Wk5 discussion : Performance Assessment Strategies
Appropriate assessment strategies have the potential to support children’s individual learning needs, and they can help teachers see evidence of the effect of their teaching, while also providing a measure of program accountability. Additionally, it is also important to realize that assessment practices have the potential to do harm. Just as there are concerns about inappropriate curriculum content and teaching strategies, there are concerns about assessment. NAEYC has created guidelines that specifically address the early childhood professional’s ethical responsibilities to children around assessment. Here are the principles and ideals that focus on assessment in NAEYC’s Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of CommitmentLinks to an external site..
To begin this assignment,
• Read the weekly assigned reading and carefully review methods of data collection including anecdotal records, running records, event sampling, time sampling, checklists, and rating scales. Next, select your three most preferred methods of authentic assessment.
• Review the following document which highlights the ideals and principles specifically referring to the responsible assessment of young children found within the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment.
Next, in your initial post,
• Discuss why you, as a program administrator, would promote these approaches to assessment in an early childhood program you were administering.
• Provide at least one example of the negative consequences for children when programs use inappropriate child assessment tools or strategies (such as using an assessment tool incorrectly or interpreting assessment data).
• Use the course text and/or one outside source to support your response.
As a program administrator, I would promote authentic assessment approaches in an early childhood program because they are more developmentally appropriate and accurate than traditional assessment methods. Authentic assessment methods allow children to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways, including through projects, portfolios, and performance tasks. This allows me to get a more complete picture of each child’s learning and development.
Here are my three most preferred methods of authentic assessment:
Project-based learning: Project-based learning allows children to explore a topic in depth and apply what they have learned in a meaningful way. For example, a child might create a book about their favorite animal or build a model of a historical building.
Portfolios: Portfolios are collections of children’s work that show their progress over time. Portfolios can include projects, writing samples, artwork, and photographs.
Performance tasks: Performance tasks are activities that require children to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting. For example, a child might give a presentation on a topic they have studied or perform a song they have learned.
Authentic assessment methods are more developmentally appropriate than traditional assessment methods because they allow children to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways that are relevant to their interests and experiences. Traditional assessment methods, such as standardized tests, often focus on narrow skills and knowledge, and they can be stressful for children.
Here is an example of the negative consequences for children when programs use inappropriate child assessment tools or strategies:
Children may feel anxious or stressed about being tested.
Children may develop a negative attitude towards learning.
Children may be labeled as “good” or “bad” learners based on their test scores.
Children may be denied access to educational opportunities based on their test scores.
It is important for program administrators to use developmentally appropriate and accurate assessment methods that will benefit all children. Authentic assessment methods are a good way to do this.
Here are some additional resources that support the use of authentic assessment in early childhood education:
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): NAEYC has a position statement on the responsible assessment of young children.
The Early Childhood Assessment Collaborative (ECAC): ECAC is a website that provides resources on authentic assessment.
The Assessment Reform Group (ARG): ARG is a group of researchers who have developed a framework for authentic assessment.
