Research-to-Practice Bridge Event

Early Learning Inventories: Insights from State Colleagues

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Early learning inventories, also known as kindergarten entry or readiness assessments, help educators understand children’s knowledge, skills, and behaviors at the start of school and target areas that may need support. In this interactive webinar, a panel of state education leaders shares their experiences, decisionmaking processes, and lessons learned around selecting and implementing state ELIs. In addition, Eboni Howard, Ph.D., a managing researcher at REL Southwest, provides an overview of the research base behind ELIs and guide the conversation. Participants gain a better understanding of the types of ELIs available and the benefits and challenges associated with each.

Speakers/Panelists:

• Eboni Howard, Ph.D., Managing Researcher, REL Southwest
• Joe Manley, Kindergarten Observation Tool (KOT) Coordinator, Central Regional Cooperative, New Mexico Public Education Department
• Mary Anne Olley, Early Education Advisor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Serene Yee, Education Program Consultant, Early Education and Support Division, California Department of Education

Facilitators:

• Jackie Burniske, Dissemination Lead, REL Southwest
• Katie Dahlke, Principal Researcher, REL Southwest
• Cora Goldston, Communications Associate, REL Southwest
• Janice Keizer, Senior Technical Assistance Consultant, REL Southwest

Who will benefit: State and district early childhood program directors and coordinators as well as other early childhood practitioners interested in this topic

Partnership sponsor: Early Childhood Education (SWECE) Research Partnership

Contact: Janice Keizer
Email: jkeizer@air.org