Wisconsin
Model Early Learning Standards
Frequently
Asked Questions 2007
(A4-HO1)
This document continues to be updated as necessary to assure the most current information is available.
1.
How were the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards developed?
Beginning in 2002, the federal government directed states to submit early
learning standards currently available in the state as a requirement to receive
the Child Care and Development Fund. Since Wisconsin did not have early learning
standards at that time, a decision was made to begin drafting model standards
through a collaborative approach. These voluntary Standards serve as a framework
for early learning experiences for children. A steering committee made up of
representatives from the State Departments of Workforce Development, Public
Instruction and Health and Family Services, along with the Wisconsin Head Start
Collaboration Project, Cooperative Educational Services Agencies (CESA) and
Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners (WECCP) was established to
guide the development of the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. The
Steering Committee met many times to discuss the ongoing process in development
of the Standards. A consultant was hired to complete the actual drafting of
the Standards after a thorough review of current literature, best practices
and research on child development. A review of other state standards, and Wisconsin
community standards was completed also. Input was requested from content experts
through focus groups, workshops and other stakeholder events. Guiding Principles
were included to inform the development and application of the Standards into
practice. Beginning in 2006, the Steering Committee began working with content
experts to enhance the Standards to include children birth to three years old,
and to create a developmental continuum with example behaviors of children and
example strategies for adults. This version was completed during the fall of
2007. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
2.
What age group are the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards
for?
These Standards reflect expectations for children beginning at birth to
first grade. As birth to three enhancements and additionally, the developmental
continuum, example behaviors of children and example strategies for adults were
added to the Standards the language was changed from the original age group
of three through the completion of kindergarten to the age group “birth to first
grade”. The language of birth to first grade continues to reflect the transition
to mandatory school enrollment at age six. Typically, most children attain
the developmental expectations within this time frame, though there is individual
variability. RETURN TO TOP OF
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3. Why expand the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards to include children ages birth to three? The first printing of the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards was designed specifically for children between the ages of three through the completion of kindergarten. In response to requests from agencies and individuals working with children under age three that wanted to see the children they work with reflected in the standards, the steering committee decided to expand the standards to encompass all children, birth to first grade. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
4. Are the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards appropriate for all children? The Standards reflect expectations for a typically-developing child; adapting and individualizing learning experiences ensures optimal development for all children. The Standards recognize that children are individuals who develop at individual rates. While children generally develop in similar stages and sequences, greatly diverse patterns of behavior and learning emerge as a result of the interaction of several factors including: genetic predisposition and physical characteristics; socio-economic status; values, beliefs, cultural and political practices of their families and communities. Because brain development and social-emotional development are most active in the early years of a child’s life, all of the child’s experiences are of critical importance to the child and our society. As such, these standards support the development of optimal learning experiences that can be adapted in response to the individual developmental patterns of children. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
4a. How can the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards be used for children with disabilities? The principles upon which these Standards are designed include the importance of individualized programming decisions for all children. While the vast majority of students with disabilities should be expected to work toward and achieve these standards, accommodations and modifications will need to be individually identified and implemented. For children with disabilities, these decisions are made as part of their individualized family service plan (IFSP) or individual education program (IEP) plans developed by Birth to 3 or the school district’s IEP team. This team could include Birth to three or school personnel as well as child care and Head Start personnel and the child’s parent. Persons working with children with disabilities will need to pay special attention to the IFSP or IEP and how curriculum adaptations and special education services can be provided to meet each child’s individually identified developmental needs. Some accommodations and/or modifications may be necessary as young children with disabilities master the skills and competencies related to the Standards. Adapting and individualizing learning experiences can help assure that each child is exposed to activities that can help him or her reach his/her optimal development. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
4b. How can the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards be used in programs with children who speak English as a Second Language? The principles on which these Standards are designed include the recognition of cultural and linguistic diversity and its impact on child development. Persons working with children who speak other languages or with children from other cultures, will need to pay special attention to how they design culturally relevant environments and curriculum activities. Linguistically and culturally appropriate programming will ensure that each child’s individual needs are addressed. See questions 34 and 35 for more information on Spanish and Hmong versions of the Standards. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
5. Are the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards research based? Yes. Results of a comprehensive review of the current literature and research on child development and learning served as the foundation for the development of the Standards. Additional sources consulted include the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Head Start Child Outcomes, National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) and standards developed by Wisconsin communities. A review of Standards from other states was also completed. A listing of references and resources consulted is included in the back of the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards booklet in the Reference Section. Additional child development literature and research can be obtained through the Wisconsin Child Care Information Center: http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/rll/ccic/index.html RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
6. Why are the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards necessary? The Standards provide a shared framework for understanding and communicating expectations for young children’s development. They are a guide for parents, professionals, and policymakers, all of whom share responsibility for the well being of young children. Early learning standards promote beneficial connections between early childhood and K-12 educational experiences. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
7. Why are the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards important? Families, early care and education professionals, community institutions, and policymakers all share accountability for the optimal development of young children. These Standards provide a framework of developmentally appropriate expectations for young children that can guide their work in creating, evaluating, and improving the conditions necessary for children’s optimal development. As a result, young children will have more opportunities for positive development and learning. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
8.
