Arizona's state-approved ongoing progress monitoring tool for preschool is Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG). Data collected through the use of this valid and reliable assessment tool helps to inform instruction and lesson planning as well as provides information routinely to address individual needs of children. This information assists educators in identifying where a child is at in relation to their optimal development. Arizona assesses its progress towards identifying the school readiness of children through the use of TSG.
The use of TSG is required of ALL preschool-age children who have been identified with special needs.
The Arizona Department of Education (ADE), Early Childhood Education (ECE) Unit uses child outcome data in TSG to submit its Annual Performance Report (APR) to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) through the Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) State Performance Plan (SPP). By reviewing trend level data, ADE ECE makes statewide decisions on professional development and identifies supports needed throughout Arizona.
