With grant support from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the WFC program at Wellesley College provides CLASS® Reliable Rater Observer training for early childhood education professionals. Over a three day period, those selected will train to become independent Reliable Rater Observers on the CLASS® PreK-3rd grade assessment (2nd Edition). These online training sessions feature live and interactive discussion with a certified instructor. More detail is available below. Applications for our trainings can be found on our Introductory Training page.
1. Will I need to submit anything besides the application?
The application is all you need to request a spot for online CLASS® Observer training, organized and paid for by the WFC program in the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College. However if you are accepted to the program, you will also be asked to create an account and register with Teachstone Inc, the company that owns the CLASS®.
2. Is the Observer Training really three days long?
Yes, this online training goes for three days, six hours per day (typically 11am-5pm). Those accepted MUST ATTEND all three days. Participants are also required to do homework in the evening, after the first and second day of instruction.
3. Who provides the actual training?
The Reliable Rater Observer training is provided by Teachstone Inc, the owner of the CLASS® assessment.
4. Am I guaranteed a spot? – If not, when do I find out if I’ve been accepted?
No, there is no guarantee you’ll be accepted, or get your first pick of training dates. Maximum enrollment is only 15 people in each training, and the demand is often greater than the number of spots available. As for notification of acceptance, please be patient. We finalize the roster only after the application deadline, when the application period is over.
5. What if I’m selected, but later find I can’t attend this training?
We expect applicants to apply in good faith, and if selected attend all three training dates. If you’re selected, please double and triple-check the training dates still work for you. If despite your best efforts, it turns out you can’t attend, we ask you to be fair to your colleagues and notify us immediately. If we have enough notice we can offer your place to another person.
6. How are applicants selected?
Our WFC program selects candidates for this training. The terms of our grant require that we give priority to CPPI grantees. But those not affiliated with CPPI may still be selected, if space is available.
7. Can I apply on behalf of other people, or if selected transfer my training to someone else?
No, to both these questions. People must apply only for themselves, and training spots are not transferable to another person.
8. Is there a charge for this training?
The training is not free but if you are selected, we pay all the costs! The value of the instruction and materials is at least $650, depending on the class size. See below for a list of requirements you must meet to qualify for this no-cost opportunity.
9. What must I do to qualify for this training?
To receive this training, you must commit to the following requirements:
* Complete all three days of the training, and make your first attempt on the Teachstone Reliable Rater certification test by your assigned “Testing Weekend” (roughly two weeks after training).
* Respond promptly when we ask your progress taking the certification test, and to complete our satisfaction survey
* If you pass the certification test, use the CLASS® tool to conduct classroom observations.
* If you are part of the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI), you must also agree to recertify as a Reliable-Rater Observer for the following year.
10. Do I have to take the certification test right after the Observer training?
Yes, everyone who takes the training is required to take the Teachstone certification test. Teachstone allows you three attempts to pass the test. While Teachstone policy is to allow 8 weeks to finish the test, all trainees that we sponsor must make their first attempt by their assigned “Testing Weekend,” roughly two weeks after the training, and inform us of the result.
11. What assistance does the Wellesley College team provide to Observer trainees?
We in the WFC program at Wellesley College are completely invested in your success. Check out our range of support initiatives below:
* We provide free personalized study assistance for anyone who does not succeed the first attempt at certification.
* For CPPI-affiliated attendees, we pay a $50 bonus for passing the test.
* We provide all newly-certified reliable raters continuing support such as our “Apprentice” program, which pairs newly-certified observers with experienced CLASS® reliable raters who share the entire Observation process from start to finish.
* We supplement the training participants have received with our “PLC” sessions, a series of workshops that help develop skills as a certified CLASS® observer.
(to apply, go to the Introductory Training page)