If you're reading this, you are taking your first steps toward changing your school district’s system to better serve young children, their families, and the professionals who work with them. While systems change* (key term) may sound daunting, this guide is...
In Change Package #2, Organize the Change, you will learn some key mindsets and practices that influence continuous improvement work. You will also learn the steps in the improvement process, using a theory of change The Children’s Institute has found to be common...
We tried increasing purposeful conversation during literacy in a variety of ways based on developmental stage and grade level.
We offered a few “storylines” with geographic backgrounds for students to vote on, and they ultimately chose the African Savanna. We purchased materials for students to feel immersed in the chosen storyline (e.g., vests, hats, badges, binoculars). Students learned about the geographic region and selected a role to explore within the storyline. They wrote stories about themselves in their roles.
Each PK-2 teacher added a "cozy corner" in their classroom to support children experiencing big emotions.
The teacher would use daily nap/quiet times to go for twenty-minute walks with the student to connect and talk, doing some collaborative problem-solving that might help the student feel more comfortable in class.
When we work with teams of educators who have tested an idea, we ask them to reflect on whether the idea should be adopted, adapted, or abandoned. If the change idea worked and is ready to be scaled, it should be adopted. If the change idea was promising, but needs...
Instead of educators completing student observations alone, they would partner with families and community members to conduct them together.
Welcome!As you read this, you're taking your first steps toward changing your school district’s system to better serve young children, their families, and the professionals who work with them. While systems change* may sound daunting, this guide is designed to...
To design or strengthen a high-quality early learning system, we need a team that is diverse in perspectives and skill sets and has high levels of trust in each other. Developing this type of team happens over time, with intentional routines, in the process of...
