Danielson Framework for Teaching (2013)
Developed by Charlotte Danielson, the Framework for Teaching is one of the most widely used teacher observation frameworks in the United States. It defines effective teaching through four domains and 22 components, each rated on a four-level rubric. The Danielson Group released an updated 2022 edition and many districts are actively transitioning - the 2013 edition remains in formal use across a large number of districts. Observation Copilot is an Official Partner of the Danielson Group.
The Danielson FFT (2013) is organized into 4 domains, 22 criteria, and a 4-level rating scale.
Used in districts across the United States, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and many others.
Domains and Criteria
The Danielson FFT (2013) domains and criteria
Domain 1: Planning and Preparation
- 1a: Demonstrating Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy
- 1b: Demonstrating Knowledge of Students
- 1c: Setting Instructional Outcomes
- 1d: Demonstrating Knowledge of Resources
- 1e: Designing Coherent Instruction
- 1f: Designing Student Assessments
Domain 2: The Classroom Environment
- 2a: Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport
- 2b: Establishing a Culture for Learning
- 2c: Managing Classroom Procedures
- 2d: Managing Student Behavior
- 2e: Organizing Physical Space
Domain 3: Instruction
- 3a: Communicating with Students
- 3b: Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques
- 3c: Engaging Students in Learning
- 3d: Using Assessment in Instruction
- 3e: Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness
Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities
- 4a: Reflecting on Teaching
- 4b: Maintaining Accurate Records
- 4c: Communicating with Families
- 4d: Participating in the Professional Community
- 4e: Growing and Developing Professionally
- 4f: Showing Professionalism
Rating Levels
Danielson FFT (2013) rating levels
Giving feedback on the Danielson FFT (2013)
The slow part is the write-up
Aligning observation evidence to every Danielson FFT (2013) domain and standard by hand, for every teacher and every visit, is what eats a principal's week. Observation Copilot does that mapping for you.
How Observation Copilot Helps
AI-powered Danielson FFT (2013) feedback in seconds
Paste your observation notes. Copilot maps your evidence to the right Danielson FFT (2013) domains and drafts structured, rubric-aligned feedback - ready to review and share. Walkthrough notes return a focused single-indicator debrief; full lesson observations return a multi-domain rubric-aligned report.
- Automatically organizes your observation notes by FFT domains and components
- Generates evidence-based summaries for each domain
- Suggests rating levels based on observed evidence
- Creates targeted next steps aligned to specific FFT components
- Native FFT alignment as an Official Danielson Group Partner
Frequently Asked Questions
Danielson FFT (2013) FAQ
- What are the four domains of the Danielson Framework for Teaching?
- The Framework for Teaching is organized into 4 domains: Domain 1: Planning and Preparation, Domain 2: The Classroom Environment, Domain 3: Instruction, and Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities.
- How many components does the Danielson Framework have?
- The Framework for Teaching has 22 components distributed across its four domains.
- What are the Danielson Framework rating levels?
- Practice is rated on a 4-level scale: Unsatisfactory, Basic, Proficient, and Distinguished.
- What does FFT stand for?
- FFT stands for the Framework for Teaching, the teacher observation framework developed by Charlotte Danielson.
- What is the difference between the 2013 and 2022 Danielson Framework?
- Both editions keep the same architecture of 4 domains, 22 components, and a 4-level rating scale. The 2022 edition renames Domains 2 through 4 (Learning Environments, Learning Experiences, and Principled Teaching) and updates the language around equity, student agency, and culturally responsive practice.
Used In
States Using Danielson FFT (2013)
Alaska
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Arizona
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Arkansas
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California
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Colorado
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Florida
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Hawaii
Join principals across Hawaii's statewide district who are saving hours every week with AI-powered Danielson-aligned feedback.
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Idaho
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Illinois
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Indiana
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Kansas
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Maine
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Maryland
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Michigan
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Minnesota
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Missouri
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Montana
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Nebraska
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New Hampshire
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New Jersey
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New York
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North Dakota
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Oregon
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Rhode Island
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South Dakota
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Utah
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Vermont
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Washington
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Wyoming
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Related Reading
Danielson FFT (2013) Resources for Principals
Danielson FFT 2013 vs 2022 - What Principals Need to Know
A side-by-side guide to the Danielson FFT 2013 and 2022 editions - domain renames, component updates, and how to shift your feedback.
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50 Teacher Observation Feedback Examples (Organized by Framework Domain)
50 specific teacher observation feedback examples organized by framework domain, each tied to evidence and a next step principals can use.
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FFT, T-TESS, Marzano, or Your Own: How Observation Copilot Aligns to Any Framework
Whether you use Danielson FFT, T-TESS, Marzano, or a custom rubric, Observation Copilot aligns feedback to your framework.
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Walkthroughs vs. Formal Observations: When Each One Helps and When It Hurts
Walkthroughs and formal observations serve different purposes. Here's how principals balance both in a coaching cycle that actually grows teachers.
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Writing Better Observation Notes: Tips for Getting the Most Out of AI-Powered Feedback
AI-generated feedback is only as good as your observation notes. Practical tips for writing notes that produce better, more specific results.
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The Post-Observation Conversation: How to Make the 15 Minutes After Feedback Count
Delivering feedback is only half the job. Here's how to structure the post-observation conversation so teachers grow from it.
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