Live Interactive Chat
Questions & Answers (Transcript)
Director, Southern Region Early Childhood Programs
ELmoderator Greetings, IEL Chat participants. Welcome to our IEL Chat on "Integrating the Illinois Early Learning Standards and Performance Assessment." To get started, let me introduce our guest speaker, Barbara Grace, Director, Southern Region Early Childhood Programs.
Barbara Grace
Good evening everyone! Thanks for being here!
The purpose of the Chat is to offer an overview of performance assessment and to familiarize participants with the Illinois Early Learning Standards. The relationship between performance assessment and the Illinois Early Learning Standards will be woven throughout the discussion.
IELmoderator
The procedure for the live Chat session is as follows. Participants
can send questions to the Chat guest at any time. When you send
your question, please note that it will not be visible to all Chat
participants. The IEL Moderator receives the question first and
will notify the questioner that the question was received. Then,
at the next break in the discussion, the question will be posted
for all to see and for Ms. Grace to answer.
Note that there will be a pause after a question is posted while Ms. Grace composes her answer to the question. During these pauses, the Moderator will post occasional information about the IEL Web site.
Questions will be posted in the order they're received, unless there's some obvious reason to group similar questions together. Participants may send follow-up questions. If your question is not answered by the time the Chat session ends at 8 pm, the question and its answer will be included in the Chat transcript that will be made available online approximately 2 weeks from today.
After all that procedural information, let me note that you can
find the text of the Illinois Early Learning Standards on the IEL
Web site at this URL:
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/standards/index.htm.
The standards relate to the learning areas of: (1) Language Arts,
(2) Mathematics, (3) Science, (4) Social Science, (5) Physical Development
and Health, (6) Fine Arts, (7) Foreign Languages, and (8) Social/Emotional
Development.
Now let's begin our Chat. Ms. Grace, we have a question that we received in advance of the session: Why were the Illinois Early Learning Standards developed? Who developed them?
Barbara Grace
The standards were created to provide common language among all
programs serving young children--Head Start, Early Childhood Special
Education, Community-Based Preschool, Family-Based Child Care, and
Early Childhood Block Grant Pre-kindergarten. Additional goals of
the Illinois Early Learning Standards are to encourage developmental
targets for young children, to give early childhood credibility
within the school improvement process, and to encourage developmentally
appropriate practice. As stated in the Introduction to the Illinois
Early Learning Standards document, "The goal of the standards
is to provide teachers and caregivers useful information that is
directly needed as part of their daily classroom work."
The Illinois Early Learning Standards were developed by the Illinois State Board of Education in collaboration with hundreds of early childhood educators from throughout the state. Programs playing a central role in the formation of the draft standards were the Chicago Public Schools, DeKalb Community Unit School District, Indian Prairie School District, and Rockford Public School District.
They were first introduced in June of 2000 and were field tested in hundreds of early childhood programs, including Head Start, Early Childhood Special Education, Community-Based Preschool, Family-Based Child Care, and Early Childhood Block Grant Pre-kindergarten. Since the creation of the draft standards, educators, parents, and national, state, and local early childhood experts have offered feedback about the standards. The final Illinois Early Learning Standards draft includes the synthesis of that feedback.
IELmoderator
Ms. Grace, here's another question: Are the Illinois Early Learning
Standards intended for use in a particular kind of early childhood
program--pre-kindergarten, Head Start, family child care programs,
etc.?
Barbara Grace
The Illinois Early Learning Standards are intended and appropriate
for use in all types of early childhood programs--Head Start, Early
Childhood Special Education, Community-Based Preschool, Family-Based
Child Care, and Early Childhood Block Grant Pre-kindergarten. The
standards provide common language appropriate for all early childhood
programs.
jpm
Thank you for being here, Ms. Grace. Going back to what you said
about the development of the standards: When you say they were field
tested, could you describe that process, please?
Barbara Grace
jpm--Early childhood teachers and caregivers from across the state
attended standards awareness sessions. Following those introductory
sessions, participants decided about getting involved in the field
testing. The field testing involved teachers and caregivers becoming
familiar with the benchmarks within their classroom environments.
They provided feedback to us over the course of several months.
They analyzed the benchmarks. We met with participants several times
to share our views about the benchmarks.
Sandy
Barb, can you tell us about choosing a topic for core collection?
Barbara Grace
Sandy, when you say core collection, are you referring to Work Sampling?
Sandy
Yes, I have been using Work Sampling for a few years now and am
ready to add Core items to my collection. I've been to the awareness
session and don't know if this applies here or not.
