Computerized Quantitative Classroom Observation Tool

Research into the continuing professional development of teachers has used various paper-based observational assessment tools over the years.  Dr. Michael Kennedy, of the University of Virginia Curry School of Education, called on Barron Associates to computerize and expand upon an existing tool used for observing teachers in the classroom.  Written in C sharp, the new research application provides quantitative performance metrics for an instructional period after capturing various classroom variables, teacher actions, and student behaviors.  Since development, the application has been used in approximately 100 classes. Data is being assembled for future proposals to include database functionality, for example, that will provide prompt performance feedback to teachers and track longitudinal trends. A conference talk highlighting Dr. Kennedy’s work with the tool will be presented at the Teacher Education Division (TED) of the Council for Exceptional Children, in Tempe AZ, Nov 4-7, 2015.