Web Resources: September/October 2013

Bright and Early ­– Sam Oertwig & Sharon Ritchie

• The PreK-3rd Grade National Work Group website provides information briefs and webinars regarding policies and practices from experts across the country.
• The May/June 2011 issue of Principal focused on Early Learning, with articles on the impact on the achievement gap, measurement and assessments, and principal preparation.

It’s Playtime! – Joan Almon

• The Literacy Guide, developed by Bank Street College, describes the stages of literacy development in preschool, kindergarten, and the early grades, and what to expect from children at each stage.
• Crisis in the Kindergarten: Why Children Need to Play in School, a report by the Alliance for Childhood, examines new research on how much time kindergartens spend on cognitive instruction vs. play-based learning and some of the ill effects of current practices.

Building a Foundation for Literacy and Learning – Kathy Ward-Cameron

• Watch a short video in which David Dickinson discusses Vanderbilt University’s research on learning in preschool.
• Read the transcript of an interview with Robert Pianta on early literacy.
• Listen to the NAESP Radio podcast, “Early Moves That Create a Continuum of Learning Success,” where host Gail Connelly discusses the state of early learning with Deborah Leong.

Power of Pre-K – Rebecca Stephens

• Visit the FirstSchool Initiative website for an in-depth description of the program’s philosophy and framework.
• Explore NAESP’s Early Childhood Education webpage to find resources and policy statements on P-3 alignment, including recommendations from NAESP’s Task Force on Early Learning.

World-Class Collaboration: Q&A With Maureen Keithley

• Listen to Maureen Keithley’s entire interview about English-language learners on NAESP Radio.
• Visit the Principal magazine archive to access Nancy Protheroe’s Research Report, “Effective Instruction for English-language Learners.”

Going Green – Fred Barch

• The Department of Education’s Green Strides Webinar Series provides school communities with tools to reduce environmental impact, improve health and wellness, and teach effective environmental education.
• NAESP’s Green Schools page provides resources for school leaders to improve environmental literacy and foster 21st century skills.