The Instructional Framework (IF) Rubric describes eight best practices identified by leading research as characteristics of effective teaching. Teachers can use the rubric as a benchmark for planning and implementing research- and standards-based instruction that promotes the 4Cs of 21st-Century Learning and supports students with diverse abilities, interests and learning preferences. The rubric can also serve as a tool to provide specific, targeted feedback through leader or peer observation or video-facilitated self-reflection.
The IF Crosswalk provides information on the research used to develop the IF Rubric. For each indicator, the Crosswalk compares the IF Rubric to five other high-quality education frameworks and tools, including:
The IF Rubric Guide provides a deeper dive on the research underpinning each indicator and performance look-for, offering:
The IF grade-level documents exemplify how to apply the eight research-based best practices outlined in the IF Rubric over the course of the school year. Documents for each grade level include:
The grade-level documents also help teachers integrate themes into each quarterly unit for grades kindergarten through eight. The table below provides an overview of those themes and examples of the grade-level documents. Sign up for full access to all the grade-level documents.
The IF Rubric is designed to support school leaders in setting uniform expectations for teachers, evaluating teaching practices and establishing performance goals over time.
Teacher preparation programs can use the rubric to introduce best teaching practices and to support student teachers in applying those best practices to lesson planning and classroom instruction.
The IF is informed by leading research, including the Understanding by Design framework developed by Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins, The Framework for Teaching developed by Charlotte Danielson, and The Highly Engaged Classroom by Robert Marzano. Experts in reading, English/Language Arts and curriculum writing leveraged these works and other research to develop grade level-specific English/Language Arts frameworks both aligned with the Common Core State Standards and consistent across grade levels.
Knowing about Living and Non-Living Things
Going in Circles with Cycles (Life Cycles)
Teamwork
Standards Overview
Unit Overview
The World I Live In
Our World
Building Communities
Unit Overview
Lessons Learned
Model Lesson | Handouts
Relationships
Unit Overview
Culture and Traditions
Inspirational Leaders
Character Development
Model Lesson | Handouts
Unit Overview
Nature: Give and Take
Perspectives and Point of View
Learning Target Checklist
Unit Overview
Immigrants
Our Changing Earth
Convincing Arguments
Unit Overview
Investigations and Revelations
Unit Overview | Target Checklist
Enduring Heroes
Explorations
Forging Identities
Unit Overview
Seeking Belonging
Model Lesson | Handouts
Constructing Social Consciousness
Exploring Voice
Standards Overview
Unit Overview
Intersecting Perspectives
Interpreting & Voicing Verse
Sign up now for full access to resources designed to support teachers and other educators in applying the IF to their work. These resources include:
