Purpose: This paper aims to introduce a novel AI learning progression for upper-elementary students and aligns assessment items across levels of each construct to gather evidence of understanding. It also validates this quantitative measure by examining these items as two subscales for psychometric properties using the Rasch model.…

This case study presents the development of a picture-based interview protocol designed to assess STEM identity among Black elementary students participating in a community-driven environmental justice program called 'Engineering Roots'. Created in response to a lack of developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive tools for younger…

This study explored the impact of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) on reading test scores as measured by the Mississippi Academics Assessment Program (MAAP) for students in grades 3-5. The research problem is centered on the potential disconnect between traditional teaching methods and the developmental needs of students, which…

The first year of teaching has and continues to be fraught with challenges for early educators in public school contexts across the United States. A persistent problem that has been documented across the globe is the ability of novice teachers to engage in developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) with their students. We examine this issue…

Background: Lack of nutrition knowledge, low preference for fruits and vegetables (F&V), and underdeveloped taste are recognized as modifiable influencers of children's F&V intake. Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of a behavior-and age-specific nutrition education intervention to improve nutrition knowledge and preference for F&V…

The rapid shift to online learning due to COVID-19 provides an opportunity to examine at scale the feasibility and impact of addressing students' cultural and developmental needs within a virtual environment. Given limited knowledge of this type of virtual schooling, this mixed-method study examined third--fifth grade students' experiences…

Background: Early exposure to Computer Science (CS) and Computational Thinking (CT) for all is critical to broaden participation and promote equity in the field. But how does the introduction of CS and CT into primary school curricula impact learning, perception, and gaps between groups of students? Methodology: We investigate a CS-curricular…

The perceptions of Tennessee educators who successfully implemented blended learning in their classrooms were the main focus of this phenomenological study. Blended learning is a modality that uses stations which consist of a teacher-led station, an online station, and an off-line station. Teachers work in small groups with students while others…