This ACLS-SABES joint professional learning series is aligned to Indicator of Program Quality 9, Standard 1, and focuses on the ACLS-SABES Classroom Visit Toolkit.

This series will unpack the three main stages of the classroom observation process (prepare, visit, follow-up), as outlined in the ACLS-SABES Classroom Visit Toolkit. Through a variety of both interactive and self-reflective activities, this professional learning series will help you prepare for classroom observations, communicate clearly with teachers, learn how to take low-inference notes, and use evidence to guide the observation feedback process. 

By the end of this series, you will strengthen your instructional leadership skills, be equipped to implement a collaborative and growth-based process for classroom observation, and be able to:

• Use the components in the ACLS-SABES Class Visit Toolkit to create an effective classroom observation process at your program
• Rigorously prepare for and conduct evidence-based classroom observation
• Write classroom observation summaries with clear, objective, actionable, and realistic feedback

Format & Requirements: This is an online blended series consisting of self-paced components and live sessions (online and in-person). Additionally, there will be a period for working with an assigned Beyond the Checklist (BTC) coach. 

Access & Support: The online components of this professional learning series are run via Canvas. You cannot access these online components from the SABES website. You will receive instructions for accessing the synchronous sessions via Zoom from Sovanna Carnell Guyon of the SABES Program Support Team. If you need technical assistance to access the course, please contact Sovanna Carnell Guyon at sovanna_carnellguyon@worlded.org.

You will be expected to complete all components of this course from October 1, 2025 to May 14, 2026. The total estimated time to complete the series (including the coaching period) is 30 hours. 

Participating program teams should expect to engage in multiple ways: 

• Completing three self-paced modules (approx. 7 hours)
• Attending one online live kick-off session (2 hours)
• Attending two in-person sessions (6 hours each at EDC in Waltham, MA; see below for the address)
• Attending one online live wrap-up session (2 hours)
• Completing assignments in between modules (approx. 2 hours)
• Working with an assigned BTC coach from the end of January to the end of April, 2026 (approx. 5 hours)

Professional Development Points (PDPs): Professional Development Points (PDPs) can be requested upon completion of all course components, including the final assignment.

Course Timeline:

Module 1:

• Online self-paced module in Canvas (10/1/25–10/15/25)
• Online live session on Zoom (10/16/25, 1–3 p.m.)

Module 2: 

• Online self-paced module in Canvas (10/16/25–11/20/25)
• In-person live Session 1 at EDC Waltham (11/21/25, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)

Module 3:

• Online self-paced module in Canvas (11/21/25–1/22/26)
• In-person live Session 2 at EDC in Waltham (1/23/26, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)

Coaching:

• Coaching with assigned BTC coach (1/31/26-4/30/26)

Wrap-Up Session:

• Online live session on Zoom (5/14/26, 1–3 p.m.)

Please see this timeline graphic for more information.