All Things CLASS

Hello!
I am wondering if I can use an open classroom approach during my observation-where there's a set daily schedule but participation is optional-will I be penalized in the class scoring. For example, a large group or small group is optional?

You can absolutely use an open classroom approach during your observation-CLASS® measures the quality of interactions, not a specific curriculum or classroom structure. As long as the teacher is actively engaging with children in meaningful ways throughout the observation, the tool can capture and score those interactions.

With an open classroom model, participation in large or small groups can be optional. What matters is that, during any activity (whether it's child- or teacher-directed), the teacher is facilitating learning, supporting children's development, and fostering positive connections. Observers will look at what's happening in each cycle and score based on the quality of those interactions, not whether every child is participating in the same activity at the same time.

The key is to make sure children are consistently supported in ways that align with CLASS dimensions-things like sensitivity, language modeling, and concept development-no matter which activity they choose.

Hello!
I am wondering if I can use an open classroom approach during my observation-where there's a set daily schedule but participation is optional-will I be penalized in the class scoring. For example, a large group or small group is optional?

Hi Liz!

Thank you for this reply! I was concern due to the cycles of end and out. I was under the impression that the observer must see a large group, small group, ect. My teaching team will have these types of groups going on but they will be optional.

You can absolutely use an open classroom approach during your observation-CLASS® measures the quality of interactions, not a specific curriculum or classroom structure. As long as the teacher is actively engaging with children in meaningful ways throughout the observation, the tool can capture and score those interactions.

With an open classroom model, participation in large or small groups can be optional. What matters is that, during any activity (whether it's child- or teacher-directed), the teacher is facilitating learning, supporting children's development, and fostering positive connections. Observers will look at what's happening in each cycle and score based on the quality of those interactions, not whether every child is participating in the same activity at the same time.

The key is to make sure children are consistently supported in ways that align with CLASS dimensions-things like sensitivity, language modeling, and concept development-no matter which activity they choose.

Hello!
I am wondering if I can use an open classroom approach during my observation-where there's a set daily schedule but participation is optional-will I be penalized in the class scoring. For example, a large group or small group is optional?

Sure thing! For CLASS observations, there's no requirement that an observer must see a large group or small group specifically. The focus is always on the quality of interactions that happen during each cycle, no matter the activity format.

Your approach sounds like it will still give lots of opportunities for strong CLASS interactions to shine!

Hi Liz!

Thank you for this reply! I was concern due to the cycles of end and out. I was under the impression that the observer must see a large group, small group, ect. My teaching team will have these types of groups going on but they will be optional.

You can absolutely use an open classroom approach during your observation-CLASS® measures the quality of interactions, not a specific curriculum or classroom structure. As long as the teacher is actively engaging with children in meaningful ways throughout the observation, the tool can capture and score those interactions.

With an open classroom model, participation in large or small groups can be optional. What matters is that, during any activity (whether it's child- or teacher-directed), the teacher is facilitating learning, supporting children's development, and fostering positive connections. Observers will look at what's happening in each cycle and score based on the quality of those interactions, not whether every child is participating in the same activity at the same time.

The key is to make sure children are consistently supported in ways that align with CLASS dimensions-things like sensitivity, language modeling, and concept development-no matter which activity they choose.

Hello!
I am wondering if I can use an open classroom approach during my observation-where there's a set daily schedule but participation is optional-will I be penalized in the class scoring. For example, a large group or small group is optional?