Early Literacy Observation Form

The 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 new Early Literacy Program Criteria. 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 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, refined based on feedback, and will be implemented in preparation programs beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. See below for more information about the implementation timeline.

Early Literacy Observation Form
(*revised September 2023 to include an adapted form for Moderate Disabilities Candidates in a 6–8 practicum placement)

The tool includes:

A protocol for conducting a CAP observation focused on evidence-based early literacy instruction
"Look Fors" for Grades PK–3 and Grades 4–6 specific to the key components of a core literacy block
An adapted CAP Observation Form for identifying evidence and providing high-quality feedback specific to evidence-based early literacy

Implementation Timeline

SY2022-2023: The Early Literacy Observation Form is available as a resource for Sponsoring Organizations to begin integrating into coursework and field-based experiences.
SY2023-2024: Sponsoring Organizations with relevant programs are required to implement the form with a subset of candidates during CAP.
SY2024-2025: Sponsoring Organizations are required to implement the form during CAP with all candidates in Early Childhood PK–2, Elementary 1–6, and Moderate Disabilities PK–8 programs.

Read the full memo regarding the Early Literacy Observation Form Timeline.

Quick Reference Guide: The Early Literacy Observation Form and CAP (2023-24 School Year) — Updated December 2023
This document addresses key information for Educator Preparation Program Supervisors on the Early Literacy Observation Form and its use within CAP and the CAP Online Platform during the 2023-24 school year.

2023 – 2024 Implementation Support

Informational Webinar about Partial Implementation of the Early Literacy Observation Form

In August 2023, DESE held an informational webinar to share more about the Early Literacy Observation Form, its integration into CAP, and the SY23-24 partial implementation of the form. Watch a video recording of this session or see the presentation to learn more!

Community of Practice for Program Supervisors

A community of practice for Educator Preparation Program Supervisors who will be using the new CAP Early Literacy Observation Form, including both synchronous and asynchronous opportunities for supervisors to build understanding of evidence-based early literacy practices and strengthen skills in observing and providing high-quality feedback in this content area. The Community of Practice will walk through the seven modules of the Mass Literacy course, developed by Keys to Literacy, with opportunities to build on the knowledge in the course and apply their learnings to their role as supervisor.

Goals:

Build Program Supervisors' understanding of evidence-based early literacy practices aligned to Mass Literacy and the Early Literacy Observation Tool
Strengthen Program Supervisors' skills in observing and providing high-quality feedback in early literacy
Provide opportunity for cross-organization collaboration

Note: Registration for this Community of Practice has closed.

Overview:

Activity	Overview	Format	Date
Session 1: Orientation/Module 1: Skills for Early Reading	Introduction and discussion of Module 1	Zoom	Mon. Oct 2^nd, 3–5pm
Module 2–4: Foundational Skills	Independently complete modules and post reflections/responses to a shared discussion board	Asynchronous	Due by Nov. 28^th
Session 2: Foundational Skills	Video-based calibration focused on Foundational Skills, practice using the observation tool and discussing evidence and feedback	Zoom	Tues. Dec 5^th, 3–5pm
Modules 5–6 Engaging with Complex Text	Independently complete modules and post reflections/responses to a shared discussion board	Asynchronous	Due by Jan 29^th
Session 3: Engaging with Complex Text	Video-based calibration focused on Engaging with Complex Text, practice using the observation tool and discussing evidence and feedback	Zoom	Mon. Feb 5^th, 3–5pm
Module 7: MTSS	Independently complete module and post reflections/responses to a shared discussion board	Asynchronous	Due by April 2^nd
Session 4: Putting it All Together	Reflection and discussion	Zoom	Tues. April 9^th, 3–5pm

Last Updated: December 18, 2023