28 Feb Early childhood educators, as well as all other educators, are asked every day to make decisions that come, in one way or another

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EDD 8083 Discussion 1:

What Are Responsible Assessment Practices? And How Do They Support Healthy Development and Positive Learning Outcomes for Young Children and Their Families?

Early childhood educators, as well as all other educators, are asked every day to make decisions that come, in one way or another, from assessment. All of these decisions will affect a child’s learning outcomes. In a world where abuse of assessment and charges of misuse run rampant, what exactly are responsible assessment practices, and what do they mean to an early childhood educator?

This Discussion examines responsible assessment and the NAEYC’s position on what constitutes good practice. You will examine your own practice and select assessments that are appropriate for use in the learning environment. You will determine the best uses for these assessments and explain how they should be used and what data they will provide. Selecting the proper assessment instrument is crucial to supporting healthy development and positive learning outcomes in young children.

To prepare:

· Review this module’s Learning Resources and reflect on the material. Pay particular attention to NBPTS Early Childhood Generalist, NAEYC Position Statement, the video How to Observe Children, along with the Jiban (2015), Sparks (2015), and Dennis, Rueter, and Simpson (2013) articles and recommended readings.

· Then, considering the definition of assessment, carefully note the various ways to assess young children while considering your own practice.

ASSIGNMENT PART 1:

Post the following in 2 pgs.:

· In your own words, define “responsible assessment” and provide a rationale for your definition. Support your statements from the assigned readings.

· Identify two elements from the NAEYC position statement that best reflect your personal philosophy regarding assessment and that you believe are of the greatest importance to the field. Explain your selection and support your statements from the assigned readings.

· Then, describe your personal experience with authentic assessment and identify two assessments you use or plan on using in your learning environment.

· Select two assessments that are appropriate for young children from two different age groups (choose from infants, toddlers, preschool, kindergarten, and primary; identify age group selected). Explain your choice of assessments, their use, and how they are developmentally appropriate for the age group selected.

· In addition, explain how these two assessments support healthy development and positive learning outcomes for young children and their families. Do you believe these are culturally responsive assessments? Why or why not?

Note:  Cite appropriate references in APA format to substantiate your thinking.

ASSIGNMENT PART 2

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

Respond to two of your colleagues post in 125 words each whose posts reflect different perspectives from your own in the following way:

· Reflect on the readings from this module and explain why you agree with your colleague or not.

· Pose a question asking your colleague to clarify their position on one or more of the elements in their post. Offer constructive feedback on the clarity of their response.

Note: Cite appropriate references in APA format to substantiate your thinking.

Note: Throughout the week, continue the professional dialogue by answering questions your colleagues have asked.