Five-year-olds put to the test as kindergarten exams gain steam. Why I chose this article. Citation. Earlychildhood NEWS - Article Reading Center. Traditionally, the issues related to assessment have centered around three key questions: 1) Why should I engage in assessment? ; 2) Which methods should I select? ; and 3) How should I use the information obtained? In this article, the answers to these questions are explored, along with trends emerging in the field today. Why Engage in Assessment? One question new professionals in early childhood often ask is, “Why should I engage in assessment?”
For some, the answer is obvious-state regulations or administrative boards may mandate assessments. Which Measures Should I Select? Standardized Tests and InventoriesOne of the major advantages of standardized tests is that the results can be used to compare a child to developmental norms or to children in similar circumstances. One of the major disadvantages of standardized tests is how to interpret the data obtained. Validity and ReliabilityStandardized tests are accompanied by information regarding their validity and reliability. References. Why I chose this article. Citation. Early Childhood Screening: What's It All About?
Early Childhood Screening. Ever heard of it? Probably not. That's because at this point in time, Minnesota is the only state that practices a free, state-wide Early Childhood Screening program. Screening officials are enthusiastic that the program, which has been in place in Minnesota since 1977, contributes to Minnesota's tradition of academic excellence, including one of the highest graduation rates nation-wide. State law requires that all children be screened before entering kindergarten in public school. Early Childhood Screening involves testing children between the ages of 3 and 5 in basic health and developmental areas including hearing, vision, coordination, speech, cognitive development, and social and emotional skills. But, the screening is just that—a screening, not a diagnosis, according to Debbykay Peterson, an Early Childhood Screening Specialist for Minneapolis Public Schools. That help can come in a number of different forms.
View Full Article. Why I chose this article. Citation. Assessment Strategies for the "New" Kindergarten. With years of teaching kindergarten, 1st grade, and 3rd grade under my belt, I’m often asked if kindergarten is the easiest to teach. My reply? "No! " Teaching kindergarten requires crafting a program that is equal parts academics and social/self-care skills. While later grades still need to address the social and self-care skills, more focus tends to be placed on the academics. Now that isn’t to say I don't need to stay on top of the academic piece. With individual states and the federal government focused on standardized testing, kindergarten is the new 1st grade, meaning there is more content that my young students need to learn. Setting Benchmarks Among the recent curriculum shifts is the move to start literacy instruction in kindergarten rather than 1st grade.
In the fall, around the fourth week of school, I begin with three formal assessments: Hearing and Recording Sounds in Words by Marie Clay a writing sample an alphabet identification inventory Conditions for Screening. Why I chose this article. Citation. Tests? In the First Weeks of Kindergarten?! As the parent of a child entering kindergarten, you're sure to be shocked and amazed by what's changed since your days on the story rug. Kindergarten isn’t what it used to be. Good news though: while many of the changes you observe make kindergarten a more challenging and potentially pressuring stage, it’s all in the name of teaching your child more effectively. If the buzzword assessment has popped up as you and your child prepare for school, you are not alone. Schools across the nation administer all types of assessments to students of all ages. Simply put, an assessment is a tool that teachers use to guide the way they teach.
Yes, they come in the form of “tests,” but for kindergarteners, they're not the kind of pencil and paper examinations you may be anxiously picturing. The types of assessments that teachers use vary depending on the school in question. What kinds of skills are assessed in kindergarten classrooms across the nation? • Alphabet: Can your child recite the alphabet? Why I chose this article. Citation.