Danielson Framework for Teaching (2022)
The 2022 revision of the Danielson Framework for Teaching updates the classic four-domain structure with a stronger emphasis on equity, student agency, and culturally responsive practice. It retains the four-level rubric and 22-component architecture while modernizing the language and expectations for each domain. Observation Copilot is an Official Partner of the Danielson Group.
The Danielson FFT (2022) is organized into 4 domains, 22 criteria, and a 4-level rating scale.
Adopted by districts transitioning from the 2013 edition across the United States. Official Danielson Group Partner.
Domains and Criteria
The Danielson FFT (2022) domains and criteria
Domain 1: Planning and Preparation
- 1a: Applying Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy
- 1b: Knowing and Valuing Students
- 1c: Setting Instructional Outcomes
- 1d: Using Resources Effectively
- 1e: Planning Coherent Instruction
- 1f: Designing and Analyzing Assessments
Domain 2: Learning Environments
- 2a: Cultivating Respectful and Affirming Environments
- 2b: Fostering a Culture for Learning
- 2c: Maintaining Purposeful Environments
- 2d: Supporting Positive Student Behavior
- 2e: Organizing Spaces for Learning
Domain 3: Learning Experiences
- 3a: Communicating About Purpose and Content
- 3b: Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques
- 3c: Engaging Students in Learning
- 3d: Using Assessment for Learning
- 3e: Responding Flexibly to Student Needs
Domain 4: Principled Teaching
- 4a: Engaging in Reflective Practice
- 4b: Documenting Student Progress
- 4c: Engaging Families and Communities
- 4d: Contributing to School Community and Culture
- 4e: Growing and Developing Professionally
- 4f: Acting in Service of Students
Rating Levels
Danielson FFT (2022) rating levels
Giving feedback on the Danielson FFT (2022)
The slow part is the write-up
Aligning observation evidence to every Danielson FFT (2022) 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 (2022) feedback in seconds
Paste your observation notes. Copilot maps your evidence to the right Danielson FFT (2022) 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.
- Organizes observation notes by the updated 2022 FFT domains and components
- Generates evidence-based feedback reflecting the 2022 equity and agency language
- Suggests rating levels on the four-point rubric based on observed evidence
- Creates targeted next steps aligned to specific 2022 FFT components
- Native FFT alignment as an Official Danielson Group Partner
Frequently Asked Questions
Danielson FFT (2022) FAQ
- What are the four domains of the 2022 Danielson Framework for Teaching?
- The 2022 Framework for Teaching is organized into 4 domains: Domain 1: Planning and Preparation, Domain 2: Learning Environments, Domain 3: Learning Experiences, and Domain 4: Principled Teaching.
- How many components are in the 2022 Danielson Framework?
- The 2022 Framework for Teaching has 22 components distributed across its four domains, the same architecture as the 2013 edition.
- What are the rating levels in the 2022 Danielson Framework?
- 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.
- How is the 2022 Danielson Framework different from the 2013 edition?
- The 2022 edition keeps the 4 domains, 22 components, and 4-level rating scale of the 2013 edition. It renames Domains 2 through 4 (Learning Environments, Learning Experiences, and Principled Teaching) and updates the language to emphasize equity, student agency, and culturally responsive practice.
Used In
States Using Danielson FFT (2022)
Alaska
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Arizona
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Idaho
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Illinois
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Indiana
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Maine
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Maryland
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Michigan
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Minnesota
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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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North Dakota
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Oregon
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Rhode Island
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Utah
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Vermont
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Washington
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Wisconsin
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Wyoming
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Related Reading
Danielson FFT (2022) 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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