Evaluation of Preschool Special Education Practices Efficacy Study

APPENDIX E

observation instruments with A Teacher interview component

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1. Interview for Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT)

This 2-hour classroom observation measure is followed by a 15-20 minute interview with the lead teacher. The observer will schedule the interview on the same day as the observation at a time that the teacher can be away from the children. The TPOT observation form provides guidance about the questions that need to be asked during the interview. The observer will ask questions exactly as stated on the observation form and use the script in the form if the teacher appears confused or requires clarification. Observers will record all responses provided by teacher and use the teacher’s responses to score the indicators associated with items that are scored by interview only or by interview and observation.

The TPOT is a proprietary instrument.

2. Interview for the Prevent-Teach-Reinforce for Young Children (PTR-YC)

Following the Quality Program Indicators (QPI) classroom observation, a study team member will complete the PTR-YC procedural checklist for each child with an individual behavior support plan based on a brief 5-minute teacher interview.

Both the QPI and the PTR-YC are proprietary instruments.

3. Interview and document review for Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP)

This 2.5 hour classroom observation measure is followed by a 20-minute interview and document review with the lead teacher that is conducted at a time when the teacher is not supervising classroom activities. Although programs are not required to submit any documents prior to the observation, observers should inform the lead teacher about the document review and interview ahead of time to ensure that the lead teacher has set aside time and has the required documents available. Indicators to be scored through the interview are marked with an I and those scored through a document review are marked with a DR on the ICP observation sheet.

Observers will ask a set of specific, structured questions associated with specific indicators as stated on the ICP rating scale and rate teachers’ responses by following specified criteria for rating indicators. Observers will also conduct a document review. The main documents to be reviewed include the following:

1. The program’s inclusive policy

2. The program’s child development screenings and progress monitoring assessments

3. Procedures for communicating with families and

4. Individual child intervention plans

The ICP is a proprietary instrument.

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