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Using CLASS Scores to indicate quality classrooms

Jennifer Saitz posted 04-24-2024 16:45

Hello!

Using the CLASS scoring scale of 1-7, is there a number you would use as the cut-off between high quality and low quality scores for classrooms?

To give some background, I am working under a project that is using the averages scores from classroom across the state as the benchmark for high quality. If a classroom scores under these averages, they are considering this to be low quality and needing more intensive support. However, some of the averages provided are quite high in my opinion. For instance, the Negative Climate dimension average score provided was 6.70. So any classroom scoring below a 6.70 in negative climate would be identified as needing more support than others scoring above a 6.70. A 6.70 is still in the high-range, so it doesn't seem like that would be a true indicator of lower quality.

Would there be a number on the scale of 1-7 that would be a better indicator of this across the board?

Rachel Eavey posted 04-29-2024 14:19

Hi Jennifer!

We generally call those thresholds and discuss them at the domain rather than the dimension level. It is essentially, at this score and above, we start to see better outcomes for children. Right now, we only have a few threshold studies, but here is what we generally see.

ES - above 5 (some studies have 6)
CO - above 5 (some studies have 6)
IS - above 3

There is also some evidence that the consistency of ES and CO is especially important. So even with an average of 5, if we have an observation with 6, 6, 5, and then 3 for Positive Climate, that indicates an inconsistency in PC, which may link to more negative outcomes for children than a 5 for each cycle. (Think if it is inconsistent, the children know less what to expect and that can be confusing and hard for building positive relationships.)All of this is to say:

We don't have those cut-offs at the dimension level, so I would advise against using the dimension averages as the ultimate cut-off.
Do you know what project it is? We could potentially help them in thinking about these cut offs.
Also, NC is a different story, as we don't see lower-quality NC very often.

I hope that helps, and please reach out if you would like to discuss this further!