Live Interactive Chat

Answers to Questions (Transcript)

June 5, 2002

Integrating the Illinois Early Learning Standards and Performance Assessment

Barbara Grace
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/chat/beneke/sup.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.

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