The topics addressed in the five modules are described below. Well Purposes of the Maryland Model for School Readiness Information about the history, policy rationale, and research base of MMSR and its relationship to the national and state readiness goals are presented. MMSR supports principles of teaching as espoused by the International Reading Association, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Educational Testing Service, and the National Education Goals Panel. MMSR clearly defines expectations for participation for teachers and school administrators. The focus of this section is observation.
Emphasis is placed on using observation to build relationships with students.
Through the use of videotaped vignettes and small and large group discussions, participants practice observing and examine what they bring to the process of observation. Discussion includes objectivity in observation and the importance of gathering sufficient evidence before making interpretations. Participants practice observing with a focus on the Primary Assessment Outcomes and Indicators. An Assessment System Aligned with the Maryland Primary Assessment Outcomes and Indicators Participants receive Work Sampling materials and are introduced to the structure, vocabulary, and purposes of the Work Sampling System Developmental Guidelines. The Work Sampling Developmental Guidelines describe reasonable expectations for performance for children at each age across all domains of development, thus providing teachers with valid criteria for evaluation.