Options for Measuring Executive Function in Preschoolers

• In Event: Early Childhood Assessment

Abstract

The early education field increasingly is recognizing that young children’s school readiness is dependent on both their academic skills and executive function (EF) capacity. Yet, on-the-ground policymakers and practitioners could use practical, research-based information on which EF measures are appropriate for different groups of children and might shed light on their current EF capacity, as well as the effects of specific interventions on children’s EF and academic outcomes. To address these issues, this paper highlights the potential EF assessments from which early education stakeholders might choose. Of specific interest are measure validity and reliability, as well as any issues related to assessment administration and score interpretation. Also addressed are the issues to be considered when assessing young children’s EF capacity.

Author

• Debra J. Ackerman, Educational Testing Service (ETS)