The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pupils working in small groups on Mathematics attainment of year-three pupils in ten public primary schools in Palembang, Indonesia. In the intervention group, pupils carried out Mathematics exercises by discussing and helping each other in mixed ability groups while those in the comparison group did the Mathematics exercises individually. This study used a non-equivalent control group design. To investigate the effects of the differences in classroom pedagogy, Mathematics test had to be devised and its validity and reliability established before the intervention research could be carried out. Children and teachers in the intervention and comparison groups were as similar as possible. In addition, short questionnaires for teachers and intervention group pupils were also administered to obtain their views about the new classroom pedagogy. Differences on pupils' Mathematics attainment were investigated by assessing the pupils at two time periods: pre-test (at the beginning of the term) and post-test (at the end of the term). The views of teachers and intervention group pupils were collected at the end of the term. The main data analysis was conducted to assess the contribution of pre-test scores, intervention/comparison group, gender and school to children's post-test scores. The views of teachers and pupils were sought as part of postintervention evaluation. This study found that the pre-test was highly predictive of the outcome. After controlling for pre-test scores, children in the intervention group scored significantly higher than those in the comparison group. There were no gender differences but there were variations in the effectiveness of individual schools. All intervention group teachers reported that the pupils learned more Mathematics under the intervention and most of them would use the method for future teaching practice. In addition, most of intervention group pupils liked to work in the small groups, liked to help each other and believed they learned more Mathematics in the small groups.

This research documented an attempt to introduce a change in teachers' working methods in several Israeli schools through the use of in-service teacher training courses (INSET). The courses were held in the Oranim School of Education of the Kibbutz Movement. Oranim is a comprehensive teacher training college, offering a wide variety of training courses for educators and school teachers at all levels. This research study focused on two main objectives: 1. To investigate the suspicion that Oranim course graduates are not implementing the material learned in the course in their classes. This was noticed by the researcher and her colleagues during their visits to numerous schools. This objective was to more systematically investigate if this feeling reflects reality. 2. To investigate how teachers and head-teachers explain this phenomenon, that is, their ability (or inability) to implement new methods, techniques and didactic means learned in the course in their classes. The first objective was examined both by reviewing the reality through observations, questionnaires and interviews, as well as by making comparisons to work methods and opinions of teachers who did not participate in the course. The second objective was examined through interviews and questionnaires. The main research fmdings showed that the course participants differed from their colleagues who did not participate in the course with respect to their level of awareness of the need to implement change, and their familiarisation with diverse teaching-learning methods. The two groups of teachers actually worked in a similar fashion. The main explanations provided by the teachers for this were: lack of follow-up by an expert after the course; lack of cooperation by the school's teaching staff; and insufficient preparation in order to cope with their unique reality during the course.

