Assessment and observation

What is assessment?

• The process of gathering info. About children from several forms of evidence, then organizing and interpreting that info

• the process of observing, recording, and documenting children's growth and behavior

anecdotal records are

• a brief narrative account of a specific incident

• characteristics and behaviors considered normal for children in specific age groups

checklists

• the type of behavior to be assessed and the amount of detail, one child or whole group, attention needed

• are designed to record the presence or absence of specific traits or behaviors

participation charts

• a brief narrative account of a specific incident

• developed to gain info. on specific aspects of children's behavior

rating scales

• like checklists, are planned to record the degree to which a quality or trait is present

• are designed to record the presence or absence of specific traits or behaviors

visual documentation

• a brief narrative account of a specific incident

• collecting or photographing samples of a child's work that portrays learning and development (provides a record that can be studied)

portfolio

• a collection of materials that shows a person's abilities, accomplishment, and progress overtime

• developed to gain info. on specific aspects of children's behavior

rating scales

• like checklists, are planned to record the degree to which a quality or trait is present

• developed to gain info. on specific aspects of children's behavior

formal observations

• the type of behavior to be assessed and the amount of detail, one child or whole group, attention needed

• uses standardized tests and research instruments to identify developmental milestones or emerging competencies

informal observations

• involves observing children in classrooms, collecting samples of their work, interviewing parents, and talking with children

• uses standardized tests and research instruments to identify developmental milestones or emerging competencies