Resources
CELS’ resources provide curated tools, research, and implementation supports across our priority areas. Resources are selected to help state, district, and regional leaders translate evidence into practice and apply strategies on the ground across PK-3 early learning systems.
Our resources include research-informed guidance, practical tools, and examples from implementation across states and communities. Whether exploring new approaches or strengthening existing initiatives, these resources are designed to support planning, decision-making, and continuous improvement across the PK–3 continuum.
Research Briefs
Research and guidance for learning across the PK-3 continuum
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State of the Field Research Briefs provide a clear, practical synthesis of current research across each of the CELS priority areas. Each brief synthesizes current research, highlights bright spots of implementation and promising practices from states, districts, and schools and programs, and provides actionable recommendations for state and local education leaders, practitioners, and families:
Series 1 provides the research for each priority area to build shared knowledge and understanding of early learning across the PK-3 continuum and will launch in April 2026.
Bright Spot Briefs
Promising practices and community-led innovations across PK-3
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State of the Field Bright Spot Briefs highlight community-led innovations and promising practices across the PK-3 learning settings across the country. They lift up examples of what’s working to support learning and success in the early grades.
In addition to being featured through briefs and webinars, bright spot sites will be a part of a growing national network of innovators. These sites will serve as learning resources for districts and schools engaged in CELS targeted technical assistance and may function as demonstration sites for peer learning, site visits, and cross-system exchange.
Bright Spot Briefs will launch in May 2026.
Practice Briefs
Turning research into action in the early grades
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State of the Field Practice Briefs translate research into actionable, clear, practical guidance that supports implementation in classrooms, schools, and communities. They are designed to help education leaders, practitioners, and families apply evidence-based approaches in ways that fit their daily work.
Practice Briefs will launch in April 2026.
Research Brief: Early Literacy Instruction
This State of the Field brief synthesizes research on early literacy instruction to create a shared understanding of how children develop literacy across the preschool through Grade 3 (PK–3) continuum.
Practice Brief: Early Literacy Instruction
Discover practical strategies for teaching phonics effectively across preschool through Grade 3. This practice brief explores developmentally informed approaches that connect explicit phonics instruction with reading, writing, conversation, play, and meaningful literacy experiences.
Bright Spot Brief: Early Literacy Instruction
Explore promising approaches to early literacy instruction from Briya Public Charter School, New York City's Community School District 7, and Mississippi. This Bright Spot Brief shares practical lessons for strengthening literacy instruction across PK–3.
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Webinars
Learning across the PK-3 continuum webinar series.
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Office Hours
Collaborative learning and implementation support.
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Training & Technical Assistance
Capacity-building tools, training, and support.