Elementary Teachers’ Perspectives on Preparing Themselves and Their Students for an Author/Illustrator School Visit

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 1:15 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Discussions Around Learning Environments Research (Table 8)

Abstract

This paper presents the perspectives of elementary teachers on preparing themselves and their students for a school-wide literacy enrichment event. Survey responses from 337 elementary teachers in 22 schools nationwide were collected as a part of a larger study exploring the impact of a one-day author/illustrator visit and book giveaway on the literacy attitudes and beliefs of K-6 students in Title 1-eligible schools. Quantitative and qualitative survey results review the variety of teacher-selected preparatory activities in advance of the event. Results indicate that teachers overwhelmingly choose low-effort preparations (i.e. showing prepared videos) over high-effort preparations (i.e. designing new activities). We provide needed empirical research capturing trends in teacher preparations, which complement larger national assessments of how preparations impact student outcomes.

Authors

• Bridget A. Bunten, Washington College

• Nick B Garcia, Washington College

• Sara Clarke-De Reza, Washington College

• Avery Castellani, Washington College

• Riley M McHugh, Washington College

• Brooke Skylar Thomas, Washington College