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Gaining mindfulness skills may be linked to higher job satisfaction and improved educator mental health. This document provides practical strategies for teachers to self-regulate and model valuable skills in stress reduction for students

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Last month we hosted a webinar, A Closer Look at CLASS 2nd Edition . And, we were blown away from the responses and excitement to the enhancements. As with any big news, there were also questions. We're tackling your top asked questions below, and look forward to continuing sharing more updates and insights around CLASS 2nd Edition in the coming weeks.

The Vision for CLASS 2nd Edition

What research was consulted or conducted in identifying the enhancements for CLASS 2nd edition?

Throughout the development of CLASS 2nd Edition we focused on gathering information about the elements of CLASS that would be most impactful to improve upon as we continue to refine CLASS as the gold-standard system for continuous quality improvement. In the course of that work it was clear that the field was asking for us to build upon the foundation of CLASS, while working to:

1. Provide greater support for using CLASS equitably across a diverse range of programs and settings;

2. Increase access to CLASS, decreasing barriers to use at broad scale; and

3. Build additional aligned tools and items that enhance the impact of CLASS by measuring more of what matters in the classroom.

Over the past few years, we have engaged in an intentional research and design process, working to incorporate feedback and learning from a range of experts including practitioners (teachers, coaches, leaders, policymakers) and researchers. This comprehensive process included:

Consultations with subject matter experts in areas including culturally responsive teaching across settings, family child care, tribal early childhood programs, trauma-informed care, social and emotional learning, executive functioning, literacy, science, and math.

Reviews of quantitative and qualitative research on culturally responsive teaching and use of CLASS in diverse settings.

Focus groups with teachers, coaches, and leaders across many states and localities.

Piloting components of CLASS 2nd Edition through video and live methods and engaging in revisions based on extensive internal coding and video review.

Because the core structure of CLASS remains the same we are confident that the existing evidence for CLASS impacts continues to be relevant with the 2nd Edition. And we are excited to be partnering with the research community to release new findings on CLASS 2nd Edition as they become available. Stay tuned for more to come soon!

Beyond CLASS 2nd Edition for Pre-K-3rd, what's next?
Once CLASS 2nd Edition for Pre-K-3rd is available in July, we'll continue on with our innovations with the following goals in 2023:

CLASS 2nd Edition for Infant and Toddler

CLASS 2nd Edition for Pre-K-3rd in Spanish

CLASS 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd for Affiliates and Train-the-Trainer programs

CLASS 2nd Edition for Infant and Toddler in Spanish

How does the new CLASS Environment measure fit into a CLASS implementation?

CLASS® Environment is a new optional measure of quality that is designed for use in infant/toddler and pre-k/kindergarten environments. Used alongside the CLASS Tool, the environment is observed at the same time as the interactions, thus empowering any organization to begin using CLASS® Environment once they are ready. Ahead of an observation, the observer needs to have completed the low-cost CLASS Environment Observer Training, and it's recommended that teachers have also completed the complimentary CLASS Environment Teacher PD course.

CLASS® Environment can be used alongside CLASS to measure the elements of interactions and environment that matter most to children's development and learning. For many systems the combination of CLASS and CLASS Environment can take the place of using two different measures that require separate training and observation, such as CLASS and ECERS. However it is important to note CLASS Environment was not designed as a comprehensive measure of all elements of the environment and does not measure elements such as health and safety that are typically assessed as a part of licensing.

Intentional Certification Transitions

Do currently certified, reliable observers need to retrain and recertify on CLASS 2nd Edition?
Currently, certified observers will continue to recertify on CLASS at the time of their annual recertification. To learn about the updates in CLASS 2nd edition, observers must complete a transition pathway. To learn more, to see specific, recommended transition pathways for observers.

Should we delay any observation trainings scheduled for after July 1, 2022 when the Pre-K-3rd CLASS 2nd Edition Observation Training is available?

