Can I score higher-level indicators if lower-level ones have not been met? For example, can a room get credit under 5 if it does not meet the requirements of 3?

In order to assign the number score (from 1 to 7) for an item, the answer to this question is "No." In order to move from one level of quality to the next, when scoring, all criteria for the lower level must be met before moving on to the next. Ratings are assigned in the following way:

• Yes is checked on the score sheet if the indicator is true for the situation being observed. No is marked if the indicator is not true.
• When scoring an item, always start reading from 1 (inadequate) and progress upward until the correct quality score is reached.
• A rating of 1 must be given if any indicator under 1 is scored Yes because these indicators describe inadequate care.
• A rating of 2 is given when all indicators under 1 are scored No and at least half of the indicators under 3 are scored Yes.
• A rating of 3 is given when all indicators under 1 are scored No and all indicators under 3 are scored Yes.
• A rating of 4 is given when all of the requirements for 3 are met and at least half of the indicators under 5 are scored Yes.
• A rating of 5 is given when all the requirements of 3 are met and all indicators under 5 are scored Yes.
• A rating of 6 is given when all requirements of 5 are met and at least half of the indicators under 7 are scored Yes.
• A rating of 7 is given when all requirements of 5 are met and all indicators under 7 are scored Yes.

Under some circumstances, however, an observer may want to give a score (Yes or No) to all indicators at all levels. This is especially useful when completing an observation for the purpose of providing technical assistance. In this case, even though the number score remains the same, technical assistance staff can use information gathered at the higher levels to show a teacher what is already being done in a classroom to move towards a higher score. But remember, even if many indicators are true at a higher level, indicators scored at a lower level of quality will still determine the number score.