This free International Schools Lesson Observation Framework outlines clear criteria for evaluating teaching across six areas: Quality of Education, International Mindedness, Teacher and Student Communication, Adaptive Teaching, and Assessment for Learning. Each area is described along a four-stage continuum (Beginning, Developing, Proficient, and Exemplary), capturing progression from weak or inconsistent practice to highly effective, inclusive, and globally aware teaching. The descriptors emphasise clarity of learning objectives, culturally rich curriculum content, academic language use, responsive differentiation for SEND/EAL and high-ability students, and robust formative assessment that informs planning.
The structure and language of the rubric reflect widely recognised educational standards and international school expectations. It is aligned with COBIS and CIS accreditation standards, and UK frameworks such as the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF).
Schools can use this framework as a standalone paper-based tool, or integrate it into our Flourish Quality Assurance software to record, analyse, and track trends across classes and departments using heat maps and other advanced reporting features.