No, we encourage you to move forward as planned! To support a seamless adoption of CLASS 2nd Edition, we have built out pathways to meet your needs, protect investments, and ensure there isn't any interruption to your implementation timeline. Any currently certified observer will receive asynchronous, online support that introduces the changes in the CLASS 2nd Edition tool and help support their use of the new CLASS 2nd edition field guide. Any newly trained certified observer (trained from Teachstone between March 15-June 30, 2022) will be able to enroll, at no additional cost, into a live, virtual Transition Training beginning July 1, 2022. We plan to offer similar support for Infant/Toddler as we look to that evolution in 2023.

CLASS in Head Start and Family Child Care

How does CLASS 2nd Edition impact Head Start programs?

We are continuing our close partnership with the Office of Head Start, and are committed to continuing to serve all Head Start programs. We are working closely with OHS to review impacts, explore options, and create an impactful and meaningful path forward. The specific changes to the use of CLASS in Head Start will be communicated out from the Office of Head Start.

How does CLASS 2nd Edition better support family child care providers?

One of the main goals of the CLASS 2nd Edition enhancement was to better and more broadly represent the variety of settings in which children are cared for. As such, we've made intentional updates in the CLASS 2nd Edition to be more inclusive, representative, and offer guidance for the use of CLASS and observing interactions across family child care settings.

Protecting Current Investments

What cost impact can I anticipate with adopting CLASS 2nd Edition?

We've designed the adoption of CLASS 2nd Edition to flow with the observer recertification cycle, and offer free resources to support understanding the 2nd edition improvements. At the time of recertification, observers can choose to bundle their CLASS recertification with an updated 2nd Edition Manual for $180.

For programs who are looking to receive a facilitation transition to support their observers understanding the changes in CLASS 2nd edition, Teachstone has a paid offering of a half-day virtually facilitated training. Please reach out to your CLASS Success team for more details.

For programs who are looking to just receive the new CLASS 2nd Edition, the manuals will be provided at no-additional cost through digital, view-only methods to currently certified observers for one year. Print manuals can be purchased at a low cost of $75 per set, or $55 for the Observation Field Guide.

In our commitment to continue to evolve the CLASS tool, we are also committed to protecting your investments, both in time and budget. We recognize that adopting updated editions takes time, and in the development of all transition supports we are intentionally designing the resources to be as time- and cost-effective as possible.

How does CLASS 2nd Edition impact current training and resource investments and current offerings from Teachstone?

With the foundational concepts of CLASS® remaining the same, all current investments and current offerings remain accurate and appropriate to use in support of your CLASS implementation. As part of our evolution and commitment to innovation, we will continue to identify opportunities and areas for improvement.

Even though we're hearing excitement from across the field, we know change, no matter how big or small, can be uncomfortable. It's why we're committed to being your partner in supporting you in this exciting evolution. We know CLASS 2nd Edition can and will have a greater impact on moving towards a future in which every child and every educator experiences life-changing interactions.

Making the Move to CLASS 2nd Edition:

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Your CLASS® 2nd Edition Questions Answered

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Last month we hosted a webinar, A Closer Look at CLASS 2nd Edition . And, we were blown away from the responses and excitement to the enhancements. As with any big news, there were also questions. We're tackling your top asked questions below, and look forward to continuing sharing more updates and insights around CLASS 2nd Edition in the coming weeks.

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CLASS resources from University of Virginia

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CLASS resources from University of Virginia

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School of Education and Human Development | University of Virginia

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The Classroom Assessment Scoring System™ (CLASS™) is an observational instrument developed at the School Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning to assess classroom quality in PK-12 classrooms. It describes multiple dimensions of teaching that are linked to student achievement and development and has been validated in over 2,000 classrooms. The CLASS™ can be used to reliably assess classroom quality for research and program evaluation and also provides a tool to help new and experienced teachers become more effective.

The CLASS™ system began as part of a national study in early childhood development. Eventually, that research grew in significance as education policies shifted focus to teacher accountability.

Teachers needed some way to see how their methods were working in the classroom. The CLASS™ instrument became a much-needed tool that could both effectively measure teacher-student interactions in a classroom setting and offer resources for strengthening those interactions across any subject area or age group.

