Embedding Causal Research Designs in Pre-K Systems at Scale.

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Title: Embedding Causal Research Designs in Pre-K Systems at Scale.
Authors: Abenavoli, Rachel1, Rojas, Natalia2, Unterman, Rebecca3, Cappella, Elise4, Wallack, Josh5, Morris, Pamela6,7
Source: Future of Children. Spring2021, Vol. 31 Issue 1, p97-117. 21p. 3 Diagrams.
Subject Terms: *Experimental design, *Research methodology, *Preschools, *Early intervention (Education), Trust
Abstract: In this article, Rachel Abenavoli, Natalia Rojas, Rebecca Unterman, Elise Cappella, josh Wallack, and Pamela Morris argue that research-practice partnerships make it possible to rigorously study relevant policy questions in ways that would otherwise be infeasible. Randomized controlled trials of small-scale programs have shown us that early childhood interventions can yield sizable benefits. But when we move from relatively small, tightly controlled studies to scaled-up initiatives, the results are often disappointing. Here the authors describe how their partnership with New York City's Department of Education, as the city rapidly rolled out its universal pre-K initiative, gave them opportunities to collect experimental and quasi-experimental evidence while placing a minimal burden on educators. They argue that this type of research can answer the most pressing ECE questions, which are less about whether ECE can make a difference and more about the conditions under which earlv interventions are effective at scale. They offer three recommendations for researchers, policy makers, and practitioners who are considering partnership work: build a foundation of trust and openness: carefully consider whether rigorous causal research or descriptive research is the right choice in a given situation; and be flexible, seeking opportunities for rigorous research designs that may already be embedded in early childhood education systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Future of Children is the property of Future of Children and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Education Research Complete
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  Data: In this article, Rachel Abenavoli, Natalia Rojas, Rebecca Unterman, Elise Cappella, josh Wallack, and Pamela Morris argue that research-practice partnerships make it possible to rigorously study relevant policy questions in ways that would otherwise be infeasible. Randomized controlled trials of small-scale programs have shown us that early childhood interventions can yield sizable benefits. But when we move from relatively small, tightly controlled studies to scaled-up initiatives, the results are often disappointing. Here the authors describe how their partnership with New York City's Department of Education, as the city rapidly rolled out its universal pre-K initiative, gave them opportunities to collect experimental and quasi-experimental evidence while placing a minimal burden on educators. They argue that this type of research can answer the most pressing ECE questions, which are less about whether ECE can make a difference and more about the conditions under which earlv interventions are effective at scale. They offer three recommendations for researchers, policy makers, and practitioners who are considering partnership work: build a foundation of trust and openness: carefully consider whether rigorous causal research or descriptive research is the right choice in a given situation; and be flexible, seeking opportunities for rigorous research designs that may already be embedded in early childhood education systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Future of Children is the property of Future of Children and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1353/foc.2021.0000
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        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Experimental design
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Research methodology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Preschools
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Early intervention (Education)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Trust
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              Text: Spring2021
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