Thesis (Psy.D.)--Fairleigh Dickinson University, 2001. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 62-01, Section: A, page: 0072. Chair: Judith Kaufman. Available also in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2006. / Title from PDF title page screen. Advisor: C. Chris Payne ; submitted to the School of Human Environmental Sciences. Includes bibliographical references (p. 87-97).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2002. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references: (233-250).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction, 2005. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 66-01, Section: A, page: 0081. Adviser: Jesse Goodman. Title from dissertation home page (viewed Oct. 11, 2006)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, School of Education, 2005. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 66-01, Section: A, page: 0078. Adviser: Mary B. McMullen. Title from dissertation home page (viewed Oct. 11, 2006).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2006. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-07, Section: A, page: 2457. Adviser: Chip Bruce. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 342-354) Available on microfilm from Pro Quest Information and Learning.

<p> As defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL, 2012), social-emotional learning (SEL) involves the acquisition of skills necessary to: identify and manage one&rsquo;s emotions, relate to and establish relationships with others, and make positive and healthy decisions. With only 40% of kindergarten students demonstrating the social-emotional skills needed to be both academically and socially successful upon school entrance (Yates et al., 2008), explicit instruction targeting SEL is needed. As this instruction requires systems-level implementation and decision-making practices, members of these decision-making bodies can include several different school personnel, who may have varying levels of familiarity and previous use of SEL programs. Because the school principal is responsible for overseeing the implementation of school-wide programs (NYS Education Department, 2014), obtaining information regarding their familiarity and use of SEL programs, as well as their decision-making practices is needed. Consequently, the present study examined the extent to which principals participate in SEL decision-making practices; the selection procedures and decision making methods they use to select SEL programs; and their levels of familiarity, past use, and current use of CASEL approved SEL programs. The relationship between principal demographic characteristics and familiarity and use of SEL programs was also evaluated using survey methods. Analysis of descriptive statistics, frequency data, and three multiple regression analyses indicated that most NYS elementary school principals participate in SEL program decision-making. Additionally, they use a variety of methods for learning about programs and deciding upon programs. Overall, however, NYS elementary school principals have little familiarity, past use, or current use with CASEL-approved programs, suggesting a need for increased dissemination and professional development regarding these programs and resources.</p><p>

<p> This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of four state licensed kindergarten teachers with regard to classroom assessment. The purpose of the inquiry was to gain understanding of classroom assessment and its intersection with teacher's practices. The study question was, "What are the lived experiences of state licensed kindergarten teachers with regard to classroom assessment?" A critical theory theoretical framework structured and guided the study. </p><p> &bull; Using the reduction methods as suggested by Van Manen (2014) allowed the researcher to enter a space of openness and understand the teachers' lived experiences with classroom assessment practices. The use of this phenomenological process resulted in the unveiling of four major themes <i>teacher agency, the absence of developmentally appropriate practice, teachers feelings/knowing of assessment and the damage from early childhood assessment</i>.</p><p> Research on early childhood education assessment and teacher practice is a timely endeavor as more children enter schools, daycares, or other means of childcare. Policy makers just like early childhood "creators" of assessment tools need to be mindful of the children first; and acknowledge and understand the place that children and teachers hold when they are making decisions of such importance.</p><p>

<p> American classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse as students enter with native language knowledge (other than English). Addressing the needs of all students is more difficult given most teachers are native English speakers, have little experience with multiple language knowledge, and can be apprehensive about teaching ELs. </p><p> With this in mind, this study was undertaken to look at the feasibility of teaching kindergarten students strategies (e.g., use of picture dictionary, word wall, anchor chart use, partnering with peers), thus allowing the student to create their own understanding of English vocabulary rather than having an adult simply give the meaning to them or impart knowledge. </p><p> Kindergarten ELs were taught strategies, given time to practice, and encouraged to use strategies. Students were then observed using the presented strategies. Use of technology (ELs used iPhones to photograph resources they used) showed to what extent each EL understood and used the presented strategies. </p><p> Promising results showed ELs were able to understand, use, and adapt strategies, creating meaning for themselves as they acquired English vocabulary. PPVT and MLU testing showed increases and identified additional English words spoken. While this study included a small population, the findings point to strategy use for young ELs as promising. The potential application in classrooms could offer support for classroom teachers as they plan for more classroom diversity.</p><p>

Doctor of Philosophy / Curriculum and Instruction Programs / Marjorie R. Hancock / With the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (PL 107-110) many pedagogical practices for literacy learning have been re-examined to align themselves with the results of the National Reading Panel report (2000). The federally funded Reading First initiative mandates systematic and explicit instruction of the key components identified by the National Reading Panel report (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). Higher accountability and high stakes testing has caused reflection regarding how instructional time is spent in classrooms. This qualitative case study was conducted in a combined setting of a kindergarten classroom and music education classroom in a small mid-western community over a period of nine weeks, from February 15 through April 23, 2007. This study, framed in the socio-cultural theory of constructivism (Vygotsky, 1978) and Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligence (2004) explored the way a kindergarten teacher and music educator provided literacy learning opportunities for young children. Data were collected through detailed observational fieldnotes, interviews of the kindergarten teacher and music educator, and conversations with children. Data analysis revealed five characteristics that framed the literacy learning environment which included: 1) providing a caring community; 2) use of conversations; 3) connections to prior knowledge and community; 4) collaboration; and 5) consistency. Pedagogical commonalities were found to include: 1) a gradual release of responsibility; 2) use of metacognition; 3) a sharing of quality children’s literature; 4) purposeful oral language development; and 5) use of active engagement in learning, especially the use of gesturing. Data also revealed evidence of support of six components of early literacy learning: 1) phonemic awareness; 2) phonics; 3) fluency; 4) vocabulary; 5) comprehension; and 6) concepts about print. Data identified that the classroom teacher provided more incidences of instruction coded as phonemic awareness, phonics, and comprehension; with the classroom music educator providing more evidence of coded events for fluency and vocabulary learning. Analysis of combined events identified a balance of instructional methods, experiences, and techniques identifying the critical importance of the elementary music educator’s role in supporting early literacy learning of young children and the importance of collaboration in meeting needs of children.