The activities of the Discovering Connections Project were focused on answering the following questions:

Project Questions

  1. What are the components of the Reggio Emilia approach that are ripe for replication?
  2. Given the context of the public school system, what considerations are necessary for the Reggio Emilia approach to be adopted?
  3. In what ways does the Reggio Emilia approach offer lasting impact for children as they matriculate?
  4. What have you learned about your implementation of the approach that has impacted the results (challenges, strengths, conditions of success, etc.)?
  5. What are the challenges of such an approach as it related to public schools, policy, racial equity, parent engagement, families in poverty, etc.?

The project attempted to answer the guiding questions using the following methods:

Project Design

  1. Demonstration of Outcomes
    In order to be considered as a model of excellence in the Reggio Emilia approach to education, GRCDC must first demonstrate that its students are performing academically. This was done in the following ways:

    • Analysis of test scores
    • Analysis of student demographics
    • Comparison with community data including GRPS, state of Michigan, and other charter schools as appropriate
    • Surveying former students as they enroll in other schools regarding the transition process and their academic performance
  2. Discovery of Key Practices
    The Reggio Emilia approach is rare in the United States. It cannot be replicated or innovated upon until the key elements of successful implementation are identified. This required a qualitative approach, which was led by Ms. Moore ‘on the ground.’ Data collection included:

  3. Lessons Learned
    GRCDC has been in existence for over 10 years. The school has learned much from training, professional development, increased experience and trial and error. A learning history of these changes over time shows the refinement of the key areas of improvement for other schools. Data collection will include:

    • Interviews with teachers, former students, long time teachers, long time board members
    • Creation of the historical timeline of the school
  4. Dissemination
    The findings of this project are meant to help other educators and parents implement a Reggio inspired curriculum. The website RediscoveringSchoolandCommunity.com is the main dissemination tool chosen by the project team. The website includes the findings of this project as well as photos, video, and graphical representations of Reggio in action. GRCDC staff will use the website as a tool in future conference presentations as well.