Alternative Approaches to Assessing Young Children

Developed by top authorities in early childhood special education and widely adopted since its first edition was published in 2001, this introductory text has been carefully updated to reflect 10 years of evolution in demographics, research, technology, and legislation. Pre- and in-service educators of children birth–8 years will

• learn about six popular alternative assessment methods: naturalistic, focused, performance, portfolio, dynamic, and curriculum-based language
• explore the advantages and limitations of each approach
• effectively link assessment with intervention [NEW CHAPTER!]
• get clear and specific guidelines for before, during, and after assessment
• collaborate and reach consensus with families
• see assessment methods in action with vivid vignettes of children with diverse needs
• discover successful strategies for teaching in inclusive environments
• implement a transdisciplinary framework to ensure comprehensive, multidimensional assessment approaches

With the improved student-friendly features—such as chapter review questions, in-depth case studies, a glossary, and a new sample syllabus—college and university instructors will find this text ideal for introducing preservice educators to the fundamentals of alternative assessments. And the NEW CD-ROM makes this book an invaluable resource beyond the classroom, with more than 2 dozen printable forms for data collection, observation, progress monitoring, IEP/IFSP development, and more.

Grounded in the most current research and best practices, this essential new edition will help pre- and in-service educators capture the full picture of all young children's strengths and needs and provide them with appropriate, individualized instruction.

A featured book in our Successful Screening and Assessment Kit!

• Building Blocks for Teaching Preschoolers with Special Needs
• Building Blocks for Teaching Preschoolers with Special Needs
• Behavior Support (Teachers' Guides)
• Assessing Young Children in Inclusive Settings: The Blended Practices Approach
• Nurturing Natures
• Foundations of Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education
• Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8
• Assessing and Guiding Young Children's Development and Learning (6th Edition)
• Rethinking the Classroom Landscape: Creating Environments That Connect Young Children, Families, and Communities
• Assessment in Early Childhood Education (6th Edition)