Ongoing Data-Driven Program Improvement
The INSPIRE ACTION framework was developed to assist those responsible for administrative oversight of local early childhood special education programs to identify and celebrate strong program components and to identify those program components most in need of improvement. The development was sparked by recognition that many local program leaders (e.g., Directors of Special Education, elementary principals, some special education coordinators) have limited knowledge of early childhood special education and are unable to consistently determine the presence or absence of ECSE program quality.
Definition
This component considers a program’s ability to accurately collect and report required data elements. More importantly, this component also considers the district’s current use of data and future capacity to incorporate data-driven improvement strategies into ongoing program development. A high quality ECSE program should use all available data as part of a systematic approach to achieving ongoing improvements.
Critical data elements are those that describe children, services, staff, program attributes and adopted innovations such as professional development initiatives, new curriculum or interventions.
Professional Standards
DEC Recommended Practices
DEC Recommended Practices are a DEC initiative that bridges the gap between research and practice, offering guidance to parents and professionals who work with young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.
Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs)
The ECIPs are Minnesota’s early learning standards. Revised and expanded in 2016, these standards are a framework for a common set of developmentally appropriate expectations for children ages birth to kindergarten, within a context of shared responsibility for helping children meet these expectations. The ECIPs are aligned to the Minnesota Kindergarten Academic Standards.
Resources for Data Collection
Child Outcome Reporting (COSF)
- Child Outcome Summary (COS) Process Module: A Guide for ECSE Leaders
- Child Outcome Summary Form (COS) and Process Rating Tool
- Child Outcome Summary Form (COSF) Review Summary
- COSF Cards (6)
- Pop Quiz: Early Childhood Outcomes Measurement
- Minnesota ECSE Child Outcomes Summary Form
MARSS
- MDE Abridged MARSS Reference Guide - Early Childhood Special Education
- MARSS Tells a New Story Each Year: Documenting Enrollment of Children in Early Childhood Special Education (2015-2016)
- MARSS Tells a New Story Each Year: ECSE Enrollment
GENERAL INFORMATION
Resources for Data Use
- Reporting ECSE Outcomes for 2019-20
- Definitions of Data Elements and Values Included with ECSE Outcomes - Minnesota Department of Education
- Extracting Data from ECSE Secure Reports - Minnesota Department of Education
- Child Outcomes Summary (COS) Process Module: Collecting/Using Data to Improve Programs- DaSy Center
PDF-Guided Resources and Support
Please contact your regional PDF if you have investigated all resources provided here, but continue to have questions or concerns related to this core component of INSPIRE ACTION.
If you have an additional resource that supports professional development in this core component, please share it with your regional PDF. Your participation in this site's continued growth is encouraged and welcome!
