Author Information
Nicole Schlaack, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, United StatesManca Sustarsic, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, United States
Benji Whitenack, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, United States
Aya Marie Lorraine Kouao, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, United States
Abstract
The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) is a research-based observational tool widely used to assess teacher–child interactions and enhance program quality in early childhood education (ECE). Over the past several decades, CLASS has been shown to support teacher effectiveness by promoting children’s social and academic development through high-quality interactions. Through the Preschool Development Grant Birth–Five (PDG B–5), Hawaiʻi piloted the implementation of CLASS as a statewide program quality assessment tool for preschool settings. Implementation occurred in two phases: Phase I established baseline observations, while Phase II emphasized coaching, training, and professional support. This study presents findings from the CLASS Phase II Survey, conducted in Hawaiʻi between December 2024 and January 2025. Phase II activities included pre- and post-observations, debrief meetings, domain-specific workshops across the three CLASS domains, and optional individualized support sessions for ECE teachers, assistants, and administrators from five preschools. The survey examined participants’ perceptions of the training’s effectiveness, level of support, and impact on teaching practices. Findings show that participants were primarily motivated by professional growth and program requirements, and demonstrate increases in knowledge, confidence, and intentionality across all CLASS domains. Qualitative responses highlighted the value of practical strategies, individualized feedback, and reflective debriefing sessions. Finally, the study’s implications support the CLASS Phase II training and recommend its continued implementation with targeted, domain-specific support to ECE teachers and administrators.
Paper Information
Conference: IICAH2026Stream: Humanities - Teaching and Learning
This paper is part of the IICAH2026 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Schlaack N., Sustarsic M., Whitenack B., & Kouao A. (2026) Enhancing Preschool Quality: A Survey of CLASS Training Effectiveness in Hawaiʻi ISSN: 2432-4604 – The IAFOR International Conference on Arts & Humanities – Hawaii 2026 Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 107-118) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2432-4604.2026.9
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2432-4604.2026.9
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