Fundación ProEd

Bridging the Gap: The ProEd Kids Solution

Introduction:

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Panama faced an existing learning gap within its public education system. However, with the onset of the pandemic, this gap was widened significantly. Two full years of school closures not only exacerbated existing educational inequalities but also left students vulnerable to falling behind academically and socially. Annual teacher strikes further disrupt the learning process, leaving students at the mercy of political agendas that promise to further delay their academic and socio-emotional development. In the face of these challenges, Fundacion ProEd has remained steadfast in its commitment to education. With a 20-year trajectory and recognition by UNESCO for its unique and effective professional learning programs for teachers and school leaders, ProEd stands as a hopeful solution in the educational landscape of Panama. ProEd Kids represents the organization's newest innovation—a solution aimed at bridging the gap of educational inequity and empowering students and teachers alike.

ProEd Vision and Mission:

At ProEd, our vision is to create a world where every child has access to quality education and equal opportunities for success. We believe that education is the key to unlocking a child's full potential and empowering them to build a better future for themselves and their communities. Therefore, our mission is to design, implement, and evaluate programs that enhance pedagogical practices and provide transformative learning experiences for children of all backgrounds.

The ProEd Kids program directly addresses the urgent need to mitigate learning loss caused by the pandemic and politically induced school closures. By offering a year-long afterschool program, ProEd Kids provides elementary school children with a structured, stimulating, and safe environment for learning that supplements their disrupted education, helping to bridge the gap created by lost instructional time.

ProEd Kids introduces a pioneering method by inviting public school teachers to observe real-time learning scenarios during the afterschool enrichment program. By witnessing effective pedagogical practices in action and receiving personalized coaching from ProEd instructional experts, teachers can enhance their skills and instructional techniques, ultimately improving student outcomes.

ProEd Kids offers a platform for collaboration and trust-building between educators and the community. By opening their classrooms to public school teachers, ProEd Kids fosters transparency, collaboration, and mutual respect, strengthening the connection between schools and the broader community.

Through scholarships for elementary school children and innovative instructional strategies for teachers, ProEd Kids empowers both students and educators to excel, enriching the learning experience for all.

ProEd Kids represents a transformative solution to the challenges facing the education system in Panama. Rooted in ProEd's vision and mission, the program addresses learning loss, provides innovative teacher professional development, builds trust and collaboration, and empowers students and teachers alike. With ProEd Kids, we can bridge the gap, inspire excellence, and build a brighter future for all.

Dr. Debbie Psychoyos, Founder and CEO of Fundacion ProEd, brings over four decades of experience in education to her role. A dedicated and passionate educator, Dr. Psychoyos has devoted her career to improving educational outcomes for children in Panama. With a deep understanding of the challenges facing the public education system, she founded ProEd with a vision to create transformative learning experiences and bridge the gap of educational inequity. Dr. Psychoyos's innovative leadership and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in ProEd's success and recognition as a pioneering organization in the field of education. Her solid dedication to empowering students and teachers alike continues to drive ProEd's mission forward, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and educators in Panama.

At Fundacion ProEd, the driving force behind the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the ProEd Kids program lies in the capable hands of our dedicated team leaders. Despite being a lean organization with only three full-time employees, each member plays a critical role in ensuring the success and impact of our initiatives.

Leading the charge are our two instructional coaches, who hold the titles of Director of Programs and Director of Communication. These individuals bring a wealth of expertise and experience in education and pedagogy, serving as the backbone of our program development efforts. The Director of Programs oversees the design and implementation of the ProEd Kids curriculum, ensuring that it aligns with our mission and vision while meeting the unique needs of our students. Meanwhile, the Director of Communication spearheads efforts to disseminate information about our program, engaging with stakeholders, and fostering community partnerships to support our goals.

Supporting our instructional coaches is our Administrative Assistant, who plays an essential role in managing logistics and finances. With meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills, our Administrative Assistant ensures that the day-to-day operations of the ProEd Kids program run smoothly, from coordinating schedules and resources to overseeing budgeting and financial reporting.

At the helm of our team is Dr. Debbie Psychoyos, the Founder of Fundacion ProEd, who acts as an Executive Director offering her services on a pro bono basis. Dr. Psychoyos brings four decades of experience as an educator and a deep commitment to educational excellence. In her role, she provides strategic guidance and leadership, leveraging her extensive network and expertise to support all areas of our work, from fundraising efforts to team building and instructional coaching.

Moreover, yearly professional development is provided to the Leadership Team of ProEd. The two instructional coaches hold Master's degrees in Neuroscience in Education and each year they participate in international professional learning opportunities aimed at upgrading their pedagogical practices.

Together, our team leaders form a dynamic and cohesive cohort, driving the vision and mission of Fundacion ProEd forward. Through their collaborative efforts, they ensure that the ProEd Kids program remains at the forefront of innovative education practices, empowering students, and educators alike to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of education. With their passion, expertise, and dedication, our team leaders are poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and communities in Panama.

ProEd Kids: A transformative afterschool enrichment program fostering literacy, technology, critical thinking, and values for elementary students in Panama.

The ProEd Kids program addresses multifaceted challenges within Panama's public education system, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and pre-existing disparities. Prior to the pandemic, educational inequities were already prevalent, with students from marginalized communities often facing barriers to quality education. However, the onset of the pandemic exacerbated these disproportions, with prolonged school closures, which widened the learning gap.

Amidst the two-year school closures due to the pandemic, students experienced significant disruptions to their academic progress and socio-emotional development. For elementary school children, these disruptions were particularly detrimental, as foundational learning experiences crucial for their future success were compromised. Moreover, annual teacher strikes further exacerbated the situation, leaving students at the mercy of political agendas that hindered their access to education.

The consequences of these disruptions are far-reaching. Students from low-income households and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected, facing increased risks of falling behind academically and disengaging from the learning process altogether. Moreover, the erosion of public trust in the education system has hindered efforts to secure funding for teacher training and educational initiatives, intensifying the challenges faced by educators and students alike.

Additionally, the pandemic has highlighted existing inequities in access to technology and digital literacy skills, further widening the digital divide among students. Marginalized students often lacked access to internet or technology tools, preventing them from participating in online classes during the extended school closures. Many were forced to rely on a single cell phone shared among themselves, severely limiting their ability to engage in remote learning and access educational resources.

In response to these multifaceted challenges, the ProEd Kids program aims to bridge the gap in educational opportunities and empower students to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. By providing a year-long afterschool enrichment program, ProEd Kids offers elementary school children a structured learning environment to supplement their disrupted education. Through targeted interventions in literacy, technology for learning, critical and creating thinking, and values education, the program equips students with essential skills and competencies for lifelong success.

By creating a learning space for public school teachers to observe real-time learning scenarios during the afterschool program, ProEd Kids addresses the need for innovative teacher professional development. By leveraging the expertise of instructional coaches and providing opportunities for hands-on coaching and mentoring, the program empowers educators to enhance their instructional practices for the purpose of improved student outcomes.

The ProEd Kids program represents a proactive and holistic approach to addressing the complex challenges within Panama's public education system. By targeting the root causes of educational inequities and empowering both students and teachers, the program aims to create a brighter future for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances.

At its core, ProEd Kids addresses the root causes of educational inequity by providing targeted interventions and support to students who have historically been underserved by Panama’s public education system. By offering a year-long afterschool enrichment program, ProEd Kids creates a structured learning environment where elementary school children can receive the support and resources they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

One of the primary ways in which ProEd Kids bridges the gap of educational inequity is through its focus on literacy. Recognizing that strong literacy skills are foundational to academic success, the program offers tailored literacy interventions to help students improve their reading, writing, and communication abilities. By equipping students with these essential skills, ProEd Kids empowers them to access educational opportunities and engage more fully in the learning process.

Additionally, ProEd Kids addresses the digital divide by providing access to technology and digital literacy skills training for students from marginalized communities. In a world where technology plays an increasingly important role in education and daily life, it is essential that all students have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. Through its technology-focused initiatives, ProEd Kids ensures that students are not left behind due to lack of access to technology or digital skills.

In addition to academic support, ProEd Kids also focuses on fostering critical thinking skills and values among students. Through hands-on activities, projects, and discussions, students are encouraged to think critically, solve problems, and develop a strong sense of ethics and social responsibility. By instilling these values in students from a young age, ProEd Kids helps prepare them to navigate the complexities of the world today and become active, engaged, educated citizens in their communities.

ProEd Kids recognizes the importance of supporting teachers and educators in their efforts to address educational inequity. By creating a learning space where public school teachers can observe real-time learning scenarios during the afterschool program, ProEd Kids provides opportunities for professional development and collaboration. Through coaching, mentoring, and access to innovative instructional strategies, teachers are empowered to enhance their pedagogical practice to improve student outcomes.

Overall, ProEd Kids represents a holistic approach to addressing educational inequity in Panama. By providing targeted interventions, resources, and support to students from marginalized communities, as well as empowering teachers and educators to enhance their instructional practices, the program aims to create a more equitable and inclusive education system where all students are provided the foundations needed to succeed. Through its efforts, ProEd Kids is helping to build a brighter future for the next generation of learners in Panama.

ProEd Kids is built on a decade of research, both internal and external, to guide its development and measure its impact. The research, while not overly complex, has shown significant results.

Our foundational research stems from literature reviews and desktop studies conducted over several years, allowing us to identify key areas of need and design targeted interventions aligned with evidence-based strategies.

We also conduct formative studies, including usability tests, interviews, and process evaluations, to refine and optimize program components based on feedback from students, educators, and stakeholders.

Finally, we assess the impact of our program through rigorous evaluations such as correlational and quasi-experimental studies, measuring outcomes related to student learning and socio-emotional development.

In summary, ProEd Kids' approach is research-driven, ensuring that our program is effective, responsive, and grounded in evidence-based practices, ultimately aiming to address instructional practices of teachers to improve student learning and bridge the gap educational inequities in Panama.

The studies conducted by ProEd have significantly influenced the framework and development of the ProEd Kids program, shaping its approach and strategies to address the educational challenges faced by students in publics schools in Panama.

Firstly, foundational research, including literature reviews and desktop studies, has played a pivotal role in informing the program's design. By synthesizing existing knowledge and best practices in education, ProEd identified key areas of need and developed targeted interventions aligned with evidence-based strategies. This foundational research formed the basis for the program's curriculum development, ensuring alignment with pedagogical principles and educational standards.

Furthermore, formative studies, such as usability tests, interviews, and process evaluations, have provided valuable insights into the needs and preferences of students, educators, and stakeholders. By engaging with these stakeholders and collecting feedback throughout the development process, ProEd was able to refine and optimize program components to better meet the needs of its target audience. For example, feedback from formative studies may have led to adjustments in program content, scheduling, or delivery methods to enhance student engagement and effectiveness.

Additionally, summative research, including impact evaluations and quasi-experimental studies, has been instrumental in assessing the effectiveness of the ProEd Kids program. By measuring outcomes related to student learning, academic achievement, and socio-emotional development, ProEd was able to gather evidence of the program's impact and effectiveness. These research findings not only validate the program's approach but also provide valuable insights for ongoing improvement and refinement.

The studies conducted by ProEd have served as a guiding force in the development of the ProEd Kids program, ensuring that it is evidence-based, responsive to the needs of its stakeholders, and effective in addressing educational inequities. By integrating research findings into program design and implementation, ProEd has been able to create a high-quality educational experience that empowers students to succeed and thrive. Through ongoing research and evaluation, ProEd remains committed to continuous improvement and innovation, further enhancing the impact and effectiveness of the ProEd Kids program.

ProEd programs have long been dedicated to enhancing student learning by offering high-quality professional development opportunities for teachers and school leaders. While our primary focus has been on building teacher capacities, we recognize the importance of also targeting another vital group within the school community: the students themselves. As we expand our efforts to include the ProEd Kids program, we are modifying our teacher training model to incorporate real-time teaching scenarios with children, followed by coaching and feedback sessions for teachers. This adjustment ensures that educators have firsthand experience implementing the strategies and techniques taught in training sessions, allowing for immediate application and refinement in a supportive environment. By integrating student-focused components into our existing teacher training framework, we aim to create a more holistic approach to education that empowers both educators and students to thrive.

ProEd is at a critical juncture in the pilot phase of the ProEd Kids program, and the support of LEAP is essential to maximize its impact and effectiveness. As we embark on this endeavor to address educational inequities in Panama, we recognize the importance of building a hardy evidence base to demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution and accelerate its impact on learners.

The LEAP Project offers an invaluable opportunity for ProEd to build a culture of evidence and leverage research insights to enhance the effectiveness of ProEd Kids. By embedding experience and perspectives from the results of research, we can refine and optimize the program to better meet the needs of students and educators, ultimately accelerating its impact on learners.

The Fellow team assigned to our LEAP Project will undoubtedly provide guidance and support in developing an evidence-based approach to strengthen the ProEd Kids program. Drawing on their expertise in research and evaluation, the Fellow team will advise us on best practices for data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring that we are able to measure and demonstrate the program's effectiveness in achieving its objectives and targeting areas for improvement.

We anticipate that the LEAP Project will influence our attempts to conduct rigorous evaluations and assessments to validate the impact of ProEd Kids. LEAP support will help generate credible evidence of the program's effectiveness and will be instrumental in securing funding, and acquiring necessary support from stakeholders for sustainability, which will permit ProEd Kids to scale its program to reach more students in need.

In summary, ProEd is seeking the support of LEAP at this moment in the pilot phase of ProEd Kids to build a culture of evidence, demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution, and accelerate its impact on learners. With the guidance and expertise provided by the Fellow team, we are confident that we can strengthen the evidence base of ProEd Kids and ensure its success in transforming the lives of students in Panama.

Examining ProEd Kids' impact on student outcomes and identifying effective program strategies are key research focuses for the LEAP team. The answers to the following research questions are being sought:

• How and to what extent does participation in the ProEd Kids program impact students' academic performance, socio-emotional development, and overall well-being?
• What are the most effective strategies and interventions implemented within the ProEd Kids program that contribute to improved student outcomes and educational equity?
• How and to what extent does the integration of real-time teaching scenarios with children enhance the effectiveness of ProEd's teacher training model?

ProEd Kids stands to benefit significantly from each of these research frameworks due to their unique contributions to understanding the program's impact, effectiveness, and implementation.

Foundational research, including literature reviews and desktop research, would provide crucial insights into existing knowledge and best practices in education relevant to ProEd Kids' objectives. By synthesizing information from previous studies and educational resources, ProEd Kids can ensure that its program design and interventions are informed by evidence-based strategies and pedagogical principles. Additionally, foundational research would help identify key areas of need and potential challenges that ProEd Kids aims to address, guiding the development of targeted interventions and approaches.

Formative research methods, such as usability studies, feasibility studies, case studies, user interviews, and process evaluations, are essential for refining and optimizing the ProEd Kids program during its pilot phase. By engaging with stakeholders, including students, educators, and community members, through interviews and usability studies, ProEd Kids can gather valuable feedback on program components, delivery methods, and overall effectiveness. Feasibility studies can assess the practicality and viability of implementing certain program elements, while process evaluations can provide insights into the implementation fidelity and adherence to program goals. Additionally, case studies and implementation studies can offer in-depth understanding of how ProEd Kids operates within different contexts and communities, allowing for adjustments and adaptations as needed.

Summative research, including impact evaluations, correlational studies, quasi-experimental studies, and randomized control studies, would enable ProEd Kids to assess the overall effectiveness and impact of its program on student outcomes and educational equity. Impact evaluations would measure the extent to which ProEd Kids achieves its intended objectives and outcomes, providing valuable evidence of its success. Correlational studies could examine relationships between program participation and various student outcomes, helping identify factors associated with program effectiveness. Quasi-experimental and randomized control studies would provide rigorous evidence of causality, allowing ProEd Kids to confidently attribute changes in student outcomes to its program interventions.

In summary, within reasonable expectations of a 12-week LEAP intervention, each of these research methods offers unique advantages for understanding, refining, and evaluating the ProEd Kids program, ultimately contributing to its success in addressing educational inequities and improving student outcomes in Panama.

The outputs from the LEAP sprint will pave the way for new beginnings, drawing upon the results of the LEAP/ProEd partnership to chart innovative paths forward. After the LEAP Project sprint concludes, ProEd will strategically leverage these outputs to enhance the ProEd Kids program and propel its mission of tackling educational disparities in Panama.

The research findings and insights obtained through the LEAP Project will be integrated into the ongoing development and refinement of the ProEd Kids program. By leveraging the evidence-based recommendations and best practices identified during the project, ProEd will enhance the effectiveness and impact of its program interventions. For example, if the research highlights specific strategies or interventions that are particularly effective in improving student outcomes, ProEd will incorporate these findings into the program curriculum and implementation plan. Additionally, any identified areas for improvement or adjustments will be addressed through iterative refinement of program components, ensuring that ProEd Kids remains responsive to the evolving needs of students and educators.

The LEAP Project outputs will inform ProEd's advocacy and fundraising efforts aimed at scaling the ProEd Kids program and expanding its reach to more students in need. The evidence-based research findings and evaluation results will serve as powerful tools to demonstrate the program's success and impact to potential donors, stakeholders, and policymakers. By showcasing the tangible outcomes and positive changes achieved through ProEd Kids, ProEd will strengthen its case for continued support and investment in its mission to improve educational equity in Panama public schools.

ProEd will disseminate the knowledge and learnings gained from the LEAP Project within the education community in Panama and beyond. Through workshops, conferences, and publications, ProEd will share the research findings, insights, and best practices with educators, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders. By fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration, ProEd aims to contribute to the broader discourse on effective education interventions and strategies for addressing educational inequities globally.

To conclude, the outputs from the LEAP Project will serve as valuable assets for ProEd, informing program development, advocacy efforts, and knowledge dissemination activities aimed at advancing education equity and improving student outcomes in Panama and beyond. Through strategic utilization of the research findings and insights, ProEd will continue to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and communities.

The desired long-term outcomes of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint for Fundación ProEd and the ProEd Kids program encompass both organizational growth and programmatic impact, aiming to create lasting positive changes in education equity and student outcomes.

For Fundación ProEd, the LEAP Project presents an opportunity to strengthen its capacity for evidence-based decision-making and program improvement. By partnering with the LEAP team and leveraging their expertise in research and evaluation, ProEd aims to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the organization. The long-term outcome for Fundación ProEd is to establish robust systems for monitoring, evaluating, and refining its programs, ensuring that they remain responsive to the needs of students and educators. Additionally, ProEd seeks to enhance its reputation as a leader in education innovation and advocacy, positioning itself as a trusted partner for stakeholders and donors invested in promoting education equity in Panama and beyond.

For the ProEd Kids program, the long-term outcomes of the LEAP Project sprint are centered on improving student outcomes and advancing educational equity. Through rigorous research and evaluation, ProEd Kids aims to generate evidence of its effectiveness in addressing educational disparities and improving learning outcomes for students from marginalized communities. The program seeks to demonstrate tangible impacts such as increased academic achievement, enhanced socio-emotional development, and improved access to educational opportunities. By documenting these outcomes, ProEd Kids aims to attract additional funding and resources to scale its impact, reaching more students in need and narrowing the achievement gap in Panama's education system.

Overall, the desired long-term outcomes of the LEAP Project sprint for Fundación ProEd and the ProEd Kids program align with their shared mission of promoting education equity and empowering students to succeed. By investing in research, evaluation, and program improvement, ProEd aims to create sustainable change that positively impacts the lives of students and communities in Panama and beyond. Through collaborative efforts with the LEAP team, ProEd seeks to build a brighter future for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances, by providing access to quality education and opportunities for success.