Classroom Assessment Scoring System(Class) Dimensions Overview, Infant

This tri-fold laminated sheet is a handy reference for users of the CLASS(R) Infant observation tool. Available in convenient packages of 5, this sturdy quick-sheet shows evaluators what to look for while observing each of the CLASS(R) Infant dimensions and scoring the tool. This product is part of the CLASS tool, the bestselling classroom observation tool that measures interactions between children and teachers through brief, repeated observation and scoring cycles. With versions for infant programs, toddler programs, pre-K classrooms (in English and Spanish), and K-3 classrooms, the reliable and valid CLASS tool establishes an accurate picture of the classroom through brief, repeated observation and scoring cycles and effectively pinpoints areas for improvement.

About the Author :
Bridget K. Hamre, Ph.D., is Research Associate Professor in the Curry School of Education and Associate Director of University of Virginiaa (TM)s Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL). Dr. Hamrea (TM)s areas of expertise include student-teacher relationships and classroom processes that promote positive academic and social development for young children, and she has authored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts on these topics. This work documents the ways in which early teacher-child relationships are predictive of later academic and social development and the ways in which exposure to high-quality classroom social and instructional interactions may help close the achievement gap for students at risk of school failure. Dr. Hamre leads efforts to use the CLASS(TM) tool as an assessment, accountability, and professional development tool in early childhood and other educational settings. Most recently, she was engaged in the development and testing of interventions designed to improve the quality of teachersa (TM) interactions with students, including MyTeachingPartner and a 14-week course developed for early childhood teachers. Dr. Hamre received her bachelora (TM)s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and her mastera (TM)s degree and doctorate in clinical and school psychology from the University of Virginia. Karen M. La Paro. Ph.D. is an associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Her areas of expertise include professional development for pre-service and in-service early childhood education teachers focused on teacher-child interactions and relationships and she has authored several peer-reviewed manuscripts on these topics. She worked for several years as research faculty with the NICHD Study of Early Child care as well as the National Center for Early Development and Learning at the University of Virginia. She also has worked with inclusion projects and Head Start in Louisiana and received her doctoral degree in early childhood special education from the University of New Orleans. Dr. La Paro's recent work includes developing a professional development system for Head Start and Early Head Start teachers focused on evidence-based practices, examining the supervision of field based experiences for pre-service teachers, and measurement development for tiered quality improvement systems as part of the Early Learning Challenge grants. Robert C. Pianta, Ph.D., is Dean of the Curry School of Education, Director of the Center for Advanced Study in Teaching and Learning and Novartis U.S. Foundation Professor of Education at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. A former special education teacher, Dr. Pianta is a developmental, school, and clinical child psychologist whose work focuses on assessment and improvement of teacher-student interactions and their role in fostering children's learning and development. Dr. Pianta is a principal investigator on several major grants including the National Center for Research in Early Childhood Education and the Virginia Education Sciences Training Program, and he has worked closely with the Gates Foundation-funded Measure of Effective Teaching project. He is the author of more than 250 journal articles, chapters, and books in the areas of early childhood education, teacher performance assessment, professional development, and teacher-child relationships, and he consults regularly with federal agencies, foundations and universities. Jennifer LoCasale-Crouch, Ph.D. is a research assistant professor at the University of Virginia's Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL). Her areas of expertise in which she has authored multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts include classroom observation, supporting children's successful transition to kindergarten, professional development that supports teachers' effective classroom interactions and ways to implement such supports with high degrees of fidelity. Dr. LoCasale-Crouch has worked with the Office of Head Start in training staff to implement the roll out of CLASS(TM), and also has worked with multiple Head Start grantees across the country in their kindergarten transition planning development. Dr. LoCasale-Crouch is also a co-investigator on three recently funded IES grants designed to enhance the supportive ways teachers interact with children, particularly those at-risk. Dr. LoCasale-Crouch received her bachelor and master's degrees from the Florida State University, and her doctorate in risk and prevention in education sciences from the University of Virginia.