What Is Virtual Assessment?
Virtual assessment means one or more assessors are not physically present in the location where the child is being assessed. The assessors instead use videoconferencing to collect information about what the child knows and can do. The framework addresses virtual authentic assessment, in which assessors observe the child in a familiar setting naturally engaging in everyday routines. The assessment process may include the assessors asking the parent or other familiar adult to encourage activities that show the child’s use of skills (e.g., positioning the child a certain way, asking the child to hold a book). A virtual assessment may be part of a hybrid assessment that includes an in-person component. For example, one assessor can be in the room with the child while another is online at the same time.
Framework Components
Using technology to conduct authentic assessments can provide many benefits to families and programs. Successful implementation of VA requires that program leaders create the conditions for both practitioners and families to feel comfortable with this new way of collecting information about children. The framework identifies five components of successful implementation of VA:
- Leadership: Program leaders need to understand what is required for successful implementation of VA and be committed to allocating the necessary human and fiscal resources to put the necessary structures, as described in the other four components, in place.
- Policies: Policies are needed to ensure implementation of VA is consistent with state and federal requirements, such as those addressing privacy and confidentiality, and with recommended practices for good assessment.
- Support for practitioners: Practitioners need to understand what VA is and how to adapt what they already know about conducting in person assessments to collecting information virtually. Practitioners will need to learn new skills in two areas: good VA practices and use of technology.
- Support for families: Families need to understand what VA is and, if they have already experienced an in person assessment, how VA is different from that kind of assessment. Programs need to prepare families to be active participants in VA and to use the technology.
- Technology: Programs need to have the technology for VA and support its use. VA requires that practitioners and families have access to devices, such as a mobile phone, laptop, or tablet, and that they have reliable internet. Programs also need to have a videoconferencing platform and to support practitioners and families with training and troubleshooting.
The framework was developed to help local programs become knowledgeable about what is needed in each of these areas, make informed decisions about whether to adopt VA, and successfully implement it. The framework also can help state agencies identify ways to support local programs in moving to effective VA.
Moving to Successful Implementation of VA
We recommend that program leaders who are not familiar with VA or want to expand or improve their use of VA follow the steps of adoption and implementation below. We have developed resources to support programs at each step. The four steps build on one another, but leaders may decide where to start. For example, those who are new to VA and eager to learn more can start at Step 1. Those who are familiar with VA and already want to adopt it can start at Step 3.
Step 1. New to virtual assessment? Understand what VA is and its benefits and possible challenges.
These resources provide an introduction to VA and a summary of the benefits and challenges. They are for program leaders, practitioners, and families.
- An introductory video on VA
- A guide for families on what to expect during a VA
- A document describing the benefits and challenges of VA
Step 2. Considering VA? Decide if VA is a good fit for your program or district.
See Deciding if Virtual Assessment Is a Good Fit for Your Program.
This document is for EI and ECSE program leaders. It consists of a series of questions in five areas (for example, “Supporting Families”). These questions provide an overview of the conditions needed to be ready to move to planning for successful implementation of VA. The document contains links to additional resources in each area.
Step 3: Ready to plan and implement? Learn how to support implementing VA.
A variety of resources are available for state and local program leaders and practitioners who are ready to move to planning and implementing VA or who are already implementing and want to learn about other ways to support successful implementation.
See Evaluating and Improving Virtual Assessment.
This resource provides evaluation questions to examine how well VA is working to meet the needs of families and programs. It also offers suggested methods for data collection.
Steps 3 and 4 form a continuous improvement cycle with what is learned from the evaluation being used to guide additional planning and more effective implementation.