Concurrent Validity of the Classroom Strategies Scale–Teacher Form: A Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

The present study investigated the concurrent validity of the Classroom Strategies Scale–Teacher Form (CSS-T), a multidimensional teacher formative assessment of instructional and behavioral management practices. The CSS-T is compared with the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), a well-known teacher assessment of overall classroom quality. A sample of 126 kindergarten through 5th-grade general education teachers self-reported on their usage of empirically supported instructional and behavioral management strategies as measured by the CSS-T while a certified independent observer completed the CLASS. Correlational analyses were used to compare CSS-T frequency and discrepancy scores and the CLASS scores. As hypothesized, results demonstrated significant positive (CSS-T frequency scale scores) and negative (CSS-T discrepancy scale scores) correlations between specific CLASS domains and dimensions, thus providing initial evidence for the concurrent and discriminant validity of the CSS-T. Implications of findings are discussed.

Funding

The research reported here was supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through Grant R305A080337 and U.S. Department of Education–Teacher Incentive Fund Program, through Grant S374A120060 to Rutgers University. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of the Institute or the U.S. Department of Education.