Funded Projects

Research that shapes the future

The Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families & Schools is an interdisciplinary research center in the College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Superintendents' Early Childhood Plan Evaluation

Project Information

Principal Investigator: Lisa Knoche
Co-Principal Investigator: Greg Welch
Funding Agency: Buffett Early Childhood Institute
Award Date: September 23, 2015
Theme: Research & Evaluation Methods, Early Education & Development
Project URL: N/A

For more information please contact Lisa Knoche at lknoche2@unl.edu.

Abstract

The Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan was introduced in the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties during the 2015-16 academic year. It offers a comprehensive approach to reducing achievement gaps for vulnerable young children from birth – third grade in the Omaha metro area. It includes home visiting for birth – three-year-olds; intensive preK for three-and four-year olds; aligned curriculum and teaching methodology for kindergarten – third grade; and sustained family engagement.

The Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan evaluation has two primary purposes:

  1. It will provide information about the plan’s usefulness and feasibility, how well it is implemented, and areas for improvement to those participating in and with responsibility for full implementation sites (i.e., schools offering comprehensive early education services to children from birth – third grade). 
  2. It will give teachers, principals, directors, superintendents, the Learning Community Coordinating Council and policymakers—including funders, boards of education and other stakeholders—data about the project’s impact on children, families, teachers, classrooms and schools.