ERIC Number: ED639992
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 197
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3805-8829-4
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Principals' Perceptions of Quality Inclusion in Pre-K Programs
Demetrius Alexander
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Walden University
Administrators play a key role in establishing learning structures that impact student learning from the earliest developmental stages. Throughout the northeastern region of the United States, elementary schools continuously assess the quality of student-teacher interactions to evaluate students' developmental progress. The problem identified in this study was that in the northeastern region of the United States, atypically and typically developing students in pre-K inclusion programs are not exiting pre-K with the developmental skills required for kindergarten. Framed with Burns' theory of transformational leadership, the purpose of this basic qualitative project study was to examine the perceptions of elementary school principals about inclusion in pre-K classrooms and the instructional and structural supports needed for teachers of pre-K children in inclusive settings in the northeastern region of the United States. Audio-recorded, semistructured interviews were conducted with five elementary school principals with special education and general education programs throughout the northeastern region. Open coding was used to analyze interview data, resulting in categories and themes. The results suggested that elementary school principals with pre-K inclusion programs inconsistently perceive their role as one of influence, often relying on personalized decision-making norms when considering instructional and structural resources for inclusive classrooms. Based on these findings, a 3 day professional development was designed to assist principals in understanding how systematic structures contribute to the quality of inclusive pre-K programs. Social change may occur over time as principals adopt research-based systemic structures, which are informed, intentional, and promote lifelong learning norms in diverse classrooms. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Principals, Administrator Attitudes, Educational Quality, Inclusion, Preschool Education, Elementary Schools, Classroom Techniques, Preschool Teachers, Developmental Stages, Skills, School Readiness, Administrator Role
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A