When Bigger Looks Better: The CLASS in Montessori Contexts

• In Event: Montessori Environments and Their Impact

Abstract

Quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS) are often used to evaluate early childhood environments, and the CLASS-PreK is used in almost half of states’ systems. Here we examine how the CLASS functions in Montessori and control classrooms using data from the Preschool Learning Study, the first national study of public Montessori preschool. Fifty-three Montessori preschool classrooms were rated using the CLASS, as were 19 control classrooms. Montessori classrooms had 50% more children on average, and significantly higher adult:child ratios. CLASS domain scores did not differ significantly across pedagogy, but the Montessori classrooms scored slightly higher on Emotional Support and Classroom Organization. Consistent with Montessori theory, larger class sizes and higher adult:child ratios predicted higher CLASS scores in the Montessori classrooms.

Authors

• Angeline S. Lillard, University of Virginia

• Elena S Martynova, University of Virginia

• Lee Leboeuf, University of Virginia

• Alejandra Martin, Los Angeles County Office of Education

• Ann-Marie Faria, American Institutes for Research

• Karen Manship, American Institutes for Research