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