Examining state social emotional standards and professional development related to those standards

Embedding social emotional standards into professional development can enhance teachers’ ability to address the social emotional needs of young children. However, research on early childhood standards has mainly focused on the development of specific content areas (e.g., mathematics, science, social studies, literacy) within these stadnards while professional development studies have focused mainly on inclusion, evidence-based practices, and social skills interventions. There is little research on professional development that focuses on state social emotional standards. The purpose of this mixed method study was to gain insights into professional development related to early learning standards for early childhood practitioners who work with preschool-age children (3 to 5 years old). Using mixed methods, the social emotional content within state early childhood learning standards was examined for similiarities and differences across states. Futhermore, the resources that six states utilized to support the professional development that teachers received in addressing the social emotional needs of children with and without disabilities was investigated. Results indicate variations in state social emotional standards, approaches to professional development in relation to state social emotional standards, and the resources and supports available by states providing social emotional professional development.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Special Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Shaffer, LaShorage

Contributors dc:contributor

• Santos Gilbertz, Rosa Milagros
• Ostrosky, Michaelene M.
• Gaffney, Janet S.
• Hemmeter, Mary Louise

• Early learning standards
• professional development
• early childhood
• social emotional standards

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2013 LaShorage Shaffer

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/46751

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/46751