Early Childhood Education Commons^™

“I Want To Say The Right Thing”: Developing Translingual Literacy Practices Through Early Care Educator And University Researcher Partnerships, Angie Zapata, Mary Adu-Gyamfi, Adrianna González Ybarra

Bilingual and Literacy Studies Faculty Publications

An early care educator (ECE) and university collaborative model of teacher learning offers a distinct departure from common top-down models of professional development. Implementing a Social Design-Based Experiment, ECE and university partners collaborate to explore translingual picturebooks to address curricular inequities in their school settings. Featuring the experience of one white, middle-class ECE (Tamara) in a Midwest rural suburban school, we identify three critical components of this ECE and university researcher collaborative inquiry model: role of ECE as mentors and supporters, picturebooks as tools, and role of university partners as facilitators. Tamara’s experience highlights the critical components of the model, …

School Readiness Social Questions And Generalization To Net Using Aac Devices For Early Childhood Students With Autism, Madison Leighr

Curriculum and Instruction Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study’s purpose was to provide intervention support with communication for participants on the autism spectrum between the ages of four and five years old before entering kindergarten using a handheld speech-generating device (SGD). With a multiple-baseline across-subjects approach, participants gained the skills to communicate their knowledge on kindergarten readiness questions whether verbally or through the assistance of a handheld speech-generating device (SGD) exposed to them during the intervention. This single-subject research study done during my internship taught school-readiness social questions to preschool students with autism with generalization to the natural environment teaching (NET). Using the natural environment teaching method …

College And Career Readiness Effects On Minority Male College Retention, Naquiyah Lashawn Hodges

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The continuously low college retention and low degree attainment of African American and Hispanic men is a generational and decades-long hindrance to the elevation of these marginalized communities in the United States and the state of Texas. In Texas, the last 3 years’ worth of data has proven college-readiness rates of African American and Hispanic college students were significantly lower by large margins than White students in English language arts, math, and both subjects by large margins. Consistent low college retention rates of minority men produce a need to conduct further research of how this phenomenon affects minority men …

The Perspectives And Experiences Of Arabic Mothers About Families’ Home And School Engagement, Fatimah Ahmed Rubayyi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Due to the rise in the rank of Arabic students in schools in the United States (U.S.), this qualitative study was designed to investigate the perspective of Arabic mothers in the U.S. regarding their experiences of involvement with their children’s schools. The approach includes a convenience sample of eight Arabic mothers. Through virtual focus groups, individual interviews, and concept maps the eight Arabic mothers shared their experiences and perceptions of what their children's primary schools and early childhood education programs are doing to involve them. Additionally, the study explored participants' recommendations for schools regarding family involvement for other Arabic families …

An Examination Of Early Childhood Leadership In Public Elementary Schools: A Mixed Methods Study, Wesam Alshahrani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As state-funded Pre-K programs in elementary schools continue to grow, elementary principals are increasingly responsible for supporting, supervising, and leading these programs. Therefore, examining elementary principals' early childhood leadership competencies and the factors influencing them may help understand and improve their experiences as early childhood education (ECE) leaders. This explanatory sequential mixed methods study examined the ECE leadership of Tennessee public elementary school principals in two phases.

In the quantitative phase, statewide surveys were used to collect data from 67 principals. The survey comprised 51 items assessing nine ECE leadership competencies, synthesized from statements of leading ECE and elementary education …

Design And Validation Of A Test For Teachers: Measuring Knowledge Of Trauma, Jennifer B. Bilbrey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research and interest in trauma-informed pedagogy have grown substantially. Trauma-informed pedagogy includes knowledge of trauma symptoms, associated behaviors, and environmental and instructional trauma-informed strategies. Various scales measure attitudes and experiences with trauma-informed practices; however, the literature suggests a lack of validated tests measuring teachers' knowledge of trauma. Reliable and valid tests measuring knowledge are critical when determining the professional development needs of both pre-service and in-service teachers. This multi-phase study aimed to fulfill this need by creating the Teachers’ Knowledge of Trauma (TKOT) test. With the guidance of literature and qualitative data from eight early childhood professional peers, a 50-item …

How And Why Foster Care Impacts Maltreated Youths' School Performance, Mallory Constantine

Lincy Institute Events

Youth mistreated within the foster care system are more likely to miss school as compared to non-maltreated peers. A single report of child maltreatment has a rapid and negative effect on school attendance and causes serious, long-term effects on school performance. A report of maltreatment substantiated by the department of family and child services removes a youth from a foster home and places the child in an alternative setting. These disruptions in foster care often result in additional problems with school behavior, achievement, and attendance. This lecture will explore how disruptions in foster care affect school behavior and performance and …

