C3 Coaching Model for Improving the Learning of Young Children
| Initiative: | C3 Coaching Model for Improving the Learning of Young Children |
| University: | UH, College of Education |
| Focus: | Urban/Minority Education |
Program Description
Of the 770,000 students educated in Harris County, 54.9 percent are below the poverty line. Children entering school with risk factors such as poverty and limited English proficiency are limited by inadequate prior knowledge and experiences that, by the second and third grade, result in failure (Zill & West, 2001). Research has regularly demonstrated that quality preschool programs have particularly strong and lasting positive benefits for at-risk children. A research-based program that enhances the instruction of these children at this critical period in their lives has long-term positive benefits not only for them, but also for Houston.
The C3 Program targets these at-risk children in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten in public schools. The model prepares teams of educators with differing roles and levels of expertise (collegial), providing research on learning and effective instructional strategies (cognitive), and implementing and testing research-based programs in a variety of contexts and experience levels (collaborative).
In October 2003, the Department of Education, recognizing the importance of the C3 program, funded this pilot program for two years with a $2.6 million grant. The kindergarten and pre-kindergarten teachers in 16 schools are being trained in spring and summer 2004 in an intensive preparation program that includes formal instruction and on-site mentoring. Teachers from 16 additional schools will be prepared in the second year of the grant. These 32 schools are but a small part of the approximately 500 schools in Harris County with students having major learning problems.
The program has an extensive experimental research program that will test the effects of the program on children's achievement. Paralleling the 16 experimental schools this year are 16 control schools matched from the same school districts. Standardized tests in language, literacy, mathematics, and social skills will provide some of the data needed to assess the C3 program's impact on children.
The University of Houston, as "Houston's university," should take leadership in strengthening the education of its future citizens. Beginning with preschool children and targeting those children with the greatest needs could be an important part of this mission.
The timing of this federal agenda complements the completion of our pilot venture. It permits the successful parts of the pilot to be implemented in a larger number of schools with low-income, low-achieving children.
Faculty Involved
Dr. Juanita Copley, early childhood specialist; Dr. Jacqueline Hawkins, special education; Dr. Yolanda Padrón, bilingual and second language education; and Dr. Robert Houston, professional development and teacher education. The Harris County Department of Education is an active partner in the project.
Funding Request
With a $2 million grant each year and with experience gained over the next two years, considerable progress could be made in strengthening the education of young children.
