The Science of Early Learning

Deans for Impact has culled through the (massive amount of!) research on early learning and created a succinct list of teaching strategies, based on scientific understanding. These strategies, specifically focused on building agency, literacy and numeracy, are in a new report called The Science of Early Learning.

The report aims to inform teachers, and especially colleges and programs that prepare teachers, on research-based approaches to foster the early learning of young children. Parents and caregivers will also find this report helpful.

The report is a starting point to explore the science of early learning and promotes practical applications of the research. It begins with how children develop a sense of self and builds into how students learn to read and write proficiently, and lastly discusses mathematic thinking.

โ€œWe see the domains of agency, literacy, and numeracy as interdependent. As children develop a sense of self and the ability to self-regulate, they are better able to persist in literacy and math activities.โ€ž

โ€”Deans for Impact

The Science of Early Learning
March 2019
Authored by: Deans for Impact

In 2018, The Belk Foundation invested $50,000 in Deans for Impact for this report and to convene a Community of Practice for leadership teams from five NC educator preparation programs.