Education Commons^™

Coordinating General Classroom Reading Instruction With Reading Recovery Instruction, Jane E. Bentley-Gadow

Graduate Research Papers

"Our Nation is at risk. Our once unchallenged preeminence in commerce, industry, science, and technological innovation is being overtaken by competitors throughout the world" (The National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983, p. 5). 3 These were the opening words published in a 1983 letter to the people of the United States entitled, A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform. In 1981, the National Commission on Excellence in Education was created under the direction of the Secretary of Education, T. H. Bell. Its purpose was to investigate issues in America's education, define problems and identify solutions (The National …

Self-Monitoring With Preschoolers, Nicole Fay Kimball

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper is a review of the literature on self-monitoring as an intervention for the preschool population. Self-monitoring is defined, and its elements are described. The theoretical background of self-monitoring is provided. The development of preschoolers is discussed in the context of self-monitoring, and behaviors that may be appropriately self-monitored by preschoolers are considered. Studies of self-monitoring with these children are reviewed. Issues needing further study are presented, and recommendations concerning the need for additional research are made.

A Kindergarten Teacher's Growth : Creating An Authentic Writing Program, Deborah Reicks

Graduate Research Papers

In examining several elements of the kindergarten writing program I chose to focus on the importance of the connection between reading and writing and the role I, as a teacher, can play in encouraging children to grow and develop as young writers. By improving the process of discussing and recording a child's writing with each child we were able to focus on how reading and writing are connected and use the child's strengths and interests to foster growth.

Integrating Children's Literature And Mathematics In The Early Childhood Classroom, Jamie M. Christensen

Graduate Research Papers

"Historically there have been three reasons for groups to formally adopt a set of standards: (1) to ensure quality, (2) to indicate goals, and (3) to promote change. For NCTM, all three reasons are of equal importance" (The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1989, p. 2).

Now, more than any other time in history, mathematical reform is essential in our school systems. The traditional mathematics curriculum was designed to prepare shopkeepers, farmers, and factory workers for occupations in the early 1900s. Some of those skills are still useful in today's society. However, as the new millennium approaches, our future …

Class Size In The Primary School Years (Kindergarten - Grade Three), Tracy L. Goebel-Kelley

Graduate Research Papers

Studies of the effects of class size on children's learning have been conducted throughout the twentieth century involving nearly a million students. This article summarizes the professional literature on the effects of class size on primary grade children's learning and how it corresponds to the NAEYC's developmentally appropriate guidelines. Then, class size reduction policies such as hiring an additional teacher, implementing tutoring programs, or grouping students differently throughout the day to reduce class size during reading and math classes are presented. This article was written to help those who are involved in early childhood programs understand the many benefits that …

The Home-School Partnership, Sue W. Mcdonald

Graduate Research Papers

This school-home literacy project reaffirms the notion that the school and home working together greatly benefits children. The parents in the project believed the partnership encouraged them to make time each day to be involved in their child's literacy experiences. From this consistent scheduling of experiences, the parents were able to observe the benefits of the partnership as their children grew in reading and writing abilities. Parents also commented on the difficulty of locating books that were appropriate for their children's reading level. A bibliography of predictable stories should be provided to the parents.

The Use Of Multiple Intelligences In Designing Curriculum For An Early Childhood Classroom, Dawn Osterhaus

Graduate Research Papers

Early childhood curriculum implementation is not yet well represented in the literature pertaining to multiple intelligences. For purposes of this project, the literature pertaining to early childhood classrooms where the seven multiple intelligences were implemented was reviewed, and a preschool implementing the seven multiple intelligences has been written. This curriculum makes a difference in how the authors' lesson plans are designed and classroom activities are chosen. The resulting curriculum may also make a difference in how other early childhood educators set up their overall curriculum, and provides an easy-to-follow resource guide of potential use when planning individual units and activities.

