Research conducted by the Children’s Learning Institute, as well as innumerable studies in the field, strongly suggests that a successful approach to improving early learning environments combines the following key components:
- Activities & Materials: Curriculum and classroom materials that are developmentally appropriate and support skills known to predict school readiness.
- Online Learning & Professional Development: Ongoing professional development for teachers that incorporates effective adult learning strategies, provides authentic context, and supports teachers in moving toward more sophisticated instruction.
- Screening, Progress Monitoring, and Observation: Data-driven decision making tools, including: (1) child progress monitoring that is research-validated and briefly administered and whose primary purpose is to inform instruction, and (2) observation tools that measure teacher practice and provide concrete bases for setting goals for improvement.
- Quality Improvement and Innovation: Advancing a wide variety of quality improvement initiatives and methods that promote effectiveness and cohesion of the early childhood field in Texas.
