SCHOOLS: WJCC Schools Choose Classroom Observation Platform
New technology will provide data-driven tool for teacher feedback
Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools (WJCCPS) recently awarded a contract to eObservations for the development and implementation of a new online observation and data collection tool. The platform aims to support instructional leaders and administrators in providing targeted feedback to educators through streamlined, research-based classroom observation practices.
Issued in April under Request for Proposal No. 20250952, the initiative is part of a district-wide effort to enhance teaching effectiveness and track longitudinal data on classroom performance. The tool will incorporate WJCC-specific observation forms and protocols from the School University Research Network (SURN) and will enable data collection and reporting at the teacher, school, and division levels.
Key features of the system include customizable observation forms, video observation capabilities, secure cloud-based data storage, and robust reporting options with data disaggregation by school, subject, grade, and more. The tool also ensures compliance with student data privacy laws such as FERPA and COPPA and will be FIPS 140-2 compliant, as mandated by James City County.
Vendors were evaluated on a 100-point scale across criteria such as software functionality, work plan, and training. Proposals were accepted exclusively through the Demand Star platform and were due by May 6. Following evaluation, the award notice was issued on June 5, 2025, to eObservations, a platform developed by educators to make observation data more actionable.
The contract includes built-in flexibility, allowing for future upgrades and expansion to preschool observation kits, as clarified in an official addendum to the RFP. eObservations will provide live virtual training, ongoing support via a toll-free hotline and email, and how-to videos for staff.
Serving a diverse and growing population across 141 square miles, WJCCPS is the largest employer in James City County, operating 15 schools. This strategic investment in educator observation technology aligns with the division’s goals to improve instructional practices and learning outcomes across all grade levels.
A Williamsburg Independent contributor produced this post with AI and these sources:
WJCC Online Observation and Data Collection Tool
Notice of Award - Online Observation Data and Collection Tool
RPF Online Observation and Data Collection Tool
Addendum Online Observation and Data Collection Tool
eObservations - Features