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

Abstract/Notes: Curriculum management is a form of curriculum management in education to develop intelligence. Islamic Montessori-based curriculum management differs from curriculum management in general. The purpose of this study was to describe the curriculum of Budi Mulia Dua Sedayu Kindergarten in Yogyakarta and to describe the involvement of teachers, parents, school committees, and the surrounding community. The research uses an approach with a case study research design. The research subjects as data sources are : principals, teachers, parents, school educators, and the surrounding community. Data collection methods are : observation, interviews, and documentation. In addition, the research uses data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and concluding. The results of the study can be seen that an Islamic Montessori Curriculum management that starts from planning to evaluation. Planning that is adapted to the vision and mission of creating children who have good morals in this world and the hereafter. Organizing by developing indicators according to established themes. Implementation, and achievement of indicators with the Montessori method with an Islamic approach. Evaluations are carried out routinely every day and are held at monthly and annual meetings. The involvement of teachers, parents, school committees and the community looks good and has their respective roles. Manajemen kurikulum merupakan bentuk pengelolaan kurikulum dalam pendidikan untuk mengembangkan intelegensi. Manajemen kurikulum berbasis Islamic Montessori memiliki perbedaan dengan manajemen kurikulum sekolah secara umum. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menggambarkan manajemen kurikulum lembaga Taman Kanak-Kanak Budi Mulia Dua Sedayu Yogyakarta dan untuk menggambarkan keterlibatan guru, orang tua, komite sekolah, dan masyarakat sekitar.  Penelitian mengunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain penelitian studi kasus. Subyek penelitian sebagai sumber data adalah : kepala sekolah, guru, orang tua, tenaga pendidik sekolah dan masyarakat sekitar. Metode pengumpulan data adalah : observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Selain itu penelitian menggunakan tahapan pengumpulan data, reduksi data, data penyajian dan penarikan kesimpulan. Validitas data menggunakan triangulasi teknik sumber dan triangulasi metode.  Hasil penelitian dapat dilihat bahwa Taman Kanak-Kanak Budi Mulia Dua Sedayu memiliki manajamen Kurikulum Islamic Montessori yang baik dimulai dari perencanaan hingga evaluasi. Perencanaan disesuaikan dengan visi dan misi yaitu menciptakan anak yang memiliki akhlak baik di dunia dan akhirat. Pengorganisasian dengan mengembangkan indikator sesuai tema yang ditetapkan. Pelaksanaan, mencapai indikator dengan metode Montessori dengan pendekatan Islamic. Evaluasi yang dilakukan rutin setiap hari dan dirapatkan pada rapat bulanan dan tahunan. Keterlibatan guru, orangtua, komite sekolah dan masyarakat terlihat baik dan mempunyai peran masing-masing.

Language: Indonesian

ISSN: 2580-9679, 2581-2823

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: The Ontario Human Rights Commission's inquiry into how reading (an essential human right) is taught in Ontario schools revealed that Ontario’s public education system is “failing students...by not using evidence-based approaches to teach them to read.” This thesis aimed to address this failure by proposing Montessori language curriculum as a viable alternative to the current (ineffective) practices. The validity of both the new Ontario language curriculum and the Montessori language curriculum were assessed through the use of The Reading League’s Curriculum Evaluation Guidelines (CEG) and their associated workbook. The Ontario language curriculum was found to be lacking, particularly in terms of its lack of clarity, and guidance with regards to practical implementation. The Montessori language curriculum on the other hand was found to meet or surpass the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s recommendations, and in a way that can tangibly be understood and implemented. In light of these findings, Ontario school boards should seriously consider adopting Montessori language curriculum, in whole or in part, to address the systemic reading crisis. All educational stakeholders have a role to play in safeguarding children’s right to read.

Language: English

Published: Tampere, Finland, 2024