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Pittsburgh Public Schools Uses 20 New Content Suite Videos

In June 2015, Pittsburgh Public Schools began using Observation Engine for calibration and training their teacher evaluators. They were one of our first clients to use the Content Suite to calibrate and certify classroom observers.

The Content Suite contains a collection of master scored videos along with thoughtful, objective score justifications on all observable elements of teaching called for by the evaluation framework used in the district. And it includes short video clips focused on one particular aspect of teaching. The combination of full-length and short clips makes it possible to easily and flexibly set up practice exercises, collaborative calibration sessions, and formal certification testing. Recently, we have added 20 new videos to the Content Suite collection!

The Content Suite can be used with most frameworks, either as-is or modified to ensure that the scores and justifications are consistent with the local context and observation framework interpretation. Observation Engine support staff will work closely with each client to modify content and design a customized implementation plan that meets the goals of the school system and sets up evaluators for success. For more information about the Content Suite, click here.

We Would Like to Introduce You to Our Newest Research Managers

The Empirical Research Team is pleased to announce the addition of 2 new team members. We welcome Erica Plut and Thanh Nguyen on board as our newest research managers!

Erica Plut, Research Manager

Erica has taken on management of the Ask A REL project for REL Midwest and is working with other Empirical staff in responding to stakeholder queries Erica’s teaching experience and Stanford education has also been an asset to the Observation Engine™ team in their development of the “Content Suite”, which provides school system administrators with pre-coded videos and justification feedback aligned to the observation rubric they use in evaluating the individual need for teacher professional development.

Thanh Nguyen, Research Manager

Thanh is taking on the role of lead project manager for our evaluation of the i3 grant for WestEd’s Making Sense of Science project. She has already plunged into the substance, attending the Making Sense of Science Facilitation Academy in Oakland at the WestEd offices and had the opportunity to meet the other key people on the project. Thanh’s knowledge of education research and experience in project management makes her the perfect fit on our team.