Research Symposium

BIO

I was born in New York to a Bengali family, they immigrated here when they were young adults and spent their life trying to provide our family with a bette life. I spent most of my childhood in New York and later moved to Fort Pierce when I was ten. I met many different kinds of people from different backgrounds, this led me to gain an interest in the mind of individuals which later fostered my interest in becoming a developmental psychologist. In my free time, I like to listen to music, work out, and read excerpts in the field of psychology. I aspire to become a researcher in developmental psychology so that I can aid kids in their development with learning and critical thinking.

UFLI Implementations

Abstract

This study examines how the research-practice partnership between UFLI and local counties has impacted the implementation and adaptation of the UFLI early literacy program in diverse elementary school populations, particularly in grades K-2. The collaboration focuses on addressing the unique linguistic and cultural needs of students, while also ensuring that foundational literacy opportunities are equitably accessible. Grounded in a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative analysis of literacy outcomes, such as improvements in phonetics and reading comprehension, with qualitative data from interviews with educators and administrators. Sociocultural theory serves as the framework, emphasizing the importance of researcher-practitioner collaboration in shaping educational programs for diverse contexts.
Preliminary findings from qualitative interviews indicate that the partnership has led to significant enhancements in how the UFLI program is utilized in classrooms. Educators report notable improvements in student outcomes, particularly in phonetic skills and comprehension, while also identifying areas where the program could be further refined to better support teaching and learning. Quantitative methods are underway, aiming to provide additional insights into the program’s effectiveness and its adaptability across various school settings.
The implications of this study highlight the need for ongoing collaboration and iterative adaptation to optimize the UFLI program. By assessing its success and identifying opportunities for improvement, this research aims to ensure that UFLI continues to provide effective, equitable, and accessible literacy instruction for all K-2 students, while supporting educators in navigating and implementing the program more seamlessly.

Keywords: implementation, education, children