Enhancing the Quality of Instruction in 4-Year-Old Kindergarten

MMSD and WCER formed a research practice partnership, the MEP, in the summer of 2016. MEP's organizational structure includes PIs and co-directors from both organizations, a steering committee of three members from each organization, and an advisory group that draws from each organization and the larger community. MEP will co-construct research questions, collaborate on the design and production of research intended to answer those questions, and jointly oversee field-initiated projects that are responsive to the needs and interests of both sides of the partnership. Over the 2 years of the study, the partners will 1) assess the quality of instruction and instructional environments in 20 4K classrooms serving children in MMSD using classroom observations; 2) gain an understanding of teachers' professional development experiences and perceived needs through focus groups with six groups of 4K teachers; 3) outline the opportunities for instructional improvement in MMSD 4K classrooms by producing a report that combines data from the first two study components; 4) design a program of professional development to address the needs that emerge through collaboration with teachers; and 5) pilot the professional development program in the district.