Getting Started with Observe

Set up and navigate the Observe module for performance observations.

By Ron Sloop

• 5 articles

Observe Overview

Observe Overview The Observe module is PD Edge's comprehensive classroom observation and performance evaluation system. It enables structured classroom observations, formal performance reviews, and robust reporting to support teacher growth and evaluation processes. What is Observe? Observe provides a digital platform for conducting classroom observations and performance evaluations. The module supports both informal classroom walkthroughs and formal evaluation processes required for teacher assessment and professional development. You can use Observe to: - Conduct classroom observations with customizable forms - Complete formal performance reviews with evaluation periods - Generate comprehensive reports and analytics - Track professional growth over time - Maintain evaluation records for compliance Observations vs Performance Reviews Observe supports two distinct evaluation types: Observations Classroom observations are typically shorter, more frequent evaluations focused on specific teaching moments or practices. These can be: - Informal walkthroughs - Focused observations on specific teaching strategies - Peer observations for collaboration - Multiple observations throughout the year Performance Reviews Performance reviews are comprehensive, formal evaluations typically conducted annually or by evaluation period. These include: - Summative evaluation processes - Integration of multiple observation data points - Formal rating scales and scoring - Documentation for personnel decisions - Attachment of supporting formal observations Key Features and Benefits Customizable Forms and Rubrics - Create observation forms tailored to your evaluation framework - Build rubrics with rating scales and scoring criteria - Support for multiple question types and response formats - Matrix and rubric display formats for complex evaluations Flexible Scheduling and Assignment - Schedule observations in advance or conduct impromptu visits - Assign observers and observees - Set evaluation periods for performance reviews - Track completion status and deadlines Rich Data Collection - Text responses, ratings, and scoring - Photo, video, and document attachments - Comments and feedback at question and overall levels - Evidence collection and artifact documentation Comprehensive Reporting - Individual observation and performance review reports - Aggregate data across organizations and time periods - Export capabilities for external analysis - Dashboard views for quick insights Professional Growth Support - Track progress over time - Identify professional development needs - Support collaborative reflection and goal setting - Maintain comprehensive professional portfolios User Roles in Observe Observer Role Users with the Observer role can conduct classroom observations and provide feedback. Observers can: - Access assigned observation forms - Complete observation evaluations - Attach evidence and documentation - Provide ratings and comments Observable Role Users with the Observable role can be observed and evaluated. Observables can: - View their completed observations and performance reviews - Access feedback and ratings - Track their professional growth over time - Collaborate on reflection and goal setting Evaluator Role Users with the Evaluator role can conduct formal performance reviews. Evaluators can: - Complete comprehensive performance evaluations - Access evaluation period management - Integrate multiple data sources - Generate formal evaluation reports Reporter Role Users with the Reporter role can access observation and evaluation data for analysis. Reporters can: - View aggregate reports across organizations - Export data for external analysis - Access dashboard views and analytics - Generate compliance and summary reports Navigation to Observe Features When Observe is activated for your organization, you'll see additional menu items in your navigation: For Observers and Evaluators - Observations: Conduct and manage classroom observations - Performance Reviews: Complete formal evaluation processes - My Observations: View observations you've conducted - Dashboard: Overview of observation activity and data For Observables - My Observations: View observations where you were observed - My Performance Reviews: Access your formal evaluation records - Professional Growth: Track development over time For Administrators - All Observations: Manage organization-wide observation data - All Performance Reviews: Oversee formal evaluation processes - Reports: Access comprehensive analytics and reporting - System Admin: Configure forms, rubrics, and evaluation settings For Reporters - Reports: Access detailed analytics and data exports - Observable Totals: View organization-wide participation data - Observation Reports: Generate comprehensive evaluation summaries The Observe module integrates seamlessly with your organization's professional development and evaluation processes, providing the structure and flexibility needed to support effective teacher observation and growth.

