The Words We Use:  A Glossary of Terms for Early Childhood Education Standards and Assessment FORMAL ASSESSMENT » Definition » Related Terms (Not Synonyms) » Explanatory Comments » Other Resources Definition A procedure for obtaining information that can be used to make judgments about characteristics of children or programs using standardized instruments. Related Terms (Not Synonyms) Alternative assessment; Assessment; Authentic assessment; Developmental assessment; Evaluation; Informal assessment; Observational assessment; Performance-based assessment; Portfolio assessment; Standards-based assessment; Test Explanatory Comments The term is also used to describe assessment instruments which are standardized and norm-referenced and are administered under controlled conditions. Results of formal assessments are interpreted consistently. Formal assessment is typically less frequent than informal assessment. Other Resources Johnston, P.H., & Rogers, R. (2001). Assessment of literacy development in early childhood. In S. Neuman & D. Dickinson (Eds.). Handbook of early literacy research. New York: Guilford Publications, Inc. » Back to List of Terms

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document last updated 8/21/2009