The Preschool Learning Study: Preliminary Findings From a Survey of Montessori and Control Teachers

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Four
  In Roundtable Session: Montessori Education SIG Roundtable (Table 5)

Abstract

The Study of Preschool Learning is the first national study of public Montessori preschool. 500 children were entered in a lottery to attend one of 22 public Montessori schools by lottery at 3; about half enrolled and half were at other schools. We report preliminary findings of differences in the classrooms in which in terms of classroom composition, teacher beliefs, and teacher practices. The Montessori classes were larger and had 3 age groupings, unlike control classrooms. Teachers differed in terms of race but not age or gender. Teachers provided different experiences, and Montessori teachers experienced greater job satisfaction and were more likely to believe the pedagogy they implemented was the best for child development.

Authors

• Angeline S. Lillard, University of Virginia
  Presenting Author

• Ann-Marie Faria, American Institutes for Research
  Presenting Author

• Karen Manship, American Institutes for Research
  Presenting Author

• Dong Hoon Lee, American Institutes for Research
  Presenting Author

• Deeza-Mae Smith, American Institutes for Research
  Presenting Author