Barbara Grace
Sandy, core portfolio items are collected in the areas of language
and literacy, mathematical thinking, and scientific thinking. I
will make more information available on this topic in the transcript
of this Chat.
jb
What are Illinois' expectations for reporting outcomes from the
learning standards?
Barbara Grace
jb--There is no formal monitoring system in place. Programs piloting
"Work Sampling IL" will show us which programs are involved
in implementing the Illinois Early Learning Standards.
IELmoderator
Chat participants, remember that the Illinois Learning Standards
are available on the IEL Web site at:
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/standards/index.htm.
IELmoderator
Ms. Grace, here's another question: Will there be other opportunities
to learn about the Illinois Early Learning Standards and performance
assessment?
Barbara Grace
The Illinois Resource Center is offering an assessment conference,
Spotlight on Assessment, in Tinley Park on August 7 and 8. In addition,
the Illinois Resource Center will be providing workshops throughout
the state in 2002 and 2003, including this summer, about the alignment
of the Illinois Early Learning Standards/Head Start Outcomes Framework
and Work Sampling-Work Sampling Illinois: Illinois Early Learning
Assessment. It is the intent of the Illinois State Board of Education
Division of Early Childhood to implement a system of ongoing support
and technical assistance to those involved in the implementation
of Work Sampling Illinois: Illinois Early Learning Assessment.
IELmoderator
Ms. Grace, here is another question that we received: Are certain
methods of assessment mandated or recommended by the Illinois Early
Learning Standards?
Barbara Grace
Given that the Illinois Early Learning Standards have been aligned
with Work Sampling, a comprehensive system of performance assessment
developed by Dr. Samuel Meisels, it is fair to say that performance
assessment practices are strongly encouraged. A comprehensive performance
assessment system includes three key components: developmental checklists,
portfolios, and summary reports.
jane
What assessments are presently recommended by the Illinois State
Board of Education Division of Early Childhood Education?
Barbara Grace
Jane, we are strongly encouraged to use comprehensive performance
assessment systems. The Illinois Early Learning Standards and Head
Start Performance Outcomes have been aligned with Work Sampling-Work
Sampling Illinois.
margie
How do you get involved in the implementation of Work Sampling Illinois:
Illinois Early Learning Assessment?
Barbara Grace
Margie, to get involved in piloting Work Sampling Illinois, you
need to attend an Awareness Session offered through the Illinois
Resource Center.
Sandy
Can you tell us what makes a high-quality portfolio?
Barbara Grace
Sandy, a high-quality portfolio includes an organized and purposeful
collection of the child's work.
IELmoderator
Please note that the transcript of the previous IEL Live Chat session
from May 22, 2002, on "Using Work Sampling in Pre-K Settings,"
with Sallee Beneke, is now available in the Live Chat section of
the IEL Web site. The English transcript is available at:
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/chat/beneke/trans.htm.
jane
Where do we obtain the comprehensive performance assessment systems?
Where do we "lay our hands" on the methodology recommended?
The specifics, please.
IELmoderator
Chat participants, please note that the ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary
and Early Childhood Education has a Digest by Sam Meisels on Performance
Assessment and the Work Sampling System. This Digest is online at: http://ecap.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/digests/1995/meisel95.htmEditor's note: This url has changed:l http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/digests/1995/meisel95.html
Barbara Grace
Jane, please take a look at the Digest by Sam Meisels on Performance
Assessment and the Work Sampling System. This article should answer
many of your questions.
jane
Thank you. The printer is presently downloading and printing the
Sam Meisels article. Valerie Goddard presented in St. Louis last
month and recommended certain assessments as well, which we are
also in the process of checking out.
Barbara Grace
Jane, you are more than welcome. I hope this provides you with the
information you are seeking.
IELmoderator
Chat participants, there is a page of resources related to the Work
Sampling System that was added to the IEL site at the time of the
previous Chat. This page is available at:
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/reslist/work-sampling.htm.
ruth
Is Work Sampling Illinois available to anyone from Rebus or is the
piloting still ongoing?
Barbara Grace
Ruth, the piloting is just beginning. Trainings are being offered
to teachers and caregivers who have participated in Awareness Sessions.
The piloting will actually begin in classrooms in the Fall.
Sandy
In the field testing, teachers collect data on each individual child
and assess development for the checklist. Will teachers be asked
to provide portfolio items, classroom checklists, etc. (the working
file)?
Barbara Grace
Sandy, are you referring to the piloting of Work Sampling Illinois?
