Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

What I have learned about research is not all research is centered around medical advances.  There are studies that are developed to help improve policy dictate how policies are implemented and/or evaluate policy and practices' effect on the citizens of our nation.  Most recently I was able to review a research study that evaluated the affect of the QRIS system on young children and their families.  This was intended to be a minimal risk research study to test how the Quality Rating and Improvement System works in each early learning program.

During the research timetable the practitioners introduced the QRIS to early learning programs in low-income areas.  With increased investment in QRIS research and evaluation and greater pressure to demonstrate QRIS effectiveness, it is critical to develop a strategic plan for new QRIS research and evaluation that addresses pressing and vexing questions about QRIS design, connections of QRIS to other early childhood system components, and outcomes (expected and unexpected).  The first step in collaborative research that focused on the outcomes of QRIS was the development of new logic models that specify not only ultimate outcomes for children (e.g., school readiness) but also outcomes for families, programs, practitioners, and systems. Outcomes at these levels will support the ultimate goal of improving children’s outcomes. 

In the aspect of positive research this research study was introduced to promote educational change for the children.  "Our paramount responsibility is to provide care and education in settings that are safe, healthy, nurturing, and responsive for each child"(NAEYC, 2011).  They were participants in they attended a school that was undergoing an improvement of quality and practice.  There was little to no direct harm placed on the children.  We all know that children benefit from attending high-quality early learning programs.  This study transformed into a quality program.

My Personal Research Journey

I am a lover of information.  Before I make any decision I do research.  I look into restaurants, hotels, cars, food recipe ingredients, makers of clothing just to name a few.  I like to make educated decisions so when it comes to my profession I enjoy research and collaboration.  I appreciate the advice and recommendations of those more versed than myself.  Since being in school, I have become accustomed with researching and locating credible resources to help complete my assignments.  I often read additional and unassigned chapters in course literature for my personal acquisition of knowledge. At first I thought that doing these blogs were a way for the university to assign "busy work" and it was unnecessary.  I have since changed my mind and it falls in line with my appreciation of research.  I have been able to learn and gain additional resources from my classmates.  That for me is an invaluable benefit.

In the short 2 weeks that I have been in this course it has proven me wrong.  Before I would have labeled myself a pro at research. However,  I would be very wrong in assigning myself that label.  I am learning so many important details when locating and identifying credible sources that I was previously unaware.  The knowledge is not beneficial just for my education but for my professional  and personal life as well.  What stands out for me is how value is placed on citing and references.  In the back of my mind I always felt that a point of view had more merit when validated by a expert in the field, historian or scholar of some sort.  I love clarity.  The research chart has given me understanding and clarity.  Every point of view is is valued when there is clarity.  Going forward I know that I will use the Walden Library and especially the Eric database.  It provides articles, studies and research papers centered toward education.  It has been an vital resource in my undergrad studies as well as my Graduate studies.  I hope you all find it as useful as I have. I am providing the link to it so that you can investigate it in your own time.   ERIC and Education Source Combined Search