Write Recommendations
to Leaders and Practitioners
Based on the study's results, three extrinsic motivati
ons can be implemented to improve summer reading growth: Summer Reading
Programs,
offering
incentives, and parent
s
reading
with
their ch
i
ldren
. Three themes
emerging
from the
study include
1)
Implementing Summer Reading
Programs to promote growth and literary skills
,
2
)
Providing event incentives as a
means of promoting your reading program and encouraging
student
attendance and
participation, and
3)
Parents reading with
their children
to
promote self-efficacy beliefs,
mastery goal orientation, and enjoyment of reading
.
APA format.
5 references required.
BEST PRACTICES TO IMPROVE SUMMER READING GROWTH: A QUALITATIVE E-DELPHI STUDY by Gretchen Flores- Carter Copyright 2023 A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Educational Leadership University of Phoenix The Dissertation Committee for Gretchen Flores-Carter certifies approval of the following dissertation: BEST PRACTICES TO IMPROVE SUMMER READING GROWTH: A QUALITATIVE E-DELPHI STUDY Committee: Tiffani Bateman, EdD, Chair Shawishi Haynes, EdD, University Research Methodologist James Smith, EdD, Panel Validator _________________________ Tiffani Bateman _________________________ Shawishi Haynes _________________________ James Smith _________________________ Hinrich Eylers, PhD Vice Provost, College of Doctoral Studies University of Phoenix Date Approved: ____________ iii ABSTRACT The purpose of this qualitative e-Delphi study was to gain consensus from a panel of education professionals to identify best practices to improve summer reading growth in a rural, low-socioeconomic-status southwestern Mississippi school district. The qualitative e-Delphi study provided educators with the opportunity to identify best practices for improving summer reading growth through consensus. The study examined a variety of practices not limited to schooling, but also those led by families and communities. The study included 12 participants from various unique sectors within the southwestern school district with ten years of experience in in-class teaching or curriculum development and instruction. The study used three rounds of electronic questionnaires to collect data. Upon examining the study's findings, it was evident that the best practices to improve summer reading growth in the rural, low-socioeconomic Southwestern Mississippi school district are to provide summer reading programs, to offer incentives for participation, attendance, and achievement, and to require parents to require their children to read for 20-30 minutes each day throughout the summer. iv DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to the people who have played a significant role in my life. First, to the woman God sent me, Mah, Mrs. Alberta Howard. Throughout my journey, you have made me laugh when I felt overwhelmed, picked me up when I was down, prayed, and always encouraged me along the way. There is no way I can express my gratitude enough for having such a special person in my life. I love you. Next, to my one-of-a-kind daughter, Genesys. The love I have for you began before you were even born. Although I was chosen to raise you, thank you for teaching, supporting me, and even sacrificing throughout my many hardships, losses, and, last, this journey. And finally, to my beloved mother, Glory Flores, and grandmother, Rosia Perryman, because of you ladies, I am who I am. Though time would have it, you both would not see my many accomplishments, love would not let me not pay reverence to whom and where it all began. If Heaven had a phone, oh, the things, I would call to say. v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The dissertation process has been facilitated by the guidance and positive support provided by Dr. Tiffani Bateman. You provided me with valuable guidance throughout my dissertation, which helped me stay on track and know exactly what I needed to do next. Further, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all the positive feedback I received throughout my study from Dr. Shawishi Haynes, my URM. The alignment, clarity, and substantiation of my dissertation was constantly assured by you. I would also like to thank Dr. James Smith, my Panel Validator, for his constructive feedback and support throughout my dissertation's development. This is a small token of gratitude for the inspiration and motivation I received throughout my doctoral journey. During the doctoral program, I worked with professors who provided excellent feedback on assignments, encouragement, and valuable resources. I am grateful to each of you for making me a better scholar, leader, and practitioner through your work. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS ContentsPage Abstract ............................................................................................................................ iii Dedications ..................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgements........................................................................................................... v List of Tables ................................................................................................................... ix Chapter 1: Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1 Background of the Problem .............................................................................................. 1 Problem Statement ............................................................................................................ 4 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................... 5 Population and Sample ..................................................................................................... 5 Significance of the Study .................................................................................................. 6 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................... 7 Research Question ............................................................................................................ 9 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................... 9 Definition of Terms......................................................................................................... 10 Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations ................................................................. 12 Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................