Equity in learning: Linking oral language to print
- WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- April Lee Wright (Creator)
- Institution
- Western Carolina University (WCU )
- Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
- Advisor
- Catherine Andrews
Abstract: There is a consistent pattern of low performing readers in elementary schools throughout the nation. This pattern also shows a consistent achievement gap between brown and white students as well as English as a first language and English as a second language students. The problem of practice addressed in this study is low literacy proficiency scores in kindergarten and first grade as measured by mandated assessments. The team explored potential root causes of consistent low scores, and then designed an improvement initiative. This study’s theory of improvement suggested that capacity-building in integrated oral language and culturally responsive instructional practices, for teachers of kindergarten and first grade students would reduce the current reading proficiency gap at Woodfin Elementary school. The participants included 11 certified teachers and 45 students: 17 English language learners. The improvement initiative was focused on building teaching capacity in phonemic awareness instruction, sound wall implementation and culturally responsive instruction. The initiative involved two professional learning sessions and one coaching cycle for teachers. The methodology was a mix methods approach. Focus groups, surveys, and student assessments were used to measure change. The student literacy growth for the academic year could not be measured within the four months of this study. No significant difference was found in teacher knowledge of basic language constructs. There was a significant change in teachers’ culturally responsive teaching self-efficacy. The scholar-practitioner recommends that this study be replicated with a larger sample of participants, including a more diverse student population.
Equity in learning: Linking oral language to print
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Created on 3/1/2022
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2022
- Keywords
- culturally responsive teaching, phonemic awareness, sound walls
- Subjects
- Racial justice in education
- Culturally relevant pedagogy
- Phonemic awareness
- Kindergarten teachers -- Training of
- Academic achievement