Learn more about this tool
Download a CLASS tip sheet.
Read an article about enhancing quality instruction with the use of classroom observation tools
Get training
Learn how to use the only tool that reliably assesses early childhood teacher–child interactions.
See training options.
Related titles:
Early Language & Literacy Classroom Observation (ELLCO)
The Special Educator's Toolkit: Everything You Need to Organize, Manage, and Monitor Your Classroom
Foundations for Teaching Excellence: Connecting Early Childhood Quality Rating, Professional Development, and Competency Systems in States
Quality Measurement in Early Childhood Education
Child/Home Early Language and Literacy Observation (CHELLO)
Preschool-Wide Evaluation Tool (PreSET), Research Edition
|
|
|
|
Classroom Assessment Scoring System™ (CLASS™)
By Robert C. Pianta, Ph.D., Karen M. La Paro, Ph.D., and Bridget K. Hamre, Ph.D.
 
| "If we truly want to become accountable for our teaching practices, we need to begin using CLASS." —Kathy Parker, M.Ed., Independent Education Consultant |
When it comes to what makes a great teacher, credentials are nice, but don't overlook the importance of positive early childhood teacher–student interactions—the primary ingredient in creating quality educational experiences that launch future school success. With CLASS, educators finally have an observational tool to assess classroom quality in pre-kindergarten through grade 3 based on teacher–student interactions in the classroom rather than evaluation of the physical environment or a specific curriculum. CLASS
- Is proven. Developed, tested, and researched for over a decade in more than 3,000 classrooms.
- Addresses a school's most urgent needs. Use for accountability efforts, program planning, professional development, and research.
- Is accurate. Repeated cycles of observation establish a real picture of the classroom.
- Targets "trouble spots." Tabulated scores help identify areas in which improvement is needed.
- Covers three crucial domains of high quality teacher–student interaction:
1. Emotional Support: Social and emotional functioning in the classroom is an indicator of school readiness. CLASS evaluates the dimensions of positive climate, negative climate, teacher sensitivity, and regard for student perspectives.
2. Classroom Organization: Classrooms provide the most opportunities for learning when students are well behaved, active and engaged. CLASS considers behavior management, productivity, and instructional learning formats.
3. Instructional Support: Are teachers making the most of opportunities to effectively support cognitive and language development through the curriculum? CLASS focuses on the roles of concept development, quality of feedback, and language modeling.
- Has training available!* 2-day reliability training ensures accurate use of the CLASS system.
What happens in the classroom between teacher and student is critical to how well the child learns. This must-have tool allows educators to assess the emotional and instructional environment and target efforts for improved academic outcomes and a brighter future for young learners.
*For more information on recommended training, availability, and scheduling, please see http://www.classobservation.com.
CLASS at a Glance
Classrooms covered: Pre-K to third grade
Focus: High-quality teacher-child interaction
Time required: 30-minute cycles for observation and scoring, repeated up to 6 times over 3 hours
Who completes it: Administrators, supervisors, principals, program directors, researchers
Validity and reliability: Researched for over 10 years as part of the NCEDL Multistate and Sweep Studies and The NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Together, these studies conducted observations in more than 3,000 pre-K to third grade classrooms
Components: Two manuals (Pre–K and K–3) provide system overview, procedures, and scoring for classroom observation; Scoring Summary Sheet for quick scoring information; package of laminated dimensions overview; quick-guides to introduce teachers to the 10 dimensions of CLASS (includes practical classroom tips and strategies); and observation and scoring forms
|
Ordering Information
See materials for use with
- programs that end with kindergarten (Pre–K)
- programs that begin with kindergarten (K–3)
- either program (Pre–K or K–3)
| Pre–K |
|
|
|
|
|
| These materials are recommended for use with programs that end with kindergarten |
|
|
|
|
|
| CLASS™ Manual Pre–K |
|
|
|
|
|
| Each manual includes one tri-fold laminated CLASS™ Dimensions Overview |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
English / ISBN 978-1-55766-941-4 / 2008 / 120 pages / 8.5 x 11 / spiral-bound / Stock #69414 / $49.95 |
|
|
|
 |
|
COMING SOON!
Spanish / ISBN 978-1-59857-238-4 / March 2012 / approx. 128 pages / 8.5 x 11 / spiral-bound / Stock #72384 / $49.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CLASS™ Dimensions Guide, Pre–K
by Teachstone Training, LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
| This quick-guide introduces teachers to the 10 dimensions of CLASS (includes practical classroom tips and strategies) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
NEW!
English
ISBN 978-1-59857-227-8 / 2011 / 28 pages / 8.5 x 11 / saddle-stitched / Stock #72278 / $12.95 |
|
|
|
 |
|
NEW!
Spanish
ISBN 978-1-59857-228-5 / 2011 / 28 pages / 8.5 x 11 / saddle-stitched / Stock #72285 $12.95 / 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| K–3 |
| These materials are recommended for use with programs that begin with kindergarten |
|
|
|
|
|
| CLASS™ Manual K–3 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Each manual includes one tri-fold laminated CLASS® Dimensions Overview |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
English only / ISBN 978-1-55766-942-1 / 2008/ 128 pages/ 8.5 x 11 / spiral-bound / Stock #69421 / $49.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CLASS™ Dimensions Guide, K–3
by Teachstone Training, LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
COMING SOON!
English only
ISBN 978-1-59857-230-8
Stock Number: 72308 / $12.95 / 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pre–K or K–3 |
|
|
|
|
|
| These materials are recommended for use with either Pre–K or K–3 programs |
|
|
|
|
|
| CLASS™ Forms (package of 10 booklets) |
|
|
|
|
|
| Each booklet contains 6 observation sheets and 1 scoring summary sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
English / ISBN 978-1-55766-943-8 / 2008 / 8 pages / 8.5 x 11 / saddle-stitched /
Stock #69438 / $28.00 |
|
|
|
 |
|
COMING SOON!
Spanish / ISBN 978-1-59857-236-0 / March 2012 / 8 pages / 8.5 x 11 / saddle-stitched / Stock #72360 / $28.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CLASS™ Dimensions Overview (package of 5) |
|
|
|
|
|
| Tri-fold laminated tip sheet for quick reference |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
English / ISBN 978-1-59857-088-5 / 2009 / 8 x 11/ tri-fold laminated / Stock #70885 / $30.00 |
|
|
|
 |
|
COMING SOON!
Spanish / ISBN 978-1-59857-235-3 / March 2012 / 8 x 11/ tri-fold laminated / Stock #72353 / $30.00 |
|
|
|
