Pre-Elementary, Early Childhood, Kindergarten Teacher Education Commons^™

Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions And Knowledge Of Response To Intervention/Multitiered Systems Of Support, Alexandra J. Taylor, Tommy Wells, Amy E. Lein

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

There has been considerable research that establishes the need to improve teachers’ knowledge of and ability to effectively implement response to intervention (RtI)/multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and there is a scarcity of research examining interventions addressing these concerns. In a mixed methods study, we examined the perceptions and knowledge of the RtI/MTSS frameworks of undergraduate preservice teaching candidates enrolled in a dual certification program at a small, private Catholic university in Kentucky, before and after participating in a semester-long, experiential learning project. The project involved monitoring both the reading and mathematics progress of struggling elementary or middle school-aged students …

Teacher Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy Before And After Engaging In Hevruta Or Psychodrama-Based Online Workshops, Merav Berger

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

Teacher self-efficacy is a construct that continues to be extensively researched. With the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, the learning environment has shifted dramatically and has had an impact on Jewish educators’ sense of efficacy. This study examined the pre- and post-test scores for self-efficacy of Jewish educators who engaged in either an online psychodrama-based professional development workshop, a hevruta-based workshop, or an integrated session using both psychodrama and hevruta study. The participants were 28 Jewish educators from around the United States who were split into one of six groups. Two psychodrama-based groups and two integrated groups met online for …

The Role Of Family Members Or Caregivers And Their Involvement In A Loved One’S Usage Of Augmentative And Alternative Communication In The Preschool Setting From The Perspective Of An Slp, Megan Hintz

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can be used by an individual to supplement or support communication modalities when there is difficulty with verbal communication. ASHA, n.d.a delves further into the true meaning of AAC and defines the terminology of augmentative as adding to a person’s spoken language and alternative as other methods used to produce verbal communication. The purpose of this research study was to explore the perceptions of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) concerning the involvement and/or role of caregivers or family members when their loved one is utilizing an AAC device for communication across the preschool setting. Four semi-structured interviews …

Trauma Healing With The Neurosequential Model Of Therapy And Bal-A-Vis-X, Becky Johnston

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Stigma related to childhood trauma is shifting with the help of advancements in the understanding of neurobiology and interventions that are proving to be effective for healing. There are immense costs and consequences for survivors of childhood trauma and their loved ones that were not so long ago considered irrelevant and the notion that kids bounce back from adversity was previously popular in the psychological community (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017). The broad strokes of Dr. Bruce Perry’s clinical intervention model, The Neurosequential Model of Therapy (NMT) describes a trauma-sensitive, sequential approach to changing the stress response within mental health counseling. …

Teaching Specials Teachers To Use Behavior Specific Praise In Elementary School, Elizabeth Rich

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Behavior-specific praise (BSP) has been shown to be an effective intervention across age groups for improving behavior in the school setting, including increasing on-task behavior, increasing engaged behavior, and reducing disruptive behavior. Following a review of the literature, the researcher selected tactile prompting paired with a visual prompt to increase specials teachers’ use of BSP. Using a multiple probe across participants design with an add-in component, this study investigated the effects of a visual prompt and a tactile prompt paired with a visual prompt to increase BSP use for two elementary school music teachers. Researchers also examined whether increasing BSP …

The Nebraska Covid-19 Early Care And Education Provider Survey Iii: “Holding It Together—And Hanging By A Thread” May 2022, Alexandra Daro, Kathleen C. Gallagher, Kristen M. Cunningham

Buffet Early Childhood Institute Reports and Publications

In February 2022, the Buffett Early Childhood Institute conducted the Nebraska COVID-19 Early Care and Education Survey III, in collaboration with state agencies, University of Nebraska faculty, and organization partners. This third survey examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nebraska’s child care professionals and its implications for practice and policy. Results from the previous surveys, released in April and August 2020, indicated that early care and education professionals in Nebraska, who were already vulnerable prior to the pandemic, have been negatively impacted from the start of the pandemic. The first survey elevated providers’ immediate needs, including funding relief, …

Increasing The Prevalence Of Risky Play In Preschool And Kindergarten Classrooms In The United States, Kelsey Stark Zuiderveen

