Hi @dr. joanne hunter
Thus far, we have only upgraded PreK/K-3 to be 2nd Edition. As your training was Toddler, our 2008 version was the only option to attend. That said, for our PreK/K-3 folks we're offering both the 2nd Edition option, as well as our CLASS 2008 option (with a free transition course when those folks are ready to move to 2nd Ed).
I recommend you speak with our reliability support team if you have questions before beginning your third testing attempt. They cannot assist if you've already begun testing but can be reached via email at reliability.support@teachstone.com. They will be able to discuss your scoring and reasoning with you and help you to sharpen your CLASS lens. It can be frustrating when you have other advice and knowledge, but the CLASS tool allows anyone to gain the same lens and observe objectively.
CLASS 2nd Edition has an updated manual, resources, training, videos, and more. While the 2nd Edition is an updated version of CLASS, the fundamentals of the CLASS tool are not changing, making the 2008 CLASS manual and observation training and certification still valid.
I hope this helps!
Best,
Allison
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Allison Bloomfield
Silver Spring MD
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 23:39
From: dr. joanne hunter
Subject: CLASS Observations
I'm glad things have been updated, as I was upset about scoring teachers on something out of their control. However, when was the new curriculum (CLASS 2nd Ed) released/taught because I just completed training late Dec 2022 and the training was CLASS 2008. So if the curriculum rolled out before Dec, why weren't wasn't my class trained in it? How many classes between the 2 points weren't trained in it? Why weren't we trained in it?
As I take the Toddler observation reliability test now, (I'm about to partake in the 3rd attempt), I feel I'm penalized because of these instances since the Master scorers set the reliability scores lower. Now I read there's a replacement curriculum correcting these flaws! I'm scoring higher than I should on the reliability exam (as stated in the "feedback" given at the end of the exam). Since it's the reliability exam, there's no specific feedback regarding the correct score/why. I understand why the program won't/can't give feedback, but it's frustrating because I believe my answers are correct. However, there's no way of proving it. In the meantime, I'm trying to guess what the Master raters are thinking given the old mindset.
It's frustrating because people like myself: observers using different tools for 30 years, in different environments, who know best practices, are Master raters for other companies (e.g. EdTpa, CAPE, CAPE, CDA are all organizations I observe, rate/score, etc.), received doctorates in curriculum and instruction from ivy league universities, & earned multiple degrees in the subject (4+), are watching the videos and applying the information that was taught, and failing the exam.
Whereas, after NOT watching a video, and randomly submitting scores, a score of 88% was given (1 wrong).
I LOVE this system for what it has accomplished and the fact the program is revised when needed (or 15 years later, whichever comes first?), to keep up with societal/world changes. However, the organization must change everything. Video scores, slides, manuals, info on the web, etc. I don't think that was done.
Original Message:
Sent: 2/17/2023 1:36:00 PM
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: RE: CLASS Observations
This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
As a certified CLASS trainer, this is NOT something we were taught in our training. Maybe this was direction from an administrator? In any case, I too am appalled anyone would suggest that.
Also, the CLASS second edition is updated that take into account the things you mentioned, Joanne. I highly recommend the course to update your certification to the new edition. I also heard about the new environment piece recently and am looking forward to learning more about that soon.
Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2023 13:25
From: dr. joanne hunter
Subject: CLASS Observations
Unfortunately this might be what the trainer is told to do. I haven't taken the training, so I don't know for sure. However, taking just the observation training, I know we are told to base the score on what we see and hear. There is no taking into consideration a student with a disability. There's no taking into consideration a class with dual language learners. These are just 2 flaws in the CLASS system (of many).
Remember, this is a reliable/valid test based on "regular" individuals. I'm trying to get hold of someone w/in TeachStone so I can talk with him/her about the research, the CLASS observation tool, etc., as this is my forte (assessments, observation tools, etc.).
Original Message:
Sent: 2/16/2023 10:27:00 PM
From: Victoria Gonzales
Subject: CLASS Observations
So I had another CLASS observer who gave a training to my coworkers at my program encouraging them to keep a child with a disability and behaviors home on the day of observations so they can pass? Out of curiosity do any of you all do this? I have never done this but wanted other people's thoughts on this. This makes me a little uncomfortable.
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VictoriaGonzales
RatonNM
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