A Project Sponsored by the McCormick Foundation Center for the Study of Education Policy Illinois State University

Purpose To focus on supporting K-12 school leaders and early childhood center directors to develop and nurture a seamless PK-3 early learning continuum.

Defining the Problem Lack of communication & partnerships among early care and K-12 educators Minimal preparation and professional development for K-12 school leaders and early childhood directors regarding early learning A need to view learning as a continuum of whole child development

Project Goal 1: Research Summarize and make publicly accessible current research and policies regarding an aligned system of early learning to grade 3 and the role of K-12 and public and private early childhood leaders in this continuum.  Research Compendium  Policy Scan  Gap Analysis

Project Goal 1: Research Delphi Method Survey Purpose: To define, formulate the issues and develop policy recommendations for PK-3 alignment Method: Collect LINC Advisory Committee Members’ positions using a succession of surveys that build upon the results of prior studies. Surveys will be electronic and take approximately minutes to complete. All responses will be confidential.

Project Goal 2: Recommendations/Outreach With advisory committee members, prepare policy recommendations to improve the early learning to grade three alignment in Illinois and create opportunities for public outreach.  Create policy recommendations based on research, policy scan and gap analysis  Conduct public outreach activities

Project Goal 3: Leadership Training Develop or enhance existing curriculum and training for both aspiring and practicing K-12 leaders and early childhood directors.  Develop curriculum modules in collaboration with other McCormick Foundation grantees and early childhood and K-12 organizations.  Make modules and training available to leadership preparation and professional development providers.

Statewide Advisory Group Legislators College of Education Faculty Early Learning Organizations K-12 Education Organizations State Education Agencies Parent Organizations Student-Centered Organizations Teachers Unions

Project Timeline Phase I: ResearchJune 08-Nov 08 Phase II: Recommendations December 08 Phase II: OutreachJanuary 09-May 10 Phase III: Training February 09-May 10

Project Personnel Center for the Study of Education Policy Illinois State University Lisa HoodPrincipal Investigator Dr. Erika HuntCo-Principal Investigator Lynne CurryCo-Principal Investigator Dr. Nancy LathamCo-Principal Investigator Elizabeth FosteGraduate Assistant Diana WeekesExecutive Assistant

A Project Sponsored by the McCormick Foundation