Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching

by Charlotte Danielson, Frances Faircloth Jones (Foreword by)

A framework for teaching based on the PRAXIS Classroom Performance Assessments criteria identifies those aspects of a teacher's responsibilities that have been documented through empirical studies and theoretical research as promoting improved student learning.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, School, Reference, Grad School, Leadership

140 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2005

Reviews

[Bryan Zugelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielson is a true humanitarian and champion for education. Great read!

[Alex Furst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #51 of 2021. "Enhancing Professional Practice" by Charlotte Danielson. 3/5 rating. Going to start reaching into the textbook-space, because if I'm doing all of this reading, there's no way I'm not making sure they count.

This book gives a framework for teaching that is based on 4 domains:
1) Planning and Preparation
2) The Classroom Environment
3) Instruction
4) Professional Responsibilities

Obviously, with this being a textbook, it was not exactly enthralling. It did give a good systematic way to think about the teaching profession.

With this book being probably the second full textbook I've finished in my life (okay, it's literally 119 pages, so that might not be a huge accomplishment) it is certainly not too bad of a read for those looking to enter the teaching profession, or already there.

[Michael Loveless · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enhancing Professional Practice is closer to a reference book than a page-turner. Danielson uses standards created to evaluate new teachers, and adapts them to all teachers and even other school professionals. The book consists of a checklist of components of good teaching. The components are broken down into different aspects of each component. Those aspects are explained and then used to create a rubric for evaluating teachers. The rubrics can be used by principals, mentors, peer coaches, or by individuals for self-evaluation. Danielson says that the components and rubrics can create a common language that can be used in a school to improve teaching and learning. I agree. Enhancing Professional Practice isn't an easy read, but it is a useful book to have on the shelf.

[Susanne Huizing · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reflective teacher is one willing to do the hard work of analyzing their practice. The relational teacher is the one that will adapt to the needs of their students. The excellent teacher is the one resilient enough to do both. A great framework for any educator.

[Patti Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important document for teachers. Sometimes quixotic. Paradoxical when a professional development tool is used as an evaluation tool. Read for EDAD 692 Supervision of Instruction.

[Theresa]

Theoretical is different than being and surviving in the classroom every day.
This is all theoretical.

[Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor · Rating 3 out of 5]

17 July 2023

3 stars!

Yeah, I guess it's a good book. It is written well; I'll give it that. I really couldn't care less about it though. Good for teachers to read though.

3 stars!

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8 June 2023

Currently Reading

Literally just reading this for my ed psych class :\

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[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to hear Danielson speak at a administrative conference in 2011, and her powerful ideas made complete sense to me. Reading this book emphasizes this even further to me. Not only is a framework provided for teacher practice but for other educators as well such as librarians, nurses, counselors and psychologists. My two criticisms of the book are that the frameworks were dull reading (though in all fairness, a framework of his type just isn't meant to be read as a book), and secondly some of the frameworks were written in absolute terms, which doesn't neatly fit into the gray world of professional practice. Nevertheless, I can clearly see where these frameworks can have a huge impact on a school and educational outcomes if they're used faithfully and diligently in a school. I look forward to seeing them used in my own school. The potential is enormous.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't disagree with the basic frameworks presented in this book, but the lack of specific examples in various content keeps me from loving this book. Danielson emphasizes that the framework should be used for self-reflection, but it is difficult to visualize the difference between how a high school and an elementary school teacher would demonstrate each skill and make it work without any specific teacher models. I also was disappointed that the book doesn't make it clear that no teacher will get every aspect "distinguished" every day until page 92. I can easily see an unexperienced teacher picking up this framework and feeling overwhelmed instead of driven towards improvement.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best thing about it is that it is concise. The author does not say more than she has to to make her point, and does not need numerous examples to fully encapsulate it. What it really advertises is the role of the teacher as a community leader, helping connect with students, and providing a conducive environment for learning to happen. Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities is where I think we need the most improvement as a whole. Overall, schools do a terrible job of communicating with parents and the larger community. If purpose is to be experts in education, then we need to act and inform people of our actions in a way that will motivate change.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was provided to all new hires of my school district this Fall. It's an excellent resource for teachers, especially w/in school districts utilizing the Danielson framework for assessment. The items within are not directly applicable to related services providers, like myself, but as someone that tries to that collaborate closely with teachers and administrators, I find that it's a great resource to give me more insight into their best practices. Also, as with many things, related service providers can glean information about great ways to improve their practice within the school setting BUT only if modified for their job positions.

[Lisa Hubbard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dry. Overused. While yes, some quality indicators of good teachers are written about- Unrealistic Superwoman expectations of teachers in dome parts of her rubric... Assuming no influence from home? And she assumes teachers can do all of it alone with no secretaries, one short plan period, and very limited ability students our resources. Ever heard Danielson present? She does not model any if the things she preaches. She uses old time words on slides while standing at a podium lecturing.... She is rich and districts are bankrupt. We are forced to use it in our district.

[Kim Lanza · Rating 5 out of 5]

For most of my career, I have been using Danielson's framework to self-assess. My copies of the rubrics have check marks and notes in the margin to indicate where I saw room for improvement. It made sense to me and helped me see how to become a more effective teacher.

Now, I read with a supervisor's lens. I still like the specificity. The rubrics still make sense. Revisiting the book prompted me to reconsider how Chatham utilizes the framework and how we can improve our procedures.

[Peggy Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielson presents a clear, research-based framework for analyzing the practice of teaching. She emphasizes that the book is intended to support conversations in specific sites among practitioners about how that practice will look, those conversations to be guided by a set of consistent descriptors for four levels of competence. Her framework offers a powerful model for teacher education and professional development.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was read as part of a book study that I co-faciliated at school. It generated some wonderful discussion and opened our eyes to all that we do each day and how to enhance our teaching both in and out of our classrooms.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Members of district Evaluation Committee asked to read this prior to August meetings.
This is one of those books you read that makes you ask yourself "Really? You actually needed to put that in writing?" Filled with just plain common sense that I find it hard to believe people don't already know.

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the book I always look back at for my job as a teacher. My school uses this framework for our end of school year job performance review. It is great to look back at this book to refresh ways to improve myself as a teacher.

[Andy Mitchell]

A useful reference guide for beginning teachers. A helpful reference guide for administrators. It's filled with endless lists of positive teaching behaviors.

If you like taxonomies, you'll love this book!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte Danielson's seminal book from over a decade ago that influenced many school districts to adopt more comprehensive, formative teacher evaluation systems. The ISBE used this book as the model for its new proposed rules for teacher evaluation.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, the best guide to reflective practice in the classroom. This really helps to pinpoint areas of needed improvement as well as areas you are succeeding.

[Mischa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started this one....

[Temoca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think these professional books are great when you can pull out the pieces you can apply immediately. I've used this quite a bit recently. Maybe a 3.5 star-rating?

[Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Usefull guide, a good refresher of my pedagogy training- but numbingly dry. Painfully dry.

[Casey Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been using this book by Charlotte since its first iteration, 1997.

[Carlene Walter · Rating 2 out of 5]

The framework is worthy of reflection. The writing is mediocre and repetitive.

[Christine Balaskovits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the 2013 publication. I love the examples that are given for each component and rating - I think they are helpful for teachers.

[Frank Fusco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an indispensable text for any teacher looking to survive, and then thrive, in the field today.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a resource to look back on in the future.

[Jenny Bates · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a huge fan. Ugh.