Have you already completed the training and looking to refresh your memory before your next observation?
Check out the CSO Quick Guide to review key elements of the CSO instrument through a series of short videos and Q&As clipped from the original training session above!





In preparation for conducting each classroom observation, all primary and secondary observers are required to complete the corresponding CSO Calibration Modules.

NEW FOR 2024-2025 DATA COLLECTION!

Requirements for NEW primary observers:

  • Before completing the CSO Calibration Modules, new observers are responsible for attending a live training session and reviewing the observation tool and supporting resources.
  • Primary observers will complete a total of three calibration modules; one module should be completed approximately one week before the corresponding classroom observation (e.g., CSO Calibration Module 2 should be completed one week before your second classroom observation).
  • As a reminder, you will need to recruit a secondary observer to conduct one of three classroom observations required for each teacher. If a teacher is participating in observations for Grade 4 and Grade 5, the researcher should have a secondary observer conduct a classroom observation for each grade. Please see ‘Requirements for secondary observers’ for more information on secondary observer requirements.
Requirements for RETURNING primary observers:

  • Before completing the CSO Calibration Modules, returning observers are responsible for reviewing the observation tool and supporting resources.
  • Primary observers will complete a total of three calibration modules; one module should be completed approximately one week before the corresponding classroom observation (e.g., CSO Calibration Module 2 should be completed one week before your second classroom observation).
  • As a reminder, you will need to recruit a secondary observer to conduct one of three classroom observations required for each teacher. If a teacher is participating in observations for Grade 4 and Grade 5, the researcher should have a secondary observer conduct a classroom observation for each grade. Please see ‘Requirements for secondary observers’ for more information on secondary observer requirements.
Requirements for secondary observers:

Primary observers are are asked to work with a secondary observer to conduct one of three classroom observations required for each teacher. If a teacher is participating in observations for Grade 4 and Grade 5, the researcher should have a secondary observer conduct a classroom observation for each grade.

Prior to conducting the observation, secondary observers are responsible for completing the following items:

  • Watch the prerecorded training session
  • Review the observation tool and supporting resources
  • Complete the corresponding calibration module*

* Secondary observers should communicate with the primary observer on which CSO Calibration Module to complete. For example, if you will be working with the primary observer to conduct their second observation, then you should complete CSO Calibration Module 2.

The one calibration module required of the secondary observer should be completed approximately one week before the corresponding classroom observation (e.g., CSO Calibration Module 2 should be completed one week before the second classroom observation).



The CSO Calibration Module should be completed approximately one week before the corresponding classroom observation. The following instructions are intended to support primary and secondary observers in completing calibration modules:

1. Download and print a copy of the CSO instrument (above)
2. Select the CSO Calibration Module that corresponds with your upcoming observation
3. Complete both exercises while documenting your scores on the CSO instrument
4. Locate your Observer ID on your Study ID Dashboard
5. Transfer and submit your scores using the link below

Please submit your calibration module codes here: https://virginia.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0vbIR0ZCJoShUuG

CSO Calibration Module 1

HINT: Before completing this calibration module, check out the Quick Guide to refresh yourself on using the CSO to score classroom observations!

  1. Exercise 1: Module Transcript A (.pdf)
  2. Exercise 2: Module Video B

Target Student = “Teason” (wearing a green shirt with dark curly hair)

Note: Please assume that the Target Student is part of a “whole class” response when coding OTRs.

CSO Calibration Module 2

HINT: Before completing this calibration module, check out the Quick Guide to refresh yourself on using the CSO to score classroom observations!

  1. Exercise 1: Module Transcript C (.pdf)
  2. Exercise 2: Module Video D

Target Student = “Jay” (wearing a white sweatshirt with an orange collared shirt)

Note: Please assume that the Target Student is part of a “whole class” response when coding OTRs.

CSO Calibration Module 3

HINT: Before completing this calibration module, check out the Quick Guide to refresh yourself on using the CSO to score classroom observations!

  1. Exercise 1: Module Transcript E (.pdf)
  2. Exercise 2: Module Video F

Target Student = “Ramone” (wearing a red polo shirt with dark braided hair)

Note: Please assume that the Target Student is part of a “whole class” response when coding OTRs.