Professional development practices that really improve child outcomes--that's what every early childhood education program needs. With this authoritative research volume, administrators and policy makers will discover the latest findings on best professional development practices--and learn how to scale up successful efforts across an entire district or state.

Based on the annual leadership symposium of the National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education (NCRECE), this book is a must for anyone engaged in high-level efforts to ensure teacher quality. Through clear explanations of cutting-edge research from two dozen respected contributors, readers will

• investigate specific, field-tested professional development (PD) models that improved both teacher practice and child outcomes (with a spotlight on Robert Pianta's effective MyTeachingPartner framework)
• learn how these models helped educators teach academic content areas (early literacy, math, and science) and improve children's social-emotional skills
• examine positive teacher attributes that PD efforts should target, such as increased self-regulation skills and reduced cognitive overload
• discover success strategies for scaling up professional development efforts through existing infrastructure and more investment in teacher quality (includes an extended case study on a comprehensive PD program in Texas)
• explore the policy implications of the professional development interventions described in this volume

Essential reading for early childhood administrators, policy makers, and researchers, this important book will help bring about widespread improvements in professional development programs--key to advancing teacher quality and better outcomes for young children.

The school readiness of young dual language learners depends on high-quality preschool programs that meet their needs-- but how should schools promote and measure the progress of children learning two languages? Find out what the research says in this authoritative resource, which investigates the experiences of dual language learners in preschool classrooms and the policy implications of these critical findings.

The most comprehensive, up-to-date research volume on this topic, this book is a must for policy makers and administrators serving the growing number of dual language learners in today's classrooms. Presenting the eye-opening results of their observational studies of early education classrooms, more than 25 experts give readers the invaluable insights they'll need to

• assess the quality of instruction and classroom practices with sensitive, reliable measurement tools
• identify and strengthen factors that contribute to the development of English language proficiency
• determine whether instruction in children's home language helps them develop school readiness skills
• ensure a culturally responsive classroom environment that promotes gains in both languages
• support the teacher-child relationship, vital to promoting language and literacy development
• understand and improve the early learning experiences of low-income dual language learners
• shape future research efforts and policy decisions with a helpful synthesis of the research in this volume

With this compendium of current research-- sure to influence preschool practices for years to come-- policy makers and administrators will have the foundational knowledge they need to ensure a high-quality, appropriate education for young children learning two languages.

A smooth transition to kindergarten is an essential part of a child's early academic experience--and now there's a how-to handbook with field-tested methods to help schools and programs make it happen. Perfect for preschool and kindergarten teachers, administrators, and family support specialists, this practical guide is built around a model that has been adopted in many diverse schools and communities. Step by step, the book helps professionals and caregivers

• Develop a solid transition plan. Readers will learn how to form a collaborative team; foster strong social connections among children, families, and professionals; create a menu of transition activities that can be tailored to each child's needs; and establish a timeline for putting the transition plan into action.
• Implement the plan. Readers will discover how to anticipate barriers; keep families involved; and conduct ongoing assessment, evaluation, and revision of transition activities. Appendices include photocopiable forms such as brainstorming sheets, parent interview forms, timeline worksheets, and questionnaires for teachers, principals, and family workers.
• Stay motivated and inspired. Readers will learn from the experience of others with insight from real families, educators, and school personnel, plus sample menus of activities they can use in their own homes and classrooms.

Comprehensive and authoritative, this forward-thinking book reviews the breadth of current knowledge about early education and identifies important priorities for practice and policy. Robert C. Pianta and his associates bring together foremost experts to examine what works in promoting all children's school readiness and social-emotional development in preschool and the primary grades. Exemplary programs, instructional practices, and professional development initiatives-and the systems needed to put them into place-are described. The volume presents cutting-edge findings on the family and social context of early education and explores ways to strengthen collaboration between professionals and parents.