Masters Projects

Risky play is a thrilling form of play that has the potential for some injury and is a biologically innate need within all children that provides a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits to children. Currently however, preschool and kindergarten classrooms in the United States offer little to no opportunities for risky play in early childhood settings. The main factor that influences the amount of risky play happening in early childhood classrooms is teacher attitudes related to risky play; if teachers have a negative attitude about risky play, less risky play is allowed in their classroom setting. This project …

Embracing A Pedagogy Of Care In The Infant And Toddler Classroom, Paige D. Wernick

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Care is a universal concept which connects us all as humans. Everyone comes into this world needing care and most of us will exit this world in need of care. Care is necessary throughout the span of our lives and should be considered a human right. Everyone is entitled to quality care, no matter their age or social status. The U.S. society has been entrenched in a decades long division between education and care which has historically prioritized education over care. This division has contributed to care being hidden and undervalued within the context of early childhood (EC) as a …

From The Editors..., Todd Pagano

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.

Teaching And Integrating Women’S Studies Into The Classroom: Perspectives Of Elementary Teachers, Thomas Lucey

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

Women’s studies represent an underappreciated aspect of elementary education. Whether or how classrooms and their resources portray, present, and value women role-models informs both boys and girls about what passes for acceptable communication, treatment, and conduct towards women. Indeed, the extent to which and the basis that a young citizenry is taught to appreciate others informs the nature of the conversations engaged.

This paper describes the results of a research study that interpreted elementary teachers’ perspectives of women’s studies in elementary settings. The online survey was administered as part of the registration for two workshops that prepared teachers in the …

Designing A Tool And Cooperative Learning: A Macos Inspired Activity, Jeffrey Byford, Jennifer Cordero, Alisha Milam, Kate Chambers, Presley Shilling

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

This simulation activity presents how elements of Man: A Course of Study (MACOS) can be implemented into the social studies classroom. Inspired by the Tool-Making Activity found in MACOS, this modified simulation activity prompts students to design an instrument to peel an orange as they discuss life and daily tasks related to the Great Plains settlement.

The Wheels On The Bus Go Round And Round: Rethinking The St. Louis Busing Program, Tango Walker, Ketosha Harris

Dissertations

This autoethnography shares our personal experiences and counter-narratives in the St. Louis busing program. Through our mission we expound on experiences and real-life situations as seen through our lens as a student and a mother in the St. Louis busing program. Critical race theory (CRT) was used as an essential framework allowing us to focus on the following four tenets: counter-stories, permanence of racism, whiteness as property, interest convergence. (Anderson, et al., 2017). Critical race theory (CRT) is the framework in social sciences that examines society and culture as it relates to categorization of race, law and power (Lynn & …

From Reflection To Analysis: Languaging Lteracy Teaching And Learning, Lindsey Rowe, Jackie Ridley, Marie Borkowski, Michiko Hikida

Publications

While reflection is generally considered an important part of becoming a teacher, there is no consensus regarding how reflection assignments might be best incorporated into teacher education programs. In this multiple case study, we examine the writing of early-childhood (P-3) preservice teachers who were asked to write either reflections or analytic notes. Using a constant comparative analysis, we found that when asked to write analytic notes rather than reflections, preservice teachers tended to use more evidence to support their claims, but often used language that erased their interpersonal relationships with students. Implications for preservice teacher education programs are …

The Mitigation Of In-Group And Outgroup Biases: Understanding The Perceptions Of Educators On The Contact Approach Theory, Brigitte Blazys

Dissertations

The contact approach theory was introduced in the 1950s, by Allport, as a method to mitigate biases. Since then, many DEI practitioners in the United States have formed alliances to create a social justice movement to combat racism, prejudice, and biases in our society. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted in the contact approach theory as these biases, initially observed as in-group and outgroup biases, originate in the early years of life. To begin to fill this gap in the literature, the purpose of this study was to better understand and identify to what extent, if any, prekindergarten through third …

Taking Time To B.R.E.A.T.H.E.: Strategies For Strengthening Staff And Student Well-Being, Joelle Hood

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

When students and staff experience chronic stress, it negatively impacts their motivation, performance, and wellbeing, Participants in this engaging workshop will walk away with simple research-based practices from the fields of Mindfulness and Positive Psychology, that they can utilize with both themselves and students to reduce stress and anxiety, improve attention and performance, and strengthen overall physical and psychological well-being.

Traumatization Of Youth And Adolescents In The Classroom: Preparing Novice Teachers To Address The Academic And Social-Emotional Needs Of Students Affected By Trauma, Annessa J. Steele Dr.

