The role of system alignment in care and education of children from birth to grade 3

Abstract

The emerging concept of system alignment refers to how different systems in care and education of young children can be integrated to work together as a whole system that is more effective, efficient, and equitable to produce excellent outcomes in children. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the existing literature on system alignment in terms of the definition and operationalisation of this concept. The focus is on various models (frameworks) that guide the effort of system alignment as well as factors (strategies) that influence the effectiveness of system alignment. In review of these critical issues, the authors attempted to establish a comprehensive mechanism for system alignment as well as a classification of macro-level and micro-level factors that facilitate system alignment.

Keywords:

• early care and education
• early school success
• system alignment

Notes on contributors

Xin Ma is Professor of Education Statistics and Mathematics Education at the University of Kentucky. His main research interests include research methods, policy analysis, school effectiveness, and mathematics education.

Jianping Shen is the John E. Sandberg Professor of Education at Western Michigan University. He specializes in leadership theory, policy analysis, and research methods.

Huilan Y. Krenn is Program Officer with the Kellogg Foundation. Her specialty areas are literacy and school preparedness.

Jing Yuan is a doctoral student at the University of Kentucky. Her research interests include research methods and science education.

Shanshan Hu is a doctoral student at the University of Kentucky. Her research interests include research methods and policy analysis.