The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) is a research-based observational assessment tool designed to enhance program quality. Over the past decades, CLASS has been used as an instrument to assess teacher-student interactions and classroom quality in pre-K classrooms (Hongli, 2019; Designation Renewal System Overview, 2023). CLASS played a critical role in teacher effectiveness, as it promoted students’ social and academic development through reliable and successful teacher–student interactions (McDoniel, 2022; Soininen, 2023). With the Preschool Development Grant Birth - Five (PDG B-5), Hawaiʻi piloted the implementation of CLASS as a tool for assessing program quality in preschool programs. The implementation occurred in two phases: Phase I, which established a baseline setting, and Phase II, which focused on coaching and training. This presentation details findings from the CLASS Phase II Feedback Survey, conducted in Hawaiʻi between December 2024 and January 2025. Phase II activities included pre- and post-observations, debrief meetings, workshop sessions covering the three CLASS domains, and an optional individual CLASS support session with each participant from the early childhood education program, including teachers, assistants, and administrators from five preschools. The survey evaluated participants' perceptions of the training's effectiveness, support, and impact on teaching practices. Participants were motivated by professional growth and program requirements. Results consistently demonstrated overall positive outcomes. Significant improvements in knowledge and confidence were reported across all CLASS domains. Participants particularly valued the practical applications, individualized feedback, and debriefing sessions. These findings strongly support the positive impact of CLASS training, recommending its continuation with targeted domain-specific support.

Authors:
Nicole Schlaack, University of Hawaii, United States
Manca Sustarsic, University of Hawaii, United States
Lorraine Kouao, University of Hawaii, United States
Benji Whitenack, University of Hawaii, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Sustarsic is an Evaluation Specialist at the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/manca-sustarsic-04b544111/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Manca-Sustarsic?ev=hdr_xprf

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