Examining the Impact of the Wit & Wisdom Curriculum on Student Achievement and Teacher Instructional Practices

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Examining the Impact of the Wit & Wisdom Curriculum on Student Achievement and Teacher Instructional Practices
Language: English
Authors: Toyree L. Jones, Dustin M. Hines, Natasha R. McClane
Source: ProQuest LLC. 2023Ed.D. Dissertation, Lipscomb University.
Availability: ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 220
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Grade 3
Primary Education
Grade 4
Intermediate Grades
Grade 5
Middle Schools
Grade 6
Grade 7
Junior High Schools
Secondary Education
Grade 8
Descriptors: Program Effectiveness, Curriculum, Teacher Attitudes, Curriculum Implementation, Instructional Program Divisions, Academic Achievement, Achievement Gains, State Standards, Alignment (Education), Correlation, Teacher Effectiveness, Self Efficacy, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Literacy
Geographic Terms: Tennessee
ISBN: 979-83-8084-105-4
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the "Wit and Wisdom" ("WW") curriculum's impact on District A's student literacy in Tennessee, compare its effectiveness with similar districts, and analyze teacher perceptions, including variations in curriculum favorability, self-efficacy, and implementation. Spanning the academic years 2017-2022, data was drawn from District A's third through eighth graders and their educators from the 2022-2023 school year. Employing a mixed-methods design, five research questions were addressed. The findings revealed that the "WW" curriculum's impact on literacy varied across grade levels. Some grades saw a decrease in student achievement right after implementation but later improved, while other grades either steadily declined or steadily improved. Teacher feedback, gathered via questionnaires, indicated an overall appreciation for the curriculum. Participants noted reservations about its alignment with state standards and the need for classroom-specific adjustment, and regardless of a teacher's effectiveness level, their perceptions of the curriculum remained consistent. Moreover, a statistically significant correlation was observed between a teacher's self-efficacy, their curriculum application, and their favorability towards "WW". There is some evidence to suggest that while "WW" exhibits potential strengths, enhancements in alignment and increased flexibility, coupled with comprehensive teacher support, are imperative to maximize its efficacy. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Access URL: https://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqm&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:30695203
Accession Number: ED640484
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the "Wit and Wisdom" ("WW") curriculum's impact on District A's student literacy in Tennessee, compare its effectiveness with similar districts, and analyze teacher perceptions, including variations in curriculum favorability, self-efficacy, and implementation. Spanning the academic years 2017-2022, data was drawn from District A's third through eighth graders and their educators from the 2022-2023 school year. Employing a mixed-methods design, five research questions were addressed. The findings revealed that the "WW" curriculum's impact on literacy varied across grade levels. Some grades saw a decrease in student achievement right after implementation but later improved, while other grades either steadily declined or steadily improved. Teacher feedback, gathered via questionnaires, indicated an overall appreciation for the curriculum. Participants noted reservations about its alignment with state standards and the need for classroom-specific adjustment, and regardless of a teacher's effectiveness level, their perceptions of the curriculum remained consistent. Moreover, a statistically significant correlation was observed between a teacher's self-efficacy, their curriculum application, and their favorability towards "WW". There is some evidence to suggest that while "WW" exhibits potential strengths, enhancements in alignment and increased flexibility, coupled with comprehensive teacher support, are imperative to maximize its efficacy. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ISBN:979-83-8084-105-4