If you're a CLASS observer, you've probably found yourself in a situation where you have to make inferences or rely on contextual evidence when assigning scores. However, it should always be your goal to minimize subjectivity and assumptions. You have to prevent your emotions, opinions, and ideas that are not a part of the CLASS tool from influencing scoring. Achieving an emotionless state of objectivity while observing can be incredibly challenging. It takes practice to recognize when objectivity is threatened and respond accordingly.

CLASS observers have a limited arsenal when it comes to conducting observations and assigning scores: CLASS score sheets for noting and sorting evidence, and the CLASS manual for guidance when choosing scores. These two items (along with a trusty writing utensil and an up-to-date CLASS certification) are the only pieces of equipment that are truly necessary for success. Tucked neatly in the back of the manual, however, lies an additional resource that is the most controversial of them all: the CLASS Dimensions Overview--you might know it as "the laminated tri-fold."

As trainer, you know that the CLASS Observation Training is an interactive, content-packed experience, and even the most enthusiastic participants may find it difficult to think clearly as they gather their notebooks to head home at the end of day two. Of course we understand how busy everyone is leading up to a training, so none of the below is technically required of trainees before they attend your training. However, a few minutes of preparation can give you a framework for the CLASS knowledge they are about to gain, enriching the experience for each participant and the group as a whole! 

Many participants in CLASS observation trainings show up with substantial classroom observation experience. Most other observation tools lend themselves to chronologically scripting, or writing down observations of events or interactions in the order in which they occur. This is the way most people are used to taking notes in other situations as well, such as during a college lecture or business meeting. An important skill for a CLASS observation, however, is the ability to sort evidence into the appropriate dimension as it occurs. When a teacher and student smile together, the interaction is noted in Positive Climate; when a teacher asks a great follow up question, it’s noted in Quality of Feedback, and so on.

Training participants—especially those new to CLASS—can seem overwhelming at first. Luckily, are plenty of strategies to help clarify difficult concepts portrayed in the exemplar videos that work to ensure that your trainees walk away confidently prepared to pass their reliability test!

A CLASS Observation Training is an interactive, content-packed experience, and even the most enthusiastic participants may find it difficult to think clearly as they gather their notebooks to head home at the end of day two. Of course we understand how busy everyone is leading up to a training, so none of the below is technically required of your future trainees to attend a training. However, a few minutes of preparation can give them a framework for the CLASS knowledge they're about to gain and that can truly enrich the experience for them and everyone their new CLASS knowledge will impact! To give colleagues in your organization a head start on understanding CLASS, consider sharing the following tips with them:

For your busy Observation trainees, maintaining CLASS certification may not be at the top of their to-do lists after they've attended observation training and passed their first reliability test. They're likely looking forward to the important work they'll be doing throughout the year, using their skills as a CLASS observer to make an impact on the quality of education in their area.

This is understandable, given that they won’t be required to recertify for an entire year, and they have a lot to do before that year is up! However, as we all know, a year goes by quicker than you think, and before you know it you’ll be receiving an e-mail reminder from Teachstone: it’s time for your annual CLASS recertification!

Maintaining your CLASS certification may not be at the top of your to-do list after you’ve attended observation training and passed your first reliability test. You’re likely looking forward to the important work you’ll be doing throughout the year, using your skills as a CLASS observer to make an impact on the quality of education in your area.

This is understandable, given that you won’t be required to recertify for an entire year, and you have a lot to do before that year is up! However, as we all know, a year goes by quicker than you think, and before you know it you’ll be receiving an e-mail reminder from Teachstone: it’s time for your annual CLASS recertification!

A CLASS Observation Training is an interactive, content-packed experience, and even the most enthusiastic participants may find it difficult to think clearly as they gather their notebooks to head home at the end of day two. Of course we understand how busy everyone is leading up to a training, so none of the below is technically required of you to attend the training. However, a few minutes of preparation can give you a framework for the CLASS knowledge you’re about to gain, enriching the experience for you and everyone around you!