The Study
Janet Alleman, professor in the Department of Teacher Education, and University Distinguished Professor Jere Brophy examined the current status and trends in social studies assessment for the early grades in light of national and state standards.

The Findings
Alleman and Brophy found that the curriculum standards issued by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) in 1994 with performance expectations for students beginning in the early grades has given social studies greater visibility in those early years. There is talk of high-stakes testing at about fourth grade, but for the most part assessment in social studies during the early grades remains less formal. The researchers point out that alternative forms of assessment requiring minimal pencil-and-paper testing are the most reasonable. They also point out that a variety of instruments is needed to measure the range of knowledge and skills that reflect the classroom experiences of students examined. Among the assessment activities that may be called for are speechmaking (recitation, role playing), writing (short answers, longer answers as students acquire the necessary competencies), or other kinds of goal-oriented action. These kinds of activities can be done with the whole class, in a small group, or even individually. Alleman and Brophy are careful to point out that assessment should be "woven throughout the instructional units, formulated around the content standards, and used" to monitor, adjust, revise, and expand what is taught." They then list their guiding principles for creating assessment tools. These include making assessment an integral part of the curriculum and instruction process, ensuring assessment practices are goal-oriented and appropriate in level of difficulty, and having the assessment plan represent what is valued instructionally. In addition, assessment should benefit the learner and inform teaching practice, and the results should be documented to develop learning profiles. They also showcase how alternative forms of assessment can be integrated into the curriculum. For Alleman and Brophy, the increased emphasis on social studies for the early grades makes it prime opportunity to "consider assessment as an integral part of the curriculum rather than as an 'add-on' or 'afterthought.'

What It Means To You
Social studies is an increasing part of the early elementary curriculum. Does your curriculum include assessments? If so, does it conform to the guiding principles outlined by Alleman and Brophy?

For More Information
Alleman, J., & Brophy, J. (1999). Current trends and practices in social studies assessment for the early grades. Social Studies & the Young Learner, (11)4, 15-17.  

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