Sophia L.
Student, M. Ed
Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment
Early childhood educators (a) understand that the primary purpose of assessment is to inform instruction and planning in early learning settings. They (b) know how to use observation, documentation, and other appropriate assessment approaches and tools. Early childhood educators (c) use screening and assessment tools in ways that are ethically grounded and developmentally, culturally, ability, and linguistically appropriate to document developmental progress and promote positive outcomes for each child. Early childhood educators (d) build assessment partnerships with families and professional colleagues.
Key Elements
3a: Understand that assessments (formal and informal, formative and summative) are conducted to make informed choices about instruction and for planning in early learning settings.
3b: Know a wide range of types of assessments, their purposes, and their associated methods and tools.
3c: Use screening and assessment tools in ways that are ethically grounded and developmentally, ability, culturally, and linguistically appropriate in order to document developmental progress and promote positive outcomes for each child.
3d: Build assessment partnerships with families and professional colleagues.
Evidence & Artifacts
Reflective Connection
3A. ​​In the assignment on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), I demonstrate an understanding of assessment's role in setting goals and shaping curriculum and teaching strategies. By discussing the main principles of UDL and how they can be applied to teaching parts of a plant and a lesson on hibernation, I show how my assessment informs my selection of learning goals and how I design instructional activities. For example, in teaching parts of a plant, I use assessment to determine the learning goal (knowing the parts of a plant), and then I present various means of instruction and assessment to meet the diverse needs of learners.
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In my Anecdotal Tool, Planning for Intentional Assessment, I demonstrate an understanding of assessment's role in setting goals and shaping teaching strategies. By focusing on various aspects of student behavior related to emotional health, resiliency, confidence, communication, and more, I identify areas of strength and areas for growth. This helps in developing appropriate goals for individual students and adjusting teaching strategies to support their needs effectively.
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3 B. In the UDL lesson plan, I incorporate various observation and documentation methods to assess student understanding and engagement. For example, in the lesson on hibernation, I use informal assessment through discussions and observations of children's engagement during activities. Additionally, I provide options for assessment, such as verbal explanations, drawings, or interactive play, to accommodate different learning styles and preferences. Although I don't explicitly mention the use of technology in documentation and assessment, I recognize its potential for enhancing these processes in early childhood education.
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In my Anecdotal Tool, I utilize observation and documentation methods to assess student behavior across different domains. By documenting observed behaviors and using a rating scale to assess frequency, I gather valuable information about students' social interactions, emotional regulation, communication skills, and more. In my current work, I utilize apps in my documentation process, allowing for easier data collection and analysis.
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3 C. In my UDL lesson plan, I demonstrate an understanding of responsible assessment by providing multiple means of engagement to promote positive outcomes for each child. By incorporating choices, hands-on activities, and varied presentation methods, I aim to accommodate diverse needs and promote inclusive learning environments.
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Through my Anecdotal Tool, I demonstrate responsible assessment practices by focusing on promoting positive outcomes for each child. By assessing various aspects of student behavior and understanding their emotional needs, communication styles, and engagement levels, I aim to provide targeted support to enhance their learning experiences.
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3 D. Throughout my UDL lesson plan, I emphasize the importance of collaboration with families and professional colleagues in assessment practices. In the UDL lesson plan, for example, I suggest involving families by offering choices in activities and encouraging engagement through discussions. Additionally, by providing various means of representation, expression, and engagement, I aim to create effective learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of all learners, including those from different cultural backgrounds or with varying abilities. Also, by sharing observations found with use of my Anecdotal Tool and discussing strategies with colleagues, I contribute to building effective learning environments that support the holistic development of each child.