How Important is Student Testing and Evaluation in Early Childhood - A Review by Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready

Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley believes that when diving into early childhood education, parents often perceive the concept of student testing and evaluation with mixed emotions. On one hand, some parents find it pivotal in determining the progress made by their child; while on the other side, some find the unrequited and monumental pressure on young children to be overbearing.

However, when approached in a manner that keeps this viewpoint in mind, testing and evaluation in early years can play a very important role in shaping the educational journey of your child, according to Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready. 

Significance of Testing in Early Childhood

Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley believes that the starting years of your child, from birth to age eight, are deemed most critical in their development. During this period, children grow monumentally - whether it is cognitive, emotional or social growth. Each child’s mind works in a unique way; every child has strengths and weaknesses. Educators and caregivers use early testing to identify said strengths and challenges. 

Some parents have the false notion that student testing translates to grades and ranking. However, that is not the case. This testing serves as informative tools to comprehend and understand how your child is growing and learning.  

Let us study an example. If a preschool is to evaluate the students, they will use a variety of tools available like observational checklists or informal assessments. They can also adopt storytelling, drawing or other play-based tasks to monitor how each child responds and behaves. This evaluation can give substantial information about the child’s motor skills, language and speaking skills, social interactions, etc. This helps the educators mold learning experiences that cater to every child’s needs individually. 

Types of Assessments Used

Unlike the typical tests that involve marks and grades, early childhood student testing and evaluation is informal and integrated into routine tasks which results in almost no external pressure on the child. Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready has penned down some of the methods  student testing adopted worldwide:

1. Formative Assessment: This type of assessment uses everyday activities of children to  observe and document their behaviour. This is used by teachers to monitor and provide the required support to the child.
   
   

2. Developmental Screenings: These assessments are brief, they focus on motor skills, cognitive development and emotional behaviour of the child. This is used to identify children who may require additional evaluation.
   
   

3. Diagnostic Evaluations: In case of any concerns during the screening, diagnostic evaluations offer a deeper insight into the specific areas. These are done by specialists and may be unique to each child.
   
   

4. Portfolio Assessment: Like the name suggests, a portfolio assessment consists of a child’s work over a period of time; be it drawing, writing, photographs. This type of assessment is used to figure out the progress made by the child.
   
   

5. Performance-Based Assessment: In this assessment, children complete real-world tasks like sorting objects, telling a story, drawing from a picture. It boosts creativity and helps evaluators assess problem solving skills.
   
   

Benefits of Early Evaluation

According to Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley, if done in the right manner, early evaluation offers numerous benefits:

• Timely Diagnosis: It helps to identify development delays or learning difficulties without further delay.
  
  

• Personalization: It helps the teachers to cater to individual child’s needs and design lessons accordingly.
   

• Collaborative Approach: It helps the parents stay in the loop with their child’s progress, fostering a collaborative approach.
  
  

• Showing the Right Way: Routine assessments guide the correct way forward for both parents and the children. 

Final Thoughts

Although the benefits of student testing and evaluation are vast, it is extremely important that these assessments remain free from any high-stakes pressure. Children should be made to feel anxious or judged. These assessments should be completely natural, like a play. 

It is not about labelling your child; it is about understanding them better. According to Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready, when done in a careful and protected manner, student testing and evaluation can tap into the child’s potential and make him do wonders. 

For more information about the book reports initiative and other educational resources, please visit https://www.kinderready.com/.

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethFraleyKinderReady