The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s (DPI) Wisconsin Strategic Assessment System (webpage) – Wisconsin’s Strategic Assessment System (SAS) web page provides an overview of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Strategic Assessment System, and resources to support schools and districts as they build capacity for assessment literacy, effective data inquiry, and collaborative professional communities committed to processes of continuous improvement. DPI resources for assessment with special education are listed below.

Comprehensive Special Education Evaluation – The purpose of the Wisconsin Comprehensive Special Education Evaluation Framework is to share a renewed focus on evaluation as a process of collecting and analyzing information about the whole student, with the ultimate goal of understanding the student’s unique educational needs. 

Special Education Evaluation Information Update Bulletin – This bulletin addresses questions and provides updated guidance in this area of special education evaluations. The guidance reflects state and federal regulations on conducting special education evaluations, including the use of assessments, to determine eligibility for IEP services.

Balanced Assessment – This handout was developed in the creation of the 2018 Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards training to demonstrate the differences between formative, interim, and summative assessments, and give examples of how and when to use the various types of assessments. 

Comprehensive Early Childhood Assessment Guide: Screening, Evaluation, Ongoing Assessment, Program Assessment – This tool was developed to inform early childhood professionals about assessment tools that are available to assist in gathering data for purposes such as screening, evaluation, ongoing assessment, and program assessment. This tool has specific language centered around early childhood intervention and special education, but the information provided is valuable and aligned with appropriate assessment practices for all children.

DAP: Observing, Documenting, and Assessing Children’s Development and Learning – Observing, documenting, and assessing each child’s development and learning are essential processes for educators and programs to plan, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of the experiences they provide to children. This page from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) shares practices for observation, documentation, and assessment that are developmentally appropriate for children from birth through the primary grades.

Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) Evaluation and Assessment – The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)  provides federal guidance for evaluation and assessment. Resources to support evaluation and assessment resources including remote screening, evaluation, and assessment can be found on this page.

Fundamentals of Authentic Assessment – This article published by the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development defines authentic assessment and provides information to its ongoing process. Also included in the article is a link to a tip sheet developed by the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development: Tip Sheet: The Authentic Assessment Cycle.

Head Start Early Childhood Early Learning and Knowledge Center’s Ongoing Child Assessment: A Guide for Program Leaders – Ongoing child assessment in a Head Start program is part of a comprehensive assessment system and coordinated approach to support all children’s development and learning, from birth to 5. Learn how program leaders can support high-quality ongoing child assessment practices. Head Start Early Childhood Early Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) also has several on-going assessment resources that are specific to infants and toddlers.

How to Navigate Early Childhood Assessment: A Research-Based Guide to Inform Assessment Planning in the Early Grades – Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) created the guide How to Navigate Early Childhood Assessment: A Research-Based Guide to Inform Assessment Planning in the Early Grades. The guide includes information on assessment considerations and worksheets to use thoughtful assessment methods.

Updated 12/5/2024