Teachers' Perspectives on the Adoption of Authentic Assessment Systems in Universal Pre-K Programs

• In Event: 25.037 - Perspectives on Early Childhood Assessment

Abstract

Teachers working in Universal Pre-K settings in New York City are required to use one of three assessment systems including Teaching Strategies Gold, Work Sampling System, or HighScope’s Child Observation Record. This paper foregrounds the perspectives of Pre-K teachers, shedding light on their views and experiences using these systems. Interviews with 14 teachers illustrate what they know about assessment and how they use approaches to tracking children’s progress in their daily work. Findings suggest many teachers are focused on collecting and inputting data but have little time to analyze the data to inform their instruction. Insight from teachers sheds light on the need to restructure teacher education and professional learning around assessment to promote individualized supports for educators.

Authors

• Lacey Elizabeth Peters, Hunter College - CUNY

• Eva Liang, Hunter College

• Sherryl B. Graves, Hunter College School of Education

• Sanae Akaba, Hunter College