Teacher Candidate Perceptions Of Stem Following An Informal Learning Experience, Megan Rismiller

Honors Projects

In this study, six teacher candidates are interviewed to discover their perceptions of teaching integrated STEM following an informal learning experience. As team leaders at a summer STEM camp, teacher candidates make observations and connections to STEM content areas and practices. Teacher candidates reflect on the behaviors of themselves and their students throughout the process, and note their discoveries about STEM in the classroom setting. They report these findings through a series of questions during a semi-structured interview. Findings show teacher candidates perceive STEM education as a method for engaging learning experiences, as a route to engage students in social-emotional …

Helping Early Readers With Dyslexia, Jessica Kathleen Klooster

Masters Projects

Dyslexia is a common learning disability that is difficult for educators to understand. Misconceptions and misinformation have led to teachers and schools lacking in identification, resources, and support that can be provided to children with dyslexia – specifically young children. This project examines the research of the adverse effects of dyslexia, lack of teacher knowledge regarding dyslexia, the identification of young children who may have dyslexia, and the best intervention practices for these children. In general, many teachers hold misconceptions about dyslexia, which prevents children who have the disability from receiving early intervention. The purpose of this project was to …

Autonomy Relation To Student's Motivation In Stem, Halle Patton

Honors Projects

The purpose of this research project is to investigate how giving students autonomy can affect the way they learn and participate in a STEM environment. Autonomy-Supportive Teaching occurs when students take ownership throughout the entire learning process, becoming more actively engaged and motivated due to the personal responsibility that they feel to learn. Our education system is primarily made up of teacher-centered environments. However, the change to student-centered learning could be revolutionary. By making educational environments geared towards student interest and choice, it could increase both motivation and internalization– two factors that make a successful student. Research was conducted in …

A Systematic Review Of The Literature On Sexual Assault And Dating Violence Prevention Programs For Middle Schoolers And High Schoolers, Lauren Gay

Honors Projects

Adolescent sexual abuse and dating violence are serious issues that have life-changing impacts on victims. Sex education in the United States does place an emphasis on sexual assault and dating violence prevention curriculum to be provided for students. These programs have the potential to equip students with the knowledge to lead healthy relationships and prevent violent acts from happening. This review details 25 studies that provided these prevention programs to students and the impacts they had. It was found that the programs had positive impacts on preventing sexual assault and dating violence victimization and perpetration, as well as promoting healthy …

Impact Of Professional Development On Primary School Teachers' Practices And Student Engagement, Tracy Hartley Clark

Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.) Dissertations

Prioritizing student engagement in the classroom, where students want to learn more and be challenged, can lead to future success. This study investigated the effectiveness of providing teachers with professional development focusing on student engagement. The study utilized a mixed-method methodology that examined the effects of professional development on student engagement levels. The participants were 19 teachers who attended professional development at ABC Primary School. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used to test the study's hypotheses. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through observations before and after the professional development sessions. The data collected was used to determine whether …

Students’ Traumas Impact On Academic Achievement, Taylor L. Lincoln

Masters Projects

The purpose of this project is to provide a curriculum on trauma informed teaching that can be used within all classrooms. With the trauma increase teachers have seen in students; it is important for schools to understand what trauma is and how to handle it in the classroom settings. The research will help determine the most common reasons that students have trauma and find beneficial ideas and solutions to help students and teachers dealing with trauma in the classroom. The data collected will then be used to create a professional development that will be used to help educate all school …

Interpersonal Violence And The Impact On Children’S Educational Outcomes, Samantha Hurst

Senior Capstone Papers

This capstone explores the complex topic of interpersonal violence which impacts children in the home and their school outcomes. Understanding children who are not getting their emotional or physical needs met could have a harder time focusing, staying awake, or being present in the classroom is incredibly important. This paper examines the pre-existing literature on the topic of how children react to interpersonal violence and how punishment in schools can affect academic outcomes. A solution is proposed for teachers to be taught trauma informed care to increase empathy towards students and decrease behavioral suspensions. Trauma informed care can mitigate partial …

Social Emotional Learning For Students In Schools And Communities, Gisselle Villar

