The Magical Sea

I have often considered an area of research concerning the secure attachment in adopted children through the use of water therapy, specifically, the ocean therapy..I have never read about this, and because this is so specific, I almost doubt that the research is out there.

The area of attachment for adopted children often leads to false diagnosis, inappropriate medications being prescribed, behavior therapy, and at the most tragic end, the disruption of the adoption...

Our family has spent our summers in Florida since becoming a part of the adoption world..When I adopted the first time, my daughter and I spent hours together floating in the ocean..For hours. And the time we spent together seemed to solidify our union..I always said, there is magic in the sea. And I still believe it..

This weekend, we are in Florida for our family reunion. And once again our little family is together splashing in the waves, sitting in the sand, and doing a lot of starring into the sea, the magical sea..If I had all the time and money in the world, I would develop a program for struggling adoptive families, or any family that may have experienced intense stressors or trauma. The magic of the ocean needs to be put into a scientific equation to help develop trust, and build attachment..

from many years ago..building our love of the sea, and each other

This is the basis of my belief...The sea is magical and helps heal..

creating a sisterly bond...

And all these years later...

2014

Research Simulation English Language Learner Math Assessment Accommodations

“Math test accommodations for English Language Learners in kindergarten” is my chosen topic for our current simulation.

I chose this area for simulation, as the KMRA testing instrument is currently used in kindergarten students in the district where I teach. This instrument is blind to language ability, yet requires each child to describe and explain math processes with specific vocabulary. There are seven tasks that each child must master.

Each child must explain the elements of the tasks, explain the actions of the tasks, and use the required vocabulary of the task.

Other topics considered were too broad in scope

Completing the research chart on a given study highlighted the process of forming a “purpose” of a simulated study. The research chart also allowed for a narrowing of the participants of a simulated study. For purposes of my particular simulation, I would use all students in my kindergarten class. Those who are not English Language Learners, as classified by the parent report measure at registration, would be used as a control group.

As a first step, I have begun an exhaustive search in regards to language acquisition, receptive and expressive language, and English Language Learners. Due to the assessment requirement of using language and vocabulary during the KMRA testing process, understanding language acquisition processes are critical. Below is a concise charts highlighting the basic tenants these constructs.

Hill & Miller (2013).  I will continue compiling current research in order to plan.

References

Hill, J. D., & Miller, K. B. (2013). Classroom instruction that works with English language 

                      learners. ASCD.