---
title: What’s Your Objective? Planning Appropriate Data Collection
description: What’s Your Objective? Planning Appropriate Data Collection
image: https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/Thinking%20woman%20in%20glasses%20looking%20up%20with%20light%20idea%20bulb%20above%20head%20isolated%20on%20gray%20wall%20background-1.jpeg
---
[](https://www.teachstone.com/)
- [Store](http://store.teachstone.com/)
- [Support](https://teachstone.com/support)
- [Login](http://dashboard.teachstone.com/)
- The CLASS Framework
- [What is CLASS](https://teachstone.com/class/)
- [CLASS 2nd Edition](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition/)
- [For Leaders](https://teachstone.com/leaders/)
- [For Observers](https://teachstone.com/for-observers/)
- [For Coaches](https://teachstone.com/for-coaches/)
- [For Educators](https://teachstone.com/for-educators/)
- [For CLASS Affiliates](https://teachstone.com/for-class-affiliates/)
- [For Head Start](https://teachstone.com/headstart/)
- [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/)
- Products and Trainings
- [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/)
- [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/)
- [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/)
- [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/)
- [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/)
- [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/)
- [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training)
- [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training)
- Observer Training & Certification
- [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/)
- [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/)
- [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/)
- [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true)
- [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/)
- [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/)
- [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/)
- [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/)
- [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/)
- [CLASS Trainer Add-Ons](https://teachstone.com/trainer-add-ons/)
- [Program Services & Support](https://teachstone.com/program-services-support/)
- [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/)
- [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/)
- [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/)
- [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/)
- [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/)
- Coach Trainings & Certification
- [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/)
- [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/)
- [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/)
- [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/)
- [Professional Development for Educators](https://teachstone.com/professional-development-for-educators/)
- [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/)
- [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/)
- [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/)
- [Interaction Essentials for Educators](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-for-educators/)
- [CLASS Supplies](https://teachstone.com/class-supplies/)
- [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/)
- [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/)
- [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/)
- [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/)
- [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/)
- [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/)
- Resources
- [Resource Library](https://teachstone.com/resources/)
- [Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog)
- [Blog (Spanish)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog-en-esp?hsLang=en-us)
- [Blog (French)](https://casiope.org/categorie/class/)
- [Upcoming Events](https://teachstone.com/upcoming-events/)
- [Community](https://community.teachstone.com/home)
- [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/)
- [Who We Are](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/#whoweare)
- [Our Impact](https://teachstone.com/our-impact/)
- [Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/)
- [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/)
- [Certified B-Corp](https://teachstone.com/certified-b-corporation/)
- [News](https://teachstone.com/news/)
- [Connect with a Rep](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us)
- The CLASS Framework
- [What is CLASS](https://teachstone.com/class/)
- [CLASS 2nd Edition](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition/)
- [For Leaders](https://teachstone.com/leaders/)
- [For Observers](https://teachstone.com/for-observers/)
- [For Coaches](https://teachstone.com/for-coaches/)
- [For Educators](https://teachstone.com/for-educators/)
- [For CLASS Affiliates](https://teachstone.com/for-class-affiliates/)
- [For Head Start](https://teachstone.com/headstart/)
- [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/)
- Products and Trainings
- [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/)
- [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/)
- [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/)
- [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/)
- [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/)
- [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/)
- [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training)
- [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training)
- Observer Training & Certification
- [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/)
- [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/)
- [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/)
- [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true)
- [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/)
- [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/)
- [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/)
- [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/)
- [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/)
- [CLASS Trainer Add-Ons](https://teachstone.com/trainer-add-ons/)
- [Program Services & Support](https://teachstone.com/program-services-support/)
- [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/)
- [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/)
- [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/)
- [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/)
- [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/)
- Coach Trainings & Certification
- [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/)
- [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/)
- [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/)
- [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/)
- [Professional Development for Educators](https://teachstone.com/professional-development-for-educators/)
- [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/)
- [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/)
- [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/)
- [Interaction Essentials for Educators](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-for-educators/)
- [CLASS Supplies](https://teachstone.com/class-supplies/)
- [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/)
- [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/)
- [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/)
- [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/)
- [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/)
- [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/)
- Resources
- [Resource Library](https://teachstone.com/resources/)
- [Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog)
- [Blog (Spanish)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog-en-esp?hsLang=en-us)
- [Blog (French)](https://casiope.org/categorie/class/)
- [Upcoming Events](https://teachstone.com/upcoming-events/)
- [Community](https://community.teachstone.com/home)
- [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/)
- [Who We Are](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/#whoweare)
- [Our Impact](https://teachstone.com/our-impact/)
- [Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/)
- [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/)
- [Certified B-Corp](https://teachstone.com/certified-b-corporation/)
- [News](https://teachstone.com/news/)
- [Connect with a Rep](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us)
- [Store](http://store.teachstone.com/)
- [Support](https://teachstone.com/support)
- [Login](http://dashboard.teachstone.com/)
# What’s Your Objective? Planning Appropriate Data Collection
December 26 2013 by [Hilary Ritt](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/hilary-ritt)
- [Research](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/research)
- [Coach Tips](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/coach-tips)
- [Implementation](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/implementation)
**“What is your objective?”**
This is a question we find ourselves asking frequently here at Teachstone® as we support CLASS™ implementers across the country and around the world.
