This part should be 200 words with 2 scholarly articles: Assessment reform is following curriculum reform. Many states are moving quickly to develop state-wide early childhood systems of accountability that have the potential to influence program-level decisions about assessment. It is important that administrators of early childhood programs understand frequently voiced concerns about the use of standardized assessments with young children and that they are able to express their informed opinions about the benefits of authentic assessment.

• Take a stand on the controversy of standardized assessment vs. authentic assessment in early childhood education. What do you think is best for children, their families, and early childhood programs in regard to assessment and accountability?
• Describe characteristics of authentic assessment and discuss why early childhood professionals consider these methods the preferred approach to assessment in programs serving young children.