Document Type

Graduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

2009

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Committee Chair

Andrea Sledge

Second Committee Member

Dave Majsterek

Third Committee Member

Janet Finke

Abstract

Students most at-risk for academic failure are the populations of students classified as English Language Learners; migrant students; special education students; children of poverty; homeless students; students in foster care; children of abuse or neglect; and children with social, emotional, or behavioral concerns. The number of students falling within the at-risk population of students has continued to increase over the years. A program and curriculum called Kindergarten Connection attempts to address these barriers to learning by identifying family, societal and academic concerns prior to kindergarten and connecting families to the school and community resources that will provide the needed support. The program seeks to empower parents to become involved in their child's education through knowledge of early literacy development and expectations of kindergarten teachers and state standards. Using a mixed method research design, efficacy of the program and curriculum were examined during the pilot phases of the Kindergarten Connection program to determine if this type of pre-kindergarten early intervention program has merit for future implementation. Recommendations for further studies are included.

Comments

Pagination: two pages numbered 80, no page numbered 85

Download
COinS