Research interest

Over the past year and a half, my research interest has narrowed. I have always been interested in the education of disadvantaged students whether it be SES, race, ability, etc. As I have taken courses and read lots of research as well as scholarly articles, my interest began to focus on early childhood education of these disadvantaged children. This year, Head Start has opened a program at our school. It is serving many 3 and 4 year olds in our community who would otherwise not qualify for our Theraputic Behaviorial Services class (TBS) that serves children on medicaid that live in a home with malparenting or who did not score in the lowest 40 students on the Dial 3 assessment to be served in our half day class for 4 year olds.

It is so frustrating to see children being turned away from the opportunity to attend school and be able to narrow the achievement gap before they start Kindergarten. This leads me to my research agenda. I am researching the policies in the United States for preschool opportunities and its effects on the achievement gap of disadvantaged students.

Universal pre-kindergarten programs are available in Austraila and Great Britain. I am currently reviewing the vast amount to literature available on the outcomes of these programs. In the United States, there are very few opportunities for 4 year olds when it comes to enrolling in a quality preschool. However, some states are beginning to implement a universal preschool. Although there is access to preschool by all 4 year olds, all parents do not take advantage of it. Why not? That is a question I am looking into as well.

So what makes a quality preschool? What are the characteristics of the leadership?

I still have a lot to research and sift through, but it is a topic that I am passionate about and hope my research will make a difference in schools in the United States in the near future.

Please give me suggestions based on your experiences or interests as well!