Teaching Strategies GOLD: How We Assess Learning in PreK

Alongside Creative Curriculum, our district uses Teaching Strategies GOLD (TS GOLD) as our assessment tool for 3- and 4-year-old students. TS GOLD is observation-based, which means teachers assess children by watching how they learn, play, talk, solve problems, and interact with others throughout the school day. No formal testing or paper-pencil tests are used.

This approach helps us understand what your child knows, what skills they are developing, and where they may need more support—in a natural, comfortable environment.

What Does TS GOLD Assess?

Teaching Strategies GOLD looks at the whole child, aligning directly with the areas taught in Creative Curriculum:

Area of Development

Examples of Skills Observed

Social–Emotional

Managing emotions, building relationships, solving conflicts, participating in routines.

Physical Development

Using large muscles (running, jumping) and small muscles (cutting, drawing, using tools).

Language Development

Communicating thoughts, understanding others, using new words, taking turns in conversation.

Cognitive Development

Thinking, problem-solving, memory, curiosity, and making connections.

Literacy Skills

Showing interest in books, recognizing letters, drawing or writing marks, listening to stories, retelling events.

Mathematics Skills

Counting, identifying numbers, sorting, comparing sizes, shapes, patterns.

Teachers also observe skills in:

  • Science & Social Studies

  • Arts & Creative Expression

  • Approaches to Learning (confidence, persistence, curiosity)

These areas help us see how your child learns, not just what they know.

How Does TS GOLD Work?

TS GOLD is ongoing—teachers are always observing and gathering evidence of learning.
Teachers document learning by:

  • Taking notes during play and activities

  • Collecting student work samples (drawings, building structures, writing, etc.)

  • Listening to conversations and language use

  • Watching interactions with classmates

This information helps teachers:

  • Plan lessons that meet students’ needs

  • Support each child at their developmental level

  • Partner with families about progress