FirstSchool is a groundbreaking framework for teaching minority and low-income children. This work discusses the research and practice to date that defines "FirstSchool" as a critical approach to closing the achievement and opportunity gaps. Changing the conversation from improving test scores to improving school experiences, it features lessons learned from eight elementary schools whose leadership and staff implemented sustainable changes in their classrooms and schools. The authors detail how to use education research and data to provide a rationale for change; how to promote...

Describes the importance of children's foundational cognitive skills for academic achievement in literacy and mathematics, as well as their connections with other areas of school readiness, including physical health and social and emotional development. The book also examines the growing evidence in favour of guided object play.