Primary Grades K-2
"Early childhood mathematics
assessment is most useful when it aims to help young
children by identifying their unique strengths and
needs, so as to inform teacher planning. Good assessment
processes help build mathematical competence and confidence
and are well-conceived, well-implemented, and continuous."
(NAEYC Standards) |
Assessment Strategies Recommended For Primary Students:
Observations
Uses multiple sources of information gathered systematically
over time. (Example, a classroom book documenting the
graphs made by children over several weeks.)
Documentation
Keep notes and examples of children's talk, interviews,
collections of children's work over time. Use open-ended
questions and appropriate performance assessments to illuminate
children's thinking.
Interpretation
Young children invent their own mathematical ideas and
strategies that can be quite different from those of adults.
Make careful interpretation of assessment and attempt
to see the situation from the child's point of view.
Use Multiple Formats
Experts recommend against reliance on a single group-administered
test to document 3- to 6-year-old children's mathematical
competence.
Sources:
Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
The Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics
and Science Education (ENC) identifies effective curriculum
resources, creates high-quality professional development
materials, and disseminates useful information and products
to improve K-12 mathematics and science teaching and learning.
http://www.enc.org/topics/assessment/
National Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC)
The nation's largest and most influential organization
of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving
the quality of programs for children from birth through
third grade.
http://www.naeyc.org
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