ASSESSING YOUNG CHILDREN BY: DR. CATHY GRACE

Dr. Cathy Grace’s article illustrates the importance of using common sense when assessing

young children. Her recommended methods address the dilemma between the growing emphasis of

standardized testing and the belief that children’s development is, “…continuous and ongoing”, and, “…

that other methods may be more accurate than the once-a-year testing event.”

Dr. Grace suggests the implementation of a student portfolio. In this individualized plan,

students create a tangible record of their learning progress. Teacher and student collaborate to

collect samples of work that bring together knowledge and skills used in the real world with, “…

the goals of the educational program…” Elements of the student portfolio include art work,

writing samples and photographs of cooperative work and building structures.

The teacher informs the student about how the work is evaluated against a standard. Educator

and pupil discuss what work will or will not be included in the portfolio. Dr. Grace believes that children

as young as four years old are capable of this task. Students are encouraged to demonstrate their

understanding of this process by explaining it to others.

Finally, the portfolio is shared with parents at conference time. The decision is also

made whether to release the portfolio at the end of the school year, or to carry it over for

subsequent school years for a cumulative record.

I found this article unique and informative. While standardized testing has a purpose, I

like the idea of ongoing, meaningful progress for children. I say this because I realize some

students do not test as well as others, and so the “testing session” is not an accurate reflection,

but more of a random “snapshot” of perceived knowledge. In other words, the testing criteria,

while important, can only by design test for but a fraction of the knowledge contained in

anyone’s mind. The testing process is stressful, lengthy (for a day), and temporary. This may

lead to a tendency to “teach to the test”. Dr. Grace’s ideas provide for students whose

strengths lie in a long term framework.

I admire Dr. Grace’s apparent dedication to the learning process, which can be difficult

to measure. I like that there seems to be much student involvement in the model she presents.

As with many things, I think students will benefit more from something they thoroughly

understand and of which they play a major role.

REFERENCES

Grace, Dr. Cathy: Assessing Young Children

www.pbs.org/teachers/earlychildhood/articles/assessing.html