1

PreK-3rd GradeAligned Early Learning

Kelli Bohanon, DELSusan Johnson, OSPI

Janice Kelly, Ph.D., OSPI

October 15, 2010

WSASCD Annual ConferenceSpokane, WA

1

Today’s Objectives

• Why PreK-3rd …What does research say?

• PreK-3rd components into practice

• What’s next in Washington?

• Q & A2

What is PreK-3rd?

The continuum of learning that transcendsthe traditional boundaries of Pre-schooland the early grades.

*** This portion of today’s presentation has beenadapted from a presentation by Kristie Kauerz, Ed.D.,Harvard University, August 2010 3

Why PreK-3rd?Bodies of Research Tell Us

• Achievement Gaps exist early

• High quality “preschool” helps to preparechildren

4

Research cont.

• Sustained high quality learning experiencesthrough early grades and beyond are requiredto maintain achievement levels

• Achievement Gaps remain fairly stable from3rd grade on

5

Research also tells us what to do!

• Start early: brain development

• Quality matters… and it matters a lot!!!.

• Focus on what matters most…for younglearners.

6

2

What does matter most?

Develop strong foundational cognitive skills

Develop social and emotional resilience

Establish patterns of engagement in school andlearning

7

What is PreK-3rdand

How to Talk About It

8

Kindergarten

First Grade

Third Grade

Second Grade

Pathways to 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade

Preschool

9

Horizontal AlignmentEach stage of learning needs to be high quality

“within itself”

0-3 FDK 1st

Grade2nd

Grade3rd

GradePreK

With

in

With

in

With

in

With

in

With

in

With

in

10

VerticalAlignment

Learning makes senseone year to the next

0-3

FDK

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

PreK

Acro

ss

11

The Difference Between:Building Blocks Pop-Beads

12

3

PreK-3rd as a Relay Race

13

Key Take-Aways

• Every year matters• Transitions matter• It’s a collaborative effort• Every grade, every program, every classroom,

every leader, every teacher can improve everyyear.

14

The Alignment of PreK-3rd The “P part” changes

to align with what’sbest about K-3

Kindergartenchanges to align withwhat’s best about Pand 1-3

Grades 1-3 change toalign with what’s bestabout P - K

15

PreK-3rd Key Components

1. Effective Leaders(Superintendents, principals, directors,local/state boards of education)

2. Effective Teachers

3. High Quality Instruction

4. Meaningful Assessment

16

PreK-3rd Key Components cont.

5. High Quality Instructional Environment

6. Engaged Families and Communities

7. Effective Transitions

8. Sustainable Infrastructure

9. Scale

17

Level of Impact:Children and Families

School &CommunityDistrict &Community

Regions

State

PreK-3rd Context for Washington

18

4

Engaged Families and Communities

19

High Quality Instruction

20

Meaningful Assessment

21

Transition

22

Leadership

23

Sustainable Infrastructure

24

5

South Shore School

PreK-3rd in Action

25

What’s Next in Washington?

• Early Learning Joint Resolution Partnership• Early Learning Plan• Building on what’s existing

26

Early Learning Joint Resolution Partnership

Washington StateDepartment of EarlyLearning, Thrive by FiveWashington and the Officeof Supt. of Public Instruction

Signed agreement duringStarting Strong Institute lastyear

Goal: Better connect workhappening in early learningand K-3

27

Heart of the Early Learning PartnershipShared understanding of “school readiness”:

Ready children are healthy and socially,emotionally, and cognitively prepared for success inschool, life.

Ready schools are prepared to meet the individualneeds of the diverse children enteringkindergarten.

Ready parents and families have the informationand resources needed to be their children’s firstand most important teachers.

Ready early learning professionals andcommunities have the information and resourcesneeded to support parents, children, and schools.

28

Statewide Early Learning Plan Help ensure school readiness and

success for all children inWashington

Coordinate the different systemsthat touch children in their earliestyears (early care and education,health, parenting support, etc.) intoone early learning system

Measure results over time forchildren and families to ensure weinvest in what works

Early Learning PartnershipThree-Year Action Plan Priorities

• PreK-3rd

• Literacy• Home Visiting• Data Systems• Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)• Professional Development• Governance

6

PreK-3rd Focus Areas

• WaKIDS (Washington Inventory of Developing Skills)• Early Learning and Development Benchmarks• Full Day Kindergarten• PreK-3rd Implementation Grants• Starting Strong Conference• State Literacy Plan

Most Importantly…Let’s build on existing successes!

• PreK-3rd efforts incommunities

• Gates funded districts• Harvard and other

national partnerships

Websites

OSPI Early Learning:www.k12.wa.us/EarlyLearning

Department of Early Learning (DEL):www.del.wa.gov

33