Senior Capstone Papers

The goal of the educational approach known as Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is to integrate these skills regarding SEL to be implemented in the school curriculum. In addition to emphasizing students’ abilities, education helps students build the kind of brains needed to acquire everyday tasks. The goal of this proposal is to help students develop a feeling of self-worth and awareness so they can connect and communicate honestly with one another. Schools will witness a significant shift in the lives of their students and the way teachers instruct once this learning is implemented. When this knowledge is successfully applied …

Assessing Higher Order Thinking In The New Jersey Social Studies Standards For Grades K-8 By Using Artificial Intelligence (Ai), Connie Sanchez

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

New Jersey consistently ranks as one of the top-performing states in the country when it comes to education. Most recently, it was ranked third in the nation. A look at the state standards in any subject shows the state works diligently to vertically align standards while also challenging students in order to better prepare them for the future and to be able to live in a global society. It is evident in looking at the New Jersey Department of Education’s standards that the planning they do is performed with an eye toward the future. The social studies standards are no …

How The Arts Benefit The Whole Child, Sophie Rose Fudim

Whittier Scholars Program

This literature review draws on insights from scholars and arts advocates, it delves into the significance of incorporating artistic practices in schools and advocates for including arts education in public schools. This literature review utilizes studies, peer-reviewed research papers, and governmental recommendations based on current research. Art has a highly transformative power. It benefits the development of complex thought processes and offers insights into children's abilities. By integrating art into education, educators can address the evolving challenges of early childhood education and cultivate environments where students can be engaged by enthusiastic, trained teachers and get excited about learning. Art prepares …

Unlv Mental Health Initiatives: Unifying Through Innovation And Collaboration, The Lincy Institute, Unlv Practice, Behere Nv, Unlv Department Of Psychology

Lincy Institute Events

Nevada persistently ranks at or near the bottom in the country for overall access to mental health services despite the need (Mental Health America, 2015-2023). UNLV faculty are developing initiatives to change this unacceptable situation. The Lincy Institute, in partnership with UNLV PRACTICE, BeHERE Nevada, and researchers from the Department of Psychology, offered a community forum showcasing three mental health initiatives harnessing faculty collaboration and innovation to drive overdue changes in Nevada’s mental-health landscape. Following the presentations policymakers engaged in open discussion with UNLV presenters and the audience. The three main initiatives showcased in this forum …

Effects Of Music Instruction For 3-4-Year-Old Children On Cognitive Development And Spatial Skills, Veronica Perez Espinosa

LSU Master's Theses

The impact of music instruction on child cognitive development has been examined by researchers in many contexts, but not as often in very young children. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of music instruction on the spatial and cognitive skills of preschool children ages 3-4. Participants in the study were 68 three- to four-year-old students who received weekly music instruction at a private school in South Louisiana. Of the 68 participants, and using a quasi-experimental design, 30 students in three intact classes were randomly assigned to receive a movement song treatment and the other 38 …

Classroom Reintegration For Children And Adolescents With Traumatic Brain Injuries, Alli Perkins, Mary Greer, Keith Mcwilliams

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of the poster presentation is to increase the present knowledge regarding the process of school-based reintegration for children and adolescents who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. As children and young adults spend an average of 32 hours per week in the school environment, parents, educators, and rehabilitation professionals are ideally positioned to collaborate with one another to facilitate the reintegration process and enable students to return to their primary occupations of educational participation, social participation, play, and leisure. The presentation includes information from the development and implementation of a program for parents, families, and educators of those …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

An Analysis Of The Effects Of Parent And Family Engagement Programs On The Academic Success Of 4th Grade Students In Title I Elementary Schools, Farah Leila Henderson

Dissertations

Parent and family engagement has become an essential part of education reform for schools across the United States. There were over 50 years of research on the topic and its impact on student achievement. The purpose of my evaluation was to study how implementing specific parent and family engagement activities at Title I elementary schools affected the reading achievement of fourth-grade students. The context of this inquiry was a large urban public school district where Parent Engagement Liaisons (PEL) were placed in Title I schools to coordinate the district-directed Parent and Family Engagement (PFE) program. I used a mixed-methods design …

Eds 702: The Young Child With Special Needs, Lingyu Li

Open Educational Resources

This introductory course addresses the concept of disability and the field of special education. It will also consider the social, cultural, and economic context surrounding the education of young children (birth to 8 years) with a wide range of developmental delays and disability conditions. Pertinent legislation, intervention with families, developing Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and issues of advocacy will be studied within the context of the continuum of service delivery (home-based, center-based, and school-based interventions). (15 fieldwork hours required.)

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. …

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 …

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.