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Articles 61 - 90 of 217
Full-Text Articles in Early Childhood Education
Addressing The Behavioral And Emotional Needs Of Elementary School Students: A School Improvement Project, Katherine Ross
Addressing The Behavioral And Emotional Needs Of Elementary School Students: A School Improvement Project, Katherine Ross
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Elementary school students are found to have increased behavioral and emotional needs require support above and beyond the scope of a general educator's capabilities. Research indicates the need for additional teacher training in the areas of adolescent behavioral disorders and trauma informed care in order for them to provide the best possible education, academically and socially. School counselors are often called upon to address student social emotional needs, however classroom teachers are typically the first to notice when a student needs access to additional support and also spend the most time with students; this school improvement plan addresses the necessity …
Effects Of Parental Involvement On Academics, Jessica Stamer
Effects Of Parental Involvement On Academics, Jessica Stamer
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
A child needs their parents to be involved in their educational experience to support social emotional growth and academic growth during the developmental years of their life. It is no surprise that there are many issues that come from little parental involvement. In order to have the optimal parental involvement, educators must encourage involvement through a variety of ways based on the needs to the families in their classroom. Districts must have set plans, support, and encouragement for staff in place to ensure this goal is being met.
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 …
Major Components Needed In A Literacy Curriculum To Promote Student Success, Brooke Smith
Major Components Needed In A Literacy Curriculum To Promote Student Success, Brooke Smith
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan focuses on what components are beneficial in a literacy curriculum to promote success in students' reading skills and improve FAST Test scores. Research has found phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, writing, and science of reading concepts should be included in a literacy curriculum to be effective. These components will help find a new literacy curriculum for a school district. In all success, an effective literacy curriculum will be found with creating a system to look through to find an effective literacy curriculum, piloting, and analyzing data. The objective in the end is to discover a …
Improving Trauma-Informed Practices In A School System, Maria Sloniker
Improving Trauma-Informed Practices In A School System, Maria Sloniker
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
According to research, trauma informed practices have faced disconnect when educating stakeholders who work directly with individuals who have faced a variety of traumatic events. With such disconnect, staff in the school systems have been unable to stay educated on the different resources available and training on best practices used. Administrators being present and working together to provide more effective professional development to help both students and staff who are directly impacted by trauma and trauma informed practices. Current research has supported the lack of knowledge and increase of teacher burnout when working with individuals who have faced adversity. A …
Student Inclusion In The Least Restrictive Environment, Jennifer Grossman
Student Inclusion In The Least Restrictive Environment, Jennifer Grossman
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement project explores student inclusion in the general education environment. Inclusion is an important topic in schools and is important to discuss. Inclusion is defined and explained. This school improvement project will explore the problem, leadership assistance, differentiated instruction, and implementation of inclusion in the least restrictive environment. Inclusion is imperative to student success in the inclusive environment. An analysis of inclusion suggests students with varying abilities be included in as much of the general education environment in order to succeed in social and academic domains. Results of inclusion in the general education environment indicate that students with …
Implementing Social-Emotional Supports With Coaching In A Preschool Program, Ashley Harvey
Implementing Social-Emotional Supports With Coaching In A Preschool Program, Ashley Harvey
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Research findings show that coaching paired with professional development around a set of identified instructional practices is one way to increase teacher use of these practices. Combining coaching and professional development can be used to train teachers in the Pyramid Model. Studies show that effective Pyramid Model implementation can positively improve student relationships and adult-to-student relationships as well as increase positive behaviors in schools. With these research findings in mind, a school improvement plan was created to add professional development opportunities on the use of Pyramid Model Practices to improve social-emotional instruction in a preschool program in Eastern Iowa. Executing …
Social Emotional Learning In Early Childhood: A School Improvement Project, Madi Callan
Social Emotional Learning In Early Childhood: A School Improvement Project, Madi Callan
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This article looks at how the implementation of a social-emotional curriculum can improve academics, behavior, and school climate at the early childhood level. The articles examine research from twenty research papers to communicate a need for a social-emotional curriculum and outline a plan for the implementation of a school-wide social-emotional curriculum.
