Using a Cluster Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of the Early Learning Matters (ELM) Curriculum
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| Title: | Using a Cluster Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of the Early Learning Matters (ELM) Curriculum |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Sara A. Schmitt, Robert J. Duncan, Gary Bingham, Hope Gerde, David J. Purpura, Courtenay Barrett, Chanele Robinson-Rucker, Elizabeth Schlesinger-Devlin, Jessica Logan, Megan Purcell, Emily Mitzel, Tracy Zehner |
| Source: | Grantee Submission. 2026. |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 55 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Institute of Education Sciences (ED) |
| Contract Number: | R305A240113 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Early Childhood Education Preschool Education |
| Descriptors: | School Readiness, Preschool Curriculum, Preschool Children, Instructional Effectiveness, Randomized Controlled Trials, Hierarchical Linear Modeling |
| Geographic Terms: | Oregon, Texas, Georgia |
| Abstract: | The aim of the current study is to test the efficacy of the Early Learning Matters (ELM) curriculum for promoting school readiness for children across three geographic regions. A two-cohort Cluster Randomized Trial will be used to address our primary research aims, where preschool centers will be the unit of random assignment (N = 44 centers, 132 classrooms). Random assignment will occur within blocks that are stratified by 1) site, 2) type of center (Head Start [HS] or non-HS), 2), and 3) center size to either the ELM (n=23 centers, ~69 classrooms) or a business-as-usual control group (n=21 centers, ~63 classrooms). Children will be assessed in the fall and spring on school readiness skills. We will use three-level multilevel regression models with children nested within classrooms/teachers, which are nested within centers, controlling for a host of child and family characteristics. Fidelity of implementation data will be collected and reported. [This paper is accepted for publication in the "Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness."] |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| IES Funded: | Yes |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Access URL: | https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/uree20 |
| Accession Number: | ED681098 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The aim of the current study is to test the efficacy of the Early Learning Matters (ELM) curriculum for promoting school readiness for children across three geographic regions. A two-cohort Cluster Randomized Trial will be used to address our primary research aims, where preschool centers will be the unit of random assignment (N = 44 centers, 132 classrooms). Random assignment will occur within blocks that are stratified by 1) site, 2) type of center (Head Start [HS] or non-HS), 2), and 3) center size to either the ELM (n=23 centers, ~69 classrooms) or a business-as-usual control group (n=21 centers, ~63 classrooms). Children will be assessed in the fall and spring on school readiness skills. We will use three-level multilevel regression models with children nested within classrooms/teachers, which are nested within centers, controlling for a host of child and family characteristics. Fidelity of implementation data will be collected and reported. [This paper is accepted for publication in the "Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness."] |
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