Authentic Assessment for Early Childhood Intervention

Stephen J. Bagnato, EdD, NCSP, is a developmental school psychologist and Professor of Psychology and Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh, Schools of Education and Medicine. He is founder and Faculty Mentor of the Division for Early Childhood Partnerships within the University's Office of Child Development. Dr. Bagnato is also a core interdisciplinary faculty member at the LEND Center (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders) at the University of Pittsburgh. He specializes in authentic curriculum-based assessment and program evaluation research strategies for young children at developmental risk and with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and has authored over 120 research and applied publications. He has received numerous professional research awards from the National Brain Injury Research Association and the American Psychological Association (Division 16) and is a recipient of the University of Pittsburgh Chancellor’s Distinguished Public Service Award, among other honors. Dr. Bagnato provides consultation and training to state agencies in early childhood intervention "best practices," challenging and atypical behaviors, authentic assessment in early childhood, and authentic program outcome evaluation research.

A welcome addition to the literature on preschool assessment. The focus on authentic assessment and the emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices make this book an excellent choice for working with preschoolers with developmental disabilities for whom formal standardized testing is not appropriate. The case examples of young children with a variety of disabilities make the material vivid. I plan to adopt this text for my class in preschool assessment, and it would also be useful for a class in assessing students with low-incidence disabilities.--Catherine A. Fiorello, PhD, School Psychology Program, Temple University Authentic assessment--the process of evaluating children in their natural environments using materials and activities that are part of their daily experience--is described here from a number of different theoretical perspectives and practical points of view. Bagnato expands the boundaries of our thinking about how to assess children with special needs, exploring this approach to assessment with thoroughness, passion, and common sense.--Samuel J. Meisels, EdD, President, Erikson Institute Bagnato has put together an incredibly helpful resource for professionals struggling to understand the educational, developmental,medical, and mental health needs of young children and their families. Provided is practical information that can guide assessment teams in capturing children’s optimum performance in real-life settings and routines, and in evaluating early childhood outcomes. The book is replete with helpful examples, resource information, and practice guidelines that help move the notion of authentic assessment from idea into action.--Judith J. Carta, PhD, Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, University of Kansas - Bagnato should be applauded for his comprehensive and individually tailored approach to assessment. Had I had a book such as this during my training, I might have been more equipped and inclined to conduct testing with preschoolers....This text is a must read for those who intend to work with children who are in their early childhood years. --PsycCRITIQUES, 12/31/2008

• 1. What Are the Professional Standards for Assessment of Preschool Children?2. How Can Authentic Assessment Prevent the Mismeasure of Young Children?3. What Are the Foundations for Authentic Assessment of Typical and Atypical Early Development?4. What are the Best Contexts for Authentic Assessment?5. Can Professionals Test without Tests for Authentic Assessment?, with Richard LeVan6. How Does Authentic Curriculum-Based Assessment Work?7. Can Clinical Judgments Guide Parent–Professional Team Decision Making for Early Intervention?, with Eileen McKeating-Esterle8. How Can We Effectively Assess for Severe Disabilities?, with Pamela S. Wolfe and Richard Kubina9. How Can We Do Functional Behavioral Assessment with Preschoolers?, with Richard Kubina, Pamela S. Wolfe, and Devender R. Banda10. What Are Proper Approaches to Detect, Classify, and Intervene for Temperament and Self-Regulatory Behavior Problems in Young Children?11. How Should We Forecast and Plan for Kindergarten Transition and Early School Success?, with Kimberly A. Blair12. How Can Authentic Program Evaluation Document Early Childhood Intervention Outcomes?Synopsis and Conclusions: What Are the Essential Best Practice Guidepoints for Authentic Assessment of Preschool Children?Appendices