Early Achievements for Language Developmental Disorders

(EA-SHELLS Trial)

This trial aims to determine if the new teacher training program, Early Achievements - Shaping Early Language and Literacy Skills, can enhance how prekindergarten teachers support language development, particularly in classrooms with children who have language delays or disorders. Teachers in the trial will learn new strategies for teaching language through literacy activities, and their effectiveness will be compared to those who do not receive the training. The goal is to improve language-based literacy skills in young students, both with and without language challenges. Teachers with students who have language delays or receive language services in their classrooms might be well-suited for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers teachers the chance to lead educational innovation, potentially benefiting their students' language development.

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

Research has shown that the Early Achievements - Shaping Early Language and Literacy Skills (EA-SHELLS) program aims to improve children's language skills through effective teaching methods. Since this study trains teachers rather than testing a new drug or medical treatment, "safety" takes on a different meaning.

The EA-SHELLS program coaches teachers to use proven methods in their classrooms to enhance children's language skills. No reports of problems or safety issues have emerged related to these teaching methods. Teachers receive guidance on using strategies based on evidence and previous educational research.

Researchers are excited about the Early Achievements - Shaping Early Language and Literacy Skills (EA-SHELLS) program because it offers a unique, hands-on approach to improving language developmental disorders in young children. Unlike traditional methods that may focus solely on direct instruction or one-on-one tutoring, EA-SHELLS emphasizes a collaborative coaching model where teachers receive personalized support through Practice-Based Coaching. This method not only enhances teachers' ability to integrate language and literacy skills into everyday classroom interactions but also promotes a more engaging and interactive learning environment for children. The innovative focus on embedding language skills into natural group activities could lead to more meaningful and lasting improvements in early language development.

Research shows that the Early Achievements - Shaping Early Language and Literacy Skills (EA-SHELLS) program aims to boost children's reading and language skills by enhancing teaching methods. In this trial, teachers in the Full Training Group will receive hands-on coaching through the EA-SHELLS program, which helps them engage children with reading books and related activities. Studies have found that teachers trained in EA-SHELLS use more effective methods to help young children develop language skills. Similar programs have led to higher language test scores for children, demonstrating improved reading and language abilities. Teachers who complete this training often feel more confident in their ability to teach these skills. Meanwhile, teachers in the Quick Training Group will conduct their classroom instruction as originally planned during the data collection phase.¹²³⁴⁵