Measuring Quality Interactions
The quality of interactions between teachers and children is measured in VQB5 through use of the nationally recognized Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).
In VQB5, over 30,000 CLASS observations are completed annually in over 10,000 infant, toddler and preschool classrooms, including family day homes. This provides educators with frequent and actionable feedback to guide improvement.
VQB5 CLASS Observation Requirements
VQB5 sites are required to complete two types of CLASS observations: local and external observations. These observations have different purposes and frequencies during the annual measurement and improvement cycle as described in the Overview of CLASS Observations in VQB5/Spanish.
Local CLASS Observations
Local CLASS Observations are completed twice a year in every birth to five classroom, once in the fall and once in the spring. Local Observations are coordinated through Ready Regions.
- 2023-2024 Local CLASS Observation Guidebook
- VQB5 Local CLASS Observer Guidance Webinar Recording--August 2023
- VQB5 Local CLASS Observations FAQ - January 2024
- VQB5 Local Observer Spring Refresher Webinar—February 2024
- VQB5 Local Observation Feedback Templates (Infant/Toddler/Pre-K)
- Accessing VQB5 Local CLASS Data in LinkB5
External CLASS Observations
External CLASS Observations are conducted at each site, with at least one classroom at each age-level observed during the program year. External observations are coordinated for the state by the Virginia Teachstone External Observation Team.
General CLASS Support Resources
- CLASS tool summaries: Infant/Toddler/Pre-K
- CLASS Birth-To-Five Alignment Summary
- CLASS Data Worksheets: Infant/Toddler/Pre-K
- Virginia CLASS Data Averages - July 2023
- VDOE Mandated Reporter Requirements
Information about how CLASS scores are used, along with curriculum information, to determine a site’s annual quality rating can be found in the VQB5 Quality Ratings User Guide.
For additional details about VQB5 CLASS observation requirements and consequences for not completing required CLASS observations, refer to Section 4 in the VQB5 Guidelines.
For questions about the use of CLASS in VQB5 contact vqb5@doe.virginia.gov.