Role, Purpose, and Types of Assessment

• Describe the role and purpose of assessments in an early childhood learning environment.
• Identify the roles of family, medical professionals, and educators in the early childhood assessment.
• Define assessment in the use of curriculum and intentional teaching.
• Examine types of assessment tools.
• Define assessment goals and key elements of assessment with regard to developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood.
• Define relevant components in selecting an appropriate assessment tool.
• Describe the essential characteristics of a good measurement instrument for evaluating children’s learning.

Designing Quality Assessments

• Define the purpose of systematic assessment practice and setting goals for instructional design.
• Examine multiple developmental domains interrelated to assessment goals.
• Identify the importance of selecting a variety of assessment tools to achieve assessment goals.
• Analyze the importance of evaluating assessment tools to influence effective instructional activities, enhance curriculum, and modify the learning environment to achieve learning goals.
• Understand the multiple influences of culture, family, technology, and language in the design and implementation of assessments.
• Develop documentation, recording, and evaluation techniques.

Interpretation and Application of Assessments; Record Keeping

• Understand the role of learning models and learning theories in the interpretation and application of assessments.
• Interpret differences in assessment tools and outcomes.
• Evaluate strengths, learning potentials, and differences in assessment outcomes.
• Apply assessment results to instructional strategies including curriculum development, materials, learning activities, and classroom environment.

Communication of Assessment Process With Stakeholders

• Identify stakeholders to include in the communication of assessment.
• Examine the benefits, effectiveness and appropriateness of community and family collaboration.
• Identify barriers in a collaborative process.
• Develop appropriate and mutually beneficial venues for communication.
• Identify additional community, school, or district resources for children and families based on assessments.
• Explain the role of government funding and mandates in the assessment process.