A Partnership to Improve the Use of a Developmental Assessment Framework in Kindergarten

The partnership between Washington State University and ESD 105 was developed through a variety of mechanisms. First, members from both partners attended the Regional Early Learning Collaboration Steering Committee (RELCSC) meetings and formed a RELCSC subcommittee with the goal of creating a network of contacts among the schools, and obtaining feedback to ensure the partnership sought answers to relevant questions and that the research aims were well-aligned with district needs. The RELCSC met weekly throughout the project and guided virtually all partnership activities. Second, the Data Collection and Study Design Committee strategized on using existing data to answer the most immediate questions of the districts. The goal of this committee was to help districts conceptualize ways that their current data collection efforts could inform education practices. This committee also provided training workshops for ESD staff to use and collect data. Third, the Conference Committee involved members from both partners and focused on the dissemination of outcomes to local, regional, and state conferences. This committee was also responsible for writing manuscripts for publication, and for drafting a written document outlining the protocol for dissemination of work including workflow structures, roles, and expectations.