Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Advisor

Roslyn Doctorow

Committee Member

Barbara Christina

Keywords

emotional development, social development

Abstract

The purpose of this applied dissertation study was to evaluate the implementation of a program entitled Second Step for Early Learning to determine if the program would significantly improve social-emotional competence in young children. The participants included six teachers from a preschool program located in an urban school district in Pennsylvania. Data-collection sources included surveys, interviews, and a review of lesson plans. Data analysis employed both quantitative and qualitative procedures.Findings from three data sources in combination with training indicated that implementation of the program increased social competence in young children. Research suggests that the overall result of the effectiveness of the implementation of the program was successful. Even at a low level of implementation, the program increased social- emotional competence in the children exposed to the lessons. Positive interactions between students and others, including adults, increased. Teacher knowledge and response to student behavior was positively impacted by program implementation.

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