The first dimension of the 5D+ framework focuses on defining purpose. The second dimension works to delve into student engagement. The third dimension includes pedagogy and curriculum. The fourth dimension includes student learning assessment (with a focus on self-assessment), while the fifth dimension focuses on classroom culture and environment.

Each dimension of learning includes several sub-dimensions to help administrators and educators clearly understand the focal points necessary for classroom growth.

There are many ways that the 5D+ evaluation can be used in practice. After receiving an observation using the 5D+ framework, teachers have concise, clear-cut ways to move students forward in their classrooms.
For example, if an educator finds that they’re lacking in the classroom culture and environment dimension, they can talk with their evaluator about which sub-dimension needs the most focus to benefit their students. Sub-dimensions in this area include classroom culture, classroom routines and rituals, and use of the physical environment. If an evaluator notes that classroom routines could use improvement, the evaluator and the educator can work together to develop new routines to benefit the smooth day-to-day running of the classroom.

Many states have adopted the 5D+ model of teacher evaluation, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Alaska, Washington, Utah, Illinois, Colorado, New York, and more.

The 5D+ framework focuses on several points of best practice, allowing educators to get a full picture of what’s happening in a teacher’s classroom. As more and more schools adopt the 5D+ framework, a common language is being created, allowing teachers and administrators to work across curriculums and grade levels to help one another and grow teacher performance.

The key concepts of the 5D+ framework include promoting mastery-oriented learning, helping both teachers and students understand that a new skill or concept has been mastered before moving on, helping students develop their own long-term interests to help kids stay engaged, valuing the identity and experience of each student to benefit the entire class, and providing feedback for students at multiple points throughout the learning process.

All aspects of the 5D+ framework are important. In recent years, special focus has been put on dimension five, which regards developing a positive classroom culture and environment in which all students feel comfortable to thrive and learn.

• Dimension One of the 5D+ framework works to zero in on the purpose of the lesson. Success in this dimension is marked by a clear learning goal that’s accurately communicated to students.
• Dimension Two is student engagement and works to help educators ensure that they’re delivering their message in a way that draws in student interest and participation. This dimension also encourages healthy communication between students within the classroom setting.
• Dimension Three covers pedagogy and curriculum, and helps to ensure that teachers are delivering accurate information to students in a way that exemplifies current best practices. This dimension also stresses the importance of scaffolding information in an appropriate way to prevent student overwhelm.
• Dimension Four requires accurate assessment of student learning, allowing educators and administrators to understand whether students were able to meet the objective for the day. This dimension focuses heavily on self-assessment, helping students to garner the self-awareness required to know whether they’re moving forward in meeting their goals.
• Dimension Five deals with classroom culture and environment. This dimension covers the physical arrangement of the classroom, the logistical aspects (such as the routines performed daily in the classroom), as well as the culture of the classroom environment.

The 5D+ evaluation framework is used to inform educators and administrators of what professional development steps need to be taken to move the educator’s practice forward. Using building data from the 5D+ rubric, administrators can work to develop the professional development opportunities that will best serve their teachers.

Within the 5D+ framework, there are four performance rating options:

• Ineffective
• Partially effective
• Effective
• Highly effective

These ratings allow educators and administrators to speak in a common language, understanding where an educator is performing well and where there are opportunities for growth. Scores measure how well a teacher is adhering to best practices.

The 5D+ framework is regularly reevaluated to reflect the latest developments in education. Several changes were made in the most recent version of the 5D+ rubric (version 4.0), including a new definition of student learning needs (including their academic background, culture, language, and life experiences), as well as the addition of the learning target to the teaching point sub-dimension.

In many schools, rolling out the 5D+ framework takes time. using effective teacher evaluation software can help create a less-bumpy transition from a prior method of evaluation. Starting with practice evaluations to help teachers understand how the framework will work can be an excellent way to help staff members get used to changes.

Many schools also offer professional development to help their teachers learn more about the 5D+ rubric before the evaluation process begins. Mandatory and more in-depth optional sessions can allow teachers to become comfortable with a new evaluation tool, and help them to understand the guiding questions that administrators will ask as they work to evaluate their classroom.