The Effects of Prefirst Grade as an Early Intervention Pathway for Students Who Present with Learning Needs in an Independent Elementary School

Author/Creator

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2017-05-10

Department

Elementary and Special Education

Program

Masters of Education

Citation of Original Publication

Rights

Collection may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. To obtain information or permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the Goucher Special Collections & Archives at 410-337-6347 or email archives@goucher.edu.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of prefirst enrollment on first grade readiness based on measures of social-emotional and academic preparedness. This study included 11 first grade students who attended an independent school in Baltimore County. Prior to this study, three students participated in a prefirst program, and eight students did not have a prefirst experience. This study used a causal comparative design that included students from one first grade classroom in the researcher’s school. The measurement tool used was progress report results from the first trimester of the school year. The results concluded that there was no difference among students with prefirst experience and students with no prefirst experience. Research in this area should continue to determine whether prefirst is an effective transitional program for students who present with learning needs.