CLASS™ is the only observational teacher-assessment tool that captures teacher behaviors linked to students gains and that has been proven to work in tens of thousands of classrooms, from preschool to high school and beyond.

The CLASS™ tool includes four cycles of 15-minute observations of teachers and students by a certified CLASS™ observer. Those observations are then rated using a manual of behaviors and responses. But it's never been just about measurement. It's about enhancing the overall relationship between teachers and students-and, therefore, the learning. After all, teachers have an influence that can extend beyond a classroom into a lifetime, and that's a role that few in our society have the privilege of playing.

Research conducted in over 3,000 classrooms concludes that from Pre-K programs into the third grade, children in classrooms with higher CLASS™ ratings realize greater gains in achievement and social skill development.

Current work focuses on expanding the CLASS™ into infant and toddler classrooms as well as validation work on Upper Elementary and Secondary versions of CLASS™. CASTL also supports the implementation of CLASS™ as a part of national (Office of Head Start), state (e.g., Virginia, Georgia, Arizona), and local (e.g., San Diego, Cal.) efforts to measure and improve early childhood education.

CLASS ™

provides programs, schools, and districts with reliable, valid data on teacher effectiveness.

creates a common language about effective teaching practices across subject areas and grade levels.

helps teachers better understand how their interactions in the classroom affect student learning.

documents improvements in the effectiveness of teachers' interactions with students.

CLASS™ Resources for Education Practitioners:
Measuring and Improving Teacher-Student Interactions in PK-12 Settings to Enhance Students' Learning (pdf) Why Should We Use Classroom Observation (pdf) What Should Classroom Observation Measure (pdf) How to Select the Right Classroom Observation Tool (pdf) How to Use Classroom Observation Most Effectively (pdf) How Classroom Observations Can Support Systematic Improvement in Teacher Effectiveness (pdf)
Learn about MyTeachingPartner ™, a coaching program to help foster effective teacher-student interactions

Ongoing Research
CLASS: Optimizing Reliability and Validity and Classroom Observations CLASS: Measures of Effective Teaching
Completed Research
Research Brief: Predicting Adolescent Achievement with the CLASS™-S Observation Tool (pdf)
Research Brief: Maximizing Classroom Time to Promote Learning

Additional Versions of the CLASS™
CLASS - Infant Version
CLASS - Toddler Version
CLASS: Secondary CLASS: Individualized Classroom Assessment Scoring System (inCLASS)
Associated Faculty
Robert C. Pianta Jason Downer

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The CLASS™ system began as part of a national study in early childhood development. Eventually, that research grew in significance as education policies shifted focus to teacher accountability. Teachers needed some way to see how their methods were working in the classroom.

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CLASS resources from the NYC Dept. of Education (scroll down on this web page for CLASS resources)

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CLASS resources from the NYC Dept. of Education (scroll down on this web page for CLASS resources)

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The Early Childhood Framework for Quality (EFQ)(Open external link) describes key practices and structures that are essential in high-quality early childhood programs to prepare children for success, many of which are related to early learning environments at a program and the interactions between t…

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Teachstone Inc., a Certified B Corporation®

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Watch Effective Teacher Child Interactions | Videos | Teachstone

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Watch how the CLASS measure organizes effective teacher-child interactions & why these interactions matter for children’s development.

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Learn how to use the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS): Pre-K ® observation tool to help improve program quality and outcomes. The resources on this page may be useful to Head Start directors, education managers, coaches, teachers, and others who work with preschoolers.

Explore how to use CLASS® to improve program quality and outcomes. Hear strategies to promote well-organized environments, effective interactions, and engaging experiences.

Learn how and when to use CLASS® assessment data for quality program improvement. This brief addresses three main questions: what do the CLASS ® results mean?; what are the different ways CLASS ® results can be used?; and how should CLASS ® results be reported and shared?

Explore this guide to learn how relates to school readiness, as well as how to use the tool to collect and apply data. It includes case studies that show how programs have applied for support and improvement.

This resource connects teaching practices and learning activities in the in-service suites with the domains and dimensions of . Head Start grantees may find this tool useful in planning professional development.

