[kids-lib] Early literacy research and Oregon libraries

[Katie Anderson]

This may be good to use when advocating for the early literacy programs you are currently offering or would like to start offering at your library.

The movement for early childhood education: Conundrums, common sense, cautions, and clouded thinking.<http://www.walearning.com/articles/the_movement_for_early_childhood_education_conundrums_common_sense_cautions_and_clouded_thinking/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Early+Literacy+Newsletter+April+1+2014&utm_content=Early+Literacy+Newsletter+April+1+2014+CID>
By Washington Learning Systems
Tuesday, April 2, 2014

This is a good, short article that explains two different interpretations of the body of early childhood education research. Both interpretations agree on the short-term impact, but disagree on whether or not there is enough evidence to support the long term academic and economic impact.

The article closes by explaining that regardless of this difference in interpretation of the research, it is clear that:


*         "The current focus on early literacy is firmly grounded in research, especially for oral language development." 117 children's library staff in Oregon received training in early literacy research via the Reading for Healthy Families project and many more of you participate in research-based early literacy training via OLA or ALA's Association of Library Services to Children every year. Most of you are planning storytimes and other early literacy programs and services based on research that shows what types of experiences help children develop early literacy skills and get them ready for success.



*         "While most early childhood programs serve children ages three to five, new research shows oral language deficits begin in infancy. The question of the optimal age to begin programs needs further scrutiny."
Many, if not most, public libraries in Oregon provide storytimes for babies and toddlers or include babies and  toddlers in family storytimes.


*         "Programs that support child development need to identify the most effective delivery systems: center-based programs, home-based programs, parent-education, and hybrids."

68 of 131 (52%) of Oregon public libraries provide early literacy training to parents and/or childcare providers.


*         "Early childhood initiatives need to be carefully evaluated and evaluation requires a significant investment." The Library Services and Technology Act funded Ready to Learn project is evaluating the relationship between library usage and kindergarten readiness assessment. Public libraries in Pendleton, Hermiston, La Grande, Grant County, Wallowa County, and Baker County are participating in this project.


Great work everyone, keep it up!

Thanks,
Katie
Katie Anderson, Library Development Services
* Youth Services Consultant * Oregon Center for the Book Coordinator *
Oregon State Library, 250 Winter St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
katie.anderson at state.or.us<mailto:katie.anderson at state.or.us>, 503-378-2528

URL to the article in case the hyperlink doesn't work: http://www.walearning.com/articles/the_movement_for_early_childhood_education_conundrums_common_sense_cautions_and_clouded_thinking/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Early+Literacy+Newsletter+April+1+2014&utm_content=Early+Literacy+Newsletter+April+1+2014+CID_41d980f044e7305b11751936e9738bb6&utm_source=Mailing%20List&utm_term=Read%20more
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