The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NASEP) released a report this week detailing 10 steps policymakers can take to build stronger pathways from pre-K through 3rd grade.
The 10 steps:
1. Better integrate federal policy, regulation and funding to help local communities create coherent pre-K-3 systems.
2. Coordinate and streamline state and local governance.
3. Expand funding for pre-K through 3rd grade learning, with a focus on ensuring at-risk children have access to high-quality, full-day learning experiences across the continuum.
4. Direct funds to high-quality programs.
5. Leverage and integrate private funds with public resources.
6. Create an aligned continuum of research-based, age-appropriate standards for young children that focus on social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical development, as well as academic skills and creative learning.
7. Build an effective, well-compensated early learning workforce through high-quality teacher and administrator preparation programs, professional development and continuing education. Ensure educators are well versed in the full continuum of early childhood education.
8. Develop and administer age-appropriate assessments to guide teaching and learning and increase program effectiveness.
9. Develop state and local longitudinal data systems that include pre-K program and student information.
10. Research and evaluate models of early learning integration and alignment. In this tough economy, wise investments in early learning can help ensure the development of a new generation of successful learners, workers and citizens.