Preparing to Succeed
Summary
Preparing to Succeed was the first study for the Boston Early Childhood Research Practice Partnership and in many ways it kicked of the long-term partnership. The study examined the effects of the Boston Public Schools pre-k program after BPS has made a variety of quality investments in the program. The study found the pre-k program has some of the highest positive effects on child outcomes of any pre-k program in the country. Related publications are linked below.
Research Objectives
Preparing to Succeed was an IES-funded regression discontinuity study of the effects of BPS pre-k on children’s school readiness, including their language, literacy, math, socio-emotional, and executive function skills.
Timeline
The study took place from 2009-2012.
Impact of RPP
The study team worked closely with BPS coaches to collect curriculum fidelity data in Boston pre-k classrooms and to develop a first version of the fidelity tool currently used in the program to improve teacher practice from pre-k to second grade. BPS staff also helped greatly with getting schools and teachers on board for what was the first large-scale study of the district’s program.