Teachstone

The CLASS™ framework – now approved in New York state

susan.feild — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:23:43 +0000

Learn how to implement the CLASS™ Framework, now approved by New York State

The Classroom Assessment Scoring System™ (CLASS™) is an observational instrument for measuring and improving effective teacher-student interactions. The framework was researched, developed, and tested at the University of Virginia’s Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL), and is proven to:

Focus on effective teaching
Help teachers recognize and understand the power of their interactions with students
Align with professional development tools
Work across age levels and subjects.

For more information on how to implement CLASS™ or to receive a copy of our rubric, please contact Laurie McCullough by email or at 434.293.3909.

The CLASS™ observation has been used in thousands of classrooms across the United States. Results from studies conducted by researchers at the University of Virginia and elsewhere demonstrate that CLASS™ scores are reliable and valid.

Reliable – Trained observers code classrooms consistently, so scores can be trusted.
Valid – CLASS™ scores are significantly related to the variables that matter most for schools and students: teachers’ value-added scores, students’ academic performance, and students’ social development.

A new study by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation highlights the CLASS™ observation tool as both reliable and valid.

To purchase Teachstone’s products online, please visit our store.

Click here to sign up for a regional or group training.

Toddler CLASS updates released

susan.feild — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:09:30 +0000

To ensure that your observations better capture the developmentally-appropriate interactions that matter for children, we’ve restructured the Toddler CLASS™ measure. The updated version contains two domains: Emotional and Behavioral Support and Engaged Support for Learning. This shift from the prior organization around three domains reflects what research results have proven—that emotional and behavioral interactions are closely connected in toddler settings.

To become a certified Toddler CLASS Observer, attend the 2-day Toddler CLASS Observation Training to prepare for the online reliability test. Explore CLASS training options or schedule a Toddler CLASS Observation Training by contacting trainings.group@teachstone.com.

Learn more about improvements to the Toddler CLASS measure and related materials:

Read about why we made this change (pdf) from CLASS authors Drs. Robert Pianta, Bridget Hamre, and Karen LaParo.
Purchase the 2012 Toddler CLASS Manual and other Toddler CLASS products.

Keep your eye out for these online toddler courses in both English and Spanish in early fall 2012:

Introduction to the Toddler CLASS Tool
Looking at Toddler CLASSrooms

Have questions? We’re here to help.

Spanish-language supports are here!

susan.feild — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:40:04 +0000

New Spanish products support Pre-K teachers and CLASS Observation Training participants as they deepen their understanding of effective teacher-child interactions. Choose from the Pre-K Spanish language CLASS manual, dimensions guide, and online programs.

NEW! Renew your K-3 CLASS certifications online.

susan.feild — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:56:27 +0000

Renew your K-3 CLASS™ observer and trainer certifications online. Annual recertification is necessary to continue observing and training using the K-3 CLASS tool—and to ensure reliable CLASS data. Enjoy these recertification benefits:

Refresh your CLASS knowledge
Practice your observation and coding skills
Receive feedback on your CLASS codes
Demonstrate your CLASS expertise
Boost your job skills and resume

Learn more about CLASS recertification.

Learn how to check your K-3 CLASS recertification status.

Proven-effective models increase learning

susan.feild — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:59:09 +0000

Read Teaching Children Well: New Evidence-Based Approaches to Teacher Professional Development and Training, written by Robert Pianta for the Center for American Progress. Includes research findings and implications for teachers, schools, states, and higher ed.

Link CLASS data to professional development!

susan.feild — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:36:45 +0000

View slides from the NAEYC presentation.

Teachstone is growing!

susan.feild — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:18:40 +0000

Interested in joining the team? Be sure to check out the new job openings on the Careers page.

NAEYC Conference Presentations

susan.feild — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:17:16 +0000

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Conference is being held in Orlando, Florida, November 2-5, 2011. Teachstone will be presenting two sessions on the CLASS™ tool and will be in the Exhibit Hall at Booth 759. If you would like to schedule a meeting with a Teachstone representative while you are at NAEYC, please email Rebecca Berlin. We look forward to seeing you there!

Using the CLASS™ Tool and CLASS™-Based Professional Development to Improve Teacher-Child Interactions

Date: Thursday, November 3, 2011, 8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Room W311F
Presenter: Marla Muntner, Education Director, Teachstone

Come learn more about teacher-child interactions and how to link CLASS™ observation scores to teacher professional development. Participants will increase their knowledge of the tool and discuss several options for professional development focused on supporting effective teacher-child interactions.

Session Overview: The presenter will provide a brief overview of the CLASS™ and discuss several models for linking CLASS™ scores to teacher professional development. The presenter will share our experiences of helping communities implement CLASS™ and CLASS™-based professional development at scale, and provide ample opportunity for discussion and participation from attendees. Attendees at this session will (1) develop an understanding of the importance of teacher-child interactions to child development and why it is important to improve these interactions through professional development; (2) examine several options for linking CLASS™ observation scores to professional development; and (3) discuss the exciting opportunities and lessons learned through our extensive work with community partners across the country.
Toddler CLASS™: Measuring Teacher-Child Interactions for Children from 15 Months to 3 Years Old

Date: Friday, November 4, 2011, 4:30 PM-5:30 PM
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Room W207B
Presenter: Sara Diamond, Lead Staff Trainer, Teachstone

Come learn about the Toddler Classroom Assessment Scoring System™ (CLASS™) and the importance of caregiver-child interactions to the development of young children. Participants will learn about the Toddler CLASS™ tool and best practices related to its use.

Session Overview: Caregiver-child interactions are a key aspect of quality in early child care. The Toddler CLASS™ observation tool focuses on these important interactions by looking at Emotional Climate, Behavior Guidance, and Language Modeling within early care settings. Attendees at this session will: 1) develop an understanding of why effective, supportive interactions are important for toddlers; 2) learn about the Toddler CLASS™ tool and what it measures; and 3) discuss how the Toddler CLASS™ tool can be used to support early care professionals in their work with young children.

Teacher-Coaching Boosts Secondary Scores, Study Finds

susan.feild — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:51:55 +0000

Teacher-coaching linked to the CLASS™ tool paid dividends for student achievement in the secondary grades, according to a study published today in Science magazine.

QRIS and the CLASS™ Tool Webinar

susan.feild — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:39:12 +0000

For those who missed the webinar, the recording is available here. Frequently asked questions from the webinar have been posted here. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us or join our facebook discussion.

The QRIS National Learning Network and the BUILD Initiative will host the following webinar:

QRIS and the CLASS™ Tool: Emphasizing Effective Teacher-Child Interactions to Improve Child Outcomes

Date: August 17, 2011
Time: 1pm EDT

Participants will learn about the CLASS™ tool and hear from several states that have integrated CLASS™ into their quality rating and improvement systems.