Integrating The Research Process In The Early Primary Curriculum, Laurie Jean Hazel

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to design a developmentally appropriate curriculum that provides primary teachers with the rationale, planning, procedures, and guidance needed to incorporate research projects into their primary grade curriculum. This program is not limited to talented and gifted students; it is recommended for all students.

The literature review consists of profiling the work of teachers and authors in the field of education who incorporate research techniques into their teaching practice. The literature builds a foundation for the importance and benefits of research skills and projects for students of all ages and ability levels.

When primary students …

Full-Day Kindergarten : Issues And Planning For Implementation, Nancy Jo Bolick

Graduate Research Papers

Many school districts have begun implementing full-day, every day kindergarten programs as opposed to half-day, every day programs or full-day, alternate day programs. This study focuses on the issues and concerns involved when making the transition from a half-day or alternate day kindergarten program to a developmentally appropriate full-day program. A brief history of kindergarten is presented and research is examined and reported upon concerning areas of financial considerations, classroom set-up, organization and maintenance, curriculum development, and parental involvement for full-day kindergartens.

A survey of parents and guardians of future kindergarten students in a small, rural, Midwest, parochial school system …

Early Interventions In Learning To Read, Kathleen Duax

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to provide an insight into the world of creating readers; people who love to read and want to read. The review presents information about early interventions by parents and teachers that can increase a child's ability to learn to read. The intent is to help parents and teachers become more aware of the dimensions of literacy, to allow them to become more informed about literacy and the importance of early interventions, and to use this information in ways that can help children become readers.

Choosing An Effective Kindergarten Program : Comparing Full-Day And Half-Day Schedules, Lori A. Frost

Graduate Research Papers

Due to changes in American society and education during the last twenty years the popularity of all-day, everyday kindergarten programs has grown. Among the many issues cited as reasons for implementing all-day kindergarten programs are ". . . a growing need for child care, the need for more opportunity for socialization among young children, and a demand for more academically challenging programs" (Rust, 1993, p. 8).

The "whole child" approach is what we strive for today. However, that focus has been compromised in some instances by placing financial, parental, or school needs ahead of what is best for kindergarten students. …

Kindergarten Writing Program, Kimberly E. Dewulf

Graduate Research Papers

In the kindergarten writing program, many experiences can help writing become an enjoyable experience for children. The learning environment can nurture pleasure in literature, an enthusiasm for reading and writing, and foster many opportunities to engage in the writing process. Some of the activities can be presented by the teacher while others can be initiated by the children.

Early Childhood Teachers' Beliefs And Practices Related To Promoting Children's Conflict Resolution In Constructivist Classrooms: A Study Of Two Teachers, Yuko Hashimoto

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The study involved six weeks of classroom observations and in-depth interviews with two teachers, kindergarten and first grade, who are currently engaging in an on-going process of implementing constructivist education in a public school in Missouri and whose teaching practices are considered to be exemplary. The purpose of the study was twofold: (a) to describe and analyze the teachers’ practical approaches in promoting children’s conflict resolution in the classrooms and (b) to examine how the teachers’ beliefs and practices related to conflict resolution reflect the theoretical framework o f the constructivist program.

The results of the data collection were analyzed …

Iowa Early Education: The State-Of-The-State Study., University Of Northern Iowa

College of Education Documents

The Regents' Center for Early Developmental Education (University of Northern Iowa) focuses efforts on improving early childhood education (birth through 8 years) in Iowa by supporting educational efforts that emphasize children's interests; experimentation; and cooperation. In recent years; educational reform initiatives have targeted programs for 4-year-olds and younger elementary-aged children. The Regents' Center initiated a comprehensive needs assessment study of early education in Iowa in 1994. Surveys focused on program characteristics such as enrollment; instructional arrangements; staffing; teacher qualifications; parent participation; and other issues relating to program implementation. This report presents findings from Phase One; and consists of survey results …

The Effects Of Multiage Grouping On Primary Students, Susan Mooney

Graduate Research Papers

This study analyzes the literature regarding the appropriateness of grouping children in multiage groups. The term multiage groups is defined here as the deliberate assembling of pupils together who are of, at least two or three chronological age groups.

