Fidelity of Implementation and the Impacts of a Math, Reading, and Creative Curriculum on School Readiness in Head Start Students

• In Event: Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: Programs for the Gifted, Creative, and Talented

Abstract

Destination ImagiNation collaborated with the National Head Start Association to develop a pilot curricular intervention called the Destination ImagiNation Early Learning Program (ELP). A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 60 Head Start classrooms (N = 30 experimental; N = 30 control) to determine whether the ELP increased school readiness and divergent thinking. The degree to which teachers implemented the intervention with fidelity was measured. Students randomly selected from both experimental (N = 150) and control classrooms (N = 150) did not differ on measures of school readiness or creative thinking. Self-report, interview, and observational data suggested that teachers had low levels of fidelity of implementation limiting conclusions that can be drawn. Implications for development of preschool programs are discussed.

Authors

• Tracy Christine Missett, Sweet Briar College

• Carolyn M. Callahan, University of Virginia