Developmental assessments are a process which allows one to understand a child’s competencies and to design learning environments which will help a child grow to his or her developmental potential.  The revised report contains information about assessment including its purpose, measurement considerations, steps to conducting assessment, cultural and language fairness, and linking assessment with curriculum.  The report is a critical piece to read for a greater understanding of the benefits of assessment for children birth to age 8 as well as an understanding of the need to implement assessment methods that support children’s developmental changes along a continuum.

The summary of assessment measures contained within this document offers information about the extent to which several assessment tools align with Pennsylvania’s Learning Standards for Early Childhood (birth to age 8). It is important that assessments that are implemented in the classroom be aligned with Pennsylvania’s Learning Standards for Early Childhood (birth to age 8 or third grade) to help inform teachers about designing a curriculum that provides multiple learning opportunities that best suits how each child learns.

The listing of assessment tools listed are those that are evidence-based and have demonstrated technological adequacy for the preschool and elementary school age groups.  The list also focuses specifically on assessment for the purpose of informing instruction; thus, the measures are all appropriate and feasible for administration by teachers and other classroom personnel.  It is important to realize that there are many purposes of assessment, such as for diagnostic purposes, for program evaluation, and for screening developmental delays or learning difficulties.  These other purposes are not as relevant for adhering to the Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood (birth to age 8) and so the focus of this report is on using assessment to inform instruction. 

To read the revised report and guidelines on Early Childhood Assessment for Children from Birth to Age 8 (Grade 3) please visit:  Revised_report_and_guidelines_on_EC_assessment_for_children_from_B_-_age_8[1].pdf