The Effects Of Social-Emotional Learning Strategies On Promoting Positive Behavior In Elementary School Students, Lea Adams
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The focus of this action research was to appropriately implement social emotional learning into a small classroom environment. The lessons were aimed to assist students and foster positive behaviors both inside and outside the classroom environment. Participants participated in a four-week study. The research participants consisted of 17 girls and boys within a classroom. This classroom environment had a total of 11 boys and 6 girls, in Honolulu, Hawaii. The study also included four specialist teachers (Hawaiian, Japanese, Computer Science, and Physical Education), the homeroom teacher, and the school counselor. During the intervention, each class engaged in daily morning meetings, …
Sccs Tinley Cultural Relationships School Improvement Plan, Rebecca D. Rael
Sccs Tinley Cultural Relationships School Improvement Plan, Rebecca D. Rael
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan (SIP) aims to identify and implement tangible practices to welcome families of color to the SCCS Tinley Park Campus and create pathways for cultural discussions to begin and grow within the school community. The plan also includes lesson plan materials in the form of tips and guidelines for conversation starters, a list of notable living people of color, technology resources and books for teachers to use in the classroom as they model and scaffold multicultural relationship building amongst students. This SIP also seeks to answer the question “What are effective strategies for increasing parent engagement from …
Efficacy Of Discrete Trial Training, Paula Ahlrich
Efficacy Of Discrete Trial Training, Paula Ahlrich
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research was driven by the researcher’s interest in Autism and Discrete Trial Training- specifically the efficacy of implementation and the generalization of skills learned into the classroom. The researcher is a preschool teacher in her 15th year of Early Childhood education. The 4-week intervention was conducted during specially designed instruction, but also how those skills taught have been displayed during large and small group time. Throughout the 4 weeks progress was monitored using the CBTU recording sheets and DTT steps. Findings revealed common generalization of skills when the student was presented with the cue outside of the trial …
Foundational Literacy Programs Affect Fast Scores, Courtney Stekl
Foundational Literacy Programs Affect Fast Scores, Courtney Stekl
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research study investigated if there is a relationship between the implementation of a foundational literacy intervention in the first grade classroom and the results of the earlyReading (FAST) scores. This action researched answered the question: Is the foundational literacy intervention programs affecting earlyReading FAST scores? First grade students were participating in various literacy programs that focused on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, writing, and language. This action research study was conducted throughout the 2022-2023 school year. Data was collected through two out of the three FAST assessments in the school year.
Supporting Play In The Preschool Classroom With Visuals, Jessica Luetkemeier
Supporting Play In The Preschool Classroom With Visuals, Jessica Luetkemeier
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Early childhood classrooms in the United States look very different today than they did a decade ago. There are a number of reasons why this changing portrait is the case; however, students entering preschool classrooms today are coming to school with less social and academic skills than in the past. Preschool teachers are feeling the pressure to have students “school ready” while also implementing developmentally appropriate practices. After surveying the research around challenges incorporating play in preschool classroom’s today, this school improvement plan suggests how to justify and support play in the preschool classroom using visuals, such as play scripts.
Implementing Changes In Family Childcare Programs To Increase Social-Emotional Development And Decrease Negative Behavior, Julia Green
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine if implementing environmental and instructional changes in an-home family childcare program would increase children’s social-emotional development as well as decrease negative behaviors exhibited. An assessment of social-emotional skills was conducted prior to the research using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The researcher observed staff members implement changes in the childcare program over four weeks, with one change each week. Following the four-week implementation period, the researcher conducted three weeks of observations to determine how the changes affected the children’s social-emotional development and behavior. A second ASQ assessment was conducted …
The Impact Of Notetaking In A Middle School History Class, Marybeth Flietstra
The Impact Of Notetaking In A Middle School History Class, Marybeth Flietstra
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine the impact of notetaking in a 7th grade World History classroom on learning and engagement. A mixed-methods study of 36 7th grade students was used to determine significant differences between notetaking styles, student performance, and engagement during short class lectures. Post-lecture assessments, Likert-style surveys, and student notes were assessed and triangulated, while interviews and survey questions were evaluated to illustrate common themes and perceptions of notetaking. Data analysis revealed that notetaking does have some impact on both academics and engagement, however, the style of notetaking made a significant difference. Additionally, …
Play Based Learning A School Improvement Plan, Kalee Chamberlin
Play Based Learning A School Improvement Plan, Kalee Chamberlin
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Play-based learning is a topic that is often discussed at the early childhood level. Research has shown that play-based learning can lead to success within the classroom in the areas of social-emotional skills, literacy, and mathematics. Research conducted within the Muscatine Community School District suggests that children could benefit from additional time in play-based learning opportunities. This school improvement plan describes in detail the process needed to implement a plan to increase the amount of time spent in play-based learning opportunities within the preschool classroom.
Conscious Discipline For Parent, Amber Brown
Conscious Discipline For Parent, Amber Brown
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Conscious Discipline is a universal comprehensive program combining social-emotional wellbeing into our everyday lives by enhancing the social-emotional skills of administrators, teachers, students and families. Collaboration is the key for Conscious Discipline to be effective. In order to change others, we must first change ourselves. This program uses evidence-based research to help overall improvement for all people involved. It has been known to be a traumainformed approach to learning about ourselves in others to the best of our ability.
