Use video streaming technology instead of in-person observers to assess pre-K classroom quality¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 2 claims (1 for, 1 mixed) · 1 study (1 design), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

This strategy replaces in-person classroom observers with video streaming technology to assess classroom quality in pre-K settings. The article reports that virtual observations "reduce travel time and offer more flexibility for scheduling and hiring the staff needed to conduct the observation." It was piloted with the Pre-K CLASS in Oregon centers and family child care homes during the 2021-2022 program year, and the authors share lessons learned for researchers and state agency staff considering whether and how to conduct virtual pre-K classroom observations.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Video streaming technology must be available in classrooms to enable remote observation using the Pre-K CLASS.

Constraints¶

• The approach comes with substantial logistical challenges, as reported in the pilot study's key findings.

Target Learners¶

• Pre-K children in centers and family child care homes

Target Learning Goals¶

• Assessing classroom quality in pre-K settings for research, monitoring, and quality improvement

Claims¶

• Virtual Pre-K CLASS observations were practical in both centers and family child care homes in an Oregon pilot study [+W]
• Virtual pre-K observations posed substantial logistical challenges despite being practical [~W]

Related Strategies¶

• Weigh live, video, and customized nonverbal data collection methods when using EQUIP

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Ayesha De Mond, Melissa Hepburn, Veena Prakriya, Benjamin Christensen, Sara Bernstein, Jessica Harding. (2023). Lessons Learned from Conducting Virtual Pre-K CLASS Observations in Centers and Family Child Care Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mathematica. https://www.mathematica.org/publications/lessons-learned-from-conducting-virtual-pre-k-class-observations-in-centers-and-family-child-care