How We Evaluate — Assessment
For more information about HighScope's assessment tools,
please visit the Assessment
section of our website.
Why is Assessment So Important in Preschool Programs?
Research tells us that the best programs constantly measure how well teachers teach and how much children learn. They use the results to continue what is working and improve what is not; for example, to decide whether to provide more teacher training or to identify gaps in children's experiences. HighScope has developed both child and program assessment tools to support this evaluation process.
The Preschool Child Observation Record (COR) assesses children's learning in every content area. Each day, teachers and caregivers generate brief written descriptions, or anecdotes, that objectively describe children's behavior. They use these notes to evaluate children's development and then plan activities to help individual children and the classroom as a whole make progress. (Also available is an version of the COR for assessing infants and toddlers). In addition, HighScope has developed and validated a specialized tool for literacy, the Early Literacy Skills Assessment (ELSA).
The Preschool Program Quality Assessment (PQA) evaluates whether teachers and agencies are using the most effective classroom and program management practices. Every area of classroom teaching and program operations is rated to identify strengths and areas for improvement. (Also available is a version of the PQA for evaluating programs for infants and toddlers).