Leading Pre-K-3 Learning Communities and TEA Compliance for Kindergarten Reading Data

As the federal role expands to support increased state investments in school-based

prekindergarten programs, the National Association for Elementary School Principals has released an updated, principal competency guide: Leading Pre-K-3 Learning Communities: Competencies for Effective Principal Practice.

Developed by a panel of leading practitioners, this standards document defines new competencies, and outlines a practical approach to high-quality early childhood education that is critical to laying a strong foundation for learning for young children from age three to grade three, or Pre-K-3.

The digital edition of this publication is free for a limited time — until November 15, 2014.

Leading Pre-K-3 Learning Communities encompasses what principals believe:

• Learning starts early
• Supporting children to be prepared when they start school is essential to helping them get on the right track
• Developing appropriate skills, knowledge and dispositions is fundamental to children’s future success
• Getting children on grade level by the time they leave third grade, particularly in reading and math, is essential to ensuring they graduate from high school ready for college, careers and life

This groundbreaking work sets forth a strategy to help principals develop and expand their instructional leadership with a child-centered focus and acquire the practical skills necessary to address the academic, social, emotional and physical development needs of all young children.

Read more and download the publication.

Texas Education Agency Update: Early Childhood Data System

Compliance with Kindergarten Reading Assessment Data Submission
The Early Childhood Data System (ECDS) is the state reporting feature in the Texas Student Data System (TSDS) used to collect early childhood data to inform school districts, communities, and early childhood programs about the effectiveness of pre-kindergarten programs in preparing children for success in kindergarten under Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.161. ECDS is available through December 15, 2014 to collect the required beginning of year kindergarten assessment scores.