The Words We Use: A Glossary of Terms for
Early Childhood Education Standards and Assessment
Definition
An ongoing process of observing a child's current competencies (including knowledge, skills, dispositions and attitudes) and using the information to help the child develop further in the context of family and caregiving and learning environments.
Related Terms (Not Synonyms)
Alternative assessment; Authentic assessment; Evaluation; Formal Assessment; Informal assessment; Observational assessment; Performance-based assessment; Portfolio assessment; Standards-based assessment; Test
Explanatory Comments
- The term is frequently associated with assessing children who appear to be at risk in some way.
- Developmental assessment makes extensive use of observational assessment.
Web Sources
Katz, L.G. (1997). Developmental approach to assessment of young children. ERIC Digest. ED407172. Retrieved May 19, 2003, from http://www.ericfacility.net/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed407172.html
ZERO TO THREE. (1999). List of terms: Terms frequently used in developmental assessment. The Zero To Three New Visions for Parents Work Group. Retrieved May 19, 2003, from http://www.zerotothree.org/newvisions.html
Other Resources
Benner, S.M. (2003). Assessment of young children with special needs: A context-based approach. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Learning.
Meisels, S.J. & Fenichel, E. (Eds.). (1996). New visions for the developmental assessment of infants and young children. Washington, DC: Zero To Three.
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