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

While educational systems and communities have advanced in accommodating individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges, teacher training is still underdeveloped in support for a growing population of youth that experiences adolescent trauma. In the United States, 26% of children will witness or experience a traumatic event before they turn four, and 60% of adults report experiencing abuse or other difficult family circumstances during childhood (National Center for Mental Health, 2012). As defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2012), trauma “results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by …

Playing With Code: Big Ideas For Early Learners, Lindsey Herlehy, Cassandra Armstrong

Publications & Research

For young children growing in today’s digital world, the acquisition of coding and computer programming skills has become a popular and appropriate focus in education. Beyond engaging in technology and coding applications as consumers – the passive act of sitting in front of a screen and merely pressing buttons without a high level of thought – early childhood students are capable of high-quality programming tasks through play-based learning experiences. As producers, our youngest students may explore the open-ended nature of computer programming and coding through design, art, and innovation. Engaging in coding builds valuable and transferable practices such as problem …

Playing With Math And Science In The Early Childhood Classroom, Cassandra Armstrong, Lindsey Herlehy

Publications & Research

Young students are equipped with the curiosity and creativity to be successful scientists and mathematicians. In today’s classrooms, strong foundational skills in STEM promote success for years to come. Through play, young students can subitize, sort, draw, recognize patterns, and explore loose parts. Participants will actively take part in several activities highlighting each of these skills.

In The Middle Of Appalachia: Balancing Teacher Talk With Student Discourse, Ronald V. Morris, Denise Shockley, Sonya Davis

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

Appalachian students co-constructed knowledge with their teacher while examining a non-fiction book about Thanksgiving. Fifth grade students used an informational trade book to promote student discourse while using text-based evidence. Students learned about Native Americans and Pilgrims as they engaged in student discourse balanced with teacher talk. Students used an inquiry arc that involved questioning texts and examining sources, and inquiry helped students to investigate narrative text as a source of data. Students used inquiry to enhance their metacognition about historical events. Students exercised agency as they recounted family history and their heritage as part of their memory. Remembering was …

History Or Heritage? An Analysis Of Ghana’S Primary School History Curriculum, Charles Adabo Oppong

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

Abstract

At a time that history has gained its place in Ghana’s basic school curriculum, considerable differences of opinion arise, not about the subject’s significance in the school curriculum but concerning the legitimacy of the subject title - that is, whether or not the subject should be referenced ‘History of Ghana’ or ‘Heritage of Ghana’. The different opinions reflect Lowenthal’s (1998) observation that history and heritage are separate disciplines. However, the two subjects are often used interchangeably (Mermion, 2012) and “are habitually confused with each other” (Lowenthal 1998, p. x). While expert academics may be at ease with the distinctions …

Using Song To Teach Sight Words, Taylor Hagood Guin

Graduate Research Showcase

This research is about how a group of seven kindergarten classes used a short and straightforward song to recognize the following six common kindergarten sight words: on, off, up, us, no, & go. As a current music educator and former middle grades English teacher, I wanted to create an opportunity to establish cross-curricular connections in my music classroom. For this specific experiment, seven different classes, including General Education, Self-Contained Special Education, and English Language Learning classes, were selected. They were taught these six sight word songs through the “Sight Word Song.” I selected the sight words specifically because the students …

Staff Perspectives Of Children With Challenging Behaviors In A Preschool Setting, Tamika D. Schaffer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Preschool children exhibiting challenging behaviors are expelled or suspended instead of identified, evaluated, and linked to appropriate services for their needs. This qualitative case study explored preschool teacher, administrator, and technical assistant perspectives related to identifying, evaluating, and linking to appropriate services children with challenging behaviors which the research questions focused on. The research frameworks were the ecological systems theory and assertive behavioral model. Purposeful sampling was used to select 10 teachers, two administrators, and two technical assistants who worked in a preschool center for at least 1 year and experienced one or more past incidents where they had to …

Perceptions Of The Strengths And Challenges Of 1:1 Learning In The Early Elementary Classroom, Desiree Lynn Larson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The need for technology use has become a necessity in 21st-century classrooms. To accomplish this, more districts have been implementing 1:1 technology initiatives. In a 1:1 technology classroom, every student has their own device, such as a Chromebook or iPad. Although districts are increasing their 1:1 initiatives, little research has been done on early elementary teachers’ perceptions of the use of 1:1 devices to support their current pedagogy and teaching in their classrooms. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to use Koehler and Mishra’s technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework to investigate how Midwestern public school early elementary …