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 …
Social And Emotional Skills Develop Through Play-Based Learning, April Welding
Social And Emotional Skills Develop Through Play-Based Learning, April Welding
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research study was driven by the researcher’s interest in play-based learning. This action research investigates if social and emotional skills develop through play in a preschool classroom setting. This action research answered the question: Can social and emotional skills develop through play-based learning? Preschool students were engaged in developmental learning play-based learning centers that helped them academically, socially, and emotionally. Teachers were more intentional with interactions with students. Teachers were more present with students, encouraging engagement with learning opportunities. This research study was conducted throughout the 2021 – 2022 academic school year. Data was collected throughout two Teaching …
Unplugged Learning In The Kindergarten Computer Science Classroom, Ashley Robinson
Unplugged Learning In The Kindergarten Computer Science Classroom, Ashley Robinson
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research study was to determine the impact of teaching computer science to kindergarten using only unplugged learning rather than plugged or a mixture of plugged and unplugged learning on engagement. Participants included 71 kindergarten and transitional kindergarten students in a public school in rural central Iowa. Data was collected through behavior and off-task reminder tallies, as well as assessment data over nine classes equal to a trimester’s number of computer science classes. Students were taught using either strictly unplugged methods using games, books, manipulatives, and movement or a plugged/online curriculum using online puzzles and videos, …
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 …
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, …
Professional Development Program Addressing Teachers’ Well-Being: A Natured-Based Intervention Approach, Carmen Chow
Professional Development Program Addressing Teachers’ Well-Being: A Natured-Based Intervention Approach, Carmen Chow
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
ECE Teachers are often exposed to a number of stressors in their professional environments that place demands on their physical and psychological well-being. Maintaining work well-being requires a multidimensional approach, including holistic professional development programs, stress interventions, recovery experiences, as well as a social support network. Nature-based intervention has been proven to alleviate stress, decrease depressive symptoms, and lower blood pressure in individuals. This school improvement project raises awareness towards promoting teacher well-being at an institutional level by implementing a nature-based well-being professional development program to increase staff capacity.
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 …
Methods Of Goal Selection, Molly Wickham
Methods Of Goal Selection, Molly Wickham
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project was created to determine the best method of goal selection. The two methods of goal selection being studied were teacher-selected and student-chosen goals. Students were split into the two groups, randomly, and monitored their own progress over a four-week span. This project was carried out in a second-grade classroom between March and April of 2022. This project was carried out within my own classroom of 20 students, between the ages of seven and nine years old. Findings revealed that more students attained their goals within the teacher-assigned group. However, data analysis, through the Chi-Square Test of …
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 …
The Value Of Play-Based Learning In Early Childhood Classrooms, Courtney Hansmann
The Value Of Play-Based Learning In Early Childhood Classrooms, Courtney Hansmann
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research study investigated if students can make social-emotional and academic gains through play-based learning in an early childhood classroom. This action research answered the question: Can preschool students make academic and social gains in a play-based classroom within one school year? Preschool students were engaged in rich materials that helped in math, literacy, and language. Teachers were more intentional about their interactions with students and were more engaged. This research study was conducted throughout the 2021-2022 school year. Data was collected throughout the three GOLD checkpoints in the school year.
Can Play-Based Learning Provide Adequate Learning Experiences For Young Children?, Rachel Bienemann
Can Play-Based Learning Provide Adequate Learning Experiences For Young Children?, Rachel Bienemann
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This research study was conducted due to my curiosity in the effectiveness of play-based learning for academic and social emotional growth. I am in my 14th year of teaching preschool at a small Lutheran school. I used my afternoon classroom of 19 students to conduct the study. Screeners in five different areas were conducted before the eight-week data collection period. During the eight weeks, students participated in play-based learning activities to introduce and practice academic and social emotional skills. After the eight-week period, the same screeners were given to the students. Findings from the study revealed student growth in both …
Effects Of Differentiated Literacy Instruction In A Kindergarten Classroom, Brenda Nagel
Effects Of Differentiated Literacy Instruction In A Kindergarten Classroom, Brenda Nagel
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research was to determine if using differentiating literacy in kindergarten led to more successful student achievement. This included implementing multi-sensory learning, learning styles, positive relationships, and relevant, specific data. The researcher is a kindergarten teacher in her 6th year of teaching, where her own students participated in the class-wide intervention. The timeline for conducting this action research was eight weeks. This included the quantitative phonics pre-assessment through FAST (Formative Assessment System for Teachers), implementation of differentiated literacy activities tailored to various learning styles, collection of purposeful and relevant quantitative data, and a post-assessment on literacy …
Early Childhood Math Strategies, Nicole Merchant
Early Childhood Math Strategies, Nicole Merchant
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research was led by the researcher’s interest in improving early learners’ academic mathematics achievement, specifically in oral counting, number identification, and counting 1:1 correspondence up to twenty, for targeted students. The researcher is in her 14th year of teaching, but 3rd year as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher, where her own students participated in a trial group intervention study. The four-week intervention was performed where students engaged in mathematics practice with implementation of five instructional practices and providing interactive engaging math games that specifically focused on skills including oral counting, number identification, and 1:1 correspondence. Throughout the …