An Analysis of Factors Affecting Implementation of Literacy Curriculum Resources in K-2 Classrooms in A
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AN ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING IMPLEMENTATION OF LITERACY CURRICULUM RESOURCES IN K-2 CLASSROOMS IN A MIDWEST SUBURBAN SCHOOL DISTRICT A DISSERTATION IN Educational Leadership, Policy and Foundations and Curriculum and Instructional Leadership Presented to the Faculty of the University of Missouri-Kansas City in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY by KAREN ELDER-HURST B.S., Northwest Missouri State M.A., University of Missouri-St. Louis Educational Specialist, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2003 Kansas City, Missouri 2012 © 2012 KAREN ELDER-HURST ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AN ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING IMPLEMENTATION OF LITERACY CURRICULUM RESOURCES IN K-2 CLASSROOMS IN A MIDWEST SUBURBAN SCHOOL DISTRICT Karen Elder-Hurst, Candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2012 ABSTRACT This study explored teacher perceptions through a triangulation of data from surveys, interviews, and document analysis to identify how literacy curriculum implementation is affected in Kindergarten through second grade classrooms. Research was based around three questions: How do K-2 teachers perceive their professional development of the new literacy curriculum? How do K-2 teachers perceive their implementation of the new literacy curriculum? How do K-2 teachers perceive leadership support for the implementation of the new literacy curriculum? The first step in the data collection process involved sending an electronic survey to all Kindergarten, grade one and grade two teachers meeting the criteria for inclusion in the study. Demographic profiles and open-ended questions were used to collect data along with the survey iii questions. Six teachers (two Kindergarten, two first grade and two second grade) were interviewed using a semi-structured protocol with each interviewee. Documents were collected and included professional development guides, training schedules, and curriculum resource literature. Results indicated implementation is hindered when professional development is vague and does not provide opportunity for participants to learn, practice, and collaborate together. Implementation in the classroom is enhanced when participants receive feedback and opportunities to observe others, ask questions, and know full implementation takes time. Implementation is enhanced when leadership is supportive and listens to the needs and concerns of the participants. Providing a culture allowing for mistakes and opportunities to improve helps participants feel excited and engaged in the new learning. iv APPROVAL PAGE The faculty listed below, appointed by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies have examined a dissertation titled “An Analysis of Factors Affecting Implementation o Literacy Curriculum Resources in K-2 Classrooms in a Midwest Suburban School District,” presented by Karen Elder-Hurst, candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree, and certify that in their opinion it is worthy of acceptance. Supervisory Committee Donna Davis, Ph.D., Committee Chair Department Educational Leadership, Policy and Foundations Jennifer Friend, Ph.D. Department of Educational Leadership, Policy and Foundations Sue Thompson, Ph.D. Department of Educational Leadership, Policy and Foundations Karen Kindle, Ed.D. Department of Curriculum and Instructional Leadership Mal Linville, Ph.D. Department of Curriculum and Instructional Leadership v CONTENTS ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................. iii LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................... xii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ..................................................... xiii GLOSSARY ............................................................................................................... xiv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................... xv Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1 Nature of the Problem .................................................................................. 2 Background .................................................................................................. 4 Purpose of the Study .................................................................................... 7 Significance of the Study .............................................................................. 7 Research Questions ...................................................................................... 8 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................ 8 Fixed and Growth Mind-Set ................................................................... 9 Change Theory ..................................................................................... 11 Research Methodology ............................................................................... 13 Site Selection ........................................................................................ 14 Participants ........................................................................................... 14 Instruments ........................................................................................... 15 Limitations, Assumptions, and Delimitations.............................................. 16 vi 2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE ........................................................................... 17 Literacy Instructional Programs in the Realm of High Stakes Testing ............................................................................ 17 Historical Review of Literacy.............................................................. 18 Balanced Literacy ............................................................................... 21 Current Trends and Policies ................................................................ 26 Teaching and Learning ............................................................................... 27 High Stakes Testing ................................................................................... 28 Leadership and Organizational Change ...................................................... 31 Leadership .......................................................................................... 31 Urgency for Improvement ................................................................... 34 Learning Community .......................................................................... 34 Culture ................................................................................................ 37 Curriculum and Instruction.................................................................. 40 Build a Committed Staff ..................................................................... 41 Organizational Improvement ...................................................................... 42 Historical View of Organizational Change .......................................... 42 Present View of Organizational Change .............................................. 47 Sustainability ...................................................................................... 49 Teacher Perceptions and Beliefs ................................................................. 49 Teacher Basic Attitude toward Education ............................................ 50 Level of Fears and Uncertainty Associated with the Change ........................................................................... 52 Practicality of the Change ................................................................... 53 vii Perceived Support ............................................................................... 54 Personal Cost ...................................................................................... 55 Teacher Behaviors .............................................................................. 57 Teacher Efficacy ................................................................................. 59 Implementation .......................................................................................... 64 Exploration and Adoption ................................................................... 65 Program Installation ............................................................................ 66 Initial Implementation ......................................................................... 67 Full Operation ..................................................................................... 67 Innovation ........................................................................................... 68 Sustainability ...................................................................................... 68 Professional Development ................................................................... 71 Other Factors ...................................................................................... 73 Implementation Conclusions ............................................................... 75 Summary of Review of Literature............................................................... 76 3. METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................... 77 Phenomenological Lens.............................................................................. 78 Site Selection ............................................................................................