CLASS



 

Research shows that the quality of teacher-child interactions has a direct impact on child outcomes and the quality of early learning programs. School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) providers contracted with the ELC participate in an annual program assessment utilizing the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®).

Administered by trained, certified observers, the CLASS® tool measures how classroom interactions and experiences help children develop language and learn new concepts, how the classroom is organized to help focus children’s attention, manage time, and guide behavior. The tool also gauges the responsiveness and sensitivity of the classroom environment to children’s emotions, which helps develop their ability to interact with others.

Why Does CLASS® Matter?

  • Interactions are the strongest predictors of children’s academic, social, and emotional outcomes.
  • The CLASS framework provides a common language to measure and improve interactions.
  • By centering on interactions at the heart of continuous improvement, educators can help ensure every child has an opportunity to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

How Does CLASS® Work?

The CLASS assessment gauges interactions between educators and children through observations focusing on three areas:

  1. Emotional/behavioral support
  2. Classroom organization
  3. Instructional support

Certified CLASS observers visit programs and carefully watch the interactions between educators and children, and among the children in a classroom for several 15–20 minute cycles, to capture a well-rounded picture of what happens across the day. After each cycle, they assign a numerical score on a seven-point scale for each CLASS® dimension, based on the depth, frequency, and duration of the effective interactions they observed.

CLASS® scores provide program leaders with a clear and meaningful way to see what’s working well and where there are opportunities to strengthen everyday interactions. 


CLASS® 2nd Edition

Interactions look different at each stage of development. The CLASS® 2nd Edition tool allows you to build on existing CLASS knowledge by:

  • Ensuring reliable observations from birth through third grade, with more robust tools and clearer guidance
  • Improving consistency while reducing complexity through combined age levels, elevated training design, and learning experiences
  • Expanding relevant, role-specific professional development experiences that build skills and support career growth.

Transitioning to CLASS® 2nd Edition

Starting July 2026, the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) will transition from the CLASS® 2008 Pre-K observation tool to the CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K tool.  All preschool-aged assessments and observations will utilize this updated version. These updates are designed to improve clarity and inclusive language while maintaining the core integrity of the assessment.

To learn more about CLASS 2nd Edition: https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition/ 

 

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