Searching for Evidence

When you are assessed by the University of Washington, the persons doing the assessment are called “Data Collectors”   Here is a link to the job description so you know more about their backgrounds  https://uwhires.admin.washington.edu/eng/candidates/default.cfm?szCategory=jobprofile&szOrderID=86155&szCandidateID=0&szSearchWords=&szReturnToSearch=1

The Data Collectors will be looking for evidence.    As you review items on the Environmental Rating Scale assessment and the CLASS assessment, ask yourself what evidence you can see in your classroom to demonstrate that you meet the indicator.

Often, because you are so close to your own program, it is easy to make assumptions that what they will be looking for is easy to see.  I think the analogy of how hard it can be to edit your own paper is a good one.  After writing, it is sometimes hard to see the errors unless you ask someone to take a look with fresh eyes. 

Put on your detective hat and search for evidence.



Will they see you doing music? 

Are there pictures of the children doing block play to show it is happening? 

Does the children’s artwork on the wall show that they chose their own subject and medium so that it was their own creative expression?

Are the fine motor materials on the shelf in plain view?

There will be a time for you to answer direct questions, but have as much of your evidence in plain view to make the process easier.

The Data Collectors will come with fresh eyes and will not have the intimacy with your classroom that you have – so present your evidence!