Evaluating Early Numeracy Skills in Preschool Children: A Program Evaluation of Rural Head Start Classrooms
Date
2015-06
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Abstract
Early numeracy skills are a critical component of daily preschool instruction, according to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM; 2002); however, there is variability in how mathematics-driven instruction is implemented in the preschool classroom (Graham, Nash, & Paul, 1997; Brown, Malfese, & Molfese, 2008). Research indicates that children from low income backgrounds who qualify for Head Start programs do not make comparable growth in early numeracy skill development when compared to children from higher SES levels (Puma, et. al., 2012). The objective of this dissertation was to evaluate a selected mathematics curriculum utilized by the Happy Faces Head Start1 program, after program data indicated that children's mathematics achievement was below established targets (Happy Faces Head Start, 2012). Results indicated that the curriculum, Mathematics: A Creative Curriculum Approach, which was implemented in rural Head Start classrooms did not show significant gains in math skills compared to children in the control group.
Description
Dissertation completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Psychology degree in School Psychology at Alfred University, Alfred, NY.
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Dissertation
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Head Start, Numeracy, Preschool education