Hi Karen,
I am a university researcher and we also wondered whether we needed an adapted observation version specific to special education settings. I had in-depth discussions with Teachstone representatives and followed their recommendation to use observations as written for all settings, including special education contexts. I have been a CLASS coder since 2006 and I can assure you that Pre-K, K-3 and Pre-K-3 CLASS observations are just as accurate and reliable in special education settings as in general ed settings. Our current research project focuses exclusively on elementary special education teachers (grades K-5), including those who provide autism support. Staff sensitivity training and practicing with special education videos helped our CLASS observers recognize CLASS dimensions even if they present differently in these settings (e.g. non-verbal students communicating through other means.) Do you happen to teach in Atlanta or New Orleans? We are accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year. See our website for details. <care4specialed.com>