STEM / SEL classroom observation
A structured observation instrument for STEM and social-emotional learning classrooms. Used in federal evaluations and district improvement work. Produces defensible fidelity and instructional-quality data — not just vibes.
The observation tool is web-based and works on tablets during live observation. A demo environment with sample data is available on request. Ask for access and we'll walk you through a sample observation and the reporting dashboard.
What it captures
The instrument uses four domains. Each domain has 3–5 scored items with anchored descriptors at four levels. Observers add time-stamped anecdotal notes that are attached to the scored items — so a final score is always defensible with evidence.
STEM instruction
Captures whether lessons connect procedural skill (how) to conceptual reasoning (why). Tracks use of real data, open-ended problems, and authentic STEM practices (modeling, argumentation, iteration).
Classroom climate
Observes teacher responsiveness, student-to-student collaboration, and inclusive participation patterns — e.g., is question-asking spread across the class or concentrated in a few students.
SEL integration
Notes whether social-emotional skills (self-regulation, persistence, collaboration, self-efficacy) are being named, practiced, and reinforced during academic work.
Equity lens
Structured prompts for observers to note patterns of opportunity — who gets the harder question, who gets called on, whose ideas are built upon.
How programs use it
- ▸ Grant-funded evaluations requiring fidelity-of-implementation data
- ▸ Program quality improvement within a district or network
- ▸ Teacher professional-development programs that need pre/post instructional-practice evidence
- ▸ External evaluators documenting classroom realities alongside survey / score data
The instrument was developed by Dr. Janet Johnson, Dr. Lee Stiff, and the Edstar research team drawing on validated frameworks (CLASS, Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol, and SEL domain literatures) and refined across multiple NSF- and Department of Defense-funded evaluations. Inter-rater reliability targets are documented in the rater-training materials.
Running a STEM or SEL evaluation?
We can license the instrument, train your raters, or embed it within a full evaluation package. Happy to talk through which option fits your scope.