Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services
Advisor
Paul Terry
Committee Member
Sandra Eidson
Committee Member
Barbara Packer
Keywords
assessment, child development, classroom observation, curriculum implementation, early childhood classroom observation form, early childhood education, educational qualifications, National Association for the Education of Young Children, participant satisfaction, professional development, professional development models, questionnaire, staff development, teacher education, teacher improvement, teacher qualifications, teacher training, teaching skills
Abstract
This applied dissertation was designed to develop a professional development program for teachers in an early childhood education setting. A review of teacher qualifications from 1998-2002 revealed that the percentage of teachers employed with a degree in early childhood education had decreased from 60% to 20%. Because the teachers' educational qualifications were in other areas, additional staff training was needed to ensure that, (1) they understood how young children learn, and (2) they would be able to implement effectively a curriculum designed for students ages 3-5 years old.
Pre- and post study questionnaires were given to participants, to obtain input into the initial design of the program and afterwards to determine their satisfaction. The pre- and post observation and assessment of participants' teaching skills were conducted, by using National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC's) Early Childhood Classroom Observation Form to determine if any changes or improvement occurred.
The results of the data revealed that the revised program was successful because teachers were involved in its initial design and expressed some ownership. Teachers participated in eight different professional development models. This participation provided opportunities to obtain needed educational course work, and other support to improve their teaching skills.