Early Reading First: A Local Evaluation in Service of Teachers and Children

• In Event: Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: Evaluation Studies in Early Childhood Education: Methods Used and Challenges Encountered

Abstract

This paper describes a participant-oriented evaluation of a local Early Reading First (ERF) program. The ERF program uses Scaffolding Early Literacy for professional development which targets teacher and literacy coach abilities to recognize developmental continuums in preschool-age children and impact this development through explicit, intentional and scaffolded instruction in early language, literacy and cognitive development, as well as the underlying skills of self-regulation. The paper focuses on evaluation processes and results related to early writing. Results indicated significant improvements in the quality of the classroom environment and teacher support for early writing which has the potential to positively impact student outcomes. Strategies for ensuring that the evaluation is used to improve program quality are discussed.

Authors

• Helen S. Apthorp, Marzano Research Laboratory

• Deborah A. Mazzeo, McREL

• Elena Bodrova, Tools of the Mind

• Amy Jo Larick, Des Moines Public Schools