Degree Name

EdD (Doctor of Education)

Program

Educational Leadership

Date of Award

May 1997

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the expressed beliefs and practices about developmental education from early childhood teachers in Tennessee's First Educational District. A questionnaire measuring expressed beliefs and practices was administered to teachers (kindergarten through third grade) in public schools with both multi-age and single-age classrooms. The area of teaching specialization along with the number of years taught within the organization structure are paramount in the study. Teachers' expressed beliefs concerning the amount of outside influences with planning and implementing instruction are also noted. Educators were asked to respond to 36 likert-type items regarding their beliefs about developmentally appropriate practices. Respondents were also asked to respond to 27 likert-type items related to their instructional practices based on developmental appropriateness. Data were analyzed using an oblique factor analysis. Findings include a difference between multi-age and single-age classroom teachers regarding developmental education.

Document Type

Dissertation - unrestricted

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