Using Assessment to plan Curriculum

andUsing Curriculum to plan assessment

Is it possible?

Barbara TamialisSuccess by Six – Star Quality Rating System WorkshopOctober 20, 2007

A look at the NAEYC Accreditation criteria for curriculum and assessment

• 2A – curriculum: essential characteristics• 4D – adapting curriculum, individualizing

teaching and informing program development

Curriculum is:

• Broader than “activities”• A lively, ongoing process• It is “what is happening in

the program”• Looks a bit different in

each program• No “one right way”

A written plan that is based on:• Sound child development

principles• Accepted standards• Best practice• Documentation of

interests and development of the children for whom it is planned

A Road Map that shows

• Starting place –where are we now?• Where you want to go (goals for children's

development and learning)• How to get there (experiences, time, space and

materials needed)

Five Key components of quality preschool curriculum:

• Should be reflected in our written plan

1. Learning

• Stimulating learning opportunities in a variety of learning domains (whole child)

• Active learning• Learning goals

2. A rich classroom environment• Room arrangement• Presentation of materials• Types of materials

present• Environment directs

children to productive use of materials

3. Respectful caring, relationships• Risk-taking in a safe

environment• Knowing child’s family

and culture• Partnership with parents

4. Observation and Reflection• Authentic, intentional

observation of the whole child

• Reviewing observation notes

• Adjusting lesson plans/materials/environment

• Considering individual needs

5. Adjustments and accommodations(planned and spontaneous)• Available materials• Activity length• Level of physical involvement• Amount of teacher directed vs. child choices• Activity themes/projects• Goals for individual children

Exercise: What can I learn from studying children’s work?

Exercise: What can I learn from this activity?