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National-Louis University

The Primary Dilemma: Determining And Overcoming Barriers To A Focus On Prekindergarten Through Grade 3

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>In 2017, reporters of national data in regard to reading ability among American, fourth grade students indicated low proficiency and achievement gaps. These results were also consistent within the state and district under study. There is a need to increase the focus on prekindergarten and primary grade education taking place prior to the grades in which federally mandated, accountability assessments for student learning take place. The purpose of this study is to determine the potential barriers to a paradigm shift at the state and district levels from a focus on state-assessed grade levels to prekindergarten and primary grade levels. The context of this study is a large public school district, the state in which it is located, and the federal education law under which both entities operate. My study demonstrates the gap in priorities between the state and local education leaders in regard to which grade levels should receive the majority of focus on an elementary school campus. I suggest the addition of quality measures for public prekindergarten and primary grade classrooms in order to improve professional development efforts and increase administrative focus.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Ed.D. Doctor of Education
Level thesis:degree_level
Dissertation - Public Access
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Educational Leadership
Year dc:date.available
2020

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Lukas, Sarah Turner
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Dr. Carla Sparks
  • Dr. Stefanie Shames

Subjects

dc:subject × 14

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/442
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:digitalcommons.nl.edu:diss-1474

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
National-Louis University
Base URL
digitalcommons.nl.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Lukas, Sarah Turner. The Primary Dilemma: Determining And Overcoming Barriers To A Focus On Prekindergarten Through Grade 3. Dissertation - Public Access thesis, 2020. https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/442