In 2009, I became certified as an affiliate Pre-K CLASS trainer! I remember preparing for my first CLASS observation training. I was a little overwhelmed at the length of time and the amount of material I had to cover over two days. I had conducted hundreds of trainings before, but they were different topics over a shorter period of time.
As I started sorting through my Train-the-Trainer binder, there were so many different booklets and I needed to know what each of them were for. I printed out the entire PowerPoint slide with the notes and started reviewing each note page and highlighting key items I did not want to forget.
I remember studying for hours. I even plugged my laptop into my television to click through and rehearse each slide.
Then it was time to conduct my first CLASS training!
I felt pretty confident that I knew CLASS. But that confidence started to wane as I began getting questions. Participants brought up crazy remarks that were not even relevant to the interactions in the videos. We managed to get through the training and I remember thinking, I need to study more! (Luckily all my participants went on to pass reliability testing.)
Since then, I've conducted many more CLASS trainings and have learned a few things along the way. One key lesson? Preparation is key!
I'd recommend the following tips as you prepare for your next training:
- Reread the CLASS manual and spend some time in Chapter 2.
- Mark up your Master Code Justification booklet. Read through each dimension, then read each indicator range in the manual that correlates to the justification. I even have page numbers and quotes from the manual noted throughout my justification booklet. The more cross-referencing you can do between your justifications booklet and your manual, the better prepared you are to defend those codes!
- Re-watch every training video and make sure you understand the evidence in each.
- Re-code each training video and compare your codes and evidence to the Master Code Justification.
- Do all the domain activities in the Participant Guide and then check your answers in your facilitator guide.
- Practice the PowerPoint out loud.
- Practice going back and forth between the PowerPoint and playing the videos.
- Locate the training videos in your MyCLASS account as a back up plan if you experience technical issues playing your DVD.
- Familiarize yourself with the Participant Guide so that during the training you can help participants find the activities.
Remember that this training is not about your personal values; but it is about helping others understand how the Classroom Assessment Scoring System works. It is an honor to be able to conduct CLASS training. We get to represent decades of research from the University of Virginia and play a part in improving classroom quality!
Whether you are training for the first time, or a seasoned expert, you can always learn from other trainers! For more trainer-approved tips, check out Reflections of a CLASS Trainer or Tips for Introducing Each Dimension.
