Tools & Systems
We co-design instructional frameworks, observation systems, and practical tools
that strengthen learning and teaching.
building the infrastructure for
instructional improvement
Strong instructional vision requires strong instructional systems.
We partner with district and school leaders to design and iterate the tools that make improvement work visible and actionable. This includes instructional frameworks, observation protocols, data systems, playbooks, and implementation guides—built collaboratively and refined over time.
Our work ensures that frameworks are not aspirational documents, but living tools used by teachers, coaches, and leaders to transform classroom practice.
We customize the tools and systems you need most, as well as how we approach building them with you. This includes:
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Culturally responsive instructional frameworks
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Observation tools, protocols, and calibration guides
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Instructional rounds and coaching systems
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Data collection, analysis, and visualization tools
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Playbooks and implementation guides
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School and program design
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Landscape analyses
project spotlight:
pittsburg unified school district
Over a three-year partnership with Pittsburg Unified School District, s3dx worked alongside leaders—from the superintendent to teacher leaders—to co-design and iterate a culturally responsive instructional framework.
The partnership included developing an instructional rounds system with clear protocols, calibration guides, and tools for collecting and analyzing classroom evidence. Together, we built data systems and visualization tools that leaders now use to understand patterns of practice and drive meaningful instructional improvement across the district.
The result is a coherent instructional infrastructure that is actively shaping the learning experience of students.
“Carolyn has been an amazing collaborator, working with our district to create a framework to transform the instruction our students receive.
In less than 2 years, we have constructed and implemented a tool that has guided our conversations and highlighted our assets and areas for improvement.
Carolyn has been instrumental in shaping the instructional future of our district, which will support our goal of educational achievement for ALL students.”
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Dr. J.C. Farr, Ed.D
Executive Director of Equity, Access, and Success
Pittsburg Unified School District