title: Blending theory with practice: implementing kindergarten transition using the interactive systems framework.
abstract: The Interactive Systems Framework (ISF; Wandersman et al. in Am J Commu Psychol 41(3-4):171-181, 2008) was used to implement a kindergarten transition demonstration project collaboratively developed by elementary and early education providers, community-based family and housing services, parents, and a University intermediary and technical assistance group. First person accounts from stakeholders at all levels provide a complementary and broad perspective on the project's implementation. The practice model blended existing research on kindergarten transition and parent involvement with feedback from stakeholders to create a community-specific program designed to help all children make a smooth entry into kindergarten. During implementation, evidence-based approaches needed to be adjusted to fit the specific needs of each community. Using the ISF as a guide, next steps and lessons learned include increasing leadership through a district-wide plan that is still flexible within each school community, increasing information and supports to individual schools, and improving data collection for continuous program improvement.
authors.affiliation: Office of Child Development, University of Pittsburgh, 400 N. Lexington St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, USA.
authors.forename: Ken J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Smythe-Leistico
authors.forename: Colleen P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Laurie A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Mulvey
authors.forename: Robert B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: McCall
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petruska
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barone-Martin
authors.forename: Renata
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Capozzoli
authors.forename: Tiffani
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Best
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Coffee
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005178:Faculty; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents; D016730:Program Development; D012574:Schools; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013334:Students