This book describes the use of data systems in early childhood settings (birth to eight years) for the purposes of assessment, evaluation and curriculum planning. It presents an international collection of research examining ways in which teachers and researchers have revisited notions of what constitutes effective assessment, revised ways in which they assess children's learning and development and use the knowledge gained for curriculum planning. It offers insights into contemporary research on how teachers and children are engaging with data systems as part of effective assessment and how these approaches influence practice. This book presents recent theorizing and examples of research which have investigated innovative approaches to assessment using data systems in early years settings. It represents both early childhood and junior primary contexts and includes research which focusses on teachers' perspectives and reflections on use of data systems. It also examines research which reflects on what children gain from being involved in these data systems.

Widely adopted across the U.S. and around the world, Practice-Based Coaching (PBC) is a research?based coaching framework for supporting early childhood practitioners' use of evidence?informed teaching practices. This book-created by the respected developers of the PBC framework-is the first to offer a comprehensive introduction to this popular coaching approach and practical guidance on how to implement it with fidelity. Ideal for use in professional development, this research?to?practice resource gives readers an in?depth overview of the Practice?Based Coaching framework and a complete guide to implementing its three key components: shared goals and action planning, focused observation, and reflection and feedback. To help professionals implement PBC with fidelity, they'll get case stories, tip boxes, reflection questions, and 30+ downloadable supporting resources, including coaching data collection forms, checklists, and organizational templates. The definitive resource on PBC, this essential guide will help programs and coaches prepare every early childhood practitioner to master today's recommended practices-and nurture the learning and healthy development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. LEARN HOW TO: Develop collaborative partnerships between coach and coachee Write effective goals and action plans Put five essential coaching strategies into practice Conduct practice?focused strengths and needs assessments Observe the coachee's practices and collect data about coaching efforts and effects Make data?based decisions Give supportive and constructive feedback Employ web?based platforms and coaching apps to support PBC WHY PBC? Meets the Head Start Performance Standards' definition of a research?based, coordinated coaching strategy, which all programs are required to use. Supports the Pyramid Model: PBC is recognized as an effective professional development approach for implementing the social, emotional, and behavioral practices of the popular Pyramid Model. Supports embedded intervention and instruction: PBC has been shown to be an effective professional development approach for implementing embedded intervention and instruction practices. Practice-ready: PBC is a practice?ready coaching framework that has been used with a variety of effective early childhood practices. Flexible for today's programs: PBC can be implemented in person or virtually using video recordings. Proven effective: PBC is supported by evidence that it changes or enhances practices and has related effects on child and family outcomes.