Originally published August 22, 2017  CLASS® Specialists at Teachstone all take turns providing reliability support to anxious testers. We often see the same mistakes and misconceptions over and over again about how the CLASS works, and as my story below will share, how the behavioral markers fit into the coding process. Let’s make this right ..read more

November is National Family Engagement Month. As educators, we’re often focused on supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional growth in the classroom. But, it’s important to remember that families are a child’s first teacher. This month, we’re celebrating how to take learning home and support families’ opportunities to impact their child’s development and learning through the power of interactions. As part of your family engagement initiatives this month (and beyond!), consider how you can help families understand and leverage their interactions at home. To help, check out these t ..read more

We were really happy to receive an article examining the use of CLASS® in American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start Programs. And we were equally happy when lead author Jessica Barnes-Najor, a researcher at Michigan State University, agreed to speak with us. In conjunction with her work at MSU, Jessica is a co-investigator for The Tribal Early Childhood Research Center (TRC). Read below to learn more about this important research.   ..read more

Our previous "Real World Examples" post explored Concept Development. Moving on through the CLASS® tool, let’s continue exploring the Instructional Support domain. Remember, Instructional Support focuses on how educators help children solve problems, think critically, and reason effectively. It highlights the value of real-time feedback to deepen understanding, encourage persistence, and develop language and communication skills ..read more

Can the outdated laws meant to protect children in the digital world keep up with the rapidly advancing technology? Join us as we engage in an enlightening discussion with Kris Perry, a passionate advocate for early childhood safety. Kris shares his unique journey from growing up in a family of educators to becoming a social worker and child abuse investigator. We explore the critical need for updated legislation to safeguard children online, delving into the shortcomings of the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act and the potential impact of new measures like the Kids Online Safety A ..read more

Our previous "Real World Examples" post explored Instructional Learning Formats. Moving on through the CLASS® Tool, let’s explore the great outdoors and the art of gardening to kick off our final domain, Instructional Support! This domain focuses on how educators empower children to solve problems, think critically, and reason effectively. It also emphasizes the importance of feedback in enhancing skills and knowledge, as well as fostering the development of more advanced language abilities ..read more

Our previous "Real World Examples" post focused on Educator (Teacher) Sensitivity. Moving on through the CLASS® tool, let’s explore Regard for Child (Student) Perspectives, the last dimension in the Emotional Support domain. This dimension ensures that every child’s contributions are valued in the learning community. When children feel their voices and choices matter, they are more motivated to engage and learn. Through the CLASS lens, educators who consistently score high in Regard for Child (Student) Perspectives consistently offer choices, create opportunities for children to express their ..read more

This October, as we celebrate Head Start Awareness Month, let’s take a moment to honor not only the program’s remarkable contributions to children and families but also its transformative impact on the entire childcare system. Since its launch in 1965, Head Start has shaped the lives of over 38 million children, profoundly influencing their health, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Head Start’s impact extends far beyond the children it directly serves. It has set a nationwide standard for quality in early childhood education, becoming a guiding force for improvements across the en ..read more

Our previous “Real World Examples” post focused onPositive Climate.Moving on through CLASS® interactions, let’s explore the dimension of Educator (Teacher) Sensitivity. This dimension emphasizes the importance of ensuring every child feels safe and supported. Reflect on your own learning. What do you need to succeed? You probably need to ask questions, face challenges, give it your best effort, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing forward. As you consider this list, you'll realize that learning requires taking risks ..read more

In today’s fast-paced educational environment, professional development must be flexible, practical, and impactful. Teachstone’s latest offering, CLASS® Connect, revolutionizes how Pre-K and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) educators engage in learning, bringing professional development directly to their fingertips. Designed with busy educators in mind, this subscription-based service provides a comprehensive and user-friendly approach to continuous growth and classroom success. We asked recent learners about their favorite parts of CLASS Connect ..read more