Date of Award
11-27-2018
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Educational Leadership, Ed.D.
First Advisor
Joseph Nichols
Committee Members
Alicia Shaw; Annette Hux; Joan Henley
Call Number
LD 251 .A566d 2018 L66
Abstract
This quantitative study explored the perceptions of Arkansas’ K-3 educators regarding the effects of school entry age on young male students, kindergarten through third grade. The purpose of the study was to examine educators’ beliefs about whether these young males encountered more difficulties in reading and mathematics, were less developmentally ready for skills necessary to be successful in their grade and showed more difficulties in social interaction, following directions and staying engaged in tasks when compared to their older male classmates. The study also explored these educators’ perceptions regarding if their school districts were sharing the waiver option with parents and if they would change kindergarten entry date from August 1 to June 1. The design method chosen for this was a quantitative, cross-sectional study. K-3 teachers and principals responded to an online survey. The survey was distributed via email to all K-3 principals in AR. These principals were asked to participate in the survey and to disseminate the survey to their K-3 teachers. This study included the responses of 543 educators who chose to respond to the survey. The study found the majority of the educators who responded to the survey questions perceived young male students encountered more difficulties in reading and mathematics, were less developmentally ready for skills necessary to be successful in the grade-level, and showed more difficulties in social interaction, following directions, and staying engaged in tasks, than their older male grade-level peers. These educators’ perceptions indicated Arkansas school districts are not making a concerted effort to ensure that parents are made aware of the waiver option that allows a child to be a year older when entering kindergarten. The study further indicated the majority of educators felt it was important to move the cut-off date for kindergarten entry in Arkansas from August 1 to June 1.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Long, Tamara Dianne, "Arkansas K-3 Educators' Perceptions Regarding the Effects of School Entry Age on Young Male Students Kindergarten Through Third Grade" (2018). Student Theses and Dissertations. 462.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/462
