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Articles 1 - 30 of 126
Full-Text Articles in Education
Improving Parental Engagement For Kindergarten Readiness: An Improvement Science Study, Sarah Johnson
Improving Parental Engagement For Kindergarten Readiness: An Improvement Science Study, Sarah Johnson
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Every child deserves the opportunity to come to school ready to learn with the skills needed to take on the content in kindergarten. Students, who are not ready for kindergarten, have a higher chance of needing additional support services with academics and behavior (Fitzpatrick et al., 2020). In Kentucky, less than 50% of the kindergarten students were considered kindergarten ready based on the 2022 Kindergarten Readiness data (Kentucky Department of Education, 2023). In the district where this study took place, 43% of students were determined to be kindergarten ready (Kentucky Department of Education, 2023). Knowing the implications and long term …
Early Childhood Teachers' Experiences In Collaboration Practices Related To Developing Professionally: A Qualitative Case Study, Linda Alston-Morgan
Early Childhood Teachers' Experiences In Collaboration Practices Related To Developing Professionally: A Qualitative Case Study, Linda Alston-Morgan
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine early childhood teachers’ experiences in collaboration practices to support teacher professional development in three early childhood schools in Central New Jersey. The theory guiding this study was social cognitive theory by Bandura (1986), which focuses on learning through observations and social interactions. Bandura’s theory aligned with the study and revealed how collaborative opportunities are utilized as an approach to help teachers learn from each other and develop professionally. However, specific activities underlying the professional development of teachers during the collaborative sessions need more exploration. The research included data regarding early …
Implementing Play-Based Learning, Brooke Patton
Implementing Play-Based Learning, Brooke Patton
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan discusses play-based learning (PBL), a subject often debated within an early childhood setting. This plan will review current research to define what play- based learning is and the impact PBL learning has on the development of preschool and kindergarten students. Research shows that PBL learning can be highly effective for academic growth and that children learn best in this type of setting. PBL lets children make connections between their personal lives and their environment. In addition, it provides children with joyful experiences associated with their learning, adds motivation, and keeps children’s attention. Consistent, intentional planning that …
Preschool Approach To Teaching Alphabet Knowledge, Ashley Kreinbrink
Preschool Approach To Teaching Alphabet Knowledge, Ashley Kreinbrink
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project was completed by a researcher interested in the alphabet knowledge curriculum. More specifically, in the study of letters, and how to incorporate the relationship of uppercase and lowercase identification, letter sounds awareness, sound placements, and writing letter formation as critical components of an alphabet knowledge curriculum. This researcher taught preschool for thirteen years. The students were able to participate in the study. Students received Enhanced Alphabet Knowledge (EAK) lessons daily. The study was part of our priority standards aligned to the Iowa Early Learning Standards and Teaching Strategies GOLD. The students were asked to identify uppercase …
Implementing A Multi-Tiered System Of Support For Mathematics Instruction In Preschool Classrooms, Jennifer Petty
Implementing A Multi-Tiered System Of Support For Mathematics Instruction In Preschool Classrooms, Jennifer Petty
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Early intervention in preschool mathematics instruction is key. Studies have shown that the development of early math skills may be the single most important factor for determining future school success. This school improvement plan lays out the necessary steps that the Sioux City Community School District (SCCSD) can follow to implement a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) for the Preschool Initiative classrooms that are a part of the Iowa Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for Four-Year-Olds. This plan includes providing teachers who are a part of the Sioux City Community School District’s early childhood special education classrooms and the community partner …
Stress Arising From The Covid-19 Pandemic: Impacts On Coparenting Quality And Child Internalizing And Externalizing Problems, Michelle R. Ebrahim
Stress Arising From The Covid-19 Pandemic: Impacts On Coparenting Quality And Child Internalizing And Externalizing Problems, Michelle R. Ebrahim
Honors Theses
Since emerging in late 2019, the highly contagious coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused worldwide disruptions, with major shutdowns in school, work, and other aspects of life. These stressors uniquely impacted families with young children. The present study investigated the impact of the pandemic on family functioning and risk for child internalizing and externalizing problems during the first year after the pandemic. The study included three waves of data collection from a larger longitudinal study aimed at understanding how couples navigate the prenatal-postpartum transition and the impacts of the family on early child development. We found that family pandemic-related stress was …
The Benefits Of Parent-Teacher Collaboration On Achievement In The Preschool Classroom, Samantha Frye
The Benefits Of Parent-Teacher Collaboration On Achievement In The Preschool Classroom, Samantha Frye
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project was conducted to identify a correlation between parent-teacher collaboration and student achievement in the preschool classroom. Baseline data was gathered from the preschool student’s using fall Individual Development and Growth Indicators (IDGI) benchmark scores. Opportunities for parent-teacher collaboration began with monthly newsletters sent out on the classroom webpage, parent-teacher conferences, and signed homework assignments. Parent-teacher engagement was tracked through a tally system. A spreadsheet kept track of the number of communications that parents engaged in, as well as the type of communication. All students were progress monitored within each two week session using the IDGI’s progress …
A Benefit-Cost Analysis Of Tulsa Pre-K, Based On Effects On High School Graduation And College Attendance, Timothy J. Bartik, William T. Gormley, Sara Amadon, Douglas Hummel-Price, James Fuller
A Benefit-Cost Analysis Of Tulsa Pre-K, Based On Effects On High School Graduation And College Attendance, Timothy J. Bartik, William T. Gormley, Sara Amadon, Douglas Hummel-Price, James Fuller
Upjohn Institute Policy Papers
This paper presents new benefit-cost estimates for the Tulsa universal pre–K program. These calculations are based on estimated effects, from two recent papers, of Tulsa pre–K on high school graduation rates and college attendance rates of students who were in kindergarten in the fall of 2006. In the current paper, educational effects from these prior papers are used to infer lifetime earnings effects. Our conservative estimates suggest that per pre–K participant, the present value of earnings effects in 2021 dollars is $25,533, compared with program costs of $9,628, for a benefit-cost ratio of 2.65. Compared to prior benefit-cost studies of …
Preschool Number Of The Day, Christine Shepard
Preschool Number Of The Day, Christine Shepard
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project was completed by a researcher was interested in the preschool math curriculum. More specifically, in the numbers and how their relationships including one to one counting and producing the amount when given a number in preschool. This researcher has taught preschool for 7 years. The students were able to participate in the study. One class of students did not receive the number of the day lessons, while the other students received the lessons throughout the entire school year. The study was part of our learning standards aligning to the Iowa Early Learning Standards and Gold Teaching …
Playground Improvement Plan, Joan Ketelsen
Playground Improvement Plan, Joan Ketelsen
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Physical activity is important to the growth and development of children of all ages. The purpose of this paper is to use what we know about physical activity and the connection between social development, cognitive development and overall health to physical activity to improve the current opportunities for physical activity in school age children. Fundamental movement skills (FMS) mastery level of students will be used to implement this improvement plan as well as incorporating more physical activity opportunities in the school day to promote more movement and less sedentary time in the school day on a regular basis and to …
The Research-Based Strategies To Help Trauma Students In A Preschool Classroom, Amber Murray
The Research-Based Strategies To Help Trauma Students In A Preschool Classroom, Amber Murray
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Trauma in young children is an event that undermines a child's sense of physical or emotional safety or poses a threat to the safety of the child's parents or caregivers. There are different levels of trauma. Small changes in classroom interactions can make a big difference for traumatized students. Up to two-thirds of U.S., children have experienced at least one type of severe childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, natural disaster, or experiencing or witnessing violence. Trauma is the most significant public health issue facing children today. When teachers are proactive and responsive to the needs of students suffering from …
Building Executive Function And Self-Regulation In Preschool, Shawn Gorsett
Building Executive Function And Self-Regulation In Preschool, Shawn Gorsett
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research was inspired by the researcher’s interest in building executive function skills in preschool aged children and the effects this would have on incidents of dysregulated behaviors in the classroom. After completing a baseline measurement of the participant’s current level of executive function skills, the researcher implemented interventions designed to strengthen these skills. Interventions included providing teacher support in creating play plans during dramatic play, providing a choice board of game options during recesses, teaching mindfulness yoga relaxation techniques, and embedding practices include scaffolding, activating prior knowledge, providing think time, adding pair-share during large group discussions, preteaching vocabulary, …
Utilizing Mindfulness And Movement To Promote Executive Function And Self-Regulation, Sonia Bockoven
Utilizing Mindfulness And Movement To Promote Executive Function And Self-Regulation, Sonia Bockoven
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Self-regulation and executive function skills are imperative to learning in school and success later in life. The current reality shows that these skills are not often taught, yet early childhood remains a vital time of development and is an ideal time to introduce these skills. This school improvement plan presents mindfulness and movement as strategies to explicitly teach self-regulation and executive function skills in an inclusive setting. As strategies are implemented, reflection and assessment will occur to better understand their effectiveness. Families will also be involved to encourage application of skills and strategies outside of academic settings.
The Long-Run Effects Of High-Quality Pre-K: What Does The Research Show?, Timothy J. Bartik
The Long-Run Effects Of High-Quality Pre-K: What Does The Research Show?, Timothy J. Bartik
Testimonies
No abstract provided.
Long-Run Effects Of High-Quality Pre-K: What Does Research Show?, Timothy J. Bartik
Long-Run Effects Of High-Quality Pre-K: What Does Research Show?, Timothy J. Bartik
Presentations
High-quality pre-K results in long-run effects of higher educational attainment, lower crime, and higher earnings for former child participants as adults.
Pre‑K Teachers’ Professional Identity Development At Community‑Based Organizations During Universal Pre‑K Expansion In New York City, Sanae Akaba, Lacey E. Peters, Eva Liang, Sherryl B. Graves
Pre‑K Teachers’ Professional Identity Development At Community‑Based Organizations During Universal Pre‑K Expansion In New York City, Sanae Akaba, Lacey E. Peters, Eva Liang, Sherryl B. Graves
Publications and Research
This study examines how policy directives and recommendations implemented during a massive universal Pre-Kindergarten expansion in New York City has impacted teachers’ professional identity. We adapted the critical ecologies of the early childhood profession by Dalli et al. (Early childhood grows up: Towards a critical ecology of the profession. In Early childhood grows up, Springer, Dordrecht, pp. 3–19, 2012) and utilized data from in-depth interviews with teachers at community-based organizations in Pre-K programs. Our thematic analysis of transcripts revealed three themes in relation to teachers’ professional identity: becoming a teacher who can play multiple roles to meet administration’s expectations is …
Implementing Self-Selected Outdoor Play For Preschoolers, Shannon Jensen
Implementing Self-Selected Outdoor Play For Preschoolers, Shannon Jensen
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
As preschool-aged children spend more time using electronic devices and studying academic content, they are spending increasingly less time playing outdoors. Preschoolers spend a large portion of their days participating in sedentary activities. Outdoor play facilitates children' s development and learning in many areas including health, social and emotional skills, and motor skills. Outdoor play has also been shown to assist children with academic learning. Early childhood professionals spend significant amounts of time with young children and are largely responsible for providing outdoor play experiences for the children within their care. This school improvement plan documents the need for an …
Technology Enhances Literacy & Numeracy Skills In A Play-Based Preschool Classroom, Sarah Ringsdorf
Technology Enhances Literacy & Numeracy Skills In A Play-Based Preschool Classroom, Sarah Ringsdorf
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This research project investigated how technology can improve literacy and numeracy skills in a play-based preschool setting. This study looked at four basic literacy skills and four basic numeracy skills that could be enhanced through the use of the KidsAcademy iPad app. This study used a quantitative approach with a dependent sample t-test to look at how literacy and numeracy scores changed from a pre-test to a post-test. Data was analyzed using an average means between the students that used the technology. Findings suggest that the use of technology in preschool can advance literacy and numeracy skills, thus aiding in …
Effects Of Using Hands-On Materials During Narrative Literacy Activities In The Preschool Classroom, Brittany White
Effects Of Using Hands-On Materials During Narrative Literacy Activities In The Preschool Classroom, Brittany White
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Hands-on learning has been long studied for its effectiveness in accelerating student outcomes and increasing student engagement. The present study focuses on the use of hands-on, interactive materials during narrative literacy activities for seventeen preschool students in an urban, Midwest city. Through implementation of an intervention involving students manipulating hands-on materials during a large group read aloud, findings indicate 94% of students made growth in the area of story comprehension between pre and post assessment and 64% of students reached proficiency after intervention. Overall, this study improves our awareness of the benefits of using hands-on, interactive activities with preschool students …
Improving Preschoolers’ Number Sense Using Computer Math Games, Justine Hosch
Improving Preschoolers’ Number Sense Using Computer Math Games, Justine Hosch
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research study was to determine whether a preschool child’s number sense skills could be improved by using the iPad application ABCya! Games. The research study was conducted in a preschool classroom of 19 students at an elementary school in central Iowa. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data as students were assessed prior to and after the intervention, and were observed playing the technology-based math games during the intervention period. Given the limitations of the study, the findings of this study determined that the technology did not significantly improve student learning outcomes in …
Preschoolers' Engagement In Physical Activity And The Ability To Gauge Risks And Challenges, Teresa Beyer
Preschoolers' Engagement In Physical Activity And The Ability To Gauge Risks And Challenges, Teresa Beyer
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine the relationship between a three-year-old preschooler’s physical activity engagement and their ability to navigate risks and challenges in the natural playscape play area compared with the traditional playground. The decline of children’s physical activity over the past decade has influenced the research on the attributes of the outdoor space where children can become fully engaged as they navigate the risks and challenges encountered in their environment (Haga, 2021). A mixed-method study was used to determine significant differences in the children's physical activity engagement in a specific play area. Data was …
The Effect Of Quaversel On Preschool Students, Kinsley Heckart
The Effect Of Quaversel On Preschool Students, Kinsley Heckart
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become a growing concern and topic in education as students have faced unprecedented times since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. COVID-19 increased several mental health conditions and decreased critical social-emotional skills. The school where this action research took place implemented a new SEL curriculum called QuaverSEL to better address student needs. The participants in this study included two preschool classrooms, with six students aged 3- to 5-years-old. The study took place over four weeks, and interventions took place in 10-15 minute sessions two times a week. Data was collected before and after the implementation of …
Preschool Teachers' Lived Experiences Embracing Challenges In Preparing Students For Kindergarten: A Phenomenological Study, Rhodora A. Alonzo
Preschool Teachers' Lived Experiences Embracing Challenges In Preparing Students For Kindergarten: A Phenomenological Study, Rhodora A. Alonzo
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology was to describe pre-school teachers’ lived experiences embracing challenges in preparing students for kindergarten at a public school district in Mid-Atlantic State. The theory that guides this study was Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory keying in on the zone of proximal development (ZPD), which represents the amount of learning possible by a student, given the proper instructional conditions. The research questions include, “What do pre-school teachers perceive as challenges to preparing students for kindergarten?” “What are teachers’ perceptions about the importance of alignment between the pre-school and kindergarten programs?” “What are markers of pre-school students that …
The Benefit Of Inclusion In Early Childhood Classrooms, Taylor Webb
The Benefit Of Inclusion In Early Childhood Classrooms, Taylor Webb
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this literature review is to demonstrate the benefits of inclusion in preschool classrooms and encourage educators to embrace this practice. According to the experts, inclusion provides social and academic benefits along with learning what preservice teachers know about inclusion. The reviewed research suggests when inclusion is incorporated in preschool classroom settings, it benefits all children. The conclusion of this review includes recommendations of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood settings and how it can be used to make inclusive preschool classrooms a place for all students to learn and grow.