Discover how this resource connects preschool teaching practices in the Effective Practice Guides with the CLASS ® domains and dimensions. Head Start grantees can use this tool to plan professional development and focus coaching efforts.

Learn how Head Start programs can use to support professional development and quality improvement efforts. The webcast features Dr. Bob Pianta, the developer of the , and the Office of Head Start leadership team. Listen as they discuss the scope of and ways to integrate into the Head Start monitoring and review process.

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Explore the resources on this page, which may be useful to Head Start directors, education managers, coaches, teachers, and others who work with preschoolers.

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Teachstone Inc., a Certified B Corporation®

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Explore free Teachstone resources for teachers including webinars, videos, and blog posts.

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Administrators - The data you need is at your fingertips in myTeachstone. Pull observation averages at the program level all the way down to specific scores from each teacher. See how many observers are currently CLASS reliable. And learn exactly how much time your coaches and teachers are spending on professional development.

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How do CLASS® Dimensions and Domains Support One Another

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How do CLASS® Dimensions and Domains Support One Another

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How the CLASS Dimensions and Domains Support One Another

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CLASS® 2nd Edition: A More Equitable, Accessible Future - Teachstone

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Field-sourced enhancements to CLASS create a more equitable, efficient, and effective path to meaningful interactions for Pre-K-3rd educators.

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Everything Pre-K and K-3 Observers Need to Know about CLASS® 2nd Edition

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Everything Pre-K and K-3 Observers Need to Know about CLASS® 2nd Edition

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IIn our recent webinar, Making the Move to CLASS® 2nd Edition, we shared how programs and individuals can begin to experience and use the enhanced Pre-K-3rd CLASS tool. Certified CLASS observers play a critical role in helping every child reach their full potential.

Without reliable and valid data on the quality of educator-child interactions, programs and educators would not have the actionable insights they need to make continuous quality improvements in the areas that matter the most for children.

During the development of CLASS 2nd Edition, we wanted to ensure that observers had the support they needed to best fulfill their responsibilities.

With CLASS 2nd Edition, observers can:

Save time recertifying and observing

CLASS 2nd Edition streamlines the training and certification processes by combining the Pre-K and K-3 tools into one. With the 2nd Edition, observers can choose to certify on Pre-K only, or take one reliability certification and become certified to observe across Pre-K to third grade classrooms.

And, CLASS 2nd Edition encompasses a new optional training and measure of quality, CLASS Environment. Used alongside the CLASS tool, CLASS Environment ensures observers can collect observational data points on interactions and the environment within one, single observation. This allows observers to save time in collecting this observational data, and reduces disruptions to the classrooms as well!

Increase their confidence and ability to effectively observe
With CLASS 2nd Edition, the Observation Training has been reimagined and redesigned to be more engaging, more comprehensive, and a better learning experience overall. These enhancements include new diverse examples, all new classroom videos, and additional guidance for reducing bias and observing across a diversity of settings and contexts.

For observers who are already CLASS certified, the new concepts and enhancements will be found in the Observer Transition Training and Supports so that observers have the opportunity to build their understanding of equitable observations.

As part of the release of CLASS 2nd Edition, on-demand CLASS Observation Support Trainings are available at no additional cost to all certified observers, giving them additional opportunities to learn how to best observe across settings, such as settings with dual language learners.

And, the CLASS 2nd Edition Manual has been updated to make using the CLASS tool easier than ever. Observers will love the streamlined Observation Field Guide that gives them what they need to complete an observation, as well as the easy-to-understand and clearer dimension and indicator language.

Collect more actionable data

Simply measuring the quality of educator-child interactions does not improve the interactions. To make quality improvements that drive impact, data should be actionable at the individual and programmatic level. With CLASS 2nd Edition, observers will receive additional support to ensure the data that is being collected can be easily used to design quality, data-driven improvements.

New scoring strategies will also be shared across the Manual, Observation Training, and transition supports. First, assigning ranges at the indicator level is now a formalized step within the scoring process, with clear guidance provided on how best to achieve a reliable and valid score. Additional data collection points are provided to measure the content exposure occurring within a classroom, capturing both the type of content and the format of delivery.

