The Work
Sampling System (WSS) systematically
documents children’s skills, knowledge,
behavior, and academic accomplishments to
enhance instruction and improve learning.
This valid, research-based performance
assessment uses three interrelated elements
– Developmental Guidelines and Checklists,
Portfolios, and Summary Reports – to
understand and communicate what students are
learning, what they are beginning to master,
and what they still need to work on. WSS
helps individualize instruction while
meeting accountability and reporting
mandates. Use this practical proven system
to:
• Assess students with the most highly
research-based, validate performance
assessment tool available to ensure success.
• Affords opportunities to observe
children’s learning, record the information
in a portfolio, and prepare them for early
grades.
• Improve instruction while fitting into
existing curricula.
• Chart children’s growth in seven domains
of learning including: personal and social
development, language and literacy,
mathematical thinking, scientific thinking,
social studies, the arts, and physical
development and health.
• Streamline reporting and data aggregation
to help you meet the accountability
requirements of No Child Left Behind.
Research
Research findings have confirmed validity of
The Work Sampling System through many
studies. In a validly study conducted in 17
urban Title I classrooms, WSS ratings were
compared to students’ scores on the
nationally-normed, standardized Woodcock
Johnson Psychoeducational Battery-Revised (WJ-R).
WSS correlated well to the standardized test
results and was found to be a stronger
predictor of test scores than demographic
variables. A related study shows 8 to 25
times higher improvement in performance on a
standardized achievement test in WSS
students versus matched non-WSS peers.
The Work Sampling System: Reliability and
Validity of a Performance Assessment for
Young Children
Download PDF
Trusting Teachers' Judgments: A Validity
Study of a Curriculum-Embedded Performance
Assessment in Kindergarten to Grade 3
Download PDF
School Readiness in Childcare Settings: A
Developmental Assessment of Children in 22
Accredited Child Care Centers
Download PDF
Authors
Program Authors include Samuel J. Meisels,
Judy R. Jablon, Dorothea B. Marsden, Margo
L. Dichtelmiller, and Aviva B. Dorfman.
WSS in
South Carolina:
All classes
in the Child Development Education Pilot
Program (CDEPP) are required to use WSS as
their child assessment program. Go to
..\..\word\CDEPP\WSSKeyPoints.doc for SC
requirements and Key points.