About GOLD Assessment
Child assessment is a vital component of high-quality early childhood education programs. The designated assessment tool for Alabama First Class Pre-K and the P-3 program is Teaching Strategies GOLD®. The department supports programs and educators using assessments to do what is best for young children.
An ongoing assessment process is essential for gathering information about children to better inform instruction, classroom practice, and observation. The GOLD Class Profile Report and the GOLD Documentation Status Report should be pulled weekly to intentionally plan teaching opportunities. Teachers are able to determine each child’s level of skills and abilities by consistently analyzing and evaluation observation notes and portfolio samples. Sufficient documentation should be collected to accurately support assessment of each individual child’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. The Department encourages teachers to have at least two (2) pieces of documentation in each objective to finalize the end of the checkpoint period.
2023-2024 Checkpoint Dates
Fall - August 1, 2023 through October 27, 2023
Winter - October 28, 2023 through February 23, 2024
Spring - February 24, 2024 through May 17, 2024
Summer - May 18, 2024 through July 12, 2024
First Class Pre-K Guidelines
- First Class Pre-K Program Guidelines
- First Class Pre-K Classroom Guidelines
- First Class Pre-K Appendices
Click below to login to MyTeachingStrategies.
GOLD Introduction Module
The GOLD® Introduction module is a beginning look at how formative assessment data informs planning and helps teachers individualize instruction. In the module the objectives for development and learning, the structure and components of GOLD®, and the four steps of the ongoing assessment process are explored. Teachers complete this two weeks after receiving their TSGOLD username and password. A training certificate is issued at completion. Send PDF to coach/monitor. Teachers are encouraged to keep a copy for their records.
GOLD Training
We look forward to you joining the following trainings. Contact the Region Director, coach, and/or monitor for the password to register for the following GOLD trainings. As soon as you receive your email confirmation, immediately click the red button that says “Go to the online event page.” Follow prompts to log in to Eventbrite to receive event information and handouts for this training. This must be done prior to the first session.
To contribute to a successful training and to support engagement, be mindful of the following norms:
- Join event 3-5 minutes prior to the start of session to check audio and video
- Mute microphone upon entering the session
- Once in session, type your name in chat box
- To assist with engagement, keep video on during the training session. We realize there may be times that you have to close your camera; however, it should remain on as much as possible.
- The training is designed for one person to one device. It is not conducive for multiple people to be in the same room with others that are on their devices.
- Zoom gives a timestamp of when the participant enters the session and when they leave. To receive full credit, participants must be logged on the entire session time.
2023 TRAINING DATES
These training dates are subject to change. Please verify with your Region Director/coach and/or monitor. Please do not register in PowerSchool for trainings. Training registration takes place through Eventbrite. Registration will not open until 30 days prior to the session. Sessions listed as blue hyperlinks are open for registration.
Combined Trainings (PK, P3)
Virtual
Session A GOLD® Platform
September 26 - 29, 2023, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Session B GOLD® Platform
September 26 - 29, 2023, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Session C GOLD® Platform
September 26 - 29, 2023, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Session D GOLD® Platform
September 26 - 29, 2023, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Administrator GOLD Trainings
First Class Pre-K Trainings
IN-PERSON
VIRTUAL
PreK-3 Trainings
GOLD Platform Training Handouts
Creative Curriculum Cloud Resources
Interrater Reliability Certification
It is important to use GOLD® reliably, both to scaffold children’s learning and because your program administrator uses your data in some way for reporting purposes. When you use assessment results to inform instructional decisions, accurate ratings enable you to choose effective teaching strategies. Teachers must complete IRR (preschool, including dual language learners and children with disabilities) 30 days from FACE to FACE Training.
To learn more about Early Childhood Assessment, please contact the Program Director, Pre-K to 3rd Grade Early Learning Continuum and GOLD Assessment, Ami Brooks, at (334)531-5792 or by email at Ami.Brooks@ece.alabama.gov.