Assessment Methods and Performance Assessments in Early Education

Assessment Methods

  • Reliability of Assessment

    • Assessment methods are not considered reliable until children reach third grade.
    • Important that assessments are age and developmentally appropriate.

  • Types of Assessments

    • Formal Assessments
    • Measure what students know.
    • Performance Assessments
    • Measure what students can do, showcasing application of learned concepts.
    • Portfolio Assessment
    • Based on performance; reflects children's application of their learning in various contexts.
    • Authentic Assessment
    • Evaluates a child's understanding in real-world contexts.
    • Example:
      • A child excelling on a science test may not truly grasp scientific concepts.
      • Conversely, a child executing a science experiment evidences understanding and application of principles.
      • The child's experiment serves as an authentic assessment.

  • Impact of Standardized Testing

    • Increased reliance on standardized testing negatively affects curriculum with a focus on memorization over real-world understanding.
    • Risk of losing true understanding when instruction aims solely for high test scores.

Performance Assessments

  • Role in Teaching

    • Performance assessments enable teachers to develop instruction that encourages knowledge acquisition, solution-finding, and application of principles to real-life scenarios.

  • Requirements for Effective Assessments

    • Must be valid and consider several aspects of child development:
    • Physical
    • Social
    • Emotional
    • Cognitive
    • Observations must be repeatable, and progress should be based on individual standards, rather than group norms.
    • Variety of evaluation methods from diverse sources is recommended.

  • Portfolio Management

    • Preventing portfolios from becoming disorganized is critical; teachers must plan which items will be collected for inclusion.
    • Artifacts should align with program goals and be suitable for the age group.

Steps for Effective Assessment Portfolios Planning and Implementation

  1. Determine Educational Philosophy
    • Define the philosophy guiding the educational program.
  2. Establish Program Goals and Performance Objectives
    • Goals describe what children should learn or be able to do post-program completion.
    • Examples of developmentally appropriate goals include:
      • Learning cooperation and working with peers.
      • Developing fine and gross motor skills.
      • Counting capabilities.
    • Goals must be adaptable to meet individual needs and accommodate various cultures.
  3. Performance Objectives
    • More specific than goals, indicating observable and measurable behaviors that support program goals. Examples:
      • Standing on one foot for five seconds.
      • Holding a pencil properly.
      • Counting to five.
  4. Planning Data Collection
    • Identify data needed for evaluation and decide collection methods and timing.
    • Use multiple methods for data collection:
      • Checklists
      • Reports
      • Anecdotal records
      • Photographs
      • Children's work
  5. Create Planning Profiles for Each Child
    • Personalized profiles covering developmental areas:
      • Physical
      • Emotional
      • Social
      • Cognitive
      • Language
      • Self-help skills
    • Profiles should indicate both satisfactory progress and areas needing reinforcement.
  6. Evaluate Portfolios
    • Teachers evaluate portfolios three or more times yearly to assess child development and classroom planning.
  7. Conferences with Parents
    • Conferences to discuss portfolios, planning profiles, parental expectations, and children's home activities.
    • Recommended to hold twice a year.
    • Discuss how children's activities at home are included in portfolios.
  8. Review and Adapt Lesson Plans
    • As new lesson plans formulate, refer to portfolios and profiles to identify strengths and weaknesses.
    • Update profiles to incorporate planned activities and related impacts on child development.