Narrow, skills-only KEAs can narrow the kindergarten curriculum and foster inappropriate teaching, while holistic observational assessment can drive developmentally appropriate practice¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · review r2 · q1
Currency · newest study 2021 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q1 i? Assessments focused narrowly on reading and math are linked to less time for other domains and more teacher-led instruction, whereas holistic observational assessment can drive developmentally appropriate teaching. → Yun 2021

Evidence¶

Yun 2021¶

Yun, C., Melnick, H., & Wechsler, M. (2021). High-quality early childhood assessment: Learning from states' use of kindergarten entry assessments. Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/high-quality-kea

q1 · i? · review · r2

A literature-synthesis assertion in the report's introduction, citing prior studies rather than reporting new empirical data. The report states studies 'have linked a focus on a narrow set of academic skills to less time devoted to other areas, such as science, social studies, music, and art,' and that teaching to the test can displace active, play-based learning.

"Yet the reverse is also true: Holistic, observational assessment can drive developmentally appropriate teaching and learning, as we will highlight in district examples later in this report."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• It is inappropriate to use KEA scores to evaluate teachers or preschool programs, hold children back from kindergarten, or diagnose learning disabilities — related
• Assessment of young multilingual learners is hampered by a dearth of valid, linguistically appropriate measures and by English-only administration — related
• State assessment design decisions inevitably shape classroom instruction, often narrowing curriculum and teaching practices — a broader claim this one bears on
• The Business Case Discussion gives admissions readers evidence of applicants' business mindsets, defined as cognitive and intrapersonal skills rather than business expertise — related
• Only 15 states and the District of Columbia mandate kindergarten attendance, and 11 of those states require students to take a KEA — related
• High stakes should never be attached to observational measures used in formative evaluation of early childhood programs. — related