All Things CLASS

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  • 1.  Environment and the Outdoors

    Posted 03-17-2026 10:42

    Hey everyone,

    I recently did a CLASS & CLASS Environment observation and this particular day, the class decided to do it all outside (small group, large group, breakfast, etc). My question is and where I wanted feedback was, do I only rate the CLASS Environment in the outdoors since my entire observation was conducted outdoors? I felt it challenging because even though this classroom had components of the CLASS Environment inside, they did not have it outside. Children do have access to the inside classroom during the week but this particular day, they stayed outdoors. Any feedback is appreicated!



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    Melynda Velasquez
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  • 2.  RE: Environment and the Outdoors

    Posted 03-18-2026 12:05

    Hi,

     Melynda, this is a really thoughtful question, and it's great that you're reflecting carefully on your observation context. I feel that you should rate the CLASS and the CLASS environment since the purpose is to monitor teacher/child interactions. The CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) focuses primarily on the quality of interactions, such as emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support, rather than the physical setting itself. Because of that, your ratings should reflect what you actually observed during the observation period, even if it took place entirely outdoors.

    At the same time, the CLASS Environment tool considers how the environment supports those interactions. If the outdoor space lacked certain materials or structure that are typically available indoors, it's appropriate to reflect that in your scoring, since it may impact how interactions occur. Ultimately, you're capturing the lived experience of the children and teacher during that observation window. You might also note in your documentation that the observation occurred fully outdoors, which provides helpful context for your ratings.







  • 3.  RE: Environment and the Outdoors

    Posted 03-18-2026 19:44

    Using the Outdoor Environment as a Classroom for CLASS® Assessment

    At our certified Outdoor Classroom college-based childcare program, the outdoor environment is intentionally designed and used as an extension of the classroom. When the outdoors is set up as a rich learning environment, it functions as a teacher in its own right-supporting exploration, inquiry, discovery, and meaningful interaction.

    Because our outdoor spaces provide clearly defined learning areas, open-ended materials, and opportunities for child-initiated experiences, teaching and interactions are highly visible and measurable. In this setting, educators actively facilitate learning through:

    • Purposeful language and communication
    • Scaffolding children's exploration
    • Supporting problem-solving and cooperation
    • Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and persistence

    When these elements are present, the outdoor environment fully meets the criteria to observe and score CLASS® domains. Interactions should be as apparent outdoors as they are inside when the environment is intentionally prepared and used as a learning-rich space.



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    Rena Maddox
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