And, the myTeachstone Observation Data Collection tool is being updated to streamline this data collection and provide reports that generate automated feedback that identifies strengths and opportunities based on the indicator score.

Evolving to CLASS 2nd Edition

CLASS 2nd Edition is an evolution-an evolution of the tools, and an evolutionary process to getting all programs, and observers using the updated tools. As with any evolution, this transition process is gradual and will occur over time.

As of July 1, 2022 all currently certified Pre-K and K-3rd observers will have access to:

Online Transition Supports that can be accessed, viewed, and completed on-demand, at their own pace and leisure

Digital (read-only) access to the CLASS 2nd Edition Pre-k-3rd Manual Set

*Once these resources are available, additional communication will be sent out to certified observers with how to access the supports.

Once the CLASS 2nd Edition Pre-k-3rd Manual Set is available, observers can review the transition support materials and can begin using and/or incorporating the enhancements from the 2nd Edition into their observations of the age-levels they are currently certified... there isn't a need to "recertify" on the 2nd Edition specifically!

Impacts to Recertification

Certified observers can stay on their yearly recertification cycle. If recertifying ahead of July 1, 2022, observers will see no change to the recertification process and will engage in the updated experience at their next yearly recertification. After July 1, 2022 observers will have the option to recertify on Pre-K only or on the combined Pre-K-3rd age level, and can bundle their recertification with a printed CLASS 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd Manual Set.

While not required, it is recommended that ahead of recertification observers engage in their own continuous learning and review the transition supports available to them, especially if certifying on the combined age level for the first time.

Additional specifics and recommendations for recertification processes for certified observers:

We know change of any kind and of any size can be uncomfortable. But, we are excited for the future impact that the enhancements made in CLASS 2nd Edition will have. Together, we will see that every child has the opportunity to experience life-changing interactions.

Additional Support

Looking for even more information and guidance around CLASS 2nd Edition? We're here to help!

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Everything Pre-K and K-3 Observers Need to Know about CLASS® 2nd Edition

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IIn our recent webinar, Making the Move to CLASS® 2nd Edition, we shared how programs and individuals can begin to experience and use the enhanced Pre-K-3rd CLASS tool. Certified CLASS observers play a critical role in helping every child reach their full potential.

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Breathe: Over 80 tools to relax and help you cope...

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Breathe: Over 80 tools to relax and help you cope...

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Coloring is a great way to calm and distract yourself. Empty your mind of worries as you focus on your picture.

This technique works for kids AND adults! It can hep reduce anxiety and stress.

Regular hugs work too! Spend some time snuggling a pet or getting/giving a hug to your family or friends.

Yoga mudras are an ancient practice. Some people use yoga hand gestures as they meditate or focus their intentions. It can be a nice distraction to practice and hold these different hand shapes.

Select 3 ideas from the CALM Room and give them a try this week.

At the end of the week, ask yourself if they were helpful. If they were- keep using them! If they weren't, make a different selection and try again. Eventually you will find tools that work just right for you.

If you are looking for local resources, try our

If you are struggling with mental health or if you are stressed out with life... please call 651-266-7878 to talk to someone at Ramsey County Crisis Response. They are open all the time- day and night. And they can visit with you in person if-needed.

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More CLASS® videos on Teachstone channel on YouTube

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More CLASS® videos on Teachstone channel on YouTube

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class "class tool" teaching teachers education teachstone "bob pianta" "bridget hamre" schools "pre-kindergarten (grade level)" pre-k toddler "child care" k-...

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If you improve how teachers connect with students, children achieve more-now and for the rest of their lives. That's the promise of CLASS. Teachstone® is delivering on that promise by coupling classroom observations with professional development so that teachers get better and children learn more. Email: contact@teachstone.com

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Coaching Made Easier with CLASS® 2nd Edition

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Coaching Made Easier with CLASS® 2nd Edition

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Coaching Made Easier with CLASS® 2nd Edition

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CLASS 2nd Edition helps coaches support educators across unique contexts and provide more individualized coaching.