University of St. Thomas EDUC 5355 Chapter 2—Assessment The Main Points Dr. Ann Weiss Adjunct Professor University of St. Thomas EDUC 5355

University of St. Thomas EDUC 5355 Assessment The Main Points Value of research in understanding child development Four criteria for evaluating the quality of a research study Objectivity Reliability Validity Replicability

University of St. Thomas EDUC 5355 Assessment The Main Points (con’t) Authentic Assessment Defined Approaches to Studying Young Children Formal Informal Inappropriate Reasons for Testing Appropriate Reasons for Testing

University of St. Thomas EDUC 5355 Authentic Assessment The ongoing, continuous, context-based observation and documentation of children’s learning behaviors

University of St. Thomas EDUC 5355 Formal and Informal Approaches to Studying Young children Formal Achievement Tests Readiness Tests Developmental Screening Tests Diagnostic Tests Intelligence Tests Informal Narrative observations Running records Specimen records Anecdotal records Checklists Rating scales Time sampling Event sampling Interviews/Conferences Portfolios

University of St. Thomas EDUC 5355 Inappropriate Reasons to Use Tests with Young Children 1. As the only indicator to determine whether a child is promoted, retained, or placed in a special class or ability group. 2. As the only or primary measure of school accountability. 3. As the basis for making key instructional decisions so that what is taught is limited to what is covered by a test.

University of St. Thomas EDUC 5355 Appropriate Reasons to Use Tests with Young Children 1. To identify children who need further evaluation for possible handicaps or learning problems. 2. To help teachers plan learning activities for the whole class and for individual children. 3. To use with other assessment tools, such as observation and documentation, to identify developmental and subject matter needs of the class and individual children.

University of St. Thomas EDUC 5355 Chapter 2—Assessment The Main Points Dr. Ann Weiss Adjunct Professor University of St. Thomas EDUC 5355