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Articles 1 - 30 of 181
Full-Text Articles in Early Childhood Education
Implementing Universal Design For Learning In The Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom, Lydia Bruns
Implementing Universal Design For Learning In The Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom, Lydia Bruns
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine what makes implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) effective in the early childhood classroom. Participants were a class of sixteen preschoolers including five students with identified disabilities, one student with a possible disability, and five students who are Dual Language Learners. Qualitative data was collected twice a week to mark and observe strategies being used during large group and small group instruction times. Notes were collected within qualitative data to note how each strategy was implemented and compared with lesson plans. An emergent themes analysis was done on all …
Using An Interoception-Based Curriculum For Social-Emotional Learning In Preschool To Increase Emotional Regulation, Montana Applegate
Using An Interoception-Based Curriculum For Social-Emotional Learning In Preschool To Increase Emotional Regulation, Montana Applegate
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This paper presents a school improvement plan aimed at implementing and integrated interoception-based curriculum for social-emotional learning (SEL) in preschool classrooms, with the goal of fostering emotional regulation skills among young children. Drawing on recent research emphasizing the significance of SEL from early childhood through adolescence, this plan addresses the need for explicit teaching of emotional awareness and regulation in preschool settings. The proposed curriculum integrates interoception-based activities to enhance children’s ability to recognize and respond to internal bodily sensations and emotions. Through a review of relevant literature and personal classroom experience, this paper explores the foundations and practical implications …
Acquisition And Retention Of Vocabulary Using Simplified Picture Word Inductive Model, Kodie Davis
Acquisition And Retention Of Vocabulary Using Simplified Picture Word Inductive Model, Kodie Davis
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research was guided by the researcher’s interest in finding ways to use picture word inductive model (PWIM) to encourage more vocabulary retention in preschool. The research was conducted using two versions of a similar PWIM poster. Group A used a simplified PWIM poster with limited items on the poster while Group B was exposed to a typical PWIM poster with more items to identify. Both groups used the words they identified in their posters for the 4-week study. Participants were monitored weekly using assessments such as visual identification and word identification to check for retention. Research was done …
Alphabet Instruction In A Preschool Setting: Individualized Or Large Group?, Kristen Guarino
Alphabet Instruction In A Preschool Setting: Individualized Or Large Group?, Kristen Guarino
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine if individualized instruction is more effective than large group instruction during alphabet instruction. The researcher is a preschool teacher in their 11th year of teaching, who used their 21 students as participants. The study consisted of two separate groups of students. One group received individualized instruction (treatment) whereas the other group received large group instruction (control). Pre-test data was conducted before the two-week instruction period for both groups. For the treatment group, data was used to individualize and guide instruction. Post-test data was then collected to show the amount of …
Child Development Homes, Play-Based Learning, And Academic And Social-Emotional Skills, Hollie Fairholm
Child Development Homes, Play-Based Learning, And Academic And Social-Emotional Skills, Hollie Fairholm
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research study was based on my own need to discern if children who attend child development homes, also known as family childcare homes, are effective spaces for children to learn academic and social-emotional skills using play-based learning. In this action research child development home, family childcare and play-based learning were defined, with a review of how children learn. My study was conducted in my own child development home family childcare program with chilren ranging in age from 12 months to 4 years old. In total, nine children attend my program Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 …
Nature's Classroom: Outdoor Learning In Early Childhood, Kara Huberty
Nature's Classroom: Outdoor Learning In Early Childhood, Kara Huberty
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This paper presents a school improvement plan for the Elk River School District focusing on enhancing family and community engagement through nature play in early childhood education. The needs assessment identified a gap in family involvement and outreach and a lack of outdoor play opportunities for early childhood students and their families. Extensive research underscores the benefits of integrating nature play into early childhood education, revealing its profound impact on cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. A comprehensive plan to bridge the gap between research evidence and practical implementation of nature play in early childhood education is proposed. The plan …
Improve Mentorship Through Meaningful Feedback And Coaching, Molly Montavon
Improve Mentorship Through Meaningful Feedback And Coaching, Molly Montavon
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Mentoring within a school setting has been formalized and researched; however, there is minimal research surrounding mentoring in early childhood education settings. Students attending a community college for early childhood education are sent to centers that do not offer mentoring training to support the students through their education journey. This results in the students having inconsistent experiences that could lead to them exiting the program and field. The lack of formalized mentor training catalyzes this school improvement plan for a local community college. The mentors have experience and education while presenting best practices within early childhood education. This plan will …
Play Having Its Place In Early Childhood Education, Emily Streicher
Play Having Its Place In Early Childhood Education, Emily Streicher
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This literature review and school improvement plan focuses on the power of play for early childhood learners. Play is an innate characteristic in humans and various species alike. Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting play for children, academic demands and pressures felt by teachers and administrators are causing play in early childhood settings to be eliminated or reduced. Teachers, along with administrators, play a key part in this. Early childhood research suggests that teachers' beliefs indicate the likelihood of teachers' intentions to develop a child-centered curriculum and pedagogy that meet children's development and needs (Cheung et al., 2022). Ergo, this school …
