Ratings,Validity, and Finalization
                     RATINGS, VALIDITY, 
AND FINALIZATION
How can I know that my Checklist ratings 
FAQ’S are valid and reliable?
ABOUT 
RATINGS, 
VALIDITY, 
AND Your Checklist ratings will be valid and reliable only when you interpret your 
FINALIZING observations and make ratings consistent with the expectations described in the 
Guidelines, rather than ratings based on 
personal opinions.
• WHEN DO I BEGIN RATING MY 
FAQ’S ABOUT CHECKLIST?
RATINGS, EVERY THREE TO FOUR WEEKS, AFTER TEACHERS HAVE 
VALIDITY, AND COLLECTED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF EVIDENCE, THEY 
MAKE PRELIMINARY CHECKLIST 
FINALIZING RATINGS. 
FAQ’S ABOUT RATINGS, VALIDITY, AND 
FINALIZING
Most teachers find it more     
manageable to complete final 
When do I begin the ratings on the Checklists at least 
final Checklist ratings? one-two weeks before the period 
finalization deadline date.
• WHEN DO I USE THE N/A RATING?
USED UNDER SPECIAL 
CIRCUMSTANCES.  
FAQ’S ABOUT THE RATING FOR THE NON-ENGLISH 
LANGUAGE LEARNERS IN LANGUAGE 
RATINGS, AND LITERACY COMPONENT.
RATE  ALL ENGLISH-SPEAKING 
VALIDITY, AND STUDENTS N/A IN THE ELL SECTION
FINALIZING • HOW IS THE DNO RATING USED? 
TEACHER USE THE DNO DURING 
PRELIMINARY RATINGS TO INDICATE 
MORE EVIDENCE IS NEEDED FOR THE 
INDICATOR.
FINALIZATION 
• FINALIZATION IS 3 TIMES EACH YEAR
• 3 FINALIZATION PERIODS: ONE IN THE FALL, WINTER, & SPRING
• EACH INDICATOR SHOULD HAVE A RATING FOR EACH PERIOD.
ALTHOUGH, IT IS NOT EXPECTED THAT ALL CHILDREN WILL BE RATED PROFICIENT
 IN THE FIRST REPORTING PERIOD.
PROFICIENCY OF THE INDICATORS IN THE DEVELOPMENTAL GUIDELINES
 ARE AN END-OF-YEAR EXPECTATION.