Observation and Assessment Flashcards

A teacher uses a running record to document a child's reading behavior. This tool is MOST useful for:

Answer: Capturing a detailed, continuous sequence of behavior as it occurs

Running records provide a verbatim, moment-by-moment account of behavior, capturing context and sequence that other tools miss.

Which ethical principle requires that assessment information be shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know?

Answer: Confidentiality

Confidentiality protects children's privacy by limiting access to assessment data to authorized individuals.

Criterion-referenced assessments measure a child's performance:

Answer: Against a predetermined set of skills or learning standards

Criterion-referenced tools evaluate mastery of specific skills or benchmarks, not how a child compares to peers.

An observer watches a child's block-building for 10 minutes and records everything the child does. This is an example of:

Answer: Running record

A running record documents all behaviors continuously within a defined time window, capturing the flow of activity.

Which factor MOST threatens the reliability of an observational assessment?

Answer: Observer bias based on prior knowledge of the child

Observer bias occurs when a rater's expectations or personal feelings influence what they notice and record, reducing consistency.

A screening tool with high sensitivity will:

Answer: Identify most children who do have a developmental concern

Sensitivity refers to a tool's ability to correctly flag children who have the condition being screened for, minimizing false negatives.

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is completed primarily by:

Answer: Parents and primary caregivers

The ASQ is a family-completed screening tool designed to capitalize on caregivers' knowledge of their child's everyday behavior.