Through a combination of strong partnerships between the Melbourne Metrics (formerly the Assessment Research Centre), Research in Effective Education in Early Childhood Centre (ReeaCH) and the Victorian Department of Education and an established methodology, an evidence-based set of assessments has been developed for kindergarten teachers in Victoria, the first of its kind in Australia.
It is a significant contribution that reflects both Victorian and national priorities for early childhood education. More specifically, the project was a result of research that indicated the greatest area of need to be in assessment for learning to support intentional learning practice. EYALT supports teachers’ assessment for learning and intentional teaching practices to provide quality early learning programs for children and families. The successful partnership between the AERC, ReeaCH and the Department has ensured that EYALT has high technical quality. Work with hundreds of practitioners as well as collaboration with early childhood experts and government has ensured that EYALT is practical and useful for teachers and the sector. Following the research and development phase, Melbourne Metrics is supporting the Department’s rollout of EYALT in Victoria through hosting and maintaining the tool on its Ruby platform.
The impact
Its impact is already evident through wide-scale take-up. In 2023, a three-year phased rollout of the EYALT began, with over 700 services accepted to take part in the first tranche through an EOI process. It has the potential for further generation of innovation in the use of such assessment methods to generate more inclusive, robust assessment tools to support the teaching and learning of all children and young people from kindergarten to Year 12 and beyond.
Get involved
Please contact the Assessment for Learning team at the Victorian Department of Education for further information.
