This training provides training for early childhood teachers and administrators to understand and interpret standardized tests and other measures of learning and development targeted at young children. Testing is one form of assessment that, appropriately applied, systematically measures skills such as literacy and numeracy. Child assessment has value that goes well beyond measuring progress in children - to evaluating programs, identifying staff development needs and planning future instruction. Participants will:

• Develop an understanding of assessments used with preschool children
• Learn how to use the information received after assessments are given, including the ability to measure prescribed bodies of knowledge from curriculum
• Experience alternative or “authentic” forms of assessment and how it relates to culturally sensitive testing
• Understand the ongoing process of assessment that includes collecting, synthesizing and interpreting information about students/pupils, the classroom and their instruction
• Review Record keeping formats - portfolio type
• Develop instructional planning opportunities through assessments