A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Educational Programs That Work - 1995

P.I.A.G.E.T. (Promoting Intellectual Adaptation Given Experiential Transforming), Project

P.I.A.G.E.T. (Promoting Intellectual Adaptation Given Experiential Transforming), Project. A program to develop English language and cognitive competencies in bilingual preschool children whose native language is Spanish using a school-home setting.

Audience Approved by PEP for preschool and kindergarten children and their parents.

Description Project P.I.A.G.E.T. (Promoting Intellectual Adaptation Given Experiential Transforming) is based on three interrelated components. The teaching method includes one bilingual teacher and an aide per classroom trained in using 22 Piagetian-derived teaching strategies. Secondly, the bilingual aide helps Limited English Proficient (LEP) parents develop a meaningful educational home program that reinforces the learning concepts taught at school. The aide works half-time in the classroom and half-time visiting the homes to train parents. The third component is the academic assessment of the classroom children and parents' skills. The curriculum includes 90 concepts; use of Daily Activity Plans and Daily Observation Cards emphasizing diagnosis and prescription; and classroom activities grouped at learning centers including manipulation of objects, exploration and dramatic play, and other individualized activities.

Evidence of Effectiveness Limited English speaking students who participate in Project P.I.A.G.E.T. for one year achieve significantly higher gains than a comparison group on tests of receptive language and reading readiness. Students also achieve greater than the norm in NCEs in English language reading, language, and mathematics by the time they are in fourth grade and these gains are sustained through grade 6.

Requirements The minimum user requirements include two days of initial training with two days of follow-up training. Each classroom must have bilingual/bicultural professional and paraprofessional staffing. Implementation of the home component consisting of monthly home visits by the paraprofessional is also required.

Costs Costs per classroom include two days of training for a teacher and an aide at a cost of approximately $300, materials cost of $800-$900 to include manual, workbooks, tests, and materials reproduction and, in most cases, the additional cost of an aide in the classroom at the prevailing wage rate. Travel costs of approximately $400-$500 per year should be anticipated for implementation of the home component.

Services In addition to training and materials, follow-up consultation is available.

Contact
Iris Cintron, Bethlehem Area School District, 1516 Sycamore Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017. (215) 861-0500 or Dr. Thomas Yawkey, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, 159 Chambers Building, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802. (814) 863-2937.

Developmental Funding: USDE ESEA Title VII Bilingual Education.
PEP No. 92-19 (2/10/93)


-###-

[Parents As Teachers] [Table of Contents] [Webster Groves Even Start Program]