Gretchen Stahr Breunig, Early Learning Assessment Program Manager Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) What is WaKIDS, and why does it matter? WSA Parent Ambassadors March 22, 2016

What are your objectives today? On one side of the notecard, please share what you currently know about WaKIDS. On the other side, please tell what you want to learn about with WaKIDs. Pair up Share out Fall 20152

Let’s take a look

What is WaKIDS? Curriculum that offers a rich, varied set of experiences. Learning environments that are developmentally appropriate and promote creativity. Strong connections and communication with early learning community providers. Kindergarten program readiness activities with early learning providers and parents. 4 Supports all the required elements of state-funded full- day kindergarten

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Why WaKIDS? o Create a smooth transition into kindergarten for students and families o Meet children where they are developmentally in first weeks of kindergarten o Inform instruction and create evolving, developmentally appropriate learning environments o Bridge early learning and K-12 systems 6

How is WaKIDS reaching our kids? Pilot in 2011 with 6,661 kindergartners Baseline year in 2012, with priority given to schools with highest percentage of students eligible for Free and Reduced Price Lunch All schools offered funding in , required participation in for ALL kids

What is a “whole child assessment?” Six areas of development and learning 31 items– skills, knowledge, and behaviors– that can be observed at the same time in normal play Teachers meet kids where they are at in first weeks of kindergarten o Creating evolving, developmentally appropriate learning environments o Observing students’ interactions and abilities over time o Continually adapting the learning environment, transitions, and small groups to meet the current developmental levels of students.

Why is this important? Kindergarten is an important transition for children and families. WaKIDS builds smooth transitions for kids and families. o Family is first and most important teacher. o “Children know a lot at age five, and we want to build on those strengths.” Stacey Drake, Barge Lincoln Elementary, Yakima SD o Let’s meet children where they are at in the first weeks of kindergarten by observing them in normal classroom activities.

Kindergartners demonstrate a wide range of strengths 10

What is an Opportunity Gap? What is an opportunity gap? “Closely related to the achievement gap and learning gap, the opportunity gap refers to ways in which race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, English proficiency, community wealth, familial situations, or other factors contribute to or perpetuate low education aspirations, achievement, and attainment for certain groups of students.” edglossary.org- last updated

2015 Opportunity Gap: What do the uneven bars mean? 12

How does WaKIDS help parents? Family Connection o Let’s get to know each other! o Let’s partner to support my child! Whole Child Assessment o What has the teacher learned about my child? o How can I support my child’s learning at home? Early Learning Collaboration o What community partners work with families and schools to serve children birth to third grade? o How can I get involved?

Early Learning Collaboration Relationships between schools and early learning professionals* o Strong connections with early learning providers o Participation in kindergarten readiness activities with early learning providers and parents Relationships between Early Learning Regional Coalitions and ESDs o Pilot of a transition tool o Early numeracy tools and support Pilot of a regional early learning coalition self-evaluation tool ESD Early Numeracy Modules ESD Math Fellows *(RCW 28A ) 14

Family Connection School will contact you to schedule a time to meet with your child’s kindergarten teacher. You can bring anyone who has a lead role in your child’s life to this conference– family member, early learning teacher, or other caregiver. School will arrange for interpreter if needed. Purpose is to get to know you and your child!

Closing Did you learn what you wanted to know? What is the one action step you are taking in the coming year related to WaKIDS and kindergarten transition? What would you like to share with WaKIDS as a recommended improvement?

Thank You! Gretchen Stahr Breunig, Early Learning Assessment Program Manager, Nancee Alvord, WaKIDS Professional Development Coordinator, Susan Swanberg, Administrative Assistant, Phone: For more information, please see the WaKIDS web page: