Assessment & Evaluation Methods Flashcards
7 cards from real CECE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Assessment & Evaluation Methods flashcards as text
Which of the following best describes the difference between reliability and validity in assessment?
Answer: Reliability refers to consistency of results; validity refers to accuracy in measuring the intended construct
Reliability means an assessment produces consistent results across time or raters, while validity means it actually measures what it is supposed to measure.
A 4-year-old becomes anxious and cries during a formal assessment. The educator decides to gather information through play-based observation instead. This decision reflects:
Answer: Developmentally appropriate assessment practice
Choosing naturalistic, play-based observation when a child is distressed reflects developmentally appropriate practice and ensures more accurate, valid data.
What is 'inter-rater reliability' in the context of early childhood assessment?
Answer: The agreement between two or more observers when rating the same child behavior
Inter-rater reliability is the degree to which two or more evaluators assign the same scores or ratings when observing the same child or reviewing the same work.
Under IDEA, what type of assessment must be conducted before a child can be found eligible for special education services?
Answer: A comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation
IDEA requires a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a multidisciplinary team using multiple measures to determine eligibility for special education.
A preschool teacher notices that a child who recently immigrated scores low on an English-language vocabulary assessment but communicates effectively in their home language. The teacher should:
Answer: Consider the child's home language abilities before drawing conclusions
A low score on an English-only measure may reflect English language acquisition rather than a developmental concern, so home language abilities must be considered.
What does 'triangulation' mean in early childhood assessment?
Answer: Gathering data from multiple sources and methods to form a complete picture
Triangulation involves using multiple sources—such as observations, family input, and work samples—to build a comprehensive and accurate understanding of a child's development.
Which of the following is an example of summative assessment in an early childhood program?
Answer: An end-of-year developmental summary shared with families and kindergarten teachers
Summative assessment occurs at the end of a period and summarizes overall learning or development, such as an end-of-year developmental report.