Educator Effectiveness

CAP Early Literacy Observation Form

The CAP Early Literacy Observation Form supports educator preparation supervisors to observe and provide high-quality feedback to teacher candidates on their practice in evidence-based early literacy as outlined in the Mass Literacy Guide and in alignment with the Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria and 2024 CAP Guidelines. By providing specific "Look Fors" to guide observations and feedback, this tool is a key component of Massachusetts' mission to ensure that all teacher candidates in Elementary, Early Childhood, and Moderate Disabilities programs are well-prepared in early literacy instruction.

The tool includes:

  • A protocol for conducting a CAP observation focused on evidence-based early literacy instruction
  • "Look Fors" for Grades PK–3, Grades 4–6, and Grades 6–8 (For Moderate Disabilities candidates only) specific to the key components of a core literacy block
    • Note: All "Look Fors" are aligned to the CAP essential elements (I-A-1 Subject Matter Knowledge, II-A-1 High Expectations and Support, and II-B-2 Safe Learning Environment)
  • An adapted CAP Observation Form for identifying evidence and providing high-quality feedback specific to evidence-based early literacy

The tool was developed in partnership with faculty in the 2020-21 Early Literacy in Educator Preparation Network. In this network, faculty generated ideas for and provided feedback on the Look Fors and implementation of the tool. The tool was piloted during the 2021-22 school year and was updated based on feedback. During the 2023-2024 school year, sponsoring organizations implemented the form with a subset of candidates during CAP and the form was further refined based on user experiences with implementation

Beginning in the 2024 – 2025 school year, all sponsoring organizations are required to use the form during CAP with all candidates in Early Childhood PK–2, Elementary 1–6, Moderate Disabilities PK–2, and Moderate Disabilities PK–8 programs. For more information about implementation of the form, please see the 2024 CAP Guidelines.

Aligned Observation Tools

District leaders are encouraged to use an aligned Early Literacy Observation form for in-service teachers. The tool, part of a suite of resources available on DESE's Instructional Planning and Observation Tools webpage, is intended to promote effective teaching practices and guide the decision-making of instructional leaders to lead to improved early literacy experiences and outcomes for all students. It can support a range of learning- and growth-oriented instructional purposes, including:

  • Building a common understanding, language, and vision for effective early literacy instruction.
  • Fostering educator reflection toward a shared vision of best practices in early literacy.
  • Planning and supporting coaching conversations, including setting goals, providing feedback, and identifying effective practices.
  • Setting team structures and goals at the district, school, content, or grade level.

Like the CAP Early Literacy Observation form for teacher candidates, the in-service teacher observation form is aligned to the principles of the Mass Literacy Guide and the Standards for Effective Practice. For districts and schools who partner with an educator preparation program to support the preparation of Elementary, Early Childhood, and Moderate Disabilities teacher candidates, this aligned observation tool may be useful in identifying in-service teachers who are well-positioned to step into the role of Supervising Practitioner and guide pre-service teachers as they develop the necessary knowledge and skills for effective, culturally and linguistically sustaining early literacy instruction.

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

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