Assessment is the process of systematically gathering information as part of an evaluation. Evaluation is a broader term that refers to all of the methods used to find out what happens as a result of using a specific intervention or practice. The knowledge that practitioners and families gain as a result of evaluating a practice through assessment helps them understand the effects of the practice, make appropriate changes, or plan a different practice, if needed. For example, in the situation with Tenisha, gathering assessment information about her storybook reading, and how she used dialogic reading practices could help her determine if she is implementing it correctly and if it is effective in engaging children in her class. The results of an evaluation also can indicate the need to consider additional ways to effectively promote language and literacy development.
To learn how well dialogic reading is working, Tenisha will need to gather assessment information to help her evaluate the practices she is implementing.