Training and Reliability

Any observation has an inherent subjectivity that can threaten the reliability of findings and make it difficult to compare feedback received from different sources or different times. The FARPET’s detailed rubric supports reliability between observers and observations by providing a rubric describing observable features of teaching without asking the observer to guess or assume what cannot be seen or heard. Further, each item of the rubric is backed by lengthier discussion of the different levels of each item, along with examples and explanation of reasoning. This key is part of your packet and is used most when thinking through a split decision and in training.

Training Up

FARPET training is encouraged, though not required, before using the instrument. We have prepared three videos for practice use, each with provided official FARPET scores and explanation for each. Observers and observees are strongly encouraged to engage with this training, which can be found in the packet. Doing this training improves your ability to “agree” with other raters of the same lesson, and provide better feedback.

For even better results, you might build a cohort of peers to do the training together, and come to a shared understanding of the items and how they relate to your teaching goals.