Language: English

ISSN: 0017-8055, 1943-5045

Abstract/Notes: A framework law on preschool education in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2007 requires all preschool institutions to apply and practice inclusion as well as the compulsory preschool education in a year before children start school. The same law emphasizes that children with developmental disabilities should be included in preschool institutions according to programs adapted to their individual needs. Namely, the goal of applying inclusion in kindergartens is directed towards giving every child the opportunity to progress following their abilities. In that sense, to realize inclusion it is necessary to provide important preassumptions such as curriculum, methods of work, didactic tools, professionally educated team, and permanent assistants in individual assistance. Children with developmental difficulties deal with additional discrimination because most preschool institutions do not have the above-mentioned preassumptions for work and they are often excluded from the educational process. To find the solution to this problem, the focus of this paper is aimed at choosing a curriculum that will enable each child with an equal opportunity in life. In this context, a group of experts who completed the Montessori specialization have created the Integrated Preschool Adaptive Curriculum (IPAC) that is intended for inclusive kindergarten groups. The basis for its development was the contextual and dynamic assessment of abilities, knowledge, and skills of children who attended kindergarten a year earlier and worked according to the methodology of Montessori teaching and techniques. In this paper, we intend to present the results of a three-year study that was based on examining the impact of the Integrated Preschool Adaptive Curriculum (IPAC) on children's readiness to go to school. Readiness in this context considers reaching a certain degree of maturity in cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical development as well as in specific abilities in the cultural, hygienic, and work habits domain.

Language: Bosnian

DOI: 10.51558/2490-3647.2021.6.2.227

ISSN: 2490-3647, 2490-3604

Language: English

DOI: 10.1177/027112148100100109

ISSN: 0271-1214

Language: English

Published: New York: American Montessori Internationale of the United States (AMI/USA), 1997

Abstract/Notes: This is a revised edition of: "Linking developmental assessment and curricula" (1981).

Language: English

Published: Rockville, Maryland: Aspen Publishers, 1989

Edition: 2nd ed.

ISBN: 978-0-8342-0063-0

Language: English

Published: College Park, Maryland, 1988

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this paper, one of several background reports for a comprehensive policy study of early childhood education, is to identify current issues regarding the kindergarten curriculum, particularly in relation to the trends surrounding the shift from a developmental curriculum to a more academic-based curriculum. The single major issue discussed is our society's inclination to introduce children earlier and faster to academic expectations. A brief historical background is provided on early philosophical and pedagogical influences on the development of kindergarten curriculum in the U.S. Five current approaches to the kindergarten curriculum are identified and compared; namely, traditional kindergarten, the Montessori method, behavior analysis, direct instruction, and Piagetian programs. Four reasons for the shift in emphasis from a developmental curriculum to an academic curriculum are discussed. These reasons are as follows: (1) a greater emphasis on kindergarten attendance as the beginning point in school, (2) increased societal pressure to provide academic instruction at an early age, (3) increased use of standardized achievement and screening tests which tend to emphasize outcomes of formal instruction, and (4) lack of appropriate early childhood education training for kindergarten teachers. Next, the controversies related to the shift in emphasis are delineated. Finally, research on the kindergarten curriculum is described pointing to a conclusion that, while studies show that children can learn a great deal at very early ages, it can also be shown that some learning will not occur if children are not developmentally ready. Also included in the paper is a table comparing the two curricular orientations from the standpoint of five criteria: teacher, pupils, activities, materials, and expectations.

Language: English

Published: Springfield, Illinois, Jan 1985

Abstract/Notes: This action research aimed to highlight the benefits of integrating the Montessori Math Curriculum with State Standards in an upper elementary classroom. The performance of the action research took place over six weeks at a public Montessori school. There were seventeen upper elementary participants. Documentation used in this action research was a tally sheet for observable use of Montessori math material, school weekly lesson plans, teacher observation and reflection notes, and student and parent Pre and Post Math Interest Surveys. All lessons were given daily during the morning hours according to the school master's schedule. Some positive effects of this action research include changes in student feelings towards math and increased autonomy. For clarity in other areas, extend the action research period beyond six weeks to allow more students to practice with Montessori lessons meeting various standards.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2022

Abstract/Notes: This action research aimed to determine if an equity audit of the Montessori social studies curriculum and learning about the researcher’s culture impacted professional self-efficacy and resilience. This six-week intervention and study was a self-study through daily regimented activities. Three weeks were used to learn more about the researcher’s own culture and history. Three additional weeks were dedicated to the equity audit process, where the researcher revised original lessons or created new, culturally sustaining lessons to augment the curriculum. The data collected was completed daily using four tools: an attitude scale, a guided questionnaire, a reflective journal, and finally during the three-week audit period, a curriculum audit checklist. The data suggested strong levels of self-efficacy and resilience across the intervention, though resilience wavered and lowered throughout due to its taxing nature. Additional supports and research can better support educators of color prepare for altering and implementing a culturally sustaining and anti-bias, antiracist Montessori social studies curriculum.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2022

Abstract/Notes: The research consisted of a qualitative case study of three urban public Montessori schools with a population of 51% or more of students of color and a commitment of 2 years or more of CRP-ABAR within a Montessori setting. The theoretical framework used for the study was the critical race theory, which is the conceptual foundation for examining inequities in public education. This research dissertation had a focus on gaining an insight into the perceptions of administrators, teachers, and parents toward CRP-ABAR in Montessori schools by examining the practices in three public Montessori schools. The possible connections to student outcomes, such as behavioral referrals, suspension rates, and academic achievement for students of color were explored to determine if any connections exist between CRP-ABAR and outcomes for students of color within a public Montessori setting. Three major themes emerged of the perceptions of administrators, teachers, and parents about the impact of the CRP-ABAR in a Montessori setting. The CRP-ABAR could be delivered through a curriculum-oriented approach or a systemic-oriented approach and the CRP-ABAR connects to Montessori through peace-global education and the prepared teacher-environment. The CRP-ABAR practices impact students of color primarily through social emotional growth with limited academic outcomes. Even with an intentional focus and diversity training, many non-Black teachers’ perceptions of students of color included deficit theory thinking. Some parents believed racism is being dismantled through the curriculum and celebrations of diversity. Other parents identified some teachers-staff with underpinning instances of biases and insensitivity.

Language: English

Published: Boca Raton, Florida, 2020