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Early Childhood Framework

In 1992, the Project Construct National Center published the first edition of the early childhood curriculum and assessment framework in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Since then, the content was periodically reviewed in terms of new standards and emerging information about how children learn and how teachers can best support children's development.

As part of the extensive review process, the content of the first edition was subjected to several rounds of intense scrutiny by a large group of professionals in early childhood education—nationally renowned consultants, adminstrators, teacher educators, statement department of education consultants, curriculum and assessment specialists, and practicing early childhood educators. The information that was generated through these many rounds of review, discussion, and debate determined the shape and content of this new edition.

In a new attractive format, the second edition retains much that readers found valuable in the original Framework for Curriculum and Assessment. However, building on the fundamental principles outlined in the first edition, the revised framework also offers several new resources.

The second edition of the Framework

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links to current state and national standards

The Framework now includes quick-reference tables that demonstrate specific correspondence between Project Construct goals and the Show-Me and Pre-K Standards—making it much easier for educators to see at a glance how Project Construct links to curriculum and assessment standards. In edition, the Framework is informed by the Head Start and other developmentally appropriate national standards.

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reflects current research about teaching and learning

Incorporating the latest research findings, the Framework now includes a section on the implications of constructivist theory for teaching practices, the role of the teacher, and ways teachers can continue to change and grow professionally. It also features a new, easy-to-use table summarizing research that shows how Project Construct and developmentally appropriate practices benefit children.

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was revised by educators, for educators

As part of the extensive review process, the content of the first edition was subjected to several rounds of intense scrutiny by a large group of professionals in early childhood education— nationally renowned consultants, curriculum and assessment specialists, and practicing early childhood educators. The information that was generated from these many rounds of review, discussion, and debate determined the shape and content of this second edition.

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is packed with new and practical learning experiences

More learning experiences, particularly in literacy and mathematics, provide educators with the tools they need to foster and assess their students’ learning. Each experience includes two narrative examples that illustrate what the experience may look like in a preschool and a kindergarten/first-grade classroom. In addition, the learning experiences contain information about appropriate materials and strategies for building upon and extending children’s learning.

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is completely redesigned

To make the Framework more user-friendly, it has been completely redesigned to include a glossary, sidebars with practical references, assessment forms, and classroom photographs.

Sample sections of the Framework:

Table of Contents
The eight chapters of the Framework are organized in the Table of Contents (which you can view by clicking the image on the left) into three parts: (1) Implementing Project Construct, (2) Curriculum and Assessment Specifications, and
(3) Assessment System.

Chapter 1: Implications for Teaching
This chapter of the Framework discusses implications of the constructivist approach to teaching and the learning environment. It describes the teacher's in a constructivist classroom and the ways in which they can continue to effect and sustain professional change and growth. You can view the sample chapter by clicking the image on the left.

Learning/Assessment Experiences
The 20 experiences described in the Framework have been selected because they each help children construct a wide variety of knowledge across the developmental domains and are linked to the Project Construct Goals for Early Childhood students.. You can view a sample learning/assessment experience, "Class Meetings and Discussions" by clicking the image on the left.

Goal Checklist
Like the Missouri Show-Me and Pre-K Standards, the Project Construct goals for students are organized around both learning processes and content benchmarks. The "Goal Checklist" (which you can view by clicking the image on the left) lists the goals by developmental domains for assessment purposes..

Adobe® Acrobat Reader® is required to view the sample parts of the revised Framework.

Obtaining a copy of the Framework:

The Framework is available only through attending an introductory early childhood education institute. It is available to past participants at a discounted price—contact us for more information.

An equal opportunity/ADA Institution. These pages are available in accessible formats. Call (800) 335-PCNC for information.