Last updated on Apr 01, 2026

Conducting Your First Observation

Conducting Your First Observation Classroom observations are a core component of professional development in K-12 education. This guide walks you through creating and completing your first observation in PD Edge. Before You Begin You need the Observer role to conduct observations. Contact your system administrator if you don't have access. You'll also need: - An observable staff member (teacher, counselor, etc.) - Access to observation forms for your organization - The observation location and time Starting a New Observation 1. Navigate to the Observe section from your main menu 2. Click New Observation 3. The observation form opens in a clean, focused layout The system automatically: - Sets today's date as the observation date - Assigns you as the observer - Generates a unique session ID for saving progress Selecting Forms and Observables Choose Your Observable 1. In the Observable field, start typing the teacher's name 2. Select from the dropdown list of available staff 3. Only active staff members with the Observable role appear Select Observation Forms 1. Choose from available Form Sets for your organization 2. Form sets contain multiple related observation forms 3. Your organization administrator determines which forms you can access 4. Some districts may have only one form set available If you see limited options, your organization may have pre-configured forms for specific roles or schools. Completing Observation Questions Question Types PD Edge supports various question formats: - Multiple choice: Select one option - Multi-select: Choose multiple options - Rating scales: Score performance levels - Text responses: Add narrative feedback - Matrix questions: Rate multiple criteria Answering Questions 1. Work through each form section sequentially 2. Required questions are marked and must be completed 3. Use the Previous/Next buttons to navigate sections 4. Your progress saves automatically as you work Rating Scale Questions For rubric-style questions: 1. Review the performance criteria 2. Select the rating that best matches what you observed 3. Some scales include descriptive text for each level 4. Ratings contribute to overall scores automatically Adding Comments and Feedback Question-Level Comments 1. Look for Add Feedback options on individual questions 2. Click to open the comment field 3. Provide specific, actionable feedback 4. Comments support rich text formatting General Comments 1. Use the Comments section for overall observation notes 2. Document classroom environment, instructional strategies, student engagement 3. Include commendations and suggestions for improvement Best Practices for Feedback - Be specific and objective - Focus on observable behaviors - Provide actionable suggestions - Balance commendations with growth areas - Reference specific moments from the observation Adding Attachments You can attach supporting documentation to observations: 1. Click Add Attachment in relevant sections 2. Upload photos, videos, documents, or audio files 3. Attachments are linked to specific questions when applicable 4. Use attachments to document evidence or provide examples Common attachment types: - Photos of student work or classroom setup - Video clips of teaching moments - Documents referenced during the lesson - Audio recordings of discussions Submitting Observations Save as Draft 1. Click Save to preserve your work 2. Drafts can be edited and completed later 3. The observable cannot see draft observations 4. Your progress is preserved with the unique session ID Submit Final Observation 1. Review all sections for completeness 2. Ensure required questions are answered 3. Click Submit or mark as Closed 4. Submitted observations cannot be edited without reopening After Submission When you submit an observation: - The observable receives email notification (if configured) - Scores and ratings are calculated automatically - The observation appears in reporting dashboards - PDF export becomes available Viewing Completed Observations Your Observations List 1. Navigate to Observe → My Observations or Peer Observations 2. View all observations you've conducted 3. Filter by date range, observable, or form type 4. Click any observation to view details Observation Details From the details view, you can: - Review all responses and scores - View calculated ratings by section - Export to PDF - Add additional comments (if reopened) Sharing Results - PDF Export: Generate formal reports - Email Notifications: System sends automatic updates - Dashboard Integration: Results appear in organizational reports - Performance Reviews: Formal observations can be attached to annual evaluations Common Scenarios Interrupted Observations If you need to pause during an observation: 1. Click Save to preserve current progress 2. The system maintains your session with the unique ID 3. Return later to complete remaining sections 4. All previous responses are preserved Technical Issues If you experience problems: 1. Your progress auto-saves as you work 2. Use the browser back button if needed 3. Contact technical support with your session ID 4. Don't refresh the page unnecessarily Multiple Forms When using form sets with multiple forms: 1. Complete forms in the suggested order 2. Each form may have different question types 3. Navigation shows your progress across all forms 4. All forms must be completed before submission Next Steps After completing your first observation: - Review the generated scores and feedback - Explore the PDF export options - Schedule follow-up conversations with the observable - Consider how observations connect to professional development goals - Review organizational reporting to see observation trends Regular classroom observations support continuous improvement in teaching and learning. The structured approach in PD Edge ensures consistent, meaningful feedback that supports professional growth.

