Eager to Learn: Educating our Preschoolers

Author: Bowman, B.T., Donovan, M.S., & Burns, M.S. (Eds.)
Publisher: National Academy Press
Publication Date: 2000
Publication City: Washington
Publication State: DC
Full text available online at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309068363/html/

Abstract (written by WestEd)

This book synthesizes the most current literature and research on how children, ages 2-5, begin the learning process. Stressing that care and education cannot be separated at this early age, the report calls for early childhood setting that support the development of the full range of capacities (linguistic, conceptual, social, emotional, and motor competence) and will establish a foundation for future school learning. Eager to Learn pays particular attention to the:

  • science of learning for young children
  • individual and cultural variations among children
  • features of quality preschool programs
  • curriculum and pedagogy for early childhood education
  • assessment in early childhood education
  • preparation of early childhoods professionals
  • program and practice standards
The book concludes with nineteen recommendations that fall into four areas:
  1. teacher professional development
  2. research-based teaching materials
  3. development of public policies that support quality preschool
  4. making recent understandings of development in the preschool years common knowledge to the public



Find all Resources by Topic

Would you like to see all of SchoolsMovingUp's offerings by topic? Go to our Topics section to see Webinars, Tips to Go, Schools on the Move, Districts on the Move and more organized by topic.

From WestEd.org

The Data Coach's Guide to Improving Learning for All Students

"This book offers a compelling message of hope and resolve. The authors' three-year journey in a multiplicity of diverse, underperforming, high-poverty schools across the nation has resulted in a treasure chest of knowledge and experiences about how to professionally develop data coaches in ways that benefit some of our most underserved students. This book provides powerful resources to those who have the belief, passion, and desire for implementing collaborative data inquiries in schools and districts." — From the Foreword by Ruth S. Johnson

Suggest a Resource

Submit a school improvement article or a link you think would complement our site.