Learning Stories: An Assessment Tool for Early Childhood with Julia Koumbassa

<p>You have heard us often discuss the shortcomings of standardized assessments in accurately determining the best ways to meet a child’s needs in the classroom. Standardized assessments are a tool, but they are not the best tool to use for every student. Today we dive into “learning stories,” observations that tell a story recognizing a child’s everyday efforts as milestones in their growth. Join us to learn more!</p><p>We are joined by Julia Koumbassa, the Professional Development Director at <em>Educa</em>, the first and only software platform created specifically for learning stories. She helps oversee a virtual academy of training and professional development for early childhood educators and has vast experience in early childhood education as a teacher and administrator. In her work, she has become obsessed with learning stories and how they give new and beautiful perspectives on a child’s competencies and strengths.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Show Highlights:</strong></p><ul><li>Julia’s explanation of what learning stories are and how this tool was first developed in New Zealand</li><li>The three-part format of a learning story: what happened, what the interpretation is, and what opportunities and possibilities exist</li><li>How learning stories incorporate an assessment tool, observation tool, and planning tool all in one</li><li>How learning stories differ greatly from other assessment tools in that they are strengths-based, positive, and empowering</li><li>How learning stories incorporate input and responses from the child’s family members</li><li>How learning stories become a record of adventures and growth that follows a child from year to year and teacher to teacher</li><li>How to learn more about learning stories</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Links/Resources:</strong></p><p>Learn more about learning stories:<a href="https://elp.co.nz/wendy-lee-3/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Wendy Lee and the Educational Leadership Project</a> and<a href="https://www.salsa-global.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" t