Session Summary
Share...

Direct link:

3-185 - Conceptual and Methodological Approaches to Assessing Classroom Quality for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children

Sat, April 8, 2:30 to 4:00pm, Hilton Austin, Meeting Room 402

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

Numerous studies provide strong evidence that high quality early care and education (ECE) contributes to positive school readiness outcomes for young children (e.g., Mashburn, et.al, 2008; Burchinal, et.al., 2010). Major expansions in Federal and State ECE policies and investments to support school readiness outcomes has led to increased emphasis on accountability systems, including those for the fast growing population of dual language learners (DLLs) served by these programs (ACF, 2013; Espinosa and Lopez, 2007). One of the challenges faced today by policymakers, researchers, and educators is the need to develop the most equitable and psychometrically sound monitoring and quality improvement approaches to assessing classroom environments and instructional practices that best meet the educational needs of DLLs (Downer, et. al., 2010).

This session will highlight the conceptual underpinnings of emerging quality measurement approaches and their relevance in accurately capturing the specific learning needs of young DLLs. The first paper examines the combined use of the CLASS (overall classroom quality) plus the CASEBA, a measure of DLL instructional quality, with preschool-aged DLL children in Florida. The second study used the CLASS plus the LISN, an observational measure of language interactions, in study in CA serving a high proportion of DLLs. The third paper examines the purpose and uses of the Classroom Assessment of Sociocultural Interactions, a newly developed measure that captures cultural dimensions of classroom interactions. This session highlights the continued need to support measurement development to better understand instruction and ensure equitable and positive outcomes for this growing population of DLLs.

Sub Unit

Chair

Discussant

Individual Presentations