This study focuses on teachers' use of informal formative assessments (IFAs) aimed at improving students' learning and teachers' recognition of students' learning processes. The study was designed as an explorative case study of four middle school teachers and their students at a charter school in the northeastern U.S.A. The data collected for the…

Despite the increased use of video for data collection, most research using assessment interviews in early childhood education relies solely upon the analysis of linguistic data, ignoring children's bodies. This trend is particularly troubling in studies of marginalized children because transcripts limited to language can make it difficult to…

Drawing on sociocultural approaches to literacy and literature on the communal spaces of teaching and learning of Latino/as, I share one Mexican border women's life story and analyze her literacies and ways of knowing in relation to the literacy event of giving "consejo." Using data gathered through individual interviews and…

This study investigated the Individual Learning Plans of eighty-eight students who were deaf and hard of hearing attending facilities and schools for the deaf in Victoria Australia. The students' assessment and planning portfolios were scrutinised for evidence of formal and informal assessment used to generate goals for the Individual Learning…

Many strategies contribute to forming co-constructed relationships. However, one of the most effective tools that supports co-construction is ongoing assessment, which provides a common base (knowledge of the child) on which families and professionals can build relationships. As a part of this ongoing assessment, informal strategies--including…

Results indicated that untrained observers perceived the group of children as functioning at a somewhat higher level than did trained evaluators. (Author)

Stages in developing mentally handicapped children's pretend play are outlined and techniques for assessing a child's play development are described. (SBH)

Discusses the growing use by educational psychologists and teachers of developmental and academic behavior checklists. Identifies the minimum criteria necessary for checklists and criticizes their use as many fail to meet these standards. Describes the limitations, misuse, and narrow focus of behavior checklists. (GEA)

Reports on the implementation of an adolescent group psychotherapy process. (RH)

Peer observation activities conducted by college faculty working collaboratively have the potential to improve instruction. (JD)

Argues that standards-referenced reporting frameworks, the Australian nationally developed Mathematics Profile in particular, require the use of teacher observation as an essential assessment practice if teachers are to report the full range of demonstrated student achievement. Supports student self-assessment. (14 references) (Author/MKR)

Observation is used to chart children's development, to gain insight into children's behavior, and to guide curricular decision making. It also plays an important role in assessment, by either replacing or supplementing standardized evaluation instruments. These ideas and guidelines offer practical, field-tested advice for incorporating…

Describes an assessment process and its use in planning early childhood programs. Information from parents and from observations of children was used to develop a comprehensive assessment of each child. The assessment was used to note the needs and interests of the children and extend their learning experiences. (SH)

Providers' demographic characteristics, training, support networks, business practices, and stability of services were examined relative to their caregiving practices. Results from a schematic model approach suggest correlations between some of these factors and variances in ratings of caregiver practices. (LB)

Describes an "Assessment Kit" to aid classroom teachers in mathematics. The two sections of the kit, Assessment Supplements and Lesson Supplements, present strategies for assessment as well as suggested classroom activities. (PK)