Learning Environment

Children Come First Series: Improved Equitable Early School Experiences

The Region 6 Comprehensive Center Network at University of North Carolina-Greensboro leads a project to ensure school policies, practices, and strategies for our youngest learners (PreK-3rd grade) encompass what research and data tell us is essential to their successful development and learning. As part of this project, the Center has published a series of short […]

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Framework in Action: Learning Environment

The Framework in Action series expands on the Framework for Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating P-3 Approaches and provides brief research reviews, practical strategies, and guidance for creating meaningful and tangible change in communities. Each Framework in Action corresponds with one of the eight buckets of alignment effort identified as essential to high-quality and comprehensive P-3

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Framework for Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating P-3 Approaches

This Framework anchors much of the work conducted by the National P-3 Center. It is designed to address key questions facing those who are developing and implementing comprehensive P-3 approaches in their school, district, or community. The Framework is divided into eight major “buckets” or categories of effort that require alignment within and between 0-5

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A False Dichotomy: Elementary Principals on Academics and Play

Research suggests that play, particularly up through 3rd grade, has become less prevalent in classrooms. The authors argue that with greater knowledge of child development and appropriate practices, principals would be more likely to understand that scaffolded play can and does lead to learning. In this brief, they conclude that principals who know best practices in

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PreK-3rd’s Lasting Architecture: Successfully Serving Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students in Union City, New Jersey

With a strong focus on PreK-3rd grade, Union City Public Schools overcame the crippling effects of poverty and prejudice to close the achievement gap between its low-income Hispanic students and their wealthier peers across New Jersey. The district overhauled its curricula to emphasize critical thinking and reasoning, extended classtime, and increased teacher training. The district also

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FirstSchool Learning Environments: Supporting Relationships

This brief proposes that an optimal indoor and outdoor environment for children should be designed to support the development and maintenance of positive relationships and partnerships throughout the school community; maximize children’s learning opportunities; and promote and maintain health and wellness for all members of the school community.

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FIRSTSCHOOL DESIGN GUIDE: Optimal Learning Environments for Children Three to Eight

This guide provides a blueprint to what the literal physical design of a school that serves children PreK-3rd grade should include. The plans envision indoor and outdoor environments that 1) support relationships and partnerships throughout the school community; 2) enhance all aspects of child development and learning; and 3) provide for the health and safety

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