The document discusses using the D-SORT tool to observe classroom teaching in a more efficient and accurate manner. The D-SORT uses digital cards to sort statements about teaching into dimensions. This creates a classroom profile that shows scores on each teaching dimension. The profile can then be used to assess strengths and areas for improvement, and to guide targeted professional development by linking scores to best practices literature. The D-SORT allows for more efficient and accurate classroom observations compared to traditional methods.

1. Innovation in Educator
Evaluation:
Using the D-SORT to observe classroom teaching
Philip R. Fletcher – Pearson
Kathy McKnight – Pearson
Katherine Bassett – NNSTOY

2. Digital card sort makes classroom observation
easier & takes less time
Statements are stated in clear, observable language
Technology makes it easy to record observations & generate reports
1 Innovation in Educator Evaluation

3. Sorting cards creates dimensions of teaching
for greater accuracy
Dimension Label
1 Keeps class focused on main task
Modifies instruction to meet student
2 needs
Encourages students to inquire and
3 investigate
Shows confidence in students’ learning
4 capabilities
5 Knows when to differentiate instruction
6 Has a positive class atmosphere
7 Makes lesson activities accessible to all
Builds learner self-direction and
8 ownership of learning
9 Sorts out student misunderstandings
10 Stimulates curiosity and inquiry
Uses supplementary resources and
11 technologies effectively
12 Provides timely and effective feedback
2 Innovation in Educator Evaluation

4. Multiple items make up each dimension for
greater accuracy
Cluster Item Label Tally Cluster Item Label Tally
1 NY370 Helps students control their own 2 1 JK060 Gives students time to complete tasks 2
learning at their own pace
1 PF040 Keeps class focused on main task 1 1 PF760 Captures and holds students' attention 0
at every time
1 NY550 Provides a safe physical environment 1 1 MZ360 Makes self available to students who 2
need guidance or resources
1 PF070 Sustains student attention to class 0 1 NY450 Focuses primarily upon student 1
work activities engagement in the learning process
1 IT090 Helps students work productively and 2 1 IT120 Peer relationships promote each 1
cooperatively with one another other's learning
1 JK010 Shows evidence of being responsible 1 1 JK280 Available as a resource for students 1
for class functioning
1 IT430 Continuously monitors student 1 1 NY360 Promotes student sharing and 2
learning collaborating
2 IT390 Knows when to adjust plans based on 1 2 EM020 Rephrases presentations as necessary, 1
assessment information to make ideas accessible
2 IT260 Multiple types of assessment support, 1 2 IT530 Adapts instruction to student 1
verify and document learning responses, ideas and needs
2 IT630 Adjusts plans in the face of changing 1 2 IT550 Uses learner data to differentiate 1
circumstances instruction
2 IT330 Adjusts to meet each student's 0 2 NY010 Sets lesson objectives with achievable 1
learning needs goals
3 Innovation in Educator Evaluation

5. D-SORT generates a Classroom Profile
Classroom profile set of scores Classroom profile type.
on each teaching dimension.
IRT Profile Set of Scores Diagnostic Class Probabilities
4 1.0
0.9 A 0.010
3 B 0.002
0.8 C 0.006
Normal Deviate (Z-Score)
2 D 0.006
0.7 E 0.977
Entropy 0.823
1
Probability
0.516 0.6
0.183 0.055 0.396
0 0.5
-0.011 -0.034
-0.418 -0.424 -0.529 0.4
-1 -0.758
0.3
-2
0.2
-3 0.1
-4 0.0
S1 S10 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 A B C D E
Score Class
4 Innovation in Educator Evaluation

6. Using D-SORT for evaluating effectiveness and
targeted professional development
National
Item/Scale True-Score Percentile
•D-SORT provides a personal
Adjusts instruction to suit student needs 1.6
profile with norms for assessing Gives positive as well as corrective task-related
strengths and areas of need commentary
Knows when to adjust plans based on
1.6
assessment information 1.6
Knows when to differentiate instruction 1.6
•Item scores linked to associated Uses learner data to differentiate instruction 1.6
domain, which is linked to
Rephrases presentations as necessary, to make
ideas accessible 1.7
supporting best practices Knows when to differentiate instruction Scale 9.8 44.4
literature
Assists student participation in inquiry processes 2.7
Encourages learners to create novel approaches
to solving problems 2.7
•Resources, combined with Elaborates difficult concepts 2.8
targeted assistance, are used to Encourages students to challenge assumptions 2.8
improve teaching practice and Encourages students to inquire and investigate 2.8
student-teacher interactions in Incorporates technology into instruction 2.8
Offers students choices for reaching general
their own classrooms objectives 2.8
Uses technological tools and a variety of
communication strategies 2.8
Encourages students to inquire and investigate
Scale 22.2 66.1
5 Innovation in Educator Evaluation