If so, only the checklists will be turned in twice yearly.
IELmoderator
Ms. Grace, here's the next question: How are performance assessments
used in the learning process?
IELmoderator
While Ms. Grace is working on her answer to the previous question,
let me note that a new IEL Tip Sheet was uploaded to the IEL Web
site just this morning. "Encouraging Words" offers suggestions
for using helpful words to show appreciation to your children without
sounding like empty praise. This Tip Sheet is available at:
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/encouragingwords.htm.
Barbara Grace
A comprehensive performance assessment system offers teachers a
means for improving instruction. Authentic performance assessment
is ongoing, curriculum-embedded, and emphasizes performance and
progress. Therefore, the "Cycle of Teaching and Assessment"
as described in Work Sampling Illinois training materials includes
(1) Planning, (2) Implementation, (3) Documentation, and (4) Evaluation.
The cycle is circular in nature, and each part informs the next
part of the cycle. Practices of performance assessment influence
how teacher's teach and what teacher's teach based on what they
learn about children through their observations.
In The Power of Observation authored by Judy Jablon, Amy Laura Dombro, and Margo Dichtelmiller, observation is defined as "watching to learn." The authors say, "Observing provides the information you need to build relationships with individual children and enable them to be successful learners. We learn about children by carefully watching them, listening to them, and studying their work.
Getting to know children as people and as learners gives you the information you need to be an effective decision maker in the classroom. With the information you learn from observing, you can select the right materials, plan appropriate activities, and ask questions that guide children in learning to understand the world around them...."
Effective observation is key to creating an early childhood curriculum that is responsive to the ongoing development of children. Documentation of observations is central to each performance assessment component--developmental checklists, portfolios, and summary reports.
IELmoderator
Ms. Grace, here's another question: How do we use performance assessments
in communicating with parents?
Barbara Grace
Developmental checklists are teacher tools and are not typically
shared with parents. Judy Jablon says that the developmental checklist
represents the teacher's conscience. However, narrative summary
reports are to be shared with parents three times throughout the
program year, as are the portfolio collections. A comprehensive
system of performance assessment gives parents specific, clear,
and easy-to-understand information about the development of their
child. The summary report communicates to parents that teachers
"know" their child. The portfolio collections of children's
work reveal to parents the development of their child through the
child's work.
IELmoderator
Ms. Grace, here's another question: Does the state use students'
performance assessments in evaluating preschool programs?
Barbara Grace
No, the state does not use students' performance assessment to evaluate
preschool programs.
jpm
The standards seem to be relatively general in how they state expectations.
Is it the case that caregivers and teachers have quite a bit of
leeway in how they meet the standards?
Barbara Grace
jpm--The standards are actually addressed through and embedded in
the early childhood curriculum, which is responsive to the development
and interests of children.
IELmoderator
IEL staff members give workshops and presentations throughout the
state. If you're interested in attending such a workshop, please
see the schedule of workshops on IEL's "Workshop and Exhibit
Schedule" page at:
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/workshops.htm
or contact the IEL staff if you'd like to arrange for a workshop
in your area.
IELmoderator
Ms. Grace, here's another question: Does a child need to meet the
benchmarks listed in the Illinois Early Learning Standards to be
considered ready for kindergarten?
Barbara Grace
As indicated in the Illinois Early Learning Standards draft training
materials, "The benchmarks do represent developmental targets
and realistic expectations for most children by the time they are
five years of age. However, no two children will achieve developmental
targets at the same time, and questionable use of screening and
readiness tests in order to achieve homogeneity in classroom groupings
is inappropriate. Statistics do not support children learning more
or better in homogeneous groups. In fact, most of them learn efficiently
and achieve more social/emotional development in mixed-ability groups.
Children are enrolled in kindergarten based upon their legal right
to enter--that they are five years of age on or before September
1."
The standards are NOT a kindergarten entrance test.
IELmoderator
Ms. Grace, here's another question: What are some ways that teachers
have shared the Illinois Early Learning Standards with parents?
Barbara Grace
Teachers have created display boards, either within the classroom
or in the hallways of the school building. A teaching team that
I am familiar with created a scrapbook with pictures of children
engaged in activities. The benchmarks were highlighted within the
scrapbook pages. Teachers share the scrapbook on home visits and
have it available in the classroom. The scrapbook continues to develop
over time.
IELmoderator
IEL has three additional live Chat sessions scheduled over the next
two months.
