IIn our recent webinar, Making the Move to CLASS® 2nd Edition, we shared how programs and individuals can begin to experience and use the enhanced Pre-K–3rd CLASS tool. Certified CLASS observers play a critical role in helping every child reach their full potential.
Without reliable and valid data on the quality of educator-child interactions, programs and educators would not have the actionable insights they need to make continuous quality improvements in the areas that matter the most for children.
During the development of CLASS 2nd Edition, we wanted to ensure that observers had the support they needed to best fulfill their responsibilities.
CLASS 2nd Edition streamlines the training and certification processes by combining the Pre-K and K-3 tools into one. With the 2nd Edition, observers can choose to certify on Pre-K only, or take one reliability certification and become certified to observe across Pre-K to third grade classrooms.
And, CLASS 2nd Edition encompasses a new optional training and measure of quality, CLASS Environment. Used alongside the CLASS tool, CLASS Environment ensures observers can collect observational data points on interactions and the environment within one, single observation. This allows observers to save time in collecting this observational data, and reduces disruptions to the classrooms as well!
As part of the release of CLASS 2nd Edition, on-demand CLASS Observation Support Trainings are available at no additional cost to all certified observers, giving them additional opportunities to learn how to best observe across settings, such as settings with dual language learners.
And, the CLASS 2nd Edition Manual has been updated to make using the CLASS tool easier than ever. Observers will love the streamlined Observation Field Guide that gives them what they need to complete an observation, as well as the easy-to-understand and clearer dimension and indicator language.
Simply measuring the quality of educator-child interactions does not improve the interactions. To make quality improvements that drive impact, data should be actionable at the individual and programmatic level. With CLASS 2nd Edition, observers will receive additional support to ensure the data that is being collected can be easily used to design quality, data-driven improvements.
New scoring strategies will also be shared across the Manual, Observation Training, and transition supports. First, assigning ranges at the indicator level is now a formalized step within the scoring process, with clear guidance provided on how best to achieve a reliable and valid score. Additional data collection points are provided to measure the content exposure occurring within a classroom, capturing both the type of content and the format of delivery.
And, the myTeachstone Observation Data Collection tool is being updated to streamline this data collection and provide reports that generate automated feedback that identifies strengths and opportunities based on the indicator score.
CLASS 2nd Edition is an evolution—an evolution of the tools, and an evolutionary process to getting all programs, and observers using the updated tools. As with any evolution, this transition process is gradual and will occur over time.
As of July 1, 2022 all currently certified Pre-K and K-3rd observers will have access to:
*Once these resources are available, additional communication will be sent out to certified observers with how to access the supports.
Once the CLASS 2nd Edition Pre-k–3rd Manual Set is available, observers can review the transition support materials and can begin using and/or incorporating the enhancements from the 2nd Edition into their observations of the age-levels they are currently certified… there isn’t a need to “recertify” on the 2nd Edition specifically!
Certified observers can stay on their yearly recertification cycle. If recertifying ahead of July 1, 2022, observers will see no change to the recertification process and will engage in the updated experience at their next yearly recertification. After July 1, 2022 observers will have the option to recertify on Pre-K only or on the combined Pre-K–3rd age level, and can bundle their recertification with a printed CLASS 2nd Edition Pre-K–3rd Manual Set.
While not required, it is recommended that ahead of recertification observers engage in their own continuous learning and review the transition supports available to them, especially if certifying on the combined age level for the first time.
Additional specifics and recommendations for recertification processes for certified observers:
We know change of any kind and of any size can be uncomfortable. But, we are excited for the future impact that the enhancements made in CLASS 2nd Edition will have. Together, we will see that every child has the opportunity to experience life-changing interactions.
Looking for even more information and guidance around CLASS 2nd Edition? We’re here to help!
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Teachstone recently hosted the What Is “Quality” Teaching Anyway? webinar with Laura Iannazzo, Professional Services Manager at Teachstone, and Gena Puckett, Education and Training Specialist from the University of Mississippi School of Education. Together, they talked about the significance of quality interactions between early childhood educators and infants or toddlers in their care.
Teachstone is excited to join community organizations across the country in observing Child Care Provider Appreciation Day® on May 6 to celebrate the efforts of child care providers across the nation.
I moved to the United States years ago when I was a teenager. I felt confused, scared, and out of place in my new school. As soon as I learned English, I decided to stop speaking my native language to hide who I was. I thought that by hiding my identity people would not notice I was different, and accept me.
Today starts the kick-off to another Week of the Young Child! While I, and I know others at Teachstone, feel strongly that young children, their educators, and their families deserve to be celebrated every day, we’re excited to have an opportunity to intentionally highlight the impact you have on young children, celebrate the rapidly developing brains of young children, and recognize that each day, even beyond this week, offers ample opportunities for meaningful interactions.