COLLECTING OBSERVATIONAL ASSESSMENT DATA

MARCH 4, 2014

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, State of Washington:• Kathe Taylor, Ph.D., Director, Early Learning Assessment• Gretchen Stahr Breunig, WaKIDS Professional Development Coordinator

Acknowledgements

• National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning (NCQTL)

• Childcare Quality and Early Learning (CQEL)

• University of Washington (UW)• Gail Joseph• Janet S. Soderberg• Sara Stull• Kevin Cummings

*These materials were created independently of any one assessment tool, both fiscally or otherwise, as a way to provide high quality resources, and not for profit.

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

What We Plan to do Today• Explore the structure of one of four professional development modules

(“suites”) developed by the Childcare Quality and Early Learning Center (CQEL) at the University of Washington) for WaKIDS

• Consider how these modules might be integrated into training associated with kindergarten entry assessment (Teaching Strategies GOLD)

• Start a conversation about using observational assessment with English Language Learners (see video link on WaKIDS Training Materials page )

• Invite feedback, suggestions, and “how can I use this in my state?” thinking

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

It’s a Work in Progress…..!

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

One Important Lesson We’ve Learned

We need to meet the teachers where they are.

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

OSPI and the University of Washington (UW) Entered into a Contract

The University of Washington entered into a contract with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to:

• Develop implementation support materials…to help teachers and supervisors increase the reliability of the teachers’ data collection process as they implement the assessments…

• Produce a final summative guide/report that includes all resources created for kindergarten (teacher) and administrator use…• The suites are the summative guide/report

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

CQEL—UW Produced 4 “Suites” of Ongoing Child Assessment Materials

• Collecting and Using Anecdotal Records • Collecting and Using Video• Collecting and Using Work Samples• Using Checklists

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

All of the Suites are Formatted the Same

• Table of Contents• PowerPoint Presentation with

embedded video• Presenter Notes• Learning Activities• Tips for Teachers• Tools for Teachers• Tools for Administrators

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

The Suites are Independent and Related

• Each suite is designed to be facilitated by a workshop leader/trainer with a group of teachers

• Each suite can stand alone

• Elements of each suite can be “spliced together” to provide an overview of multiple observational assessment strategies

• The amount of time it takes to work through each suite is not set

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

Taking a Closer Look: Anecdotal Records

A quick walk-through of the key elements in a suite.

Table of ContentsPowerPoint Presentation

with embedded videoPresenter NotesLearning ActivitiesTips for TeachersTools for TeachersTools for Administrators

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

Pause to Watch Video on Your Own• Browsers and band widths are tricky. We think you will have a more

successful viewing experience if you watch the video separately from this webinar. Please do this now.

• Step 1:  Open a new window or tab in the web browser and click the link in the chat box or type in the following web address: http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/pubdocs/WaKAnecdotal-RecordsVideoFromPPT.pptx

• Step 2: Click “Enable Editing” (if necessary). Click “Slide Show” from beginning. Click on arrow to begin.

• Oops! If you accidentally close out of the webinar, access your email, and find your confirmation link and log back in.

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

Using the “Suites” in Washington: What We’re Thinking TodayWith teachers new to WaKIDS:

• Participation in two-day training is required• The majority of the first day will be focused on observational assessment,

using elements from all 4 suites

With teachers experienced with WaKIDS: • Participation in one-day training is optional• Limited teacher choice of modules from a menu of options• Everyone attending will experience a half-day module focused on

observational assessment techniques, using elements from all 4 suites

With teams of specialists:• Optional modules that would integrate the 4 suites and include training on

use of TS GOLD Team Central • Self-guided or trainer-led?

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

Working with English Language Learners (ELL)

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

What Guidance Should We Give for Using Observation Assessment with English Language Learners (ELLs)?

• 19% of Washington’s kindergartners are ELLs

• CQEL-UW produced a video of teachers’ perspectives on using observation assessment with ELLs• The video is not embedded in a “suite”• The video can serve as a catalyst for discussion

• Our goal is to provide more guidance and support for using observational assessment/GOLD with English Language Learners

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

Using the ELL Video in Washington: What We’re Thinking Today

• If the goal is to capture all students’ strengths, what guidance do we provide around considerations such as:• Timing—when to assess at the beginning of the year• Giving directions so children understand the task• Using pictures/graphics to help convey meaning• Repeating activities until children are comfortable with them• Using interpreters and volunteers—when they are available• And more!

• Next steps:• Convene a focus group of teachers experienced with English

Language Learners to help us develop materials, using the ELL video as a catalyst for discussion

• Solicit a little help from our friends….!http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

It’s Your Turn! Comments, Questions?

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx

Please Contact Us!WaKIDS Staff:• Kathe Taylor kathe.taylor@k12.wa.us• Gretchen Stahr Breunig gretchen.breunig@k12.wa.us

Childcare Quality and Early Learning: Center for Research and Professional Development (CQEL) 5001 25th Ave NE Suite 201ESeattle, Washington 98105

Contact: Janet Soderberg soderj@uw.edu

WaKIDS web page: http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx