Publications

Recent (at UAB) State Research / Policy Reports - 19

Published as part of a team with faculty and personnel from the UAB School of Public Health, Policy Analysis Research Center for Alabama at Samford University, and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. These publications are part of the ongoing research evaluation for the Alabama First Class Pre-K Program and the Preschool Development Grant, a federally funded project. These findings inform program and policy decisions made by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, support legislative outreach and funding requests, and have informed the Governor’s educational policy agenda.

1. Preskitt J, Johnson H, Causey C, & Ernest J. (2020). Birmingham Talks. Pilot year evaluation report. [Evaluation Report] University of Alabama Birmingham School of Public Health. University of Alabama Birmingham School of Education. Birmingham Talks. [Technical Report, 1-37].

2. Preskitt J, & Ernest J. (2020). LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling). Professional Development Course for Early Childhood Educators Cohort 1 (Focus on Pre-K Teachers). Preliminary Evaluation and Outcomes [Technical Report, 1-10]. University of Alabama Birmingham School of Public Health. University of Alabama Birmingham School of Education. Available: https://bit.ly/ADEC-LETRS 2020

3. Preskitt J, Johnson H, Ernest J, Adams J, Fifolt M, Ross J, Strichik T & Sen B. (2020). Cost Savings Associated with Differences in Retention in Grade for First Class Pre-K Students and Non-First Class Pre-K Students. Research Issue Brief, 8, 1-3. University of Alabama Birmingham School of Public Health. University of Alabama Birmingham School of Education. Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. Available: https://bit.ly/ADECE-CostSavings

4. Preskitt J, Johnson H, Ernest J, Adams J, Fifolt M, Ross J, & Strichik T. (2020). Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program. Outcomes and impacts: A summary of results. 1-30. Available: https://bit.ly/ADECE-Outcomes2020

5. Preskitt J, Johnson H, & Ernest J. (2019). Alabama’s Pre-K - 3rd grade early learning continuum. Year 2 outcomes and impacts: A summary of results. University of Alabama Birmingham School of Public Health. University of Alabama Birmingham School of Education. Available: https://bit.ly/ADECE-prek-3-2019

6. Adams J., Becker D., Ernest J., Fifolt M., Johnson H., Ross J., Sen B., Strichik, T., & Preskitt J. (2019). Disciplinary infractions in Alabama public schools: First Class pre-k students have lower discipline rates. Issue Brief, 7, 1-5. Available: http://bit.ly/ADECE-Behavior

7. Preskitt, J., Ernest, J.M., Johns, B., & Fifolt, M. (2018). Advancing Student Success and Narrowing the Achievement Gap of Low Income Children by Aligning Educational Experiences to Create a Seamless Learning Continuum from Preschool to 3rd Grade. Evaluation report to W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grant P0130893.

8. Ross, J, Strichik, T., Skiles, T., Winchester, J., Preskitt, J., Fifolt, M., Becker, D., Ernest, J., Adams, J., & Hunt, R. (2018). Supporting quality, accountability, and student outcomes in the Alabama First Class Pre-K Program. White Paper. Available: http://bit.ly/ADECE-2018WhitePaper

9. Ernest, J. M., Preskitt, J., Becker, D., & Fifolt, M. (2018). Special educational needs for selected disability categories: Differences between first class pre-k students and non-first class pre-k students. Issue Brief, 5b, 1-4. Available: http://bit.ly/ADECE-5b

10. Preskitt, J., Johnson, H., Becker, D., Ernest, J., Fifolt, M., Adams, J., Strichik, T., Ross, J., & Sen, B. (2018). Proficiency in reading and math: First class pre-k benefits persist in elementary and middle school. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.33707.28961 Issue Brief, 6, 1-5 Available: http://bit.ly/ADECE-Persist

11. Preskitt, J., Ernest, J.M., Becker, D., & Fifolt, M. (2018). Achievement gap closure and gains associated with Alabama First Class Pre-K. Available: http://bit.ly/ADECE-GAP

12. Preskitt J, Johnson H, Becker D, Ernest J, Fifolt M, Adams J, Strichik T, Ross J. (2018). Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program outcomes and impacts: A summary of most recent results. Available: http://bit.ly/ADECE-Outcomes2018

13. Ernest, J.M., Preskitt, J., Becker, D., & Fifolt, M. (2018). Special education needs: Difference between First Class pre-K students and non-First Class pre-k students and potential cost savings, across all disabilities. Issue Brief, 5a, 1-2. Available: http://bit.ly/ADECE-SPEDCOST

14. Ernest, J.M., Preskitt, J., & Fifolt, M. (2017). School readiness and growth among students in First Class pre-K: Receptive language as measured by the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, 2007-2012.

