Creating Learning Environments in the Early Grades that Support Teacher and Student Success

Author(s): 
David Farbman, Ami Novoryta

In Creating Learning Environments in the Early Grades that Support Teacher and Student Success, NCTL profiles three expanded-time elementary schools that leverage a longer school day to better serve young students. In particular, the report describes how a longer day opens up opportunities to foster children's development across cognitive, social, physical, and emotional domains by: (a) crafting a schedule around a robust educational program; (b) focusing on building strong child-adult relationships and (c) enabling teachers to collaborate toward continuous improvement. For disadvantaged children, having more time in productive learning environments is vital for setting them on the right path to future success in school and life. The schools profiled are located in Revere, Massachusetts; Meriden, Connecticut; and Denver, Colorado.