
The Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP) was developed as an observation instrument to provide a standardized means for detecting the degree to which K-20 classroom instruction in mathematics or science is reformed. RTOP was based upon the previous thirty years of research on curriculum and instruction for science and mathematics education as well as a previous observation protocol.
Since RTOP is now over ten years old, I will look at current research in science education and classroom observation protocols as it relates to the current usage of RTOP. Also, I will discuss the use of RTOP as a measure of quality instruction.