Research Findings: This study investigated coaches' interactions with educators in the context of a large-scale, state-implemented literacy professional development (PD). We examined log data and open-comment reports to understand what coaches found salient about their interactions with educators as well as how those reports aligned with the…

Purpose: Professional development (PD) is an essential component of continuing learning for in-service teachers. This paper discusses a school-based example of using the best practice of coaching in early childhood education supported by a professional development school partnership. We explain how a teacher identified need led to a collaborative,…

The current P-12 educational landscape is riddled with inequities, especially for historically underserved students. As such, greater efforts are needed from educational stakeholders (i.e. counselors and principals) who center social justice and advocacy practices that eliminate systemic barriers to rigorous educational experiences for all…

Curriculum unpacking, defined as the process of interpreting the intended curriculum into classroom instruction, is important in the overall success of the school curriculum. As a critical process that serves as a bridge between the intended curriculum and classroom instruction, however, there is a paucity of research about it. Hence, this study…

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is preparing to undertake the work of reviewing the state early learning standards - Indiana's Early Learning Foundations (the "Foundations"). In anticipation of this work, staff at IDOE have requested support from the Region 8 Comprehensive Center in identifying approaches states have taken in…

This study examines discourse about sustainability education (SE) in Icelandic preschool curricula and their alignment with the Icelandic National Curriculum Guide for Preschools of 2011. Historical discourse analysis was used to analyze the curricula set by 16 preschools, focusing on how SE in early childhood education is viewed by the educators…

An investment in early childhood education pays off when the benefits continue into adulthood. Although many recent preschool interventions have had positive, short-term effects on young children's language, literacy, mathematics, executive function, and social-emotional development, studies show that related gains in cognitive and academic skills…

The present study aimed to identify commonalities and points of divergence in the ways that parents, teachers, and administrators characterize children's transition from public pre-K into kindergarten within a large, diverse school district. A wide range of transition practices were in use across the district, including practices designed to…

A child's transition from pre-K to kindergarten is an important time. It builds the foundation for academic, behavioral and social-emotional skills, as well as positive family-school connections, for years to come. Starting kindergarten is also a big shift for many children, one that requires them to adjust rapidly to new routines and…

Experiencing large differences between pre-k and kindergarten classroom contexts may affect children's academic development as they start school. This study examined differences between classroom contexts in pre-k and kindergarten (teacher-child interactions, time on academic content, and academic rigor) and associations with literacy, language,…

Both those inside and outside of the education community are becoming increasingly familiar with the STEM acronym and the extensive efforts underway nationally to develop integrated PK-12 STEM programs that promote critical thinking, problem solving, 21st Century skill development and authentic learning experiences (Ingram, 2019). However, for…

Research Findings: The present study examined the extent to which instructional practices, including curriculum, in pre-K through third grade are vertically aligned. Attention was directed to teachers' grouping practices, academic content, and pedagogical methods given their importance for students' learning. Variable- and person-centered analyses…

Two years ago, Dr. Steven Adamowski, Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools, challenged his leadership team to make sure that Norwalk's assessment system effectively supported efforts "to raise the bar and close the gaps" for all students. Dr. Michael Conner, Chief Academic Officer, and Diane Filardo, Director of Assessment…

Literacy skills lay the foundation upon which every individual's education rests. When a learner receives the necessary tools to develop strong language and literacy skills, he or she becomes able to achieve personal autonomy and pursue aspirations. Ohio is committed to supporting an education system that prioritizes the language and literacy…

Recent education policy analysis has revealed the standardisation of education systems and an intensified focus on learners and learning to meet the requirements of the global economy and neo-liberalism. In this paper we analyse the way that early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand has become increasingly entangled with school sector…