AI-Powered Observations for Michigan Principals
Michigan evaluates teachers using Danielson FFT (2013), Danielson FFT (2022), and Marzano.
Generate Danielson- or Marzano-aligned feedback from your observation notes in seconds - built for Michigan principals meeting the updated evaluation requirements.
Education in Michigan
Education Landscape
Michigan serves approximately 1.3 million students across 539 school districts and 56 intermediate school districts (ISDs), with over 73,000 teachers statewide. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) oversees educator evaluation policy, while districts retain flexibility to choose from state-approved observation frameworks or develop their own tools. In 2023, Governor Whitmer signed Public Act 224, significantly reforming the evaluation system - shifting from four rating categories to three and updating student growth requirements.
Observation Requirements
Under MCL 380.1249, Michigan requires at least 2 classroom observations per year for each teacher being evaluated. One observation may be unscheduled. Each observation must be at least 15 minutes. The school administrator responsible for the teacher's evaluation must conduct at least one observation; additional observations may be conducted by trained observers. Written feedback must be provided within 30 calendar days of each observation.
State policy facts verified 2026-06-01 against the official source. View the official policy
Framework Spotlight
Supported Frameworks in Michigan
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 ...
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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 t...
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Marzano Focused Teacher Evaluation Model (2017)
Robert Marzano's Focused Teacher Evaluation Model concentrates on the instructional elements that research shows have the greatest impact on student achievement. The focused model simplifies evaluatio...
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Michigan allows districts to select from state-approved teacher evaluation tools - including the Danielson Framework for Teaching, the Marzano Focused Teacher Evaluation Model, the Thoughtful Classroom, and the 5 Dimensions of Teaching and Learning - or adopt a locally developed tool. Observation Copilot supports Danielson FFT and Marzano out of the box, so your feedback aligns with whichever framework your district has chosen.
Why Observation Copilot
Built for Michigan School Leaders
Aligned to Michigan-Approved Frameworks
Observation Copilot organizes your notes by the domains and components of your district's chosen evaluation tool - Danielson FFT, Marzano, or a locally adapted model - so feedback matches the rubric your district requires.
Feedback Within the 30-Day Window
Michigan law requires written observation feedback within 30 calendar days. Copilot helps you deliver detailed, evidence-based feedback the same day - turning a compliance deadline into a coaching opportunity.
Built for Michigan's Three-Tier Ratings
With the shift to Effective, Developing, and Needing Support ratings under Public Act 224, Copilot generates evidence-based summaries that map clearly to the updated performance categories.
How Observation Copilot Helps
AI-powered observations for Michigan
Paste your observation notes. Copilot maps your evidence to Michigan's framework and drafts structured, rubric-aligned feedback - ready to review and share.
- Supports Danielson FFT, Marzano, and locally adapted Michigan evaluation tools
- Organizes observation notes by your framework's domains with evidence from your scripting
- Generates written feedback ready to share within the 30-day compliance window
- Creates individualized development plan recommendations for teachers rated Developing or Needing Support
- Reduces post-observation write-up time from 45 minutes to under 10 - critical when completing two observations per teacher per year
What Educators Say
Trusted Nationwide
School leaders in Michigan and across the country use Observation Copilot to turn raw observation notes into Danielson FFT (2013), Danielson FFT (2022), and Marzano-aligned feedback in minutes - saving hours every week and giving teachers faster, more specific next steps.
It was nice as we started to use it and teachers were comfortable with the platform. It definitely sped up our process. Teachers could get very quick feedback and informative feedback that was super helpful for them.
Brian Falhamer - Fairlawn, OH
Principal, Fort Island Primary School
Frequently Asked Questions
Michigan observation FAQ
- What teacher evaluation frameworks does Michigan use?
- Michigan districts select from state-approved tools - the Danielson Framework for Teaching, the Marzano Focused Teacher Evaluation Model, the Thoughtful Classroom, and the 5 Dimensions of Teaching and Learning - or a locally developed tool. Observation Copilot supports Danielson and Marzano.
- How many observations does Michigan require?
- Under MCL 380.1249, Michigan requires at least two classroom observations per year, one of which may be unscheduled, each at least 15 minutes. The administrator responsible for the evaluation must conduct at least one.
- When must Michigan teachers receive observation feedback?
- Written feedback must be provided within 30 calendar days of each observation.
- How are teachers evaluated in Michigan?
- Teachers are evaluated against their district's state-approved framework using multiple classroom observations alongside other measures.
- Can Observation Copilot generate Danielson- or Marzano-aligned feedback for Michigan?
- Yes. Pick your district's framework and Copilot maps your notes to its domains, drafting aligned feedback in minutes.
Related Reading
Resources for Michigan 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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Planning the 2026-2027 Teacher Observation Cycle: A Summer Checklist
A principal's summer checklist for the 2026-2027 teacher observation cycle - calendars, calibration, policy updates, and the tools that hold up.
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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.
Read more
End-of-Year Teacher Evaluations: A Principal's Summative Review Guide
How principals can write fair, evidence-based end-of-year teacher evaluations - without the last-minute scramble or recency bias.
Read more
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