review. Feedback is provided, followed by approval. Once approved, the NTP returns to the NTP Observation throughout the school year to provide updates and share evidence and artifacts. The process ends with a final submission of updates and a self-assessment. Supervisors then provide final feedback and component ratings which transfer to the 13-3 or 13-2 to inform the year-end summative ratings. A conference option is also available. 

Table Of Contents

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

Tutorials

Slideshow: NTP Observations - Overview for Employees

Slideshow:  NTP Observations - Overview for Supervisors

Step-by-Step Guide

Beginning of the Year

Step 1 - Employee creates a new NTP observation and selects the supervisor

Step 2 - Employee writes Goals, identifies Focus Areas and a plan of action... and Submits

Step 3 - Supervisor reviews, adds comments, and approves... and Submits

Middle of the Year

Step 4 - Once approved, Employee returns to their NTP observation throughout the school year and enters updates... and Submits

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

End of the Year

Step 6 - When appropriate, Employee provides final update and completes self-ratings... and Submits

Step 7 - Supervisor reviews and provides ratings... and Submits

Step 8 - Employee reviews and signs

Step 9 - Supervisor signs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: What is an NTP Observation used for?
• Q: Do Principals and Supervisors of Special Education have to complete an NTP Observation? If so, what is the difference between this and the Performance Goal?
• Q: Who initiates an NTP Observation?
• Q: Why can't I open/view an NTP Observation?
• Q: Why can't I submit my NTP Observation?
• Q: How can I view the NTP Observation's component rating(s) when completing a 13 Form?
• Q: How do I change the rating on an NTP Observation?
• Q: Why is the rubric language incorrect for this user?

Q: What is an NTP Observation used for?

The NTP Observation is a year-long process which is initiated by either the employee or supervisor. Once initiated, the NTP sets goals and identifies component focus areas. Based upon the component focus areas selected, the NTP provides information pertaining to how they plan to improve their practice.

An NTP Observation can be used to collect evidence for the Observation and Practice portion of the 13-2 form (for principals and supervisors of special education) or 13-3 form (for other non-teaching professionals).

For more information on Act 13, see below:

• What Teachers Should Know about Act 13 and PAETEP 
• What Principals Should Know About Act 13 and PAETEP
  
• What NTPs Should Know About Act 13 and PAETEP

If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket

Q: Do Principals and Supervisors of Special Education have to complete an NTP Observation? If so, what is the difference between this and the Performance Goal?

An NTP Observation can be used with principals and supervisors of special education to collect evidence for the Observation and Practice portion of the 13-2 form. This, along with possibly walkthroughs, custom forms, and anecdotal notes will make up 70% of the overall rating.

In addition to this, principals and supervisors of special education should be completing a Performance Goal (PG), which contributes 20% to the 13-2 final rating.

It is recommended that the Performance Goal (PG) be used to focus on district-wide initiatives (using a Preset Performance Goal), and an NTP observation be used for individual goals.

For more information, see What Principals Should Know About Act 13 and PAETEP.

If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.

Q: Who initiates an NTP Observation?

The NTP Observation is initiated by the employee.  If needed, an NTP Observation can be started for an employee by a Supervisor.  

If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.

Q: Why can't I open/view an NTP Observation?

Before the employee provides their first submission (action plan and focus areas) at the beginning of the year, the NTP observation is in a draft state. While in this state, only the employee can access the item.

Once the employee submits their action plan and focus areas, the observation will be able to be opened by the supervisor, other 3rd party supervisors, and district administrators.

If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.

Q: Why can't I submit my NTP Observation?

Please refer to our Step-by-Step Guide for a details as to what steps must be taken in order to submit each portion of the observation. In addition, review the posted Tutorials for screenshots of the application to follow along with.

If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.

Q: How can I view the NTP Observation's component rating(s) when completing a 13 Form?

The NTP Observation's rating(s) will be visible in the quick view panel of a 13 form under each of the Domain headers. See image below for details.

 If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.

Q: How do I change the rating on an NTP Observation?

If an NTP Observation has already been completed, but you need to change a component rating, you must first unauthenticate or reopen the NTP Observation.   To learn more about reopening items, see How do I reopen an Item?

If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket.

Q: Why is the rubric language incorrect for this user?

The language used in the rubric of an NTP Observation is determined by the chosen User Role. When creating an NTP observation for an employee, it is important to ensure that the correct user role is selected (see below). Once the observation is created this selection cannot be changed.

If you still need support, please Submit a Ticket