<p> Family poverty is associated with children&rsquo;s health, achievement, and behavior (Brooks-Gunn &amp; Duncan, 1997). Less than half, 48%, of children from low income homes are considered school ready by the age of five compared with 75% of their peers from middle to high income homes (Isaacs, 2012). Researchers have linked school readiness to long-term outcomes like success in grade school, lower drop-out rates in high school, and higher earned income as adults (Duncan et al., 2007). Although children in poverty experience greater deficits in areas of school readiness, participation in a quality childhood education can serve as a protective buffer and has been shown to be associated with improved academic, social and health outcomes (Caughy, DiPietro, &amp; Strobino, 1994; Love et al., 2003; Karoly, Kilburn, &amp; Cannon, 2005). School readiness has been an aim of Head Start since its conception (Raver &amp; Zigler, 1997). </p><p> More research has been dedicated to aspects of early childhood education programming to ascertain which aspects are most beneficial to children and thus there is a growing body of literature for which researchers have assessed the impact of early entry into Head Start, which in turn provides children with two years versus one year of Head Start programming (Moiduddin, Aikens, Tarullo, &amp; West, 2010; Tarullo, Aikens, Moiduddin, &amp; West, 2010). Due to the limited program capacity, children who enter Head Start at three instead of four-years-old, tend to have more extreme risk factors that afford them priority for enrollment. While randomization of a treatment such as early entry into Head Start is not often feasible nor ethical, a quasi- experimental design like propensity score analysis can help mitigate the effects of selection bias by controlling for confounding variables (Rosenbaum &amp; Rubin, 1983). </p><p> Researchers who have applied this methodology to learn more about the impact of early entry into Head Start, have found that the additional year of Head Start programming tends to lead to gains in social competence and literacy outcomes. This study sought to replicate these findings with a new sample and extend this work by assessing possible differentiated treatment effects by propensity score strata. Further, this study sought to assess the nature of the relationship between social competence and literacy. </p><p> Early Entry into Head Start was associated with significant gains in literacy throughout the four-year-old year for children in the treatment compared to those in the control. This treatment effect was consistent across all propensity score strata. There were no significant treatment effects of early entry on social competence, including social skills and problem behavior. Significant gains in social skills were observed throughout the academic year for both the treatment and control groups, but no changes were observed in problem behavior. The treatment effect on social competence was distinct for children with low propensity scores who were therefore least likely to be in the treatment group. Ad-hoc analyses of the low propensity score group identified some possible areas for future research. Finally, data here established a small positive correlation between social skills and literacy but found no correlation between problem behavior and literacy. </p><p> Collectively, the findings suggested that early entry into Head Start was significantly associated with improved early literacy outcomes that were sustained throughout the pre- Kindergarten year. Head Start, regardless of the age of entry, was associated with significant gains in literacy and social skills. Recommendations are made to improve program efficacy regarding problem behavior outcomes and assess program characteristics. Recommendations are made for future research to address the Head Start selection criteria and enrollment process to identify areas of opportunity for outreach and advocacy. </p><p>

<p> The current study examined the relationship between the dismissal of the young child with developmental delays (YCDD) from the individual educational plan (IEP) prior to kindergarten and later requalification for special education services. The primary purpose of the study was to provide stakeholder perceptions of current practices regarding meeting the needs of four former YCDD students. The perceptions came through interviews with former YCDD students, their parents, teachers, administrators and, additionally, data from interventions, state assessments and survey. </p><p> Data showed that the relationship between dismissal and requalification for services showed low achievement from all four former YCDD students. All four focus students did requalify for special education services. In addition, the stakeholder&rsquo;s perceptions revealed recurring themes and implications for practice. Given the small sample utilized for the current study, the findings may not be generalized to all children with a former YCDD diagnosis. Results provided implications for keeping the diagnosis through kindergarten transition and researching the study on a larger scale.</p><p>

<p> Three learning cycle science lessons were developed for preschoolers in an early childhood children&rsquo;s center in Costa Mesa, California. The lessons were field tested by both novice and experienced teachers with children ranging from three to five years old. Teachers were then interviewed informally to collect feedback on the structure and flow the lessons. The feedback was encouraging remarks towards the use of learning cycle science lessons for early childhood educators. Adjustments were made to the lessons based on teacher feedback. The lessons and their implications for preschool education are discussed. </p><p>

<p> This is an exploration of the perceptions and perspectives of early childhood leaders and practitioners with regards to preschool learners with autism engaged in inclusive educational settings. At a time when inclusive education is acknowledged as best practice, there is still a concern that many preschool learners with disabilities are receiving most of their supports in a segregated setting. Additional concerns noted in the current research relate directly to the beliefs, values, and attitudes towards inclusive education for learners with disabilities. No distinct study has been done with regards to this age group, nor to pinpoint the perceptions and perspectives on the outcomes and process of teaching learners with autism in inclusive settings. </p><p> The main research question was, How, if at all, can andragogy learning theory be applied to inclusive education for preschool learners with autism? To answer this question, the researcher set up a standalone intervention experience for the study participants, utilizing two self-assessments and discussion group, with time for self-reflection. The stakeholders of the project included leaders, those that are in positions of authority in providing supports to preschool learners within the early childhood center; and practitioners, who are responsible to implement the supports for preschool learners in the early childhood center. A qualitative program evaluation was the research design utilized to measure both the program outcomes and processes. </p><p> The leaders and practitioners took the two self-assessments and from the second self-assessment tool, MIPI-PLA, individuals volunteered to participate in a focus group discussion. Eight themes emerged from the research analysis as barriers for inclusive education: support and preparedness, team collaboration, defined roles and responsibilities, learner engagement, communication differences, valuing learners with autism point of view, belief in learners with autism, and transformative learning/change. </p><p> The program evaluation found that andragogy learning theory provides support towards transformative change in beliefs, attitudes, and values with regards to preschool learners with autism engaged in inclusive opportunities. Ultimately, the experience of critical self-reflection through self-assessment provided the leaders and practitioners a different perspective regarding their assumptions of the preschool learner with autism and their capabilities in participating in an inclusive education experience.</p><p>