What is the intended use of the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards?
The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards are voluntary and applicable
across all early learning environments, including child care, Early Head Start,
Birth to 3, home visitor programs, Family Resource Centers, parent education
classes, Head Start, and public and private early care and education programs.
Broadly speaking, their intended purpose is:
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9.
Why
does Wisconsin need its own Standards? The Wisconsin Model Early
Learning Standards reflect the shared values and commitments of the citizens
of Wisconsin to prepare young children for success in school. They reflect attention
to all the domains of a child’s early learning and development and recognize
that these domains are interrelated and interdependent.
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10. Who should use the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards? Parents, teachers, providers and programs can use the standards to enhance optimal learning experiences for young children, birth to first grade. The Standards can help guide the determination of developmentally appropriate curriculum, daily activities, and assessment. The Standards also provide a framework for ongoing assessment, planning and curriculum goals, and implementation of meaningful, experiential activities (refer to the Teaching Cycle included in the Standards booklet). RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
11. Do all early childhood education and care settings have to integrate the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards into their programs? No. Implementation of the Standards is voluntary not mandatory. However, the Standards can be used as a tool to guide parents and programs as they plan activities that will provide a developmentally appropriate environment for children. These Standards can be used as guides for developing/adopting curriculum content, including instructional methods and materials, assessment practices, and for planning professional development opportunities.
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12. How are
the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards aligned with the Wisconsin Model
Academic Standards? To support a smooth transition for children and families
across early learning environments, kindergartens, and elementary school settings,
the framework for the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards was developed
to align with Wisconsin Model Academic Standards. The Wisconsin Model Early
Learning Standards were developed to align with Wisconsin Model Academic Standards
in their comprehensive focus on developmentally appropriate learning expectations.
Therefore:
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13.
Why are the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards numbered
in the Performance Standards section like they are? The numbering system
used in the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards reflects the numbering
system used in the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards, where the first letter
refers to the developmental expectation and the EL refers to Early Learning.
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14. What is the difference between the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards and curriculum? The Standards are statements that reflect widely held expectations for children beginning at birth to first grade. They also provide performance standards, by which children may demonstrate that they meet expectations, and general program standard statements, by which teachers and caregivers can demonstrate that they provide the opportunities and experiences children need to meet developmental expectations. Curriculum reflects the practices that support children’s early learning and development and is a component of program standards. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
15. Can the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards also be used as curriculum? No. The Standards are neither a curriculum nor an assessment tool. By setting appropriate expectations for young children in the five domains of early learning and development, the Standards are intended as a guide for developing or selecting appropriate curriculum and assessment that support and promote children’s learning and development. The Standards booklet includes a Resource Section that identifies examples of curriculum and assessment tools available. The Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners web page also includes examples of early care and education curriculum and assessment tools at: http://www.collaboratingpartners.com/resources_assess.htm.
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16. What
specific curriculum should I be using in my program? There is not a specific
state-recommended curriculum or assessment for young children. Selection or
development of appropriate curriculum and assessment should be a local decision.
There are however, several published curriculum guides and assessment tools
that are research-based and compatible with the Standards. Resources for the
selection of early care and education curriculum and assessment tools are included
in the Resource Section of the Standards booklet, and information is also available
at: http://www.collaboratingpartners.com/Resources_assess.htm.
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17. How can
the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards and accompanying Developmental
Continuum be used in the development of curriculum for early education classrooms?
A recent position paper from the National Institute for Early Education
Research (NIERR) on preschool curriculum states, “At its simplest, curriculum
is defined as what to teach and how to teach it.”
