In reading the National Association for the Education of Young Children and Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children codes of Ethics the ones that really had the strongest meaning for me were:
1. From NAEYC - Under the Section 1- I-1.7- Ethical Responsibilities to Children.
To use assessment information to understand and support children's development and learning, to support instruction, and to identify children who may need additional services.
From DEC under Professional Practice number five.
We shall use individually appropriate assessment strategies including multiple sources of information such as observations, interviews with significant caregivers, formal and informal assessments to determine children's learning styles, strengths, and challenges.
The significance that these have in my professional life are that this an area that I want to continue to grow in. I know that an assessment tool can be very helpful to be able to track a child's growth and development. It helps us know how to plan the environment and learning activities better for the children. I have not done this to the extent that I would like to because I am not sure which assessment tool would be best for out students and and teachers. The Assessment tool can also help teacher start a conversation with patents if it found that a child may need additional services or help guide them in supporting their child's growth and development. I would like to learn more about assessment so that I can better support teachers, children and families.
2. From NAEYC - under the Section II - Ethical Responsibilities to Families - I-2.1
To be familiar with the knowledge base related to working effectively with families and to stay informed through continuing education and training.
From DEC under Responsive Family Centered Practices section Enhancement of Children's and Families' Quality of Lives number 2
We shall recognize our responsibility to improve the development outcomes of children and to provide services and supports in a fair and equitable manner to all families and children.
The significance that these have in my professional life are that I want to be able to help parents by giving them resources that will give them the information they need to make the best decisions for their child. This is why is it important that I stay current in the ECE field.
3. From NAEYC - under Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues - I-3A.3
To support co-workers in meeting their professional needs and in their professional development.
From DEC under Professional Development and Preparation number 1
We shall engage in ongoing and systematic reflective inquiry and self-assessment for the purpose of continuous improvement of professional performance and services to young children with disabilities and their families.
The significance this has for my professional life is that in order for me to be able to train teachers I must remember to keep learning my self and stay current in the field. I want to be able to help teachers by directing them to workshops, books, journals, etc. I want them to have the confidence and tools to be able to support children and their families. Being a role model for them is a big part of getting the teachers motivated as well.
You listed many ways that assessment tools can benefit children and sometimes even their families. I find that when assessments are properly used, they can provide teachers with relevant information to help the child succeed in the the areas that they are lacking. The only problem that I have with assessments is that nowadays they are being used as the only tool to determine a child's ability. I think that other factors of ability should be considered, in addition to assessment tools.
ReplyDeleteAssessments have been an area that I have focused on for the past several years. As of now our classroom observation tool is Teaching Strategies Gold, and it is incredible. The Online too provides 50+ areas of development, room for observations, portfolio collection, and an area to share this information with parents. We also use the CLASS observation tool for classrooms. This focuses on 10 dimensions of effective teachers and classroom environments. Both tools are great, and it is exciting to see the progress each child is making.
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to thank you for the interesting blog comments/discussion posts you have done this term. It is clear that they create conversation and bring important points to the table. They are great to read, and expand our knowledge and the way we think about each topic.
Thanks!
Amy