Children in today’s preschools, kindergartens, and early elementary grades must take many tests on rote skills and facts. This has led to more drill-based instruction of narrow skills. The emphasis on testing has had negative impact on children’s healthy development and learning. Young children need rich learning experiences in the early school years that encourage active, play-based learning. They need to develop social skills, creativity, problem solving, and a love for learning. The most reliable ways to evaluate young children’s learning are through ongoing observations by skilled teachers and assessments of children’s work and play over time. Click to download the Fact sheet.