Last updated on Apr 01, 2026

Using the Observation Dashboard

Using the Observation Dashboard Your observation dashboard provides a centralized view of all observation activities, giving you quick access to create new observations and track existing ones. Accessing the Dashboard Navigate to the observation dashboard from your main menu. The dashboard displays different information based on your role: - Observers see observations they've conducted - Observables see observations they've received - Organization Administrators see all observations in their organizations - System Administrators see all observations across the tenant Dashboard Layout The observation dashboard is organized into key sections that help you manage your observation workflow efficiently. Quick Actions At the top of your dashboard, you'll find buttons to: 1. New Observation - Start a new observation 2. Export - Export observation data to CSV 3. Reports - Access detailed observation reports Observation Views Your dashboard provides different views of observation data: My Observations Shows observations where you were the observable (person being observed). This view includes: - Completed observations you've received - Observation dates and observers - Form sets used - Current status Available to users with the Observable role Conducted Observations Shows observations you've conducted as an observer. This view displays: - All observations you've completed - Observable names and dates - Organizations where observations occurred - Completion status Available to users with the Observer role All Observations Administrative view showing all observations you have access to based on your role and organization assignments. Available to users with Organization Administrator or System Administrator roles Understanding Observation Status Observations display with different status indicators: - Open - Observation in progress, not yet submitted - Closed - Observation completed and submitted - Draft - Observation saved but not completed Filtering and Searching Use the filtering options to find specific observations: Date Range Filters 1. Select start date 2. Select end date 3. Click Apply to filter results Organization Filters 1. Choose specific organizations from dropdown 2. Filter by single or multiple organizations 3. Clear filters to see all accessible observations Search Functionality 1. Enter search terms in the search box 2. Search includes observable names, observer names, and form titles 3. Results update automatically as you type Observation Counts Your dashboard displays observation totals: - Total Observations - All observations in your scope - This Month - Observations from current month - This Week - Observations from current week - Open Observations - Incomplete observations requiring attention Quick Access Features Recent Activity The dashboard shows your most recent observation activity: - Latest observations conducted - Recent observations received - Pending observations requiring completion Navigation Shortcuts Access related features directly from the dashboard: - Form Sets - Manage observation forms - Reports - View detailed analytics - Performance Reviews - Link to performance review module - Users - Manage observable staff Taking Action From your dashboard, you can: 1. View existing observations by clicking on them 2. Edit open observations that aren't yet submitted 3. Export observation data for external reporting 4. Create new observations using available form sets Role-Specific Features For Observers - Quick access to start new observations - List of recent observations conducted - Pending observations requiring completion For Observables - View all observations you've received - Track feedback and ratings over time - Access to observation history For Administrators - Overview of observation activity across organizations - Export capabilities for reporting - User management shortcuts - Analytics and trending data The observation dashboard serves as your central hub for all observation activities, providing the tools and information you need to effectively manage the observation process in your educational setting.

