Research Update: Preschool Head Start English Language Learning

The purpose of this study is to test the impact of indirect language stimulation techniques on preschoolers’ English language development following teacher training of a random half of Head Start teachers of four-year-olds in a rural county in East Texas. Growth in language development of all students, including those for whom English is a Second Language (ESL), was measured using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Tests of receptive (PPVT-4) and expressive (EVT-2) English language. This study falls on the heels of a promising pilot study (Abel, Gottshall, Nerren, Payne, & Wilson 2009, to be published) which explored the impact of these language stimulation techniques in ESL preschool classrooms. It is expected that with the changes made in the present study, a statistically significant impact will result.

Please enjoy the ppt presentation about our research.

Presented by: Carolyn Abel, Jackie Becker, Jannah Nerren, Hope Wilson, Dorothy Gottshall

Stephen F. Austin State University

Department of Elementary Education Early Childhood Research Center Bright Ideas Conference – April 8, 2010