Masters in Public Administration - MPA / The White Paper on Education and training defines ECD as the process by which children 0 – 9 grow and thrive in all respects. The main focus of ECD’s is to ensure that children are thriving, by providing a solid foundation for physical, emotional, cognitive and overall healthy development of children (UNICEF, 2005). Therefore a critical factor for educational achievement is access to ECD. In redressing the exclusion of the past in ECD the equity enshrined in the white paper on Education and training (1995) and the Reconstruction and development program (RDP) suggest that government act as the key agent for ‘levelling the playing field’ . This would greatly benefit the historically disadvantaged children which are the majority within South Africa (Department Basic Education, 2001). The challenge is to establish in which way the playing field are bring levelled to increase ascertain ECD programs for all children in general, and poor children in particular. Thus the implementation of quality programs becomes a matter of urgency (UNICEF, 2005). Many ECD centres have been established around the world and in South Africa, very few studies have been conducted concerning the implementation of government policy in terms of ECD centres. As stated in the Convention on the Right of the Child and the African charter on the Rights and the welfare of the child. The South African constitutions in regard to Act 108 of 1996 include the Bill of Rights, with policies and plans that are in one place to ensure that the rights of children in the Early Childhood Developmental stage are met (Child institute, 2007/2008). This research investigates the implementation of government ECD policy in the three sectors of government policy which need to be adhered to. Namely the criteria stipulated by the Educational Department, Social Development as well as the Department of Health. The study shall ascertain whether these policies are indeed being implemented. New ECD programs include the ECD integrated Plan with a focus on parent education, in addition to Expanded Public Works Program which also includes the training of parents (Biersterker & Kvalsig, 2007 :pp 1200). The research objectives are namely to examine the implementation of ECD policy which covers all three departments that of; Education, Social Development and Health. To develop a legislative and conceptual framework to underpin the study Identify challenges and opportunities from primary data and draw conclusions Make recommendations Specific research questions addresses in this study: •To determine what processes are in place to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the ECD policy. •To ascertain what specific challenges are faced by ECD centres staff during the implementation of policy. •The relevance of the policies to the intended Institutions. A qualitative study method shall be adopted. The instrument (questionnaire) will be issued to participants namely head/principal or teacher in charge of ECD centres. The questionnaire shall be followed up with a focus group, which shall include head of ECD’s as well as active parents from communities/governing bodies. The researcher undertakes the responsibility of providing and examining the level of competences. The researcher shall be responsible in conducting the research, with integrity and maintain honesty and fairness at all times. The participants are assured that the information shared during the discussions would be used solely for the study and no other publications. The researcher shall uphold the right for any participant to withdraw from the process if they no longer wish to participate. Only respondents who provide consent to being a part of this process shall participate.

In 2014, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his commitment to provide free public pre-kindergarten (pre-K) to all of New York City’s four-year-olds. With “Pre-K for All,” New York City has undertaken the most ambitious pre-K expansion in the country. The Division of Early Childhood (DECE) in the New York City Department of Education is responsible for implementing Pre-K for All. Now in its second year of expansion, the DECE has shifted its focus from infrastructure development to quality improvement and sustainability. In my Residency, I worked to develop a quality improvement mechanism called the “Foundational Support Visit” (FSV), a new process for diagnosing need across every Pre-K for All program. The DECE used findings from the FSV to inform the allocation of coaching supports to all pre-K programs. As part of the FSV initiative, I worked closely with the Division’s 125 Early Childhood Social Workers, the DECE’s largest team of school-based support staff and one of two teams responsible for conducting Foundational Support Visits at Pre-K for All programs. In my Capstone, I describe the evolution of the Foundational Support Visit, from design to implementation, and analyze how the process impacted Social Workers’ perception of their evolving role during Pre-K for All’s expansion. I explore the question of how a growing organization can support people on the ground to adapt to be effective during a period of rapid change and argue that the FSV process generated important losses for the DECE’s Social Workers. I describe my efforts, as a developing leader, to restore Social Workers’ confidence in their value through the creation of a feedback mechanism and a monthly working group meeting. In my analysis of my own leadership, I consider my initial struggle to diagnose the losses at stake for the DECE’s Social Workers, and I explore how leaders can approach organizational change in a way that acknowledges loss and helps people adapt to new environments. I conclude with a series of implications for my own leadership, for the DECE, and finally, for the education sector.

