Quotes of Early Childhood

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

Assessing the Whole Child

The topic of assessment with young children is one that needs to be balanced between what is necessary and what teachers have time to do.  Traditional standards-based tests do not take in to account the multiple intelligences that Howard Gardner theorized.  Also, standardized tests are typically done only once a year and then compared to smaller tests and quizzes.  There is little room to show improvement through the year.  A portfolio assessment is a way to assess different areas of the child's development and show progress.  However, portfolio assessements are time consuming to conduct. It is easier to proctor an exam in June for 30 students at one time than it is to pick and choose writing samples and putting together anecdotal records throughout the year. 
Looking at other countries, I found some reference to porfolio assessments in Australia but could not find extensive information on how they put them together or other assessments they use.