- Which data-collection method is best?
- Should we share scores, ranges, or neither?
- Which professional development options are optimal?
The answer to all of these questions is: **“It depends.”** Quality implementation of a CLASS initiative must take into account the characteristics of your organization and your organization’s goals. Hence our most popular question, **“What is your objective?”**
Most organizations have one of two objectives when conducting CLASS observations and providing feedback: evaluation or professional growth.
- *Evaluation* refers to an observation that is being used as part of a decision-making process about how to allocate resources, such as funding or teacher promotion; this is a “high stakes” observation.
- *Professional growth* refers to an observation with the goal of providing supportive feedback without repercussions, often referred to as “low stakes.”
When planning logistics for data collection and feedback, it is essential to consider your organization’s objective.
Last week in our webinar, [Using CLASS Data to Provide Effective Feedback](http://www.teachstone.com/about-the-class/webinar-series/previous-webinars/using-class-data-to-provide-effective-feedback/), I discussed two data-collection models—classroom-level data collection and program-level data collection. While both models can be used for both evaluation and professional growth, clarifying your objective affects sample size, number of observation cycles, frequency of observation, and the type of feedback you provide. So, when planning logistics of CLASS observations for feedback, don’t forget to ask yourself, **“What is my objective?”**
And yes, I know it’s not always that simple. That’s why we’re developing a training on this specific topic that will be ready in the next few months. To learn more about this training and other feedback-related topics, [sign up](http://www.teachstone.com/feedback-training-registration/) to receive more information!
## Subscribe to the Teachstone Blog
[](https://www.teachstone.com/)
-
-
- [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/)
- [About Teachstone®](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/)
- [Our Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/)
- [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/)
- [Resources](https://teachstone.com/resources/)
- [Support](https://teachstone.com/support)
- [Contact Sales](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us)
- [InterAct CLASS Summit](https://teachstone.com/interact-class-summit/)
- [CLASS en español](https://teachstone.com/collecion-de-productos-en-esp/)
- [CLASS en Français](https://teachstone.com/class-en-francais/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://teachstone.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Terms of Use](https://teachstone.com/terms-conditions/)
- [Web Accessibility](https://teachstone.com/web-accessibility/)
- [Permissions](https://teachstone.com/permissions/)
© 2026 Teachstone, Inc
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Hilary Ritt",
"url" : "https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/hilary-ritt"
},
"dateModified" : "2023-05-30T17:36:28.840Z",
"datePublished" : "2013-12-26T19:12:00.000Z",
"headline" : "What’s Your Objective? Planning Appropriate Data Collection",
"image" : [ "https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/Thinking%20woman%20in%20glasses%20looking%20up%20with%20light%20idea%20bulb%20above%20head%20isolated%20on%20gray%20wall%20background-1.jpeg" ],
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://info.teachstone.com/blog/planning-appropriate-data-collection",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3.png"
},
"name" : "Teachstone"
}
}
```