15. Preskitt, J., Ernest, J.M., Becker, D., & Fifolt, M. (2017). School Readiness at Kindergarten Entry: Differences between Students Who Participated in First Class Pre-K and Those Who Did Not, Fall 2016. Issue Brief, 4, 1-2. Available: http://bit.ly/ADECE-KEA

16. Preskitt, J., Ernest, J.M., Becker, D., & Fifolt, M. (2017). Chronic Absenteeism: Differences between First Class Pre-K Students and Non-First Class Pre-K Students. Issue Brief, 1, 1-2. Available: http://bit.ly/ADECE-ABSENTEEISM

17. Preskitt, J., Ernest, J.M., Becker, D., & Fifolt, M. (2017). Retention in Grade: Differences between First Class Pre-K Students and Non-First Class Pre-K Students. Issue Brief, 2, 1-2. Available: http://bit.ly/ADECE-RETENTION

18. Preskitt, J., Ernest, J.M., Becker, D., & Fifolt, M. (2017). School Readiness and Growth among Students in First Class Pre-K: Teaching Strategies GOLD Performance, Fall 2015 and Spring 2016. Issue Brief, 3, 1-2. Available: http://bit.ly/ADECE-GOLD

19. Ernest, J.M. (2012). Executive Summary of Analysis of Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test Data for a Random Selection of Children Attending Alabama’s Voluntary Pre-K Program Administered by the Office of School Readiness. Report commissioned by the director of the Office of School Readiness / First Class.

Articles in Professional Journals - ^# Work with current/past student - 60

• 1. Menear, K. S., & Ernest, J. M. (2020). Comparison of activity, tv/video game time, and usage of a handheld device by children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. Maternal and Child Health Journal (Springer). Online first https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-020-03013-2

  2. Albaiz, N. A. E.^# & Ernest, J. M. (2020). Kindergarten teachers’ beliefs about and implementation of school, family, and community partnerships in Saudi Arabia. Early Childhood Education Journal, 48, 715-725. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-020-01091-z

  3. Preskitt, J., Johnson, H. H., Becker, D, Ernest, J. M., Fifolt, M., Adams, J., Strichik, T.,^# Ross, J., & Sen, B. (2020). The persistence of reading and math proficiency: The benefits of Alabama’s pre-kindergarten program endure in elementary and middle school. International Journal of Child Care and Educational Policy, 14(8), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40723-020-00073-3

  4. Spencer, A. G., Causey, C. B., Ernest, J. M., & Barnes, G. F. (2020). Using student generated questions to foster twenty-first century learning: International collaboration in Uganda. Excellence in Education, 9(1), 57-84. EJ1246721

  5. Kerch, C.,^# Donovan, D. A., Ernest, J. M., Strichik, T.,^# & Winchester, J. (2020). An exploration of language and social-emotional development of children with and without special needs in a statewide pre-kindergarten program. Education and Treatment of Children, 43, 7-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43494-020-00002-6

  6. Alkhayat,^# L., Ernest, J. M., & LaChenaye, J. (2020). Exploring Kuwaiti preservice kindergarten teachers’ beliefs about using Web 2.0 technologies in their future kindergarten classrooms behavior. Early Childhood Education Journal, 48, 715-725. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-020-01036-6

  7. Alghamdi, A. & Ernest, J.M. (2019). Teachers' beliefs about developmentally appropriate practices in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Child Care and Educational Policy, 13(8). DOI: 10.1186/s40723-019-0064-7

  8. Ernest, J. M., Nichols, A., Alazemi, M., Dixon, D., Hafiz, F., & Vardanyan, S. (2019). Childhood remembered: Reflections on the role of play for holistic education in Armenia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the USA, and Wales. International Journal of the Whole Child, 4(1), 5-19.

  9. Vardanyan, S. & Ernest, J.M., & Perkins, F. (2018). Cultural influence and language acquisition of a Syrian immigrant girl in Alabama. International Journal of Early Childhood Education and Care, 7, 42-51.

  10. Heckaman, K.A., Ernest, J.M., & Scheffler, A.J. (2018). Special education teacher candidates’ use of evidence-based practices and their impact on student learning. SRATE, 27(2), 26-33.

  11. Stelzer, J., Klimesova, I., Ruzicka, M., & Ernest, J.M. (2018). Importance of motivation on physical activity behavior and knowledgeabout benefits of physical activity. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Intervention, 7(1), 74-81.

