Approved Early Childhood Assessment Tools for Colorado

Assessment Menu

Colorado has a menu of high quality early childhood assessment tools that are valid and reliable

What is the definition of a valid, reliable, and research-based assessment?

Reliability
In measurement theory, reliability refers to the consistency of a measure. This means that a survey, assessment, or instrument will measure the same construct every time. However, it does not mean that it will accurately measure that construct.

Validity
In measurement theory, validity refers to the accuracy of a measure. This means that a survey, assessment, or instrument will measure whatever construct it intends to measure. However, this does not mean that it will accurately measure that construct over time.

It is the combination of reliability and validity working in tandem that makes surveys, instruments, and assessments work. This is because when a survey, assessment, or instrument is both valid and reliable, then one can safely assume that the survey, assessment, or instrument not only accurately measures what it intends to measure (validity), but does so consistently over time (reliability).

Research-based
“Research-based” means that parts or components of the method or program are based on practices that are proven to be effective through research. This is differentiated from “evidence-based," when the entire program or method has been demonstrated to be effective through research.

These assessment tools all function in similar ways. They measure the required areas of development and growth defined in legislation: early literacy, mathematics, social, physical, language, and cognitive development. Results are measured against research-based age expectations.

Some of the assessment tools have additional optional areas that can be measured at teacher discretion. These optional areas include science, technology, arts, and English language development, among others. They are teacher-guided observation protocols used to see how well a child is progressing through age- and grade-level expectations to support later academic success. They are valid, reliable and research-based instruments that meet the school readiness criteria established by the State Board of Education.