Teaching Strategies GOLD is a formative assessment intended to assess the whole child from birth through third grade. It enables teachers to collect documentation on an ongoing basis to identify the best placements for individual children across a series of developmental progressions. In contrast to direct assessments, teachers collect evidence during regular activities in natural classroom contexts. Assessment, thus, unfolds as teachers compile portfolios of evidence for each child, reflect upon and analyze the evidence, make preliminary ratings on a rolling basis, and finalize ratings at specified points during the year. Teachers and administrators may then use this information to inform instruction and to facilitate communication with parents and other stakeholders. The primary intent of GOLD is to help teachers observe and understand child progress, plan instruction, and support child growth and development. Moreover, unlike direct assessment, the process gives young children agency by directly involving them in meaningful interactions that signal developmental progress.