Hilary Seitz, PhD, is director for educator and leadership programs in the California State Universitysystem. She advocates and supports statewide efforts to support early childhood education andthe new California PK3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential. Dr. Seitz is professor emerita in early childhood education at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Her researchareas have been in early literacy development, collaborative practices between families and schoolsincluding culturally responsive pedagogies, emergent curriculum development, documentation,authentic assessment, and social constructivist learning theories inspired by Reggio Emiliapractices.
In a time when assessment is frequently associated with formal testing that takes precious time away from instruction, the authors demonstrate how authentic assessment can shape teachers’ decisions about creating optimal learning environments for young learners. Aligned with the principles and guidelines of the fourth edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practice, this book is a valuable resource in the toolbox of novice and experienced early childhood educators. —Elena Bodrova, Cofounder and Knowledge Advisor, Tools of the Mind Navigating the challenges of assessment in education is no easy task. This new volume manages to address the anxiety around the topic by offering actionable insights that educators across the early childhood continuum can utilize to benefit children. —Vincent J. Costanza, Principal, Campbell Elementary School Full of research-based information, strategies, and examples, this highly readable book is a must for students, teachers, and directors seeking to better understand the whats, whys, and hows of authentic, data-driven, individualized, and equitable assessment for all children. —Mary Benson McMullen, Professor of Early Childhood Education, Indiana University Bloomington