Three issues are discussed in this regard: (1) What are the characteristics of the multiage approach? (2) Why is the multiage grouping approach becoming more popular? (3) What are the standards which would be applied when assigning children to multiage groups?

The history of multiage groups is addressed as well as the characteristics and reasons for the return in popularity of …

An Evaluation Of A Preschool Tutorial Program, Jody Lee Sunde

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The University of Northern Iowa Center for Urban Education (UNI-CUE), located in Waterloo, Iowa, offers a variety of programs, including the Academic Skills Achievement Program (ASAP). The Academic Skills Achievement Program is designed to provide tutoring services, addressing both academic and social needs, to children in a variety of educational settings. The tutors are university undergraduates who provide a community service while at the same time earning two hours of elective credit. The target of this evaluation is one component of the Academic Skills Achievement Program, specifically the Head Start site located at UNI-CUE. The purpose of this evaluation is …

A Survey Of Elementary Principals, Kindergarten Teachers, And Kindergarten Parents Focusing On Preferences For Academic Or Developmental Programming At The Kindergarten Level, Dudley L. Humphrey

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the preferences regarding instructional practices at the kindergarten level and investigate the relationships of these preferences among elementary principals, kindergarten teachers, and kindergarten parents. A survey of a systematic sample of 217 Iowa public elementary schools provided perceptual data from 148 (68%) of these schools. Elementary principals, kindergarten teachers, and kindergarten parents were asked to complete a questionnaire based on the Hitz 1986 Oregon Department of Education questionnaire which provided insight to their preferences on developmental and academic instructional practices at the kindergarten level. Of the population, 132 principals out of …

Early Identifiers Of Learning Disabilities In Preschool Children, Richard Alan Rebouché

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The study identified learning disability (ID) characteristics from the diagnostic reports of 46 preschool age children. 21 children re-evaluated once at school age, and 6 children evaluated twice. The children were identified as learning disabled three to seven years later. The symptoms characteristics of preschool students and school age learning disabled students were identified as characteristic of learning disabled if the symptoms appeared in 50 percent or more of the student records.

In the preschool age group, expressive and receptive language, in addition to fine and gross-motor deficits were the most frequent symptoms of learning disability. Also, attention span and …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Seriation And Classification Skills In Young Children, R'Delle Marie Anderson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The results of the Benziger Early Learning Assessment (BELA) classification and seriation subtests previously administered to 359 white, primarily middle-class preschool and primary grade school children were analyzed to determine the degree of relationship, interaction and parallelism between these two cognitive skills across age groups of children. In addition, the existence of any sex differences in performance was examined. The 359 children were grouped into three successive age groups at six-month intervals beginning with the age of four years and six months.

Results indicated that the relationship between seriation and classification, as measured by the BELA, was positive and quite …

The Effect Of Preschool Experiences On The Achievement Of Kindergarten Children Enrolled In The 1971-1972 Follow Through Program In Waterloo, Iowa, David Phillip Stetson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The problem of the investigation concerned itself with the effect of preschool experiences on the achievement of the kindergarten children enrolled in the 1971-1972 Follow Through Program in Waterloo, Iowa, which used the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, model of individually prescribed instruction. The study explored the effects of preschool experience upon kindergarten males and females as contrasted to the male and female kindergarten children without preschool experience.

Two conceptual constructs gave direction and provided the rationale for this study. The first conceptual construct provided research related to early childhood education presented according to the Geneticist, Environmentalist, and the Interactionalist's positions. The second …

Family Size, Intelligence, And Patterns Of Achievement In Preschool Children, H. Jane Reppas

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of membership in a large or small family to the patterns of achievement as revealed by the results of the subtests of the Iowa Test of Preschool Development (ITPD). Of interest also was the study of the relationship of membership in subgroups based on both race and family size to patterns of achievement.

The subjects of the study were eighty black and white preschool children. There were twenty children in each subgroup small black family, large black family, small white family, and large white family). The subgroups were similar in …