The positive relationship between parental education and children’s educational outcomes is one of the most well established connections in the developmental literature. However, nearly all of this research treats parent education as static across a child’s development. Estimates from the 2008-2009 Survey of Income and Program Participation suggest that nearly 2 million low-income parents were engaged in some form of continued education that year. Given this, it is critical to understand parents’ experiences in school, as well as the relationship between child development and parent education, as the latter changes over time. In this two-study dissertation, drawing broadly from ecological theories of development, I used quantitative and qualitative methods with multiple datasets to explore the relationship between mothers’ attainment of additional education and their young children’s development. In Study 1, I used data from a national sample of low-income families with young children to test whether there is a relationship between the development of children’s cognitive skills between the ages of 3 and 7 and mothers’ attainment of additional education. Based on individual growth modeling analyses, I found a positive relationship between maternal educational attainment and children’s early writing and mathematics skills. In addition, children appeared to benefit more when their mothers attained additional education after children had transitioned to elementary school. For children’s mathematics skills only, the positive relationship between children’s growth trajectories and mothers’ attainment of additional education was largest in magnitude for children whose mothers had the lowest levels of education at baseline. In Study 2, I employed grounded-theory methods and longitudinal qualitative interviews from a different sample of low-income mothers (with preschool-aged children) to understand mothers’ motivation for pursuing additional education while raising a young child. I found that women’s motivation to pursue, or not to pursue, additional education was related to their caregiving responsibilities, and their personal goals, in contradictory and complementary ways. Specifically, the need to provide and care for their children simultaneously pushed mothers towards, and pulled them away from, additional schooling. However, women were also motivated to pursue schooling by their desire for intellectual growth and personal fulfillment. The extent to which women articulated these personal motivations may be related to their success in pursuing additional education.

The U.S. is calling for expansion of preschool to help close the well-documented income-based achievement gap. Children from low-income families often enter kindergarten academically behind their higher income peers and recent findings indicate gaps in social-emotional aspects of school readiness as well, illustrating how early these gaps emerge and raising questions about cross-domain relationships. Therefore, this two-study dissertation explores the relationship between children’s social competence and their early math development. Study 1 uses longitudinal growth modeling to explore within- and cross-domain relationships between children’s a) interpersonal, social problem-solving skills and b) early math skills during a preschool year. Participants (N=76) were recruited from a MA preschool serving mostly children from low-income and minority families. Results show that children have positive, linear math learning trajectories that vary by age when not accounting for children’s social competence. Children’s development of flexibility in social problem-solving is associated with changes in the rates at which children learn math skills across a preschool year, controlling for baseline child demographics with no evidence of differential learning trajectories by age other than observed differences in math skills at preschool entry. Children’s adaptive social problem-solving strategies show positive non-linear growth trajectories. Importantly, these adaptive problem-solving strategies from the previous time period have the potential (p =.12) to positively predict children’s growth in early math skills during the preschool year. Study 2 draws a subsample (N=3485) from the Head Start Impact Study, (U.S. DHHS, 2010) a large, nationally representative study of Head Start, to investigate the potential mediating role of children’s social competence on early math skills for children randomly assigned to Head Start. Results from a confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit for the latent construct with positive social skills and teacher-child relationships as indicators of social competence. Moreover, children’s social competence was positively related to math achievement during the Head Start year. Taken together, results from these studies suggest that children’s social competence may play an important role in promoting children’s early math skills and may warrant more attention in preschool curricula especially as greater attention is paid to increasing implementation of challenging, developmentally-focused math curricula.