TY - BOOK AU - Noueihed,Lubna Noueihed TI - Assessing for reform : a case study of a preschool PY - 2009/// CY - Beirut PB - Lebanese American University. School of Arts and Sciences KW - Educational reform KW - Pré-primaire et primaire KW - Pre-primary and primary KW - Réforme éducative KW - الاصلاح التربوي KW - ما قبل الابتدائي وابتدائي N1 - النوع : Mémoire N2 - The purpose of this ethnographic study was to examine the preschool educational program of Wider Scope Orphanage preschool (WSOP), and trace characteristics of effective / quality preschools as presented by NAEYC. These included clear vision, goals, values, and beliefs; well-designed physical environment; well-designed curriculum; professional development and leadership; constant assessment of children's progress; and parents' involvement. Based on the study findings, a new design and layout for the new preschool floor was designed based on theories for effective physical environment in quality preschools as suggested by the literature. Observations, field notes, videotaping, photos, interviews, two rating scales, a checklist, and collection of school documents were the instruments used to reach validated results. Findings showed that WSOP lacked a vision that changed according to the needs of the children and department, and did not have a general written plan of the curriculum that reflected the preschool philosophy, principles, instructional methods, and general objectives and goals that covered all areas of children's development. Although teachers loved and cared and believed that they followed the constructive philosophy, results showed that their instructional methods, lesson plans, and the preschool physical environment did not align with the preschool's belief. Further, although teachers were enrolled in workshops, some of the workshops did not cater for their needs, and there was absence of social workers and specialized teachers for children with problems. Children were assessed through graded exams, and many children repeated the preschool classes because of their frequent absences. Parents' involvement was restricted to information exchange and celebrations UR - http://search.shamaa.org/FullRecord?ID=66517 ER -