Beyond the Bell Curve: Cultivating Individual Growth With GOLD Assessment

We invite educators, curriculum designers, and educational leaders to join us for a discussion on the limitations of traditional assessment methods. Together, we will examine the disadvantages of assessing on the bell curve of “Meeting,” “Exceeding,” or “Progressing” standards that often overshadow the individual developmental milestones of each child.

This webinar will explain the research-backed advantages of observational formative assessment as part of the GOLD assessment approach. Teaching Strategies’ GOLD stands out from other early childhood assessment systems due to its whole-child approach. Unlike many other assessments that focus solely on academic progress, GOLD emphasizes the well-rounded development of young children across all domains, including social–emotional, physical, cognitive, and language skills.

Participants will learn how this approach can inform more personalized teaching strategies, create supportive learning environments, and empower families with a deeper understanding of their children’s educational journey. Together, we will explore how to nurture each child’s development with the precision and respect it deserves, moving beyond the bell curve to a future where every child’s educational needs are met with clarity and compassion.