Validating the Recognizing Excellence in Learning and Teaching (RELATE) Tool for Special Education Classrooms

We created the Recognizing Excellence in Learning and Teaching (RELATE) Tool for Special Education Classroom Observation to fill the need for a well-researched, observational tool that provides a more accurate lens for observing instructional and social processes in the self-contained, special education setting. In this study, we examined the factor structure, descriptive, and psychometric properties of the RELATE Tool using 47 special education classrooms. The results of the descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and generalizability and decision studies suggest that the tool's reliability and validity are promising. We suggest modifications to one component of the tool to improve its psychometric properties.