Last updated on Apr 01, 2026

Viewing Observation Reports

Viewing Observation Reports Observation reports provide comprehensive insights into evaluation data, helping you track performance trends and make informed decisions about professional development. Accessing Observation Reports You can access observation reports through several pathways depending on your role: System Administrators and Organization Administrators 1. Navigate to Observe → Reports 2. Select the specific report type you need 3. Apply filters to focus on relevant data Observers and Evaluators 1. Go to Observe → My Observations (for observations you conducted) 2. Click on any completed observation to view its individual report 3. Use the export options to generate PDF versions Observables 1. Navigate to Observe → My Observations (for observations of you) 2. View only completed observations where you were observed 3. Access individual observation details and reports Individual Observation Reports Individual observation reports show detailed results for a single evaluation. Viewing Basic Information Each observation report displays: - Observable's name and contact information - Observer who conducted the evaluation - Date and time of observation - Form set and individual forms used - Overall scores and ratings Understanding Rubric Data When viewing rubric-style evaluations: 1. Click View Rubric to see detailed scoring 2. Review section-by-section performance 3. Check individual question responses 4. View any attached comments or feedback Accessing Form Section Details For matrix or detailed form sections: 1. Select the specific form from the observation 2. Choose the form section to review 3. View detailed responses and scoring data 4. Review any rubric markers or rating scale applications Summary Reports by Organization Organization-level reports aggregate data across multiple observations. Observable Totals Reports View observation counts for all staff members: 1. Navigate to Reports → Observable Totals 2. Filter by organization, date range, or other criteria 3. See observed vs. unobserved staff counts 4. Identify staff needing additional observations Observation Totals by Categories Generate reports grouped by: - Organizations: Compare observation activity across schools - Grade Levels: See observation patterns by grade taught - Content Areas: Review observations by subject area Answer Data Reports Access detailed response data: 1. Go to Reports → Observation Answers 2. Apply filters for specific time periods or criteria 3. Export comprehensive answer datasets 4. Analyze trends across multiple evaluations Exporting Reports to PDF Individual Observation PDFs 1. Open the specific observation you want to export 2. Click the PDF export button 3. Wait for the system to generate the document 4. Download when the export job completes Blank Form PDFs To create blank observation forms for printing: 1. Navigate to Blank Observation PDF Export 2. Select the form set and target audience 3. Choose specific organizations if needed 4. Generate and download the blank forms Performance Review Reports For performance reviews that include formal observations: 1. Open the performance review 2. Click Export Report 3. Choose whether to include rubrics and signatures 4. Download the comprehensive report PDF Understanding Observation Data Scoring and Rating Scales Observation reports use various scoring methods: - Rating scales: Numeric or descriptive ratings (e.g., 1-4, Needs Improvement to Exemplary) - Rubric scoring: Detailed performance indicators - Weighted sections: Some form sections may carry different weights - Overall scores: Calculated from individual section scores Comments and Feedback Reports include multiple types of commentary: - Question-specific feedback: Attached to individual form questions - Section comments: General observations about form sections - Overall comments: Summary feedback for the entire observation - Evaluation comments: Threaded discussions between observer and observable Attachments and Evidence Reports may include supporting materials: - Photos: Visual documentation of classroom environment - Videos: Recorded lesson segments or evidence - Documents: Supporting artifacts or materials - Audio recordings: Voice notes or lesson recordings Sharing Reports with Stakeholders Access Permissions Report visibility depends on user roles: - System Administrators: Can view all reports - Organization Administrators: See reports within their organizations - Observers: Access observations they conducted - Observables: View their own observation reports - Reporters: Have read-only access to assigned report data Distribution Methods Share observation data through: 1. Direct PDF exports: Generate and email individual reports 2. Dashboard sharing: Provide stakeholders with filtered dashboard views 3. CSV exports: Share raw data for further analysis 4. Performance review integration: Include formal observations in summative evaluations Privacy and Confidentiality When sharing reports: - Ensure appropriate permissions are in place - Respect confidential feedback and comments - Follow district policies for evaluation data sharing - Maintain secure handling of personnel information Report Filtering and Analysis Date Range Filtering Most reports allow you to: 1. Set specific start and end dates 2. Use preset ranges (current year, semester, etc.) 3. Compare data across different time periods Organization and User Filtering Focus reports on specific populations: - Filter by school or department - Select specific grade levels or content areas - Include or exclude certain user groups - View observed vs. unobserved populations Status and Completion Filtering Customize reports based on observation status: - Completed observations only: Show finalized evaluations - All observations: Include draft or incomplete evaluations - Formal vs. informal: Distinguish between evaluation types - Active users only: Exclude inactive staff from reports Understanding observation reports helps you make data-driven decisions about professional development, identify areas for improvement, and track progress over time. Regular review of these reports supports effective evaluation processes and staff growth.

