Assessment Basics: From Observation to Instruction – Selected Resources

Please note: Some resources may require a subscription or have restricted access due to a publisher paywall.

Books:

• Jablon, J. R., Dombro, A. L., & Dichtelmiller, M. L. (2007). The Power of Observation for birth through eight. 2nd ed. Florence, KY: Delmar Thomson Learning.

Articles/Tools:

• Buell, M.J. & Sutton, T.M. (2008). Weaving a web with children at the center: A new approach to emergent curriculum planning for young preschoolers [PDF]. Young Children 63, 100 – 5. Available from ResearchGate at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242523279_Weaving_a_Web_with_Children_at_the_Center
• Division of Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children. (2007). Promoting positive outcomes for children with disabilities: Recommendations for curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation [PDF]. Missoula, MT: Author. Retrieved from www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PrmtgPositiveOutcomes.pdf
• Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center. (2017). Authentic child assessment practices checklist (PDF). Available online at http://ectacenter.org/~pdfs/decrp/ASM-3_Authentic_Child_Assessment_2017.pdf
• Riley-Ayers, S. (2014). Formative assessment: Guidance for early childhood policymakers (CEELO Policy Report). [PDF]. New Brunswick, NJ: Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes. Available online at https://nieer.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ceelo_policy_report_formative_assessment.pdf
• Foreman, G., & Hall, E. (2005). Wondering with children: The importance of observation in early education (PDF). Early Childhood Research & Practice. 7(2): 1-11. Retrieved on from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1084856.pdf
• Head Start National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning – Ongoing Child Assessment: Overview (Video) — This 15-minute in-service suite provides an overview of the role ongoing assessment plays in supporting quality teaching and learning. There are tools and resources for teachers as well as supervisors. Available online at https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/video/ongoing-child-assessment-overview
• Kids Included Together (KIT). (nd.). Contributing Factors Assessment (PDF). The purpose of this assessment is to help Managers determine which environmental, child specific and staff specific factors impact individual children’s and youth’s challenges and successes in the program.
• Maine Children’s Alliance. (2012, November,13). Screening and assessments in early childhood settings. Retrieved from https://mainechildrensalliance.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/screening-and-assessment-in-early-childhood-settings/
• National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009). Where We Stand on Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Evaluation [PDF]. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/StandCurrAss.pdf
• National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning (NCQTL) 15 minute In-Services: From the Office of Head Start these 15-minute in-service suites were designed as a resource for professional development in busy, active early childhood centers and programs. The in-service suites are organized around one topic or big idea and address effective teaching and assessment practices that map on to the NCQTL HOUSE Framework. Each in-service consists of a short video supplemented with handouts. A trainer version is also available and includes a PowerPoint presentation, learning activities and other training materials. Currently the in-service topics for ongoing child assessment include: Collecting and Using Anecdotal Notes; Ongoing Assessment Overview; Collecting and Using Video; Planning for Assessment; Collecting and Using Work Samples. Available online at https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/professional-development/article/15-minute-service-suites
• Riley-Ayers, S. (2014). Formative assessment: Guidance for early childhood policymakers (CEELO Policy Report). [PDF]. New Brunswick, NJ: Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes.
• Seitz, H. (2008). The power of documentation in the early childhood classroom. Young Children, 63(2), 88-93.
• Topics in Early Childhood Education Child Centered Planning: Individualizing for Success. Retrieved from http://www.angelfire.com/pa/ecedirectory/
• What is Observation? – From the Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center.

Videos and Learning Modules:

• Every Child Shines: Using Formative Assessment to Reflect on Children’s Knowledge & Skills (YouTube) – Produced by the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Southwest, this video provides an introduction to formative assessment in prekindergarten and kindergarten classrooms, including best practices and some of the benefits and used of formative assessment data at the classroom, local, and state levels.
• Nager, N. (2016). Learning to Teach. [PDF and Video Series]. Bank Street College of Education. New York, NY. Available online at https://www.bankstreet.edu/research-publications-policy/snapshots-of-practice/learning-to-teach-observing-and-reflecting/
  • Part One: Classroom Routines and Transitions (pdf with video)
  • Part Two: Dramatic Play (pdf with video)
  • Part Three: Early Childhood Materials and Environment (pdf with video)
• Writing Effective Observation Notes – Colorado Department of Education, Results Matter Online Learning Opportunities has developed the Writing Effective Observation Notes module which is designed to help teaching assistants and para-professionals understand the key features of good observation notes and be able to write more effective notes.

Growing Ideas Tipsheets related to Assessment Basics:

• Confidentiality: Respecting the Privacy of All Families (PDF) available online at http://ccids.umaine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2014/02/confidentiality-tip-022714.pdf

Websites:

• Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO) – Research and best practice will help states as they make decisions and provide leadership in developing, adopting and providing guidance on assessment of children, programs, and educators; providing professional development on how to administer and use the results of assessments; and supporting timely, useful reporting of assessment data to early childhood programs, teachers, families, school districts and state policymakers.
• Cultivate Learning, University of Washington –These Early Learning Professional Development Packages have been curated according to topics relevant to early learning professionals. Each package contains a number of materials including presentations, hand outs, and activities. This content can be used for professional learning, presentations, and coaching opportunities. Available online at https://cultivatelearning.webdamdb.com/bp/#/brandguidelines/3931/section/33458
• Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (ECLKC) – Child Screening & Assessment. Screening and assessment provide valuable information about each child’s interests, strengths, and needs. Screening gives a snapshot of whether the child’s development is on track. Assessment is an ongoing process that includes observation and provides information about development over time. Systematic, ongoing child assessment provides information on children’s development and learning. It helps inform curriculum planning, teaching, and individualizing for each child across all Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework domains.
• National Association for the Education of Young Children. Position Statements of NAEYC. NAEYC Position Statements adopted by the Governing Board to state the Association’s position on issues related to early childhood education practice, policy, and/or professional development for which there are controversial or critical opinions from http://www.naeyc.org/positionstatements
• Resources for Early Learning – Early childhood assessment is a tool used to gather and provide educators, parents, and families with critical information about a child’s development and growth. In Massachusetts, licensed early childhood programs are now required to include a child assessment component in their programs. Here we have included information and resources to inform educators on early childhood assessment programs.

Updated: 07/25/2024

Funding for the 2011 update of the Growing Ideas Resources for Guiding Early Childhood Practices has been provided by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Child and Family Services, Early Childhood Division.