California Early Learning Quality Information System (CAEL QIS) Advisory Committee
Data for Program Improvement and
Research Subcommittee
Toby Boyd, Vice-Chair
Highlights from the September 7, 2010 meeting of the California Early Learning Quality Improvement System (CAEL QIS) Data for Program Improvement and Research Subcommittee. The California CAEL QIS Data for Program Improvement and Research Subcommittee met at the California Department of Education (CDE), Nutrition Services Division, 560 J Street, Room 250A from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meeting agenda and California’s Early Childhood Education Data Information System Vision Statement draft are on the CAEL QIS Advisory Committee Web page.
Introductions
The welcome and review of the agenda were provided by Toby Boyd (Vice Chair). The housekeeping announcements were provided by Nancy Remley (CDE). There were approximately 14 people in attendance. In addition, an undetermined number of people participated via video streaming. The meeting participants represented researchers, advocates, and consultants.
Presentations
Millicent Barajas, First 5 California, provided an update on the PRO0F (Practice Research & Outcomes Zero to Five) Project. Using county, state, or federal level input from program and case management, annual reports, research studies, and the PoP pilots, the PRO0F System will output the First 5 California Annual Report with evidence to support policy direction for early childhood and education (ECE) workforce and programs, and information to be shared with the early childhood community. The system will be able to report at the child, classroom and site levels, in addition to rolling up to the county and state levels, for those enrolled in First 5 programs. There is a proposed 22 month implementation schedule.
Kerry Kriener-Althen, Director of the Center for Child and Family Studies (CCFS) Evaluation Team at WestEd presented information on the Kindergarten Readiness Observation Assessment. The Desired Results Developmental Profile – School Readiness (DRDP-SR) (PDF; 3MB; 35pp.) has four primary purposes : 1) Provide kindergarten teachers with a valid and reliable psychometric measurement of children’s development in key domains of school readiness; 2) Create an interface linking preschool and kindergarten through the DRDP-PS© and DRDP-SR© Instruments that will support the overall transition from preschool to kindergarten; 3) Use DRDP-SR© as a research tool; 4) Use DRDP-SR© as a professional development tool that supports teacher understanding and instructional practice. More information about the presentation can be obtained at the DRDP-SR Web site (Outside Source).
Dennis Vicars, Chief Executive Officer, Human Services Management Corporation and Chair of the CAEL QIS Design Subcommittee presented information from the Design Subcommittee QRIS Pilots. The following policies and procedures will be assessed through the Pilot Projects prior to use in the QRIS: 1) Technical assistance 2) Sampling Parameters 3) Oversight 4) CAEL QIS Participation. The Pilot Projects will be phased in and could involve parts or all of the QRIS. All participation will be voluntary during the pilot testing.
Group Exercise
Suzanne Kwong, CDE, lead the group in an exercise to gather more information to assist in the development of a concept paper for the needs assessment. The group answered the following four questions:
1) How would an ECE data system result in improvements to current processes?
- Link to K-12 outcomes, enable consistent collection across programs, provide data to justify more effective ECE investments, help inform stakeholders, and evaluate effectiveness of programs.
2) How could an ECE data system reduce/increase current and future costs?
- Initial increase due to startup, training, technical assistance and quality assurance with a long term savings.
3) How would an ECE data system impact the agency, stakeholders, and state entities?
- More accountability for quality and outcomes, possible increased workload, and provide a system that consolidates and connects all critical reporting, monitoring, and management.
4) How would an ECE data system result in improved services?
- Administrative efficiency, better targeting of interventions, and a better understanding of the impact of resources on the quality of child care services.
The CAEL QIS Data Subcommittee adjourned at approximately 2:30pm so that members could attend the CAEL QIS Steering Committee at 3:00pm.