Using Restorative Practices To Ensure Students Feel Seen, Heard, And Valued, Rylie Zyzda
Using Restorative Practices To Ensure Students Feel Seen, Heard, And Valued, Rylie Zyzda
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project was driven by the researcher's interest in understanding students' emotions and feelings after engaging in restorative practices. The research included two first-grade male children and the action researcher, a first-grade teacher. The participants were expected to follow classroom rules during their special subject area. Special subject areas include art, music, computer lab, character education, P.E., and library. When challenging behaviors arose during these times, the researcher disciplined the participants using two different strategies: zero-tolerance and restorative practice. The participants immediately drew a picture related to their feelings following the discipline act. Findings revealed that children feel …
Using Small Groups To Support Mathematics Learning In Preschool, Katelyn Bradfield
Using Small Groups To Support Mathematics Learning In Preschool, Katelyn Bradfield
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to gather data on the use of small group learning as a setting for increasing number sense skills for preschool students. The researcher met with a classroom of preschool students over the course of 6 weeks, one week for pre-assessment, four weeks for playing math games in the small group setting, and one week for post-assessment, to implement the intervention. The quantitative research gathered was analyzed to determine whether the addition of small group math time was impactful in increasing student number sense in the areas of 1:1 counting and numeral identification. …
Implementation Of A Mental Health Consultation Program At An Early Childhood Education, Diana Buffington
Implementation Of A Mental Health Consultation Program At An Early Childhood Education, Diana Buffington
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Research shows that young children experiencing social emotional difficulties in early childhood can have a lasting impact on later functioning in school and through their adult lives. Additionally, research has suggested that mental health intervention in young children can significantly help children navigate these challenges. With these research findings in mind, this school improvement plan was created to deliver early childhood mental health consultation to an early childhood program serving at-risk children in the Bay Area of California. This plan is comprised of a prevention-oriented approach that strengthens the capacity of school staff to prevent, identify, treat, and reduce the …
Improving Elementary Literacy Achievement By Aligning Individual And Team Goals, Katie Hilby
Improving Elementary Literacy Achievement By Aligning Individual And Team Goals, Katie Hilby
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Recent research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted literacy achievement. A school improvement plan was created to improve literacy achievement by leveraging the positive effects of individual and team goal-setting on student motivation and student achievement. Past studies have shown that growth and learning goals are more effective than performance goals and that a combination of distal and proximal goals lead to optimal performance. This school improvement plan uses the Leader in Me framework to set proximal and distal goals, aligning all individual student goals with the school’s team goal, to improve literacy achievement.
School Improvement Plan: Enhancing Foundational Skills Instruction, Alexis Weber
School Improvement Plan: Enhancing Foundational Skills Instruction, Alexis Weber
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Research indicates that phonological awareness ranks among the most crucial abilities and predictors of future success in reading. Additionally, studies have highlighted the correlation between phonemic awareness and reading proficiency, as well as the deficiency in both pre-service and in-service teachers' understanding of fundamental language constructs. In response to these findings, a school improvement plan has been devised, incorporating a supplementary phonemic awareness program aimed at enhancing students' knowledge and skills in this area. Moreover, the plan entails bolstering teacher expertise through tailored training sessions and further professional development opportunities tailored to address specific needs. This initiative will contribute valuable …
Improving Reading Interventions: A School Improvement Plan, Ivy Leitch
Improving Reading Interventions: A School Improvement Plan, Ivy Leitch
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan was driven by the researcher’s interest in improving literacy interventions due to an ineffective literacy curriculum. This plan focuses on the essential components of literacy interventions, which research found are phonics, phonemic awareness, phonological awareness, and the science of reading. These components will increase literacy skills in all elementary grades and potentially increase FAST scores. As the district purchases a new literacy curriculum in 2026, these components should be at the forefront of their decision.
Strengthening The Home And School Partnership: An Improvement Plan To Educate Parents On Child Development And School Initiatives, Jennifer N. Robinson
Strengthening The Home And School Partnership: An Improvement Plan To Educate Parents On Child Development And School Initiatives, Jennifer N. Robinson
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan considers the implementation of a parent education program. Following the review of literature that proves the significance of parental involvement to increase academic achievement and improve social-emotional development, a needs assessment was established that displays a lack of parental understanding on new education initiatives and child development. With the addition of a parent education component, the home and school partnership will be strengthened ultimately increasing student achievement, improving student behavior, alleviating teaching burnout, and improving overall education.
The Developing Independence Of Toddlers, Maggie Harbaugh
The Developing Independence Of Toddlers, Maggie Harbaugh
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project was driven by the researcher’s interest in whether three-year-old children exhibited more negative behaviors then two-year-old children. The researcher used two different types of surveys for mothers and teachers to answer. This survey took 5-10 minutes to complete, and they had two weeks to complete it. The research was conducted to see which age of children displayed worse behaviors. The researcher is an assistant director in her 10th year of teaching early childhood students. The findings showed that two-year-olds have more behavior problems then three-year-olds have.
