Kindergarten Assessment

Definition: When people think of assessment, they typically envision paper and pencil tests. Anyone who has worked with 20-30 young children at once knows what a nightmare that would be. Instead, I consider "assessment" a means of determining what the child knows and needs to practice. A great deal of the assessment in my classroom is done informally, through observation. I watch the kids during math and reading times, notice who struggles with certain activities, and observe what they do during choosing time (it's amazing what children's play can show about what they know!) In addition, I use a few different checklists to "test" kids about specific information. I use this information for report cards, as well as planning individual and group lessons. Click the pencil to learn more about each form.

Beginning of the Year Inventory - I use this form within the first month of school to see what each child already knows. Information from this checklist helps me decide which students should be tested for Title I assistance (basically, a program that provides individual and small group work with a classroom assistant).

Report Card Inventory - I use this checklist with students near the end of each trimester. The information on this form corresponds almost directly with our report cards. I use the same sheet and mark in a different color for each trimester.

Advanced Inventory - I created this form last year, our second year of all day, every day. I felt that as a result of our program, I had time to do a more in-depth test of children's knowledge. I also wanted to notice which students were reading basic site words. Information from this inventory is shared with parents during spring conferences.

Letter Sound Test - This is a paper and pencil test that is part of our reading series. Our reading committee decided that kindergarten should give the first part of this test (letter sounds) in the spring and first grade would be responsible for the second part (sight words in sentences) in the fall.

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Last Update: 07/05/99
Web Author: Tina Dickinson