Research that Benefits Children and Families

I came across this abstract through a Google Search, I tried getting the whole article but I would have to pay for it. I also did a search through Walden’s Library through the Sage link but I would still have to pay for it and right now I can’t afford to. I’m sharing this because it shows that WE as early childhood educators ARE making a difference in young children’s lives and I found it exciting and would like to share with my colleagues

Cognitive and School Outcomes for High-Risk African-American Students at Middle Adolescence: Positive Effects of Early Intervention

Frances A. Campbell and Craig T. Ramey

Abstract

“Long-term intellectual and academic benefits related to early childhood educational intervention were found in a sample of students from low-income families (98% African American). The subjects were randomly assigned to preschool and school-age treatment conditions in a study design that permits a comparison of outcomes in students with preschool treatment followed by early elementary treatment (infancy–8 years), preschool treatment only (infancy–5 years), early elementary school treatment only (5 years–8 years), and untreated controls. At age 15, seven to ten years after any treatment was provided, those students who had preschool treatment scored significantly higher on individually administered tests of reading and mathematics and had fewer instances of grade retention and assignments to special education. The results support the relative efficacy of preschool treatment over that given in early elementary school. Policy implications stress the importance of providing high quality early childhood environments for impoverished children.”

Frances A. Campbell and Craig T. Ramey American Educational Research Journal, December

            21, 1995; vol. 32, 4: pp. 743-772.Retrieved from http://aer.sagepub.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/content/32/4/743.abstract

My Personal Research Journey

I have chosen the subtopic of the effects of child abuse  on young children’s social skills as my research simulation. Dr. Davis pointed out to me that it would not be advisable to talk to young children about abuse. I had never thought of talking to young children, I would like to talk to social workers, teachers, or others that have experience with abuse or older adults that have suffered from abuse. I’m not really good at non-book research but Dr. Davis got me thinking of different ways that I can get research on this matter. I have personally observed the change in children’s behavior after they have suffered abuse and I felt lost trying to help them with the drastic changes in their social skills.

This is a picture of my right hand. When I was 4 years old my hand suffered a 3rd degree burn. This is why learning about the effects of child abuse on social skills is important to me. I want to help children develop their social skills after being abused so that they can grow up to be strong and secure adults.