Nancy Clark-Chiarelli, Jess Gropen, Nancy Clark-Chiarelli, Jess Gropen, Cindy Hoisington, Janna Fuccillo, & Yen ThieuCindy Hoisington, Janna Fuccillo, & Yen Thieu

Education Development Center, Inc.Education Development Center, Inc.September 6, 2011September 6, 2011

Developing and Maintaining Relationship Developing and Maintaining Relationship with Preschool Teachers: Challenges and with Preschool Teachers: Challenges and

SolutionsSolutions

Foundations of Science Literacy (Foundations of Science Literacy (FSLFSL))Goal 3 Efficacy Study Funded by IESGoal 3 Efficacy Study Funded by IES

Comprehensive professional development for preschool Comprehensive professional development for preschool teachers in physical science teachers in physical science

• Four 1.5 day face-to-face sessionsFour 1.5 day face-to-face sessions

• Intersession coachingIntersession coaching

• Exploring Water Exploring Water teacher guideteacher guide

Education Development Center, Inc.Education Development Center, Inc. 22

Builds teacher’s science pedagogical content knowledgeBuilds teacher’s science pedagogical content knowledge

Supports teachers in:Supports teachers in:• Understanding important physical science concepts related toUnderstanding important physical science concepts related to

o Water FlowWater Flowo DropsDropso Sinking & FloatingSinking & Floatingo Marbles & RampsMarbles & Ramps

• Engaging in the inquiry process through Engaging in the inquiry process through • their own investigations their own investigations

• Applying the inquiry process in their classrooms to guide Applying the inquiry process in their classrooms to guide children’s investigationschildren’s investigations

Foundations of Science Literacy (Foundations of Science Literacy (FSLFSL))

Education Development Center, Inc.Education Development Center, Inc. 33

Research DesignResearch Design2009-2010 School Year2009-2010 School Year

Random assignment at program level

• 60% to FSL

• 40% to control group

Education Development Center, Inc.Education Development Center, Inc. 44

A Tale of Two Cities: Two Sites in New YorkA Tale of Two Cities: Two Sites in New York2009-20102009-2010

• Site 1: All teachers in one large, Head Start

program

• Site 2: Teachers drawn one large Head Start program

supplemented by teachers from childcare and public,

school readiness programs

• Challenges in Site 2: recruitment and retention

Education Development Center, Inc.Education Development Center, Inc. 55

A Tale of Two CitiesA Tale of Two Cities2009-20102009-2010

Supports for Establishing and Maintaining Relationships

with Teachers

• Leadership goals are aligned with goals of the project; not

merely a vehicle for free professional development

• Conceptualizations of professionalism

• Relationship between management and teachers

• Notion of partnership—more than beneficiariesEducation Development Center, Inc.Education Development Center, Inc. 66

A Tale of Two CitiesA Tale of Two Cities2009-20102009-2010

Supports for Establishing and Maintaining Relationships

with Teachers: Components of intervention

• Schedule of face-to-face sessions

• Attitude towards course credit

• Support for coaching; flexibilty

Education Development Center, Inc.Education Development Center, Inc. 77