User's Guide to the Early Language and Literacy Classroom Observation, Pre-K Tool

Ellco helps administrators, supervisors, and program directors gather the crucial data schools need to strengthen classroom quality and build better literacy programs, both by improving teacher development and comparing their practices with others.Originally published in 2002, ""Ellco"" was developed to measure classroom environments and their effects on early literacy and language development in pre-K through third grade. To strengthen the usefulness of the tool and better address the differences in settings between pre-school and early elementary classrooms, the new edition is divided into 2 parts: pre-K and kindergarten through third grade. The tools for each age group are parallel in design and layout with the same scoring system and the same level of guidance for use and interpretation.The new tool now consists of only 2 elements, the Classroom Observation and Teacher Interview. This edition includes descriptors for all 5 scoring levels.The User's Guides provide more information on how to use and interpret the results, including guidelines for conducting classroom observations, limiting bias in scoring, scoring guidance, providing feedback, research use, and data collection tips. Additions include research-based practices for increasing reading fluency, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and more.

Miriam W. Smith is Consultant, Educational Development Center (EDC). Joanne P. Brady is Vice President and Director, Center for Children and Families (CCF), EDC. Louisa Anastasopoulos is Research Associate, CCF, EDC. Nancy Clark-Chiarelli is Principal Research Scientist, CCF, EDC.