For the 2022-2023 school year, we are pleased to partner with: Crutcho Public Schools, McAlester Public Schools, Mid Del Public Schools, and the Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy. Each district team is led by an Improvement Fellow. The Early Childhood NIC partners with districts to serve PK-2 teachers across Oklahoma.
The Early Childhood NIC, like all NICs, is grounded in a working theory of improvement. The theory of improvement outlines the aim, or goal, that is trying to be reached, the levels in the systems that need to be addressed, and specifically what instructional strategies and interventions (change ideas) could be employed. In 2022-2023, our Early Childhood NIC will work towards improving student attitudes and school outcomes learning to develop and utilize intentional play and play-based learning experiences. To do that, we will work together to understand current research, best practices, and how play can enhance the student learning experience. Teachers will also work on designing high quality play experiences connected to academic outcomes.