However, deciding what to teach – as well as how
to teach it – is influenced by “concepts of what repertoire of knowledge and
skills it is important for the young child to master, what role the child shall
have in achieving mastery, and what organization of learning experiences is
most likely to yield maximum cognitive power.” (From the NIERR position paper,
“Preschool Curriculum Decision-Making: Dimensions to Consider”, Ellen Frede
and Debra J. Ackerman.)
Early education professionals can use the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards
to help determine what to teach. Educators are encouraged to
engage in conversations between key stakeholders including teachers, support
staff, administrators and parents to decide the content or learning goals for
their program. The content or “what” of the curriculum should be balanced with
the “process” of how young children learn. This aspect of curriculum development
(or the how of teaching) provides guidance to teachers in developing
activities, interactions, and set up of the environment.
Keeping this balance ensures that children maintain the intrinsic joy of learning. The Developmental Continuum that accompanies the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards can help describe and clarify examples of skills and child behaviors being addressed in a particular standard. For the typical 3-5 year old classroom, examples in the upper range of the continuum would be most representative, while keeping in mind individual differences and variations in development. Individualizing and making modifications are expected for all children. Additional guidance in early childhood curriculum development can be found at the following websites: http://www.naeyc.org/about/positions.asp and http://nieer.org/about/.
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18.
How do the Early Learning Standards relate to the assessment
of the development of young children? By setting appropriate expectations
for young children in the five domains of early learning and development, the
Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards set the stage for the development of
appropriate curriculum and the use of assessment practices that support and
promote children’s learning and development. Assessment practices are a component
of program standards. Appropriate assessment practices for young children take
into account the following considerations:
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19. How can
the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards be incorporated into a natural
learning environment? The Standards embrace the opportunity to take advantage
of the teachable moment. With a solid understanding of developmentally appropriate
practice, learning takes place in daily, natural occurrences.
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20. Should the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards be used as an assessment tool? No. The Standards are neither a curriculum nor an assessment tool. By setting appropriate expectations for young children in the five domains of early learning and development, the Standards are intended as a guide for developing or selecting appropriate curriculum and assessment that support and promote children’s learning and development. Resources for the determination and selection of early care and education assessment can be found in the back of the Standards booklet in the Resource Section. Examples of early care and education curriculum and assessment tools are also available at: http://www.collaboratingpartners.com/Resources_assess.htm.
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21.
How can the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards be used
for program assessment? The Standards were not designed to be a tool for
program assessment. However, parents may find that quality programs are knowledgeable
about the Standards and plan their curriculum in relationship to the Standards.
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22. Should the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards be used as a screening tool when making program entry or exit decisions about individual children? No. The Standards identify a range of appropriate expectations for children birth to first grade but recognize the wide variability in development between children that is typical during the early childhood years. Decisions regarding individual children should take into account the multiple factors influencing the child’s development and be based upon information collected through multiple tools and methodologies. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
23. Is there a specific assessment tool that is recommended by the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards? No. There is not a specific state-recommended assessment tool. It is recommended that assessment practices reflect principles established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) http://www.journal.naeyc.org/btj/200401/shillady.pdf#xml=http://naeychq.naeyc.org/texis/search/pdfhi.txt?query=appropriate+assessment&pr=naeyc&prox=sentence&rorder=750&rprox=500&rdfreq=1000&rwfreq=1000&rlead=1000&sufs=2&order=r&cq=&id=452255cf1b3, which suggest that assessment and curriculum are an integrated process, with teachers using the information they collect on an ongoing basis to guide their teaching. This collected information should include evidence of progress towards identified learning and developmental goals, and be gathered in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, observational data, examples of children’s work over time, performance during authentic experiences, and input from parents on their child’s progress. Some published curricula also have companion assessment kits. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
24. Do the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards include specific benchmarks for each age group? No. The Standards identify a range of appropriate expectations for children birth to first grade. The Standards include developmental expectations, performance standards, developmental continuums, example behaviors of children, and example strategies for adults. The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards recognize that a wide variability in development exists between children that is typical during the early childhood years. The decision to establish age level benchmarks is a district and community local decision. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
25. What does “show evidence of” really mean within the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards? Through observation of a child over time, a child has the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and mastery of a specific performance standard. The child may provide evidence of growth and learning experience over multiple observations. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
26. Will early care and education settings be assessed on their implementation of the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards? No. Implementation of the Standards is voluntary not mandatory. Best practice recommends regular program assessment to insure quality. There are published tools intended to assess program quality and effectiveness. Refer to the Resource Section in the back of the Standards booklet for information regarding assessment or program quality and effectiveness. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
27. How can child care programs be expected to provide opportunities for each of the Performance Standards listed with limited financial resources? The key to implementation of the Standards is the quality. Teachers and caregivers must be well trained and qualified to provide quality education for young children. A rich environment that provides opportunity for hands-on exploration, language development, and social interaction is optimal for learning. Implementing developmentally appropriate practices in all areas of development including: health and physical, social and emotional, language and communication, approaches to learning, and cognition and general knowledge are essential to providing quality education for young children. Expensive toys and packaged curriculum materials are not necessary if a rich environment is provided. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
28. What is the concept of “Play” as included in the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards? The major defining characteristics of play are positive affect (children’s enjoyment), active engagement (deep involvement without distraction), intrinsic/internal motivation, teacher’s active support, attention to process rather than product and non-literality. Adults establish and guide the play environment. Adults ask exploratory questions that help extend the child’s play. Adults offer new and varied materials. Adults validate children’s feelings. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
29.
What Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards training will be
available to the early care and education workforce?
Training opportunities provide greater understanding of the developmental domains,
developmental expectations, program standards, performance standards, developmental
continuum, example behaviors of children and example strategies for adults.
During training, connections will be made between the Standards, curriculum
and ongoing assessment. Refer to the Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating
Partners http://www.collaboratingpartners.com/training.htm
website for training dates and locations. Community Collaboration Coaches and
Child Care Resource and Referral staff have facilitated full training opportunities
across the state, and can work with local communities to create additional training
opportunities. RETURN TO
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30. Can specific activities be identified within the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards for each domain? Yes. The new developmental continuum, example behaviors of children and example strategies for adults provide the basis for determination of appropriate activities. Observable “samples” of what children might do as they demonstrate accomplishments at each level of the developmental continuum are identified, but they are not a definitive list of how a child might demonstrate a specific accomplishment or an exhaustive inventory. Example behaviors for adults provide “samples” of what adults might do to assist the child to gain knowledge or learn skills at each level of the developmental continuum. Again, the adult examples are not a definitive list or an exhaustive inventory. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
31. Can the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards be used by parents? Yes. The Standards can be used by parents to plan activities and/or to select early childhood education and care settings that will enhance their child’s development. Since parents are their children’s earliest teachers, the Standards are expected to be a useful resource in supporting parents’ understanding of child development. Additional resources for parent activities are available through the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referrals www.naccrra.org/naccrra// and through Child Care Aware www.childcareaware.org/en/subscriptions/dailyparent. The Standards booklet also includes a Resource Section that provides information that will be especially useful to parents. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
32. Is the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards revised to include parent resources? Yes. The Standards booklet includes parent resources, and a wealth of parent resources are also available through the web. Parent-friendly resources and activities are available through Ready to Learn http://www.pbs.org/readytolearn/parents/index.html, through the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referrals www.naccrra.org/naccrra//, through Child Care Aware www.childcareaware.org/en/subscriptions/dailyparent, Zero to Three http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=par_parents and many other sources. The local Child Care Resource and Referral can help parents locate other resources and activities based on specific need http://www.wisconsinccrr.org/.
33. How can the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards honor the cultural identity and background of children and families? The guiding principles established to inform the development and implementation of the Standards specifically recognize the fact that children’s development reflects the ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity of their families and communities. The Standards were designed to support adaptation and individualization of learning experiences in order to provide every child with a responsive learning environment. Such an environment demonstrates respect for children’s home languages and cultural/ethnic backgrounds. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
34. Are the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards available in Spanish? Yes, the original Standards were translated into Spanish. This Spanish version of the Standards is available on the Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners Website http://www.collaboratingpartners.com/EarlyLS_docs.htm, and printed copies are available through the Child Care Information Center at http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/ccic/. It is anticipated that the 2007 expanded version of the Standards will be translated. Once translated, the expanded version will replace the current version available on the website. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE
35.
Will the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards be translated
into Hmong? The original Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards have
been translated into Hmong. The Hmong translated Standards are available on
the Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners Website http://www.collaboratingpartners.com/EarlyLS_docs.htm.
The expanded version of the Standards has not yet been translated. When a translation
is made the expanded version would be available on this website.
WMELS FAQ November 2007