{"id":115417,"date":"2024-09-27T10:47:32","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T15:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=115417"},"modified":"2024-12-27T14:55:37","modified_gmt":"2024-12-27T20:55:37","slug":"directors-message-offering-support-to-school-districts-communities-across-nebraska","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2024\/09\/27\/directors-message-offering-support-to-school-districts-communities-across-nebraska\/","title":{"rendered":"Director’s message: Offering support to school districts, communities across Nebraska"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Nebraska is fortunate to have a network of community programs and school districts dedicated to finding effective and cost-efficient ways to serve children and families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the MMI Department of Education and Child Development, we hold a unique opportunity to influence these programs through evaluation, data analysis and training. This year, our department will engage with more than 150 school districts, communities and early childhood sites across Nebraska, offering support to teachers, parents, afterschool staff and early childhood educators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data plays a critical role in the success of these programs for multiple reasons: it demonstrates growth, measures impact, drives continuous improvement, meets funder criteria and informs applications for additional funding. Moreover, it guides classroom instruction and helps parents understand their child\u2019s developmental progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our team collaborates closely with early childhood educators and coaches to track student growth in key areas such as language development, social-emotional skills and executive function. These skills are crucial precursors to kindergarten readiness and long-term academic success. Teachers can use this data to tailor their instructional strategies, ensuring they meet students\u2019 unique needs. When a student shows signs of struggle, interventions can be put in place early, providing additional support before the transition to kindergarten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the community level, we work with local leaders and agency representatives to assess needs, improve services, and expand resources for families. Data helps communities identify key goals and provides the necessary evidence to apply for further funding to meet these needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emerging trends to watch:<\/p>\n\n\n\n