Meaningful Assessments of the Young Child: Celebrating Development and Learning

This book is not for the “tired and timid” but for those committed professionals who wish to think through a plan that is coherent, cohesive, learner- and family-focused, and work through the development of a defensible (reliable and valid) authentic assessment system. KEY TOPICS: Discusses emerging research in the area of brain development research and its implication for assessment practices. Provides information on the “standards movement” and how these standards can have either a negative or positive impact on developmental goals. Adds a developmental continuum as an appendix to help teachers focus on emerging development rather than on perceived deficits in children. Provides an added chapter on portfolio systems. Places more emphasis on the discussions of diversity and inclusion. MARKET: For educators and school administrators.

Puckett & Black Meaningful Assessments of Young Children, 3e

 

Based on the premise that curriculum, assessment, and teaching are inextricably intertwined, this text is designed to help prospective teachers of young children conduct informal and formal assessments and develop an assessment system that draws information from various assessment sources. By doing so, complimentary and comprehensive assessment information is rendered and informs educators, learners, parents, and accountability requirements. The text emphasizes an assessment mindset that comprehensive, reliable, and valid assessment data pave the way for meaningful, relevant, and engaging learning opportunities for children. 

 

Highlights of this text:

• This re-conceptualized edition explains today’s assessment realities and supports teachers’ efforts to balance them with the unique way that young children exhibit understanding.
• Emphasis is on developmentally appropriate, authentic assessments
• Separate chapters on informal and formal assessments
• Focuses on how to use measures such as checklists, rating scales, anecdotal records, rubrics, and when and how screening tests and standardized tests are used.
• Expanded discussion on the multi-dimensional aspects of readiness
• Expanded content on assessing children who are immigrants or English language learners
• Includes a chapter on documentation and portfolios
• Discusses the importance of program evaluation as a necessary component of a meaningful assessment system