BEST PRACTICES TO IMPROVE SUMMER READING GROWTH:
A QUALITATIVE E-DELPHI STUDY
y
Gretchen Flores- Carte
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, Chai
Shawishi Haynes, EdD, University Research Methodologist
Pam Gordon, Ph.D., Panel Validato
_________________________
Tiffani Bateman
_________________________
Shawishi Haynes
_________________________
Pam Gordon
_________________________
Hinrich Eylers, PhD
Vice Provost, College of Doctoral Studies
University of Phoenix
Date Approved: ____________
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 cu
iculum 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 read with their children routinely throughout the summer.
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 Pe
yman, 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 many things, I would call to say.
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. Pam Gordon, my Panel Validator, for her 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Page
List of Tables x
List of Figures .............................................................................................. XXXXXXXXXXx
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Background of the Problem 2
Problem Statement 3
Purpose of the Study 6
Population and Sample 7
Significance of the Study 8
Nature of the Study ….................................................................................. XXXXXXXXXX9
Research Question 11
Conceptual Framework 12
Definition of Terms 15
Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations. 16
Chapter Summary ….................................................................................. XXXXXXXXXX18
Chapter 2: Literature Review …................................................................. XXXXXXXXXX20
Title Searches and Documentation 21
Historical Content 22
Cu
ent Content 32
Conceptual Framework Literature 55
Methodology Literature 70
Research Design Literature 72
Conclusions 74
Chapter Summary ….................................................................................. XXXXXXXXXX75
Chapter 3: Research Methodology 76
Research Method and Design Appropriateness 76
Research Question 80
Population and Sample 81
Informed Consent and Confidentiality 82
Instrumentation 83
Field Test 85
Credibility and Transferability 86
Data Collection 86
Data Analysis 90
Chapter Summary ….................................................................................. XXXXXXXXXX92
Chapter 4: Analysis and Results …............................................................ XXXXXXXXXX93
Research Question 94
Data Collection 94
Demographics 96
Data Analysis 99
Results …................................................................................................... XXXXXXXXXX106
Chapter Summary …................................................................................. XXXXXXXXXX114
Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations …................................... XXXXXXXXXX116
Research Question 117
Discussion of Findings 117
Limitations 118
Recommendations to Leaders and Practitioners 119
Recommendations for Future Research 122
Chapter Summary …................................................................................. XXXXXXXXXX123
References 125
Appendix A: Superintendent Permission Request 153
Appendix B: Permissions, Recruitment, and Name Form 154
Appendix C: Participation Invitation Letter 155
Appendix D: Informed Consent Form 156
Appendix E: Delphi Round One Introduction Letter ….......................... XXXXXXXXXX158
Appendix F: Delphi Round One Questionnaire ….................................. XXXXXXXXXX159
Appendix G: Delphi Round Two Introduction Letter ............................. XXXXXXXXXX160
Appendix H: Delphi Round Two Questionnaire ….................................. XXXXXXXXXX161
Appendix I: Delphi Round Three Introduction Letter ….......................... XXXXXXXXXX166
Appendix J: Delphi Round Three Questionnaire ….................................. XXXXXXXXXX167
Appendix K: Textual Data ….................................................................... XXXXXXXXXX172
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Round One e-Delphi Questions x
Table 2: Participating District Student Demographics x
Table 3: Participants’ Educational Experience x
Table 4: Participants’ Educational Attainment x
Table 5: Participants’ Certification Areas x
Table 6: Round Two Questionnaire District-led Practices Responses …..... XXXXXXXXXXx
Table 7: Round Two Questionnaire Teacher-led Practices Responses …......................