The Value of Comprehension Strategy Instruction for Head Start Children

• In Event: Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Head Start and Pre-Kindergarten Issues

Abstract

Head Start serves low-income children ages 3-5, providing a comprehensive educational program aimed at school readiness with the goal of having participating children begin school on a level playing field with those from higher income families. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the importance of teaching Head Start children strategies to increase their comprehension development. Two different evenly matched cohorts of 5 classes each were compared with one receiving a supplementary comprehension strategy curriculum and one receiving none. Both cohorts used the same basic pre-k curriculum. Results showed those receiving comprehension strategy instruction performed significantly better than those who did not. This type of instruction has the potential to lay the foundation for young children’s future reading skills.

Authors

• Andrea Debruin-Parecki, ETS

• Sid Vaughn, Consultant