Time: 2:00– 3:30 p.m. (Central Time)

Location: Virtual

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

Research Alliance: Southwest Early Childhood Education Research Partnership

Audience: State and district early childhood program directors and coordinators, and early childhood practitioners

Speakers: Eboni Howard, Ph.D., Managing Researcher, REL Southwest, American Institutes for Research (AIR)
Serene YeeCecelia Fisher-Dahms, Administrator of the Quality Improvement Office, Education Program Consultant, Early Education and Support Division, California Department of Education
Joe Manley, Kindergarten Observation Tool (KOT) Coordinator, Central Regional Cooperative, New Mexico Public Education Department
Mary Anne Olley, Early Educator Advisor II, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania