Past Projects

Rolf Grafwallner, Ph.D.

​​​Strategic and Systems Planning

• Development of a Five-Year Strategic Plan for Early Learning in Maryland: Led the development of a comprehensive five-year strategic plan aimed at enhancing early learning across Maryland, ensuring a strong foundation for future educational achievements.

• Establishing Forums for State Education Agencies: Successfully established a forum, with philanthropic support and collaboration with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), to develop family engagement frameworks from birth through grade 12, fostering stronger family involvement in education.

• Co-Chairing Task Force on Universal PreK: Co-chaired the Task Force on Universal PreK, setting clear goals, strategies, and ensuring the alignment necessary for the expansion of state-funded PreK programs in Maryland.

State Policy Development

• Developing State Policies for Funded PreK: Pioneered the development of state policies for funded PreK, including comprehensive regulations, guidelines, and legislative support to ensure effective implementation and sustainability.

• Supporting Full-Day Kindergarten Legislation in Maryland: Actively supported legislation to introduce full-day kindergarten in Maryland, advocating for extended learning opportunities for young children.

• Revising Early Learning Standards in Ohio: Provided crucial support to Ohio’s state education agency, assisting in the revision of early learning and development standards to improve educational outcomes.

Project Management

• Establishing Improvement Forums: Established forums with state education agencies, local districts, and schools to apply improvement science strategies, managing the implementation of evidence-based classroom practices in early literacy and math from PreK to 3rd grade.

• Managing Kindergarten Entry Assessment Systems: Oversaw the planning and implementation of two distinct kindergarten entry assessment systems statewide in Maryland, ensuring standardized and effective assessment processes.

• Transferring Child Care Services to Maryland Department of Education: Managed the seamless transfer of all child care services to the Maryland Department of Education, enhancing service delivery and administrative efficiency.

Network Facilitation

• Supporting Continuous Improvement Strategies: Supported cohorts of state education agency administrators in establishing continuous improvement strategies for PreK to 3rd grade, fostering a culture of ongoing enhancement in early education.

• Coordinating National Symposia: Coordinated symposia with national experts and researchers, focusing on timely early education policies and promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration.

• Facilitating OECD Research Engagement: Facilitated the engagement of US states in participating in OECD early education research projects, promoting international collaboration and the adoption of best practices.

• Consulting for the Delaware Department of Education: Provided expert consultation to the Delaware Department of Education, assisting in the transfer of child care services into their department, ensuring a smooth and effective transition.