Last updated on Apr 01, 2026

Managing Observations and Data

Managing Observations and Data Once you've completed observations, you need to organize and understand your data. The system provides tools to view observation records, understand scoring, add follow-up comments, and reopen observations when needed. Viewing Completed Observations You can access your observation data through several views depending on your role: All Observations (System Administrator, Organization Administrator) 1. Navigate to Observe → Observations 2. View complete list of observations in your scope 3. Use filters to narrow results by date, observer, or organization 4. Export data to CSV or PDF formats My Observations (Observable role) 1. Go to Observe → My Observations 2. View observations where you were the person being observed 3. See only closed (completed) observations 4. Review feedback and scores from your observers Peer Observations (Observer role) 1. Access Observe → Peer Observations 2. View observations you conducted as the observer 3. Track your observation activity 4. Export your observation data Understanding Scores and Ratings Observation Scoring System The system calculates scores based on your form configuration: Form Section Scores - Individual sections receive weighted scores - Questions within sections contribute to section totals - Required questions must be answered for scoring Overall Evaluation Scores - Form sections combine into overall evaluation score - Weighted values determine section importance - Rating scales define score ranges (e.g., 1-4, Needs Improvement to Exemplary) Viewing Score Details 1. Open any completed observation 2. Click View Rubric for detailed scoring 3. See section-by-section breakdown 4. Review individual question responses and ratings Score Calculations The system automatically: - Calculates section scores from question responses - Applies weighting to form sections - Generates overall evaluation rating - Updates scores when observations are modified Adding Post-Observation Comments You can add follow-up comments to observations even after completion: Adding Evaluation Comments 1. Open the completed observation 2. Look for the comments section 3. Click to add your comment 4. Comments create discussion threads for ongoing dialogue Question-Specific Feedback 1. Navigate to individual questions within the observation 2. Click Add Feedback for specific questions 3. Provide targeted comments on particular areas 4. View existing feedback from other participants Comment Permissions - Observers can add comments to observations they conducted - Observables can respond to observations where they were observed - Administrators can comment on any observation in their scope Reopening Observations When Needed Sometimes you need to modify completed observations: Reopening Process 1. Open the completed observation 2. Click Reopen (available to observers and administrators) 3. Observation status changes from closed to open 4. You can now edit responses, scores, and comments When to Reopen Consider reopening observations to: - Correct data entry errors - Add forgotten comments or feedback - Modify ratings based on new information - Include additional evidence or attachments After Reopening Once reopened, you can: - Edit any question responses - Modify ratings and scores - Add or remove comments - Upload additional attachments - Save changes and close again Organizing by Content Areas and Grade Levels Content Area Organization Use content areas to categorize observations: 1. Assign content areas during observation creation 2. Filter observation lists by subject area 3. Run reports grouped by content area 4. Track subject-specific observation patterns Grade Level Tracking Organize observations by grade level: 1. Set grade level for each observation 2. Filter views by grade level ranges 3. Generate grade-level specific reports 4. Monitor observation distribution across grades Filtering and Search Available Filters - Date ranges - Observer names - Observable (person being observed) - Organizations/schools - Content areas - Grade levels - Form sets used - Observation status (open/closed) Search Functions - Search by participant names - Find observations by keywords in comments - Locate specific form responses - Filter by evaluation scores or ratings Data Management Best Practices Regular Review Schedule - Review observation data monthly - Check for incomplete or missing observations - Ensure proper categorization by content area and grade level - Verify scoring accuracy Data Quality - Confirm all required fields are completed - Validate rating scale usage is consistent - Check that comments provide actionable feedback - Ensure observations align with evaluation periods Export and Backup - Export observation data regularly for backup - Use CSV exports for data analysis in external tools - Generate PDF reports for formal documentation - Maintain historical records for trend analysis The system preserves all observation data permanently, allowing you to track professional growth and improvement over time. Use the various organizational tools to maintain clear, actionable records that support meaningful professional development conversations.

Last updated on Apr 02, 2026