Content and Response Process Validity Evidence for a State-Developed Measure of Preschool Teaching Quality

• In Event: Early Childhood Education Quality Improvements

Abstract

This study contributes to important aspects of validity evidence for a state-developed observation instrument for their voluntary Quality Rating and Improvement System designed to improve the quality of child care services. The use of a state-developed instrument allows for alignment with criteria for child care quality that have cultural relevance to the state. Content validity evidence was collected by examining the instrument’s alignment with other criteria for teaching quality and by expert review. Feedback from special education and cultural diversity experts was also incorporated to address equity issues. Further, engagement of practitioners with the instrument on their understanding and perceived ability to meet evaluation indicators offers evidence of response process validity within the cultural context of actual child care settings.

Authors

• Tammiee S. Dickenson, University of South Carolina - Columbia

• Hall West, University of South Carolina

• Leigh D'Amico, University of South Carolina

• Cathy Ann Kovacs, South Carolina Department of Social Services

• Bridget Hinson, South Carolina Department of Social Services

• Beverly Hunter, South Carolina Department of Social Services

• Debbie Akos, South Carolina Department of Social Services