Share a positive example of the effects of research on children
and/or families.
In my work as an Education Specialist I found
that using assessment tools contributed to researching- what was and what was
not working in the early childhood classroom. These findings then reinforced
what was working, and providing information and opportunities for educators to
improve their teaching practices and classroom environments. These
improvements, plus the pride and self-esteem gleaned from what was going well,
benefited the children and the families. The children were more respected, had
enriched environments, varied and enriched learning opportunities, and had
enhanced social emotional growth opportunities. The families who were aware of
these enriched experiences and ever changing improvements also had a sense of
pride and connection to their children. The two assessment tools I found value
in using were the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) for PreK and
Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS).
