States are Taking a Harder Look at Learning in Early Grades
October 19, 2017
Education Dive writes that as policymakers and educators review state ESSA plans, “a recent analysis from New America focuses on how states are incorporating indicators related to young children’s learning into their plans.” For example, some states plan to leverage data via the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), “a measure widely used in preschool classrooms to measure instructional quality and support for students.” The article notes that states are “taking a harder look at learning in the early grades” to foster better results and close gaps in achievement.” Additionally, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) worked with the Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes and state officials to develop a toolkit “to help states better connect their ESSA accountability plans with the work they are doing to improve the quality of and access to early-childhood education programs.”