Early Childhood - Connecticut State Department of Education

Assessment Chapter 4
HELPFUL TERMS
Assessment An in-depth look at how a child is developing. It may be specific
to one area of development or to the whole child. Assessment uses
both formal and informal tools for gathering information on an
ongoing basis.
Disability An inability to perform a function, preventing or making it difficult
for an individual to engage in activities.
Evaluation Use of formal and informal tools to gather and interpret information
in order to determine a child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Information gathered over time allows for development of a process
to effect improvement and change in the child’s environment.
Formal Assessment A process using standardized assessment tools, reported validity
and reliability, and often with more structured formats and
requiring training for administration.
Individualized Education A plan detailing educational goals and services based on the child’s
Program (IEP) needs. It is developed at a Planning and Placement Team (PPT)
meeting, with the participation of parents/family, teachers and
appropriate specialists.
Individuals with Disabilities The federal law that provides requirements for the provision of
Education Act (IDEA) special education services to students, ages 3-21.
Informal Assessment A process that looks at the child within his or her daily experiences
and activities with minimal interference in the child’s day. It
often includes such tasks as observation and recording, review of
portfolios, etc.
Planning and Placement A group of certified and/or licensed professionals representing each
Team (PPT) of the teaching, administrative and pupil personnel staffs, all
participating equally with the family in the decision-making
process to determine specific educational needs and develop an
Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a child.
Reliability The degree to which scores on tests are consistent, dependable and
able to be replicated. “Does it yield the same type of results each
time?”
Screening A brief look at how a child is developing to determine if a more
detailed evaluation is necessary. It cannot be used to diagnose,
treat, place or deny a child’s access to a program or service.
Testing A process of sampling behavior or knowledge at specific points in
time to determine levels of change or growth. Testing is generally
associated with measuring achievement or growth in intelligence or
ability.
Validity The degree to which a test measures what it is intended to measure.
“How truthful is the test? Does it test what it says?”
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