Validation of Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS): Examples from Four States

Publication Date: November 18, 2013
Current as of:

Introduction

Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) are only useful if their ratings are valid.  This brief provides detailed examples and findings from QRIS validation activities in four states: Indiana, Maine, Minnesota and Virginia. The brief demonstrates how different states have approached QRIS validation, compares findings, and highlights challenges in designing and conducting QRIS validation studies. 

Authors use a framework provided by Zellman and Fiene through the Quality Initiatives Research and Evaluation Consortium (INQUIRE).  The framework includes four approaches: (1) examining the validity of key underlying concepts, (2) examining the measurement strategy and the psychometric properties of the measures used to assess quality, (3) assessing the outputs of the rating process, and (4) examining how ratings are associated with children’s development.