Validation of quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS): Examples from four states

In a recent Brief produced through the Quality Initiatives Research and Evaluation Consortium--INQUIRE--Zellman and Fiene (2012) provide a framework for QRIS validation and examples of the activities that could be conducted as part of validation efforts. The current Brief serves as a companion to the 2012 INQUIRE Brief by providing detailed examples and findings from the validation activities in four states: Indiana, Maine, Minnesota and Virginia. The purpose of this Brief is to demonstrate how different states have approached QRIS validation, to compare findings, and to highlight challenges in designing and conducting QRIS validation studies.