Conference Writing

Paper Process
Presentation
EDUC 815
Katie Mathew
 OVERVIEW
Conference Presentation Writing Process

● Introduction
● Background
● Conceptual Framework
● Research Questions
● Methodology
● Findings
● Reflections
● Discussion
● Direction
 INTRODUCTI
ON
Title: A conceptual integrative review of the
literature on readiness for school and how it
Journal Selection

perpetuates deficit thinking

Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe
● international
the current empirical literature (2015 - 2021) on ● a forum for researchers and professionals
readiness in order to show that the major trend in ● new and alternative perspectives highlight the
the research perpetuates a deficit narrative of ways in which the boundaries of early
America’s racially and economically marginalized childhood studies and practice are expanding,
families. ● discussion of emerging issues, contradictions
and possibilities
 BACKGROUND
Feedback Process
Tracing current conceptions of readiness
through US policy. FEB Proposal: Katie E. Feedback

Draft 1: Kim Feedback

Year Policy
Draft 2: Katrina Feedback
1966 Coleman Report

Draft 3: Kate Feedback

1983 A Nation at Risk

2001 No Child Left Behind Draft 4: Kate Feedback

2009 Race to the Top NOW Draft 5: Dr. Grace Feedback

2009 Common Core State Standards Draft 6: Dr. Gullo Feedback

Initiative
Journal
CONCEPTUAL The influence of neoliberalism and
meritocracy as reproducers of power and

FRAMEWORK
hegemony in American education
● Apple (1995)
● Bourdieu (1977)

Original drafts included theory in the

discussion. Moved to introduction.
 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. How is readiness defined and
measured in the United States?
2. In what ways do current conceptions
of readiness in the United States
contribute to deficit narratives and
the reproduction of hegemony in
the early school years?
Include definition of terms and
operationalization of concepts from research
questions prior to introducing the research
questions.
Key words: readiness, school readiness,
Kindergarten readiness, deficit narrative,
hegemonic reproduction, early childhood,
Kindergarten
 METHODS
● Integrative literature review (Torraco, 2005)
● Conceptual (Callahan, 2010)

● Further clarification of methods

● Inclusion of number of articles reviewed
● Justification of approach: conceptual
integrative literature review
 Findings
Descriptive

Literature on readiness focuses on three key skill

areas:
● Literacy
● Numeracy
● Social-emotional skills Strengthen structure by adding paragraph
that shows a roadmap of the findings:
Measured using Kindergarten screening tools 1. Descriptive
2. Critique
Predominant research results show a relationship
between low readiness and problems with
parenting (ie: poverty, depression, single parent,
etc.)
 Findings
Critical

● A few notable efforts (4) have been made

to apply a critical lens to the concept of
readiness

● A few of papers in recent years (4) have ● Add evidence here

investigated readiness in urban contexts ● Revisit the literature to verify if
consistent with a perspective that views anything new has been published
students and their families from a more
strengths-based lens
 DISCUSSION
● Current approaches to readiness cultivate a
deficit view of racially and economically
marginalized families and establishes a negative
dynamic between the school and the family that
is fraught with negative judgement from the ● Add summary of findings
start ● Add context
● Elaborate on implications for research
● Strengths-based approaches are badly needed in and practice
the field of readiness research and practice, ● Consider advocacy in terms of
especially with regards to establishing action- audience
oriented partnerships between policy-makers,
researchers, families and early childhood
educators
THANKS
!