Implementation Of Star To Support Students With Disabilities, Lexis Barkema
Implementation Of Star To Support Students With Disabilities, Lexis Barkema
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This paper examines the use of a comprehensive autism program in a school district, looking specifically at an elementary school in North Central Iowa. The school does a great job of providing support and interventions for students with autism, disabilities, and specific learning needs with the resources they currently have available to them. This school improvement plan provides a detailed outline of using a comprehensive autism program to better serve and meet the needs of students in their specific need areas. The plan will provide professional development, support, and resources for teachers and paraprofessionals who are implementing the program.
The Impact Of Small-Group Multisensory Instructional Techniques On Kindergarteners’ Letter Sound Knowledge, Karly Walker
The Impact Of Small-Group Multisensory Instructional Techniques On Kindergarteners’ Letter Sound Knowledge, Karly Walker
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research was driven by the researcher’s interest in multisensory instructional techniques and the effect it can have on kindergarten students’ letter sound knowledge to aid in strengthening pre-reading skills. The researcher compared results of a control (traditional learning) group versus a treatment (multisensory learning) group of eight at-risk students while monitoring progress weekly using FastBridge earlyReading letter sound subtest. The research was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of multisensory instruction within small group learning. The researcher used a four-way factorial design test to analyze the control and the treatment group’s pre- and post-test scores in letter sound fluency. …
Promoting More Play In Kindergarten, Sarah Hofland
Promoting More Play In Kindergarten, Sarah Hofland
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Kindergarten has changed immensely over the years. It is currently driven by academic standards. Kindergarten teachers use much of the day to implement direct instruction and seat work to meet the higher demands in reading and math. The problem is that this type of learning is not developmentally appropriate for kindergarteners. Research shows that play is the central way in which children at the kindergarten age learn. To be developmentally appropriate, this school improvement plan aims at initiating more time spent playing during the kindergarten day.
Does Pre-Selected Technology-Based Games Improve Alphabet Knowledge In Preschoolers Compared To Peer Learning Small Groups?, Nicole Gray
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine if peer-learning strategies increases student alphabet recognition at the preschool grade level more than computer-based literacy programs. Data from 14 preschool students was included in this seven week investigation in which students in the groups learned early literacy utilizing the literacy curriculum Fundataions. Students were split into two research groups, one utilizing peer-learning strategies and games, and the other utilizing a computer-based literacy app. Quantitative data consisting of pre-and post-test data was collected over seven weeks. Data examined number of uppercase and lowercase letters identified. After the seven weeks of …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
Improving Understanding Of Mathematics Concepts In Kindergarten Students Through Movement Integration, Kendall Stallings
Improving Understanding Of Mathematics Concepts In Kindergarten Students Through Movement Integration, Kendall Stallings
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project stemmed from the noticeable benefit of movement woven throughout the Wilson Fundations curriculum in developing early phonemic awareness. Knowing that kindergarteners have a natural inclination to move, this project aimed to determine whether similar benefits of movement could be garnered in mathematics instruction by boosting number sense and fact fluency. Participants completed an end-of-unit assessment and then received instruction with movement integration for the following unit before completing its endof- unit assessment. Assessment scores were converted into the school’s grading scale of M, W, or B, and a chi-square test of association was used to determine …
Improving Reading Comprehension And Vocabulary For English Language Learners, Rachael Vande Hoef
Improving Reading Comprehension And Vocabulary For English Language Learners, Rachael Vande Hoef
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Research on the education of English Language Learners (ELL) has shown that ELL students underperform native English speakers academically. Right from the start, students’ home language impacts school readiness amongst ELL students. Fortunately, implementing vocabulary and reading interventions is successful in closing learning gaps among ELL students. The implementation of a blended learning approach has been found to increase literary gains among ELL students. Given this research, a school improvement plan was developed to enhance the literary gains of ELL students. This multi-faceted plan involves teacher collaboration, parental engagement, vocabulary and reading interventions, as well as a blended learning approach.
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 …
Developing Communication Skills In Preschoolers, Andrea Schlotman
Developing Communication Skills In Preschoolers, Andrea Schlotman
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan looks at how the implementation of a Functional Communication Training Program in preschool classrooms can improve academics, social skills, and eliminate challenging behaviors. The literature review examines research that details the importance of communication and social skills curriculum for young learners. Children who can communicate effectively are less likely to display disruptive behaviors and are more likely to succeed in building strong relationships throughout their academic careers.
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 …
Using Restorative Practice To Decrease Behavior And Increase School Community, Kaylee West
Using Restorative Practice To Decrease Behavior And Increase School Community, Kaylee West
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this school improvement plan (SIP) is to address the student behavioral concerns at Huntington Elementary School using restorative practices. Studies suggest that restorative practices can improve student behavior and social emotional skills. The restorative practices that the author intends for the school to use are described within the plan. The SIP aims to use training on restorative practices and restorative circles to improve school culture, community, and student behaviors.