We trained ourselves as observers to reliably document instruction in the lessons we observed based on our
modification of Newmann «s assessment of authentic instruction.313 We recorded what we saw and heard on an observation form that included two main sections: 1) basic information
about the context, details of the lesson, how class time was used, how students were organized for instruction and learning, the kinds of technology used during the lesson, and a description of any positive or negative features in the classroom; and 2) assessments of instruction using four of Newmann's five standards of authentic instruction: higher order thinking, deep
knowledge, substantive conversation, and connection to the world beyond the classroom.
In short, parents needed to develop a sophistication and
knowledge about education if there were to talk credibly with educators and especially if they were to request unusual
modifications to the curriculum.