Early childhood Information

1. Early childhood Information KISA Retreat – October 17, 2014

2. Today’s Agenda • GSRP Today • TS Gold in Pre School • Review KEA Information from last year and where we are now • Survey of Twenty Local Districts • Community Information

3. Great Start Readiness Program – History 2013-2015 • In the 2013-2014 school year, Kent ISD filled 2,641 slots. • These slots were distributed among our centralized program, public school academies and community based organizations. • In the 2014-2015 school year, we have already increased that number by approximately 1,000 slots.

4. Community Based Organizations • In the 2013-2014 school year 12% of the allocated slots were distributed to community based organizations (CBOs). • Public Act 0196 of 2014 requires that 30% of all allocated ISD GSRP slots be distributed to community based organizations. • Currently, we have 31% of the allocated slots distributed to community based organizations. • Plan to increase CBO slots by working with both Christian Schools and the Catholic Diocese.

5. Space Considerations • This year we were allocated 4,930 slots based on a Community Needs Assessment. • We used kindergarten enrollment numbers, free and reduced lunch numbers along with a multiplier to determine the number of children that could be served in Kent County. • In a recent analysis of all available space in Kent County, the maximum amount of slots we will be able to fill is 4,120.

6. Over Income Enrollment • In recent legislation, it was determined that 10% of all slots allocated to an ISD could be used to serve families over 250% FPL. • Kent ISD applied for, and was granted, a waiver which allows us to enroll up to 300% FPL without using the 10% rule. • We’ve currently enrolled approximately 30 families that would count toward the 10% rule. • We can still enroll 370 students regardless of their income. • Approximately 3,650 slots filled

7. GSRP in Kent City • Marketing and communication • Educating families regarding curricular/philosophical changes • Common professional development • Cross grade level collaboration (preschool and K teachers) • Intentional and purposeful connections to Kent City schools (building teams) • Finding common ground

8. GSRP in Kent City • ISD and local district collaboration (Mike’s visits to districts) • New classroom-ISD local communication • Changing verbiage (preschool as opposed to Kent City and GSRP) • What’s best for the building in general (lunch protocol) • Can’t take the “Hands off” approach

9. TS Gold in Pre School • Online assessment • Ongoing and observational • GSRP Pre School – four year old • Teachers are using it to assess (38 objectives) progress towards curriculum objectives and objectives are aligned to early learning standards • Teachers will finalize assessments decisions at three different checkpoints during the school year.

10. TS Gold in Pre School “I am enjoying using TS Gold because previous to this I would make observations and jot them down on post it notes, take pictures with my camera and try to compile all this information gathered into one understandable portfolio for each child. Now, I can use my phone and the TS gold documentation app to snap pics of children, immediately attach a child and objective to the documentation. It is so seamless, the next step is to upload the document from my phone app to the TS Gold website, also at the push of a button.  It is easy to check which objectives I need to focus on and which one I've met using TS Gold online...I am very happy with this teaching tool being added to my classroom.” -KelloggsvilleGSRP Teacher

11. KEA - Review of the Process • MDE at Elementary Principals’ Meeting • 2013-2014 Two Kent County districts pilot • Spring Retreat – Update from EGR and GRPS • 2014-2015 Fifty-nine classrooms initially signed up for pilot October 31 – timeline for completion of KEA

12. KEA changes from last year • Use it as a one time assessment • 60 objectives to 40 objectives • 45 days for observation 15 for data entry

13. Thoughts from the field • EGR “MDE did shorten the test a little--we had a hard time getting kids names in the system, but other than that, there is nothing new to report.  We will see how it goes!  Our deadline to finish is October 31, so the deadline is nearing! “ • GRPS • Appreciations: There is a student checklist which will allow you to enter data more quickly so that is a nice change. The elements that were eliminated were appropriate to have eliminated allowing for a more narrow focus on content areas. • Struggles: Communication between MDE and district as to student lists has been a challenge, as the list is not accurate and has not been updated regularly. 

14. GRPS Implementation • Steve Petros, Assessment Specialist, GRPS • Two year implementation process • Support receive from MDE

15. Kent County Survey • Thank you and all the curriculum directors for the quick responses! • In process of determining of reviewing what districts want and need for K assessment • Will continue to update as we gather information

16. Community Information • Are we comfortable using the KEA? • Do we need more information about the KEA process? • Does the current KEA measure what we would like to see at Kindergarten entry? If not, what recommendations do we make to MDE and Community Organizations? • What can KISA support as a county?