'Authentic assessment - the process of evaluating children in their natural environments using materials and activities that are part of their daily experience - is described here from a number of different theoretical perspectives and practical points of view. Bagnato expands the boundaries of our thinking about how to assess children with special needs, exploring this approach to assessment with thoroughness, passion, and common sense.' - Samuel J. Meisels, EdD, President, Erikson Institute, USA

'A welcome addition to the literature on preschool assessment. The focus on authentic assessment and the emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices make this book an excellent choice for working with preschoolers with developmental disabilities for whom formal standardized testing is not appropriate. The case examples of young children with a variety of disabilities make the material vivid. I plan to adopt this text for my class in preschool assessment, and it would also be useful for a class in assessing students with low-incidence disabilities.' - Catherine A. Fiorello, PhD, School Psychology Program, Temple University, USA

'Bagnato has put together an incredibly helpful resource for professionals struggling to understand the educational, developmental, educational, medical, and mental health needs of young children and their families. Provided is practical information that can guide assessment teams in capturing children's optimum performance in real-life settings and routines, and in evaluating early childhood outcomes. The book is replete with helpful examples, resource information, and practice guidelines that help move the notion of authentic assessment from idea into action.' - Judith J. Carta, PhD, Juniper Gardens Children's Project, University of Kansas, USA

Meeting a crucial need, this book provides clear recommendations for authentic developmental assessment of children from infancy to age 6, including those with developmental delays and disabilities.

Meeting a crucial need, this book provides clear recommendations for authentic developmental assessment of children from infancy to age 6, including those with developmental delays and disabilities. It describes principles and strategies for collecting information about children's everyday activities in the home, preschool, and community, which provides a valid basis for intervention planning and progress monitoring. Throughout, the book emphasizes the importance of enlisting parents as partners with practitioners and teachers in observation and team-based decision making. Special features of this well-organized, accessible volume include recommendations for developmentally appropriate assessment tools and "Best Practice Guidepoints" in each chapter that distill key professional standards and practices.

Stephen J. Bagnato, EdD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, USA