Pre-Kindergarten

Examining Potential Causal Connections and Mechanisms Between Children's Block Play and Mathematics Learning

Our primary goal in this project was to further develop, refine, and evaluate a research-based STEM learning tool (i.e., block play) that tests theories of mathematical learning. Specifically, we tested the impact of different types of block play (free play, semi-structured) on early mathematics and are working towards identifying potential mechanisms (e.g., mathematical language, executive function) underlying these relations.

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Mapping, Clarifying, and Communicating Key Ideas about Collaborative Learning

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Project goals are 1) to map and synthesize the research literature on computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL), 2) identify topics relevant to K12 practitioners for use in practice and determine if new research is needed to create more usable knowledge, and 3) create materials with researchers and practitioners working together. In the three phases of the project, we use a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. In this poster we discuss findings from Phase 1.

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The Advancing Coherent and Equitable Systems of Science Education Project

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The Advancing Coherent and Equitable Systems of Science Education (ACESSE, or “access”) project brings together partners from educational research and practice to promote equity and coherence in systems of science education. It involves a deep collaboration between the Council of State Science Supervisors (CSSS), the University of Washington, and the University of Colorado Boulder. Strategies and resources from this project are being shared around the country through networks of science education leaders. See https://stemteachingtools.org/

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Supporting Teacher Understanding of Emergent Computational Thinking in Early Elementary Students

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This project is conducting research on the modes of interaction that effectively prepare K-2 teachers to engage in reflective inquiry about their students’ emergent use of computational thinking strategies, and embed those learnings within a CoP platform to support scalable teacher professional development.

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STEM for All Collaboratory: Accelerating Dissemination and Fostering Collaborations for STEM Educational Research and Development

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The poster will look at the impact of the annual STEM for All Video Showcases as well as the STEM for All Multiplex. It will discuss implications for knowledge sharing among grantees and dissemination efforts in the future.

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Science Coordinators Advancing a Framework For Outstanding Leadership Development

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This project explores how supporting District Science Coordinators can impact the instruction of science teachers. In this project, we developed an online program for District Science Coordinators and tracked their and their science teachers professional learning. In this project, we will report on some of the initial results from the first and second cohort of teachers and District Science Coordinators.

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Implementation and Efficacy Study of Preschool Math Activities for Numeracy

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The aim of this project is to develop and test the efficacy of a play-based numeracy intervention for preschool classrooms. Classrooms were randomly assigned to two experimental conditions (representing different pedagogical guidance approaches) and a business-as-usual control condition. Teachers in experimental classrooms were trained to incorporate a set of numeracy games. The intervention was assessed by pre- and post-test measures of teachers and children, 11 structured observations, and focus group data.

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Exploring Early Childhood Teachers’ Abilities to Identify Computational Thinking Precursors to Strengthen Computer Science in Classrooms

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EPK-2 is designing and testing a model of PreK-2nd grade teacher professional learning to address computational thinking. The focus is teachers’ generative development in CT as informed by collaborative, inquiry-based learning. The goal is to help teachers and schools build computational thinking pathways beginning with students’ earliest years. Research questions explore factors mediating PreK-2nd grade teachers’ learning and implementation of computational thinking in their classrooms.

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Doing the Math with Paraeducators: Enhancing and Expanding and Sustaining a Professional Development Model in PreK to Grade 3 Math Classrooms

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Working in two high-needs urban school districts, Doing the Math refines and researches a mathematics professional development model for paraeducators in grades PK-3 through ongoing PD designed to enhance pedagogical content knowledge and mathematics teaching self-efficacy. This work also provides opportunities to support pathways to teaching, address the critical teacher shortage and diversify the teaching pool. Program sustainability is supported through integration in PD of classroom teachers, mathematics coaches, and use of PD graduated paraeducators.

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Bridging Preschool and Kindergarten Science: Exploring Play-based Engagement with Scientific and Engineering Practices in Early Learning Environments (Collaborative Research: Cook Whitt)

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Young children naturally engage in science and engineering practices (SEPs) through play in sophisticated ways. We are developing professional learning modules for early childhood and elementary educators to recognize and deepen children's engagement with SEPs while leveraging SciEPOP, as a professional online learning tool. This poster explores the design of these modules to engage educators in recognizing when children are engaging in SEPs through play and consider approaches to deepening and extending such engagements.

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