Assessment and Testing in Early Childhood

Which best describes the relationship between assessment and testing in early childhood?

• These terms are synonymous

• Testing is the most accurate type of assessment because it is completely objective

• Testing is a limited form of assessment because it reflects the child’s abilities on a specific task at a specific point in time

• Testing refers to the use of standardized measures to rate a child in relation to other children while assessment refers to informal observation

Amy and Louisa have just registered their sons for kindergarten and are discussing the kindergarten entrance assessment that was part of the registration. Amy says, ”I wonder if my son passed the test and can go to kindergarten?" Based on this, what kind of test does Amy consider the assessment to be?

• Achievement

• Criterion-referenced

• Norm-referenced

• Developmental

Louisa says, "I have no idea how my son did on the test, because he was so tired. Last night he had a nightmare and couldn’t sleep.” Louisa is suggesting that her son’s performance on this test is _________ assessment of ability. Instructor’s Manual - Introduction to Early Childhood Education, 6th Ed.

• Not a valid

• Not a reliable

• Neither a valid or reliable

• Both a valid and reliable

Louisa continues, “Fortunately, it doesn’t matter. The public school has to accept them because they are old enough. They only use to check if children have special needs.” Louisa is stating that this test is a ________ test.

• Readiness

• Reliability

• Screening

• Standardized

Teachers who are interested in whether their students have learned important core material should use what kind of test?

• Achievement

• Criterion-referenced

• Norm-referenced

• Screening

No Child Left Behind legislation has

• No impact on early childhood since it emphasizes secondary education

• Is incompatible with developmentally-appropriate practice

• Uses valid tests that appropriately assess school effectiveness

• All of the above are true

Standardized tests

• Serve no useful purpose

• Are problematic no matter how they are used, but sometimes offer important information

• Are problematic when used for a different purpose than intended

• Are seen as problematic, but really are an essential part of the education process

The current move toward requiring children to have certain competencies before entering kindergarten is an BEST DESCRIBED as

• Achievement testing

• Developmental testing

• Readiness testing

• Screening

Anecdotal records

• Should explain and interpret children's behavior

• Should record different kinds of behavior in different contexts

• Are especially useful for children with behavioral problems

• All of the above are true

Rubrics

• Can be easily standardized across classrooms and programs

• Should reflect key learning goals for the specific children and program.

• Are similar to checklists in recording success and failure

• Are best used to compare programs effectiveness across classes or sites