Date of Award/Publication

5-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Literacy Education

Department

Education

Abstract

Literacy is socially constructed and is not developed in isolation. This study explores the impact of environmental factors on students from low socioeconomic backgrounds by asking the question: How does a low socioeconomic student’s home literacy environment affect his or her literacy experiences and interests in reading? Data was gathered in a Western, New York school through the use of questionnaires, observations, and literacy assessments. Results of the study revealed that students from low socioeconomic status (SES) homes are behind in their reading levels and are limited in their literacy interests and class participation. With explicit instruction and intensive intervention, schools and parents can work together to improve the quality of low SES children’s Home Literacy Environments (HLE).

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