POSTED FEB. 4

CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT SCORING SYSTEM (CLASS)
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 was developed, tested, and researched for over a decade in more than 3,000 classrooms. It can be used for accountability efforts, program planning, professional development, and research. CLASS covers three crucial domains of high quality teacher–student interaction: Emotional Support, Classroom Organization and Instructional Support. There is a 2-day reliability training available to ensure accurate use of the system. CLASS was developed by Robert C. Pianta, Ph.D., Karen M. La Paro, Ph.D., and Bridget K. Hamre, Ph.D.
http://www.brookespublishing.com/store/books/pianta-class/index.htm

CREATIVE CURRICULUM FOR PRESCHOOL - IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST
The Creative Curriculum^® for Preschool Implementation Checklist is designed to assess how well the The Creative Curriculum is being implemented as intended. The Implementation Checklist is designed to be used with its related forms: Classroom Profile and Progress and Planning Form. The Implementation Checklist is a tool designed for various uses by teachers, administrators/supervisors, and trainers. The Classroom Profile enables administrators/supervisors to maintain records on individual classrooms. The Progress and Planning Form can be used to guide teachers in their implementation of The Creative Curriculum. Developers field tested the instrument in a variety of programs (e.g., Head Start, public school pre-K, child care) in six different states.  www.teachingstrategies.com

DEC RECOMMENDED PRACTICES – REVISED ED.  Offers a framework for practices in early intervention/early childhood special education.  Identifies 240 practices arranged in seven categories – Assessment / Child-Focused / Family Based / Interdisciplinary Models / Technology Application / Policies, Procedures, & System Change / Personnel Preparation.  Guide and individual workbook.  Division for Early Childhood, 2005.  www.dec-sped.org ; dec@dec-sped.org ; 406.543.0872

EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENT RATING SCALE – Revised (ECERS-R) Designed for use in child care, preschool, and kindergarten classrooms serving children 21/2 through 5 years.  High reliability and validity.  Can be used as a self assessment or monitoring tool for program improvement.  The 43 items are scored on a 7-point scale in these categories:  space & furnishings / personal care routines / language-reasoning / activities / interactions / program structure / parents & staff. 1998. Can be ordered from Teachers College Press, www.tcpress.com; more info on the ECERS and other ERS at: 

EARLY LANGUAGE & LITERACY CLASSROOM OBSERVATION TOOLKIT (ELLCO)

Designed for pre-K through 3rd grade, but ideal for pre-K and K settings (children 3 through 5 years).   Assesses literacy and language practices and materials in 3 main parts: literacy environment checklist / classroom observation & teacher interview / literacy activities rating scale.  Contains 14 observation items rated on a 5-point rubric.  Takes 1 to 1.5 hours to administer.  Can be used as a peer mentoring tool or administered by a supervisor or trained rater.  Excellent tool for identifying a program’s language and literacy practices strengths & deficits and for setting improvement goals.  Manual and rating booklets.  Paul H. Brookes Publishing, 2002.  www.phbrookes.com 

PQA (PRESCHOOL PROGRAM QUALITY ASSESSMENT – 2^ND ED.) Comprehensive tool designed to evaluate the quality of early childhood programs and identify staff development needs along a 5-point rating continuum. Assesses adult-child interactions / learning environment / daily routine / curriculum planning & assessment / parent involvement & family services / staff qualifications & development / program management. Appropriate for all preschool settings, not just those using the High Scope approach.  Includes a section specific to Head Start requirements.  Can be done as a self assessment or by trained raters. High Scope Press; 800/40-PRESS; FAX 800/442-4FAX; www.highscope.org

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION SCALE: Designed to reliably measure early childhood leadership and management practices in public and private center-based early childhood programs.  Utilizes a 7-point rating scale and looks at 25 items grouped into 10 categories – human resource development / personnel cost & allocation / center operations / child assessment / fiscal management / program planning & evaluation / family partnerships / marketing & public relations / technology / staff qualifications.  Teachers College Press, 2004.  www.tcpress.com

READY SCHOOL ASSESSMENT:  A validated self-assessment instrument designed to evaluate a school’s readiness for children as they enter.  Assesses eight dimensions:  Leaders & Leadership / Transitions / Teacher Supports / Engaging Environments / Effective Curricula / Family-Schools-Community Partnerships / Respecting Diversity / Assessing Progress.  Team Handbook and Questionnaires.  Can enter data online and receive profile reports.  High Scope Press; 800/40-PRESS; FAX 800/442-4FAX; www.highscope.org

WHAT, WHY, & HOW OF HIGH QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION:  A GUIDE FOR ON-SITE SUPERVISION, REVISED ED. D.G. Koralek, L.J. Colker, & D.T.Dodge, NAEYC, 1995.  A very user friendly book to help you identify strength and weaknesses in programs for infants through school-age children.  A useful tool in identifying staff development needs.  www.naeyc.org

Originally prepared by Gaye Tylka, CESA #4; 608.786.4844; gtylka@cesa4.k12.wi.us