Knowledge From the Field

Access concise summaries of the key findings and recommendations from research related to the Department of Education's Reform Goals and links to the full reports.

"Knowledge from the Field" enables funders to quickly identify research that can inform their grantmaking activities related to the Department of Education's (DOE) Reform Goals. Foundation Center staff have summarized the studies included in this resource and pulled out the key findings and recommendations identified by the reports' authors. For definitions of the goals and details on how they correspond to the Foundation Center criteria used to identify actual foundation grants related to these goals click here.

Each summary lists the report's title, publisher, author(s), publication month and year, area of DOE focus, a brief description, key findings and/or recommendations, funders(s), subject(s), and geographic focus. This resource is being updated weekly. If you would like to recommend a report for inclusion in this repository, e-mail Reina Mukai at rkm@foundationcenter.org.

Education Reform Goals

Early Learning

Improving School Readiness Outcomes: Lessons From Six Communities

Annie E. Casey Foundation
Segal, Ann; Charles Bruner
2004

Describes efforts in California, Florida, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia to develop early learning systems for school readiness, using federal and state resources. Includes common themes that emerged from these six case studies.

Funder(s): Annie E. Casey Foundation

Building Culturally and Linguistically Competent Services to Support Young Children, Their Families, and School Readiness

Annie E. Casey Foundation
Hepburn, Kathy
May 2004

Provides guidance, tools, and resources that promote cultural and linguistic competence in young children and families. Outlines a holistic approach to service delivery for preschool skills development.

Funder(s): Annie E. Casey Foundation

Fulfilling the Promise of Preschool for All: Insights Into Issues Affecting Access for Selected Immigrant Groups in Chicago

Urban Institute
Adams, Gina; Marla McDaniel
July 2009

Presents findings on access to quality early education among small immigrant groups. Outlines policy implications of programs used, knowledge of "Preschool for All," value of preschool education, transportation and enrollment barriers, and other factors.

Funder(s): Joyce Foundation

Linking Ready Kids to Ready Schools: Building Policy on State and Community Successes

W.K. Kellogg Foundation
May 2009

Summarizes discussions from a March 2009 forum on the policies needed to provide early childhood education for all children in order to prepare them for the K-12 system and beyond, as well as current initiatives and lessons learned.

Funder(s): W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Preschool Adequacy and Efficiency in California: Issues, Policy Options, and Recommendations

RAND Corporation
Karoly, Lynn A.
May 2009

Examines achievement gaps among K-3 students, the quality of and access to preschool education, potential efficiencies in the funding system, and policies and resources needed for the state's children to meet K-3 standards. Makes policy recommendations.

Funder(s): David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Los Angeles Universal Preschool, Pew Charitable Trusts, W. Clement and Jessie V. Stone Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Starting Out Right: A Cluster Evaluation of the Early Childhood Grants of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation: Year 3 Final Report

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Gomby, Deanna S.; Lisa G. Klein
December 2007

Evaluates Knight's early childhood grantmaking in twelve communities, with a focus on grants that transform systems and build networks at a scale sufficient to create meaningful change. Presents grantee results and lessons learned.

Funder(s): John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Village Building and School Readiness: Closing Opportunity Gaps in a Diverse Society

State Early Childhood Policy Technical Assistance Network (SECPTAN)
Bruner, Charles; Syed Noor Tirmizi; Michelle Stover Wright
January 2007

Examines a community's impacts on child development and frames strategies to build early learning systems in poor minority neighborhoods. Stresses combining services with community-building and developing a diverse early education workforce from within.

Funder(s): Annie E. Casey Foundation, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Supporting Minnesota's Youngest Citizens: Lessons Learned 2003-2006

McKnight Foundation
November 2006

Presents lessons learned from the efforts of six Minnesota foundations and their grassroots coalition partners to establish early education outreach, business relationship building, parenting education, quality child care, and advocacy initiatives.

Funder(s): McKnight Foundation