School Performance & Quality
Qualitative Site Reviews (QSR)
The purpose of the Qualitative Site Review (QSR) is to provide DC Public Charter School Board (DC PCSB), public charter school leaders, and other community members with qualitative evidence to complement the quantitative evidence gathered in the accountability framework and charter goal attainment to determine charter continuance at reviews. (The School Reform Act requires DC PCSB to conduct a charter review of each school at least every five years.)
What We Oversee
Instructional Quality
Reviewers observe classrooms to assess the rigor of instruction, student engagement, and the quality of teacher feedback and support.
School Leadership
Evaluates the vision and effectiveness of school leadership, including how leaders support teachers and drive continuous improvement.
Organizational Health
Examines school culture, family engagement, student support systems, and the overall effectiveness of school operations.
The QSR is one of DC PCSB’s academic oversight and monitoring programs.
The QSR provides a qualitative snapshot of an LEA’s instructional quality, that includes:
- Observations of 75.0% of core content classrooms using the Framework for Teaching
- Special education (SPED) and emerging multilingual learning (EML) program implementation
- Review of relevant, grade-level tasks in English language arts (ELA) and math using the TNTP Assignment Review Protocol
The life cycle of the QSR
starts with QSR protocol training for LEA leaders and ends with findings to inform LEA leaders’ actions and steps to enhance the quality of their instructional program.
Protocols and Frameworks
SY 2025 – 26 QSR Protocol
In SY 2025 – 26, DC PCSB will continue to pilot the 2022 FFT and pilot components, 2e, “Organizing Physical Space” and 3e, “Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness.” Learn more about the SY 2025 – 26 QSR Protocol by clicking the “LEARN MORE” button.
2013 Framework for Teaching
The QSR team will continue using the 2013 Framework for Teaching (FFT) for SY 2024 – 25. Learn more about the 2013 FFT rubric by clicking the “LEARN MORE” button.
2022 Framework for Teaching
The QSR team will continue to pilot the 2022 Framework for Teaching (FFT) in SY 2024 – 25 to determine whether to fully implement the updated framework.
TNTP Assignment Review
The QSR team reviews five assignment samples in ELA and math for students’ opportunity to access grade-appropriate work. Learn more about The New Teacher Project (TNTP) Assignment Review Protocols by clicking the “LEARN MORE” button.
QSR Archive Protocol
Learn more about past Qualitative Site Review Protocols.
QSR Closed Schools
Learn more about past Qualitative Site Reviews for closed schools