So, you just found out an observer will be coming to your classroom. Great! But what exactly is an observer, and what the heck will they be doing in my classroom? Don't worry—these are common questions for teachers, and we are here to help!
What is an observer?
An observer is someone who has attended a two-day CLASS Observation Training and passed a reliability test. The observation training is all about teaching participants how to use the CLASS tool; the reliability test shows that observers can be fair, accurate, and objective when going in to observe a classroom.
What is reliability? Why should my observer be reliable?
The CLASS tool is an objective measure, like a measuring tape, and reliability ensures that observers know how to use that measuring tape. Being reliable means that two observers could come into your classroom and, regardless of their subjective experience, they would both apply the same objective scoring criteria to get identical results. We know that an observer is reliable when they take and pass their reliability test once a year.
How do I know my observer is reliable?
When an observer comes into your classroom, ask to see their CLASS Certification Card! Every observer I have met (including myself!) is proud to show off their certification status. I see people waving their cards around at conferences—even attaching it to their key chains and lanyards! (Mine is more demurely tucked away in my wallet, but I do still feel like a CLASS version of James Bond when I say I'm an "observer, certified observer.")
What is an observer doing in my classroom?
Observers are not looking for the books you are reading, or the type of snack you are feeding the children. Observers are focused on the interactions happening in the classroom—how you are using the book to interact with the children, or how you use snack time as an opportunity for conversation with children.
CLASS observations happen for lots of different reasons. If you’re not sure of the exact purpose of an observation, ask your observer or organization for more information, or watch this video for more helpful insights.
What are observers writing down?
During your CLASS observation, you will see the observer taking notes on a sheet of paper. No, they're not doodling! Observers are writing down the interactions they see as defined by the CLASS tool and assigning a score (1-7) in the different CLASS dimensions.
Now what?
After your classroom observation, your CLASS scores will give you an idea of how effectively you're interacting with children—maybe you're strong in some areas and need a little extra support in others. Armed with these insights, you can begin to improve your own interactions with children through CLASS-based professional development.
Interested in learning more? Visit our Teacher Resource page to learn more about the power of interactions and the research behind the CLASS tool.
