Assignment 1: Blog: Whose Ethics Do You Follow?

This is a truly relatable scenario and is certainly a common situation that tends to come up frequently. At the center that I currently work at, there is an apparent lack of diversity. The possible issues or concerns that the scenario may raise include being less inclusive and the main question posed would be if the needs of all the children will be met via the curriculum mentioned? 

Being all inclusive and welcoming is a code/policy that is implemented everywhere. I do believe that all schools and centers have this in place to ensure that they are catering to students of all backgrounds and needs. In this situation, the potential negative consequences for the stakeholders (children, educators, community) include complaints and mentions that the curriculum isn’t all inclusive. 

Inclusion simultaneously creates:

·     More equitable opportunities for students from marginalized groups to participate in higher education

·     Promotes the kinds of outcomes for all students that society and employers need, such as complex thinking skills, the ability to work across difference, increased civic participation, and decreased prejudice

Those who feel excluded from the experience tend to struggle with their learning and feel excluded. That in turn influences negative behavior as well. The responses and actions that will result in a more positive outcome: as well as measures that will provide a more positive outcome that can be considered would be to alter or revamp the curriculum, and find ways to find content that can be relatable to all groups of students. 

https://www.aacu.org/diversitydemocracy/2014/fall/nelson-laird

Module 2 - Assignment 1

Title of Dissertation: A study of the relationship between early childhood program attributes and early childhood reading achievement

The early childhood problem researched in the dissertation is how or to what extent early childhood program attributes relate to early childhood student reading success. Teaching training institutions, school districts, and local and state governmental policymakers are assessing the quality of American education and proposing strategies to improve early childhood education.

A brief explanation of the study is described below. The purpose of the quantitative study is to determine and evaluate early childhood attributes and their relationship to early childhood student success in reading as measured by the diagnostic instruments of Texas Primary Reading Inventory.

Quantitative data was collected in numerical form. One hundred teachers in early childhood settings were given a survey with 35 Likert-type items and four demographic items. The study found that there is a difference and relationship between some teacher’s characteristics as independent variables and the scores about teachers’ beliefs about literacy in this research. The statistical test determined the tendency or pattern for two or more variables or two sets of data to vary consistently (Creswell, 2007). Schappe (2006), is a correlational study of relationships among student performance, student feelings, and teacher perceptions as they apply to using a formal performance assessment in a preschool setting. The student subjects were preschool students aged 56-71 months. The data was collected using a teacher perception survey, a performance assessment rubric, and a student self assessment.

The study focused on early childhood reading success. The population of the study consisted of schools with grade levels prekindergarten through second grade where teachers measure reading success using the TPRI and Brigance assessments. The sample includes ZYX academy which consisted of a private early childhood center with children aged infant to kindergarten. The sample included one administrator, 3 teachers, and parents of 48 prekindergarten and kindergarten students. ABA Primary is a primary school with children aged early childhood to prekindergarten. The sample included one administrator, 13 teachers, and parents of 312 students. XX Primary is a primary school with children aged prekindergarten through kindergarten. The sample included one administrator, 10 teachers, and parents of 240 students. WW Primary is a primary school with children aged prekindergarten through second grade. The sample included one administrator, 18 teachers, and parents of 343 students. There was a survey conducted for administrators, teachers, and parents of this study. The data collection process took about two weeks.

The researchers used nominal scales to provide response options where participants check one or more categories that describe their traits, attributes, or characteristics. The study validated the hypothesis and showed that the majority of participants are aligned in their traits, attitudes, or opinions regarding early childhood program attributes and the effect on student reading success at their schools.

 The three resources used by the author that I choose to expand about more are the first three resources in the reference section. All three of these sources are listed at the beginning of the reference list. I would say that all three are highly relevant to the study as they pertain to academic success and how reading affects academic success as a whole. The sources chosen are related to the research and contribute to the research study in a positive way. Other than this, the resources enhance the features and components of the study and provide various angles for us to observe, as well as provide depth for the overall research project.

The information gleaned from this dissertation may further my work related to fostering supportive learning environments through positive classroom cultures and classroom communities. I am very interested in conducting my research study on reading strategies and how that affects students’ overall learning and success. I feel that this study is very closely related to that. I was able to be inspired and be motivated to look further based on the resources that were used to guide this study. Overall, this assignment was very beneficial and certainly ignited more sparks and ideas along the way.

References

Washington, N.M. (2012). A study of the relationship between early childhood program attributes and early childhood reading achievement (Order No. 3517187). Available from ProQuest Dissertations an Theses Global. (1030968321). Retrieved from https://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=https://search-proquest.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/docview/1030968321?accountid=14872

Welcome!

Hi there!

I am from Fairmont, MN but currently reside in Onalaska (La Crosse), WI. My husband and I met while we were finishing our under grad degrees at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. We have two beautiful children. Adrian will be 4 in September and Aria just turned one last week! We are currently expecting our third in late October. We have a pet cat, Lucy and do hope to add a puppy to the mix sometime soon. I work full time. I was assistant director at a childcare center. Sadly, the center closed down in April. I am now working as a lead teacher in a child care center. I am certainly itching for a bigger opportunity but am taking this as a chance to unwind a little as we've had a very eventful past few months. My husband has really been my rock through continuing my education and I really could not thank him enough for that.