Assessing and Guiding Young Children's Development and Learning

Preface

PartI.Professionalism In Assessment.

1. Assessment In Early Childhood: A Work In Progress.

            Assessment Vocabulary

            Expectations of Teachers

            Factors Contributing to Current Practices in Assessment

            Professional Responsibility

                        Summary

                        For Personal Reflection

                        For Further Study and Discussion

                        Suggested Reading

 

2. Legal, Ethical, And Professional Responsibilities In Assessment.

            Know Federal and State Laws that Mandate Assessment

            Protect Child and Family Rights

                        The Right to Equal Protection under the Law

                        The Right to Due Process

                        The Right to Privacy

                        Major Legislation

Be Sensitive to Individual Differences

            Be Sensitive to Social and Cultural Differences

            Be Fair and Impartial

            Use Assessment Results in Appropriate Ways

            Know and Abide by State, School District, and Center Policies

                        Summary

                        For Personal Reflection

                        For Further Study and Discussion

                        Suggested Reading

II. Assessing and Teaching.

3. Why, What, And When to Assess.

            Assessment Decisions

            Why Assess?

                        To Monitor Children’s Development and Learning

                        To Guide Classroom Planning and Decision-making

                        To Identify Children Who Might Benefit from Special Help

                        To Report to and Communicate With Others

            What to Assess

            When to Assess           

            Some Final Thoughts

                        Summary

                        For Personal Reflection

                        For Further Study and Discussion

                        Suggested Reading

 

4. Documenting: Collecting Information.

            Multiple Windows

            Sources of Information

            Methods of Collecting Information

            Contexts for Assessment

            Choosing the Appropriate Assessment Window

                        Summary

                        For Personal Reflection

                        For Further Study and Discussion

                        Suggested Reading

 

5. Documenting: Recording Information.

            Description and Examps of Recording Procedues

            Selecting a Recording Procedure

                        Summary

                        For Personal Reflection

                        For Further Study and Discussion

                        Suggested Reading

 

6. Compiling And Summarizing Information.

            Portfolios

            Group and Individual Profiles

                        Summary

                        For Personal Reflection

                        For Further Study and Discussion

                        Suggested Reading

 

7. Interpreting Assessment Information.

            Ensure the Authenticity and Trustworthiness of the Data

            Interpret and Understand the Meaning of Assessment Findings

                        Summary

                        For Personal Reflection

                        For Further Study and Discussion

                        Suggested Reading

 

8. Using Assessment Information.

            Planning Strategies

            Individual and Group Strategies

            Curriculum and Classroom Modification Strategies

            Examples of using Assessment and Information to Guide Instruction

                        Summary

                        For Personal Reflection

                        For Further Study and Discussion

                        Suggested Reading

9. Organizing for Assessment.

            Integrating Assessment and Teaching

            Developing a Plan

            Organizing Files and Forms

                        Summary

                        For Personal Reflection

                        For Further Study and Discussion

                        Suggested Reading

III. The Classroom and Beyond.

10. Standardized Testing: What Early Childhood Teachers Should Know.

The Difference Between an Assessment That Has Standardized Procedures and a

Standardized Test

Definition of a Standardized Test

Limitations and Inadequacies of Standardized Testing

Types of Standardized Tests

The Early Childhood Teacher’s Role in Standardized Testing

Instruments Measuring Opportunities to Learn

                        Summary

                        For Personal Reflection

                        For Further Study and Discussion

                        Suggested Reading

 

11. Communicating And Collaborating Using Assessment.

            Communicating with Children

            Communicating with Parents

            Communicating and Collaborating with Other Professionals

Professional and Personal Development and Learning

                        Summary

                        For Personal Reflection

                        For Further Study and Discussion

                        Suggested Reading

 

Appendix A: Assessment And Analysis Guides.

 

Appendix B: Developmental Red Flags for Children Ages 3 to 5.

 

Glossary

 

References

 

Author Index

 

Subject Index