Research Topic:
Assessment of Inclusive Practices of Head Start Preschool Classrooms to Improve Access of the Curriculum and to Improve Performance of Students with Special Needs Research Methodology: Quantitative study will assess inclusive practices using the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) and student outcome data derived from the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP). |
Purpose Statement:
The purpose of the research study is to assess current inclusive practices (Muccio, 2012; Soukakou, 2012) of Head Start preschool classrooms, to improve access of the curriculum for students with special needs in order to improve student performance and to add to the body of existing research and literature on preschool inclusive practices. Research on the assessment of inclusive practices within Head Start preschool classrooms is extremely scares in the current literature. Significance of the Study: The researcher will address a problem of practice that has not been addressed by Head Start: Assessment of Inclusive Practices. In 1972, Public Law P.L 92-424 mandated that 10% of the total students enrolled in Head Start preschool classrooms is reserved to serve students with special needs and their families (Allen & Cowdery, 2009). This study is significant because it has the potential to transform inclusive practices of Head Start preschool classrooms in Riverside County. The researcher will be sharing the findings of the research study with pertinent administrators of Head Start administrative agencies (Riverside County Office of Education, California Head Start Association, National Head Start Association and the Office of Head Start of U.S. the Department of Health & Human Services. Specific information can be used by these agencies in providing in-service trainings to HS teachers and program directors to improve the quality of inclusive practices. In addition, the researcher strives to share the data and the importance of the utilization of the assessment tool: Inclusive Classroom Profile to measure the quality of inclusive practices as a best practice even though this is not mandated by the Office of Head Start. |