Family Childcare Providers’ Perspectives On Participating In Quality Improvement Using National Association For Family Child Care Accreditation, Mary Muhs

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Few family child care providers attain accreditation in the research state and little research existed as to why family childcare providers make the decision to participate or not in National Association for Family Child Care Accreditation (NAFCC). The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore perspectives and experiences of family childcare providers, in the research state, regarding the decision-making process related to their participation in NAFCC Accreditation. The conceptual framework consisted of both andragogy and growth mindset; guiding the research questions to explore providers’ perspectives and experiences about the decision-making process related to participating in quality improvement initiatives and …

Early Childhood Educators’ Perspectives On The Challenges Of Including Inclusive Literature And Implementing Culturally Informed Teaching Practices, Victoria Campbell Locane

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Even though educators are being encouraged to use culturally informed teaching practices in early childhood classrooms with a focus on including culturally inclusive literature, due to homogenous classroom libraries and minimal training, early childhood educators are challenged to follow these practices. The purpose and research questions for this basic qualitative study explored early childhood educators’ perspectives of the challenges of these practices. Using current research and the conceptual framework of critical race theory in education, research and interview questions were developed. Ten early educators were interviewed using the developed interview protocol. Four themes emerged during open and axial coding that …

Preschool Teachers’ Perspectives On Guidance Provided To Children Who Cause Classmates Physical Harm, Vangalene Frinks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Approximately 10% of preschool children cause classmates physical harm intense enough to require the filing of incident reports. Aggressive behavior can lead to suspension or expulsion from childcare centers and disrupts student learning. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of preschool teachers working in the Southeastern United States regarding children who cause classmates physical harm intense enough to require the filing of incident reports and identify actions teachers take to manage and guide children who show aggressive behavior. The study’s conceptual framework was Bandura’s social cognitive theory of human behavior. Ten lead teachers with …

Educators' Perspectives On Coordination Of Transition Programming For Early Childhood Students With Asd In Inclusive Settings, Lashundra Dees

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Coordination of special education prekindergarten (PK) to kindergarten (K) transition programming for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents significant changes for students within inclusive school environments. The problem addressed by this basic qualitative study involved barriers, challenges, supports, and successes in the coordination of transition programming from PK to K for students with ASD. This study addressed a gap in the literature on educators' perspectives on the coordination of transition programming. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory framed this study that explored the perspectives of 11 educators. Data were collected from semistructured digitally audio recorded interviews conducted with six PK and …

Early Childhood Stakeholders’ Perspectives On Parent Empowerment To Successfully Transition Children To Formal School, Tawanda Randolph

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers have suggested that empowered parents may be more helpful successfully transitioning children to formal school. The problem investigated in this basic qualitative study was that educators located in a Southern region of the United States were not empowering parents with the knowledge, skills, and sense of self to become engaged in their children’s educational transitioning needs. This study also addressed a gap in practice consisting of school stakeholders’ perspectives on parent empowerment to build their capacities to successfully transition children to formal school. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and Kim and Bryan's parent empowerment theory framed this study. The research …

How Do Parents Of Typically Developing Children Perceive And Interact With Children With Exceptionalities?, Zurisaday N. Decker

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

The purpose of this study was to examine how parents with children displaying typical development, perceive and interact with children who have exceptionalities or disabilities and explore parents’ openness to having discussions about exceptional children in inclusive classrooms. Given that parents function as foundational sources of knowledge to children in their early childhood years, understanding parents’ perceptions of and interactions with children with disabilities may help to understand how these parents’ children will, in-turn, perceive and interact with classroom peers with disabilities. This line of inquiry is supported by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, which views microsystems such as the family, …

Equity Through Growth Mindset, Raven Robinson-Wilson

STEM Integration

This activity occurred during a live, class session that included a focus on equity by addressing, “What qualities and mindsets can we foster in STEM students?” First, we reviewed Growth Mindset Theory, but re-imaged with an explicit focus on equity, with connections to STEM. Then, the teachers were presented with several growth mindset scenarios. The teachers worked in groups by reading the scenarios, elaborated on the context where they might encounter the situation, then improvised how they might respond. They wrote out plans for what they would do.