VPK ASSESSMENT UPDATE January 2014

Recently, the Coalition sent an eNews explaining that children cannot be removed from the VPK classroom during VPK time to conduct the VPK Assessment. However, we are excited to announce that we just received the following updated information from Erika M. Hall with the Office of Early Learning:

 

Administering the VPK Assessment is a requirement of the VPK program and therefore it is appropriate to do so during VPK hours.  VPK providers must decide what works best for their staff and children when setting up the assessment/learning environment. Some will choose to remove children, one-at-a-time, from the classroom, while others may find an appropriate area within the classroom to administer the assessment to each child. If child is removed from the classroom, then the other children should be supervised by another qualified adult.

 

While the assessment measures were designed to be administered by the VPK instructor, anyone who has successfully completed the face-to-face How to Administer the FL VPK Assessment training or watched the VPK Assessment Administration DVD - April 2013 may administer the VPK Assessment to children.

 

Our recommendations may be found on page 7 in the Teacher's Manual under Administration Considerations - The Environment and Teacher Behaviors. Please see the recommendations under The Environment below:

 

  • The assessment should be conducted in an environment that is free from auditory and visual distractions.
  • Remove clutter and clear the physical space where the assessment will be administered.
  • Choose furniture (e.g., chairs, table) that is the correct height for children to view the assessment materials.
  • Interruptions are sometimes inevitable. However, try and avoid unnecessary ones (e.g., phone calls) unless it is an emergency.
  • If a loud noise or disturbance does occur, and the teacher feels that this has hindered a child hearing instructions or an assessment item, the directions or assessment item may be repeated.
  • If necessary, post a 'Do Not Disturb' sign, to minimize interruptions.
  • If teachers cannot find a private space to give the assessment, teach the other children in the space that the teacher and the child in the assessment session should not be disturbed.

 

We hope that this information is helpful. If you have any questions please contact Jenifer Caccia at 727-400-4412