QTurn’s Quality-Outcomes Design and Measure (Q-ODM) toolbox includes a comprehensive suite of
evidence-informed measures designed to assess the quality and impact of out-of-school time (OST) programs. This manual provides information about an observational rating instrument designed to assess teachers’ and OST staff’s instructional practice quality at the point of service. We also provide some technical information about the measure and general guidance about how to administer, score, and interpret it.
The Teacher Practices Instrument (TPI) was developed by the researchers at QTurn, in collaboration with expert practitioners and numerous OST organizations by creating observational rating items focused on the warmth, responsivity, scaffolding, and encouragement of teachers and OST staff where interacting with children and youth at the point of service. Each item was refined by iterating variations in wording and examples with experienced teachers and OST staff.
The TPI is generally applicable to, and can be used for, any and all types of school classrooms and OST
program offerings. The TPI can also be used with children and youth classified as having an individualized education program (IEP) or similar designation in the same way you would use it for anyone else. We generally recommend using the TPI as the primary measure of teacher’s and OST staff’s instructional practice quality for impact studies because we believe that it is accurately reflects the kinds of practices most likely to influence children’s and youth’s socio-emotional skill growth. Please keep in mind that the TPI does not provide a clinical assessment of classroom teachers or OST staff. It is intended only for lower-stakes planning, improvement, and program evaluation purposes (e.g., where low scores signal areas of focus and support for teachers and staff but not failure, sanctions, or other disciplinary action).