The next Chat session addresses the topic of "Father/Male Involvement in Early Childhood." The guest speaker is Dr. Brent A. McBride, Associate Professor of Human Development and Director of the Child Development Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This Chat session will be held on June 17, 2002, from 7-8 pm Central Time.
Mowger
I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK you very much
for these informative Chats, and I look forward to next time.
jpm
Thanks for your response regarding curriculum, Ms. Grace. So, it
sounds like pretty much any curriculum or approach that is child
centered has a strong chance of already being in line with the standards;
the standards are kind of a framework for good practice in early
childhood education, and perhaps a reminder to be paying attention
to many aspects of the child's development and education?
Barbara Grace
Absolutely!
IELmoderator
Chat participants, there are a little more than 10 minutes left
in the Chat session. Please send any additional questions.
IELmoderator
Ms. Grace, here's another question: What will teachers and caregivers
have to do to implement the standards? Will there be a monitoring
system in place?
Barbara Grace
Concerning this question about the monitoring system: Teachers and
caregivers are encouraged to participate in the workshops offered
through the Illinois Resource Center this summer and during the
2002/2003 program year. Workshops regarding the alignment of the
Illinois Early Learning Standards/Head Start Outcomes Framework
and Work Sampling-Work Sampling Illinois: Illinois Early Learning
Assessment are being offered throughout the state beginning this
summer and throughout the 2002/2003 program year. There also is
a conference being offered through the Illinois Resource Center,
Spotlight on Assessment, in Tinley Park on August 7 and 8. It is
the intent of the Illinois State Board of Education Division of
Early Childhood to implement a system of ongoing support and technical
assistance to those involved in the implementation of Work Sampling
Illinois: Illinois Early Learning Assessment.
Informally, programs piloting Work Sampling Illinois: Illinois Early Learning Assessment will show us which programs are involved in implementing the Illinois Early Learning Standards. There is no other system of monitoring in place at this point.
IELmoderator
The second of IEL's future scheduled Chats is scheduled for July
15, 2002, again from 7-8 pm Central Time. In this Chat session,
LaDonna Helm, a kindergarten teacher at Leal School in Urbana, Illinois,
will discuss "Getting Ready for Kindergarten."
Barbara Grace
jpm--I also want to mention that teachers have used the standards
to not only know the strengths of their curriculum, but also as
a measure to know where there may be gaps in the curriculum.
jpm
Is it recommended that administrators find ways to introduce parents
to the standards, at the program level, as well as teachers doing
so via bulletin boards, etc.? What are some ways directors might
do that?
Barbara Grace
jpm--Directors could communicate with parents about the Early Learning
Standards through newsletters, during various parent involvement
activities, and at PTA or PTO meetings; and videos or PowerPoint
presentations could be developed showing children in action and
highlighting the benchmarks. These are just a few ideas.
jpm
Thanks for being so generous with your time and energy. You've been
most helpful to me.
IELmoderator
The third of the future Chats will address the topic of "Getting
Ready for Preschool/Day Care." The guest speaker is Jill Moore
from the Early Learning Center in Champaign, Illinois. This Chat
session will be held on July 30, 2002, from 7-8 pm Central Time.
Sandy
jpm--Parents and other teachers. I find myself doing a lot of explaining
(even with display boards), just to help them understand where the
assessment is found and the value of a play-based, negotiated curriculum.
Until teachers understand that the early childhood community is
endeavoring to create a system that is thorough and respectful of
children, part of our existence will be in advocating for high-quality
programs that respond to children's interests and teacher strengths.
IELmoderator
Another reminder: The Illinois Early Learning Standards are
available on the IEL Web site at this URL:
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/standards/index.htm.
There are just a few minutes left in tonight's Chat session. Are there any final questions for Ms. Grace?
jpm
I must admit that the idea of "standards" can be pretty
scary to some of us who are accustomed to thinking in certain ways
about young children. It is reassuring to know how much leeway there
actually is and how respectful the Work Sampling System is of children's
products and "performance."
Barbara Grace
jpm--I am so pleased that you got that message from our Chat!
IELmoderator
As we don't have any further questions, I think we can bring tonight's
Chat session to a close. Thanks to Barbara Grace for tonight's Chat.
Barbara Grace
Thanks for joining us! I've enjoyed being here and have very much
appreciated the thoughtfulness of your questions.
IELmoderator
Thanks to all the Chat participants for your good questions and
for your patience. Please join us for our next Chat session on Monday
evening, June 17. And thanks, Barbara Grace, for sharing your time
and expertise with us. Thanks again, all, and have a good night.
Disclaimer
The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.
The content of the IEL Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education.