Technology To Increase Peer Interactions In Preschool, Angela Mclean
Technology To Increase Peer Interactions In Preschool, Angela Mclean
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Adding technology to the preschool classroom without interfering with social interactions is a dilemma for educators. Peer interactions are an important developmental goal in preschool age students. Increased pressure to include technology in education at earlier ages is often viewed as a hindrance to social interactions in play-based curriculum, with many educators feeling unprepared in the methods to incorporate technology. The goal of this literature review is to analyze current research to discover methods that can increase social interactions among peers with the addition of technology tools in the preschool classroom. This review looked at forty-seven studies of social interactions …
Implementing Effective Inclusion In Prekindergarten, Jennifer L. Wenke
Implementing Effective Inclusion In Prekindergarten, Jennifer L. Wenke
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This literature review will act as a guide for implementing quality inclusion effectively in preschool classrooms. The inclusion of children with special needs in education is of concern to educators worldwide. "Inclusive education involves the transformation of the education system-legislation and policy, systems for financing, administration, design, delivery, and monitoring of the education and the way schools are organized" (Zabeli & Gjelaj, 2020, p. 3). This literature review examines the variables predicting overall quality, curriculum, training, tools for communication and engagement, teacher views, and peer interaction pertaining to inclusion in prekindergarten classrooms. Two themes were constant in the research: training …
How Adding Social Emotional Learning Impacts Preschool Student's Ability To Manage Their Behavior, Pamela Niemeyer
How Adding Social Emotional Learning Impacts Preschool Student's Ability To Manage Their Behavior, Pamela Niemeyer
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research was inspired by the researcher's own classroom observations of students' behaviors, interactions, and emotional reactions throughout the day in preschool. Having students who have behaviors that may get out of control, the researcher wondered if a whole class social emotional instruction would provide them with strategies make a difference in all student's ability to manage their emotions. The participants in this study included 20 preschool students, 3- to 5-year-old. This study took place over a 4-week period where social emotional lessons were presented as whole groups and small groups. During this time, the teacher was intentional in …
Response To Intervention In Early Childhood Education, Kendyl Young Hinson
Response To Intervention In Early Childhood Education, Kendyl Young Hinson
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The purpose of this study was to review literature on Response to Intervention (RTI) at the early childhood level. RTI has become increasingly prevalent within K-12 settings. Less research exists for the expansion within early childhood settings. A systematic review of literature was conducted and all available literature on RTI in early childhood education since 2004 was identified and reviewed. Articles were sorted into three broad categories for review: (a) combined, (b) academics, and (c) social emotional behaviors. The review indicated the different behaviors recommended to be examined within the early childhood setting, types of assessment methods used, and interventions …
Brain Breaks Improve Student Behavior And Focus, Meghan M. Barker
Brain Breaks Improve Student Behavior And Focus, Meghan M. Barker
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine the impact of brain breaks, or physical activity breaks, when implemented as a transition to learning centers in the preschool classroom. Learning centers consist of small group time, one-on-one time with the teacher, and whole group time where important preschool state standards are taught. The study was conducted over five weeks in two preschool classrooms. One classroom was designated as the control group, and the other classroom as the treatment group. Data was collected to determine if brain breaks had an impact on student focus and behavior. After five weeks …
Teaching Early Literacy Skills In Preschool And Future Kindergarten Success, Amanda Wehrhan
Teaching Early Literacy Skills In Preschool And Future Kindergarten Success, Amanda Wehrhan
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This literature review examines the importance and the effect of literacy on Kindergarten readiness and future school success for early childhood education, specifically on preschool students. Early Childhood Educators are feeling the pressure now more than ever to have their young students prepared to enter Kindergarten. In recent years there has been a shift away from a play-based classroom to more of a focus on academics. In this literature review, various research studies are examined to determine whether or not the real focus of the preschool curriculum should be play or literacy or both.