  12. Ernest, J.M. & Strichik, T. (2018). Coaching in childhood education:Using lessons learned to develop best practice for professional development. Excellence in Education, 7(1), 5-19. EJ1210133

  13. Alghamdi, A.A., Ernest, J.M., & Hafiz, F^. (2018). Teaching sustainable practices as part of an Holistic education in the Saudi Context. International Journal of the Whole Child, 2(2), 22-40.

  14. Stelzer, J., Klimesova, I., Ruzicka, M. & Ernest, J. (2018). The connection between motivation and behaviors. Economics, Management And Marketing, 5, 182-189.

  15. Sharkins, K.A., Newton, A.B., Causey, C., & Ernest, J.M. (2017). Flipping theory: Ways in which children’s experiences in the 21st century classroom can provide insight into the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky. International Journal of Early Education and Care, 6, 11-18.

  16. Sharkins, K.A., Leger, S.E., & Ernest, J.M. (2017). Examining effects of poverty, maternal depression, and children's self-regulation abilities on the development of language and cognition in early childhood: An Early Head Start perspective. Early Childhood Education Journal, 45(4), 493-49. DOI: 10.1007/s10643-016-0787-9

  17. Alhghamdi, A.A., Newton, A.B., Sharkins, K.A., & Ernest, J.M. (2016). A tale of three children: A funds-of-knowledge cross-cultural perspective with an emphasis on early literacy development. Mid-South Literacy Journal, 2(1), 2-13.

  18. Sharkins, K.A., Newton, A.B., Albaiz, N.E.A., & Ernest, J.M. (2016). Preschool children’s exposure to media, technology, and screen time: Perspectives of caregivers from three early childcare settings. Early Childhood Education Journal, 44(5), 437-444. DOI: 10.1007/s10643-015-0732-3

  19. Klimešová, I., Miklánková, L., Stelzer, J., & Ernest, J.M. (2016). The effect of regular breakfast on body mass index in 9- to 10-year-old children. American Journal of Health Education, 47(1), 42-46. DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2015.1111175 https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/UkTfiNizKAtxStc7uZmd/full

  20. Albaiz, N.E.A. & Ernest, J.M. (2015). Between kindergartners’ stickers and adolescents’ fancy cars: How to build an autonomous generation. Childhood Education, 91(5), 342-350. DOI: 10.1080/00094056.2015.1090846

  21. Ernest, J.M., Causey, C., Newton, A., Sharkins, K., & Summerlin, J., & Albaiz, N. (2014). Extending the global dialogue about media, technology, screen time and young children. Childhood Education, 90(3), 182-191. DOI:10.1080/00094056.2014.910046. Also available here.

  22. Sanderson, S. L., Heckaman, K., Ernest, J. M. & Rabb, S. (2013). Strategies for inclusive PE settings. Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators, 26(1), 20-25. DOI: 10.100/o8924562.2012.749167 Also available here.

  23. Ernest, J.M. (2012). Evaluating large-scale studies to accurately appraise children’s performance. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 26(1), 40-56. DOI: 10.1080/02568543.2012.633839 https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/kJRdD9TY7mQuEdfWPpur/full

  24. Ernest, J.M. (2011). Using Q Methodology as a mixed method approach to study beliefs about early childhood education. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 7(2), 226-240. DOI: 10.5172/mra.2011.5.2.223

  25. Ernest, J.M. (2011). “Dapped”: Lessons to learn from a search for developmentally appropriate practice in the Welsh education system. Focus on Teacher Education, (11)1, 4-9. Available: http://acei.org/images/stories/documents/fall11teach.pdf

  26. Ernest, J.M., Thompson, S., Heckaman, K.A., Hull, K., & Yates, J. (2011). Effects and social validity of differentiated instruction on student outcomes for special educators. The Journal of the International Association of Special Education, 12(1), 33-41.

  27. Heckaman, K., Ernest, J.M., & Thompson, S. (2011). Classroom space to cyber space: The benefits and challenges of developing and delivering an online, rigorous initial teacher certification program. Childhood Education, 87(5), 345-350. DOI: 10.1080/00094056.2011.10523211

  28. Ernest, J.M., Heckaman, K.A., Thompson, S.E., Hull, K. M., & Carter, S.W. (2011). Increasing the teaching efficacy of a beginning special education teacher using differentiated instruction: A case study. International Journal of Special Education, 26(1), 191-201.

  29. McCurdy, K., Kutz, M., O’Kelley, E.O., Langford, G., & Ernest, J. (2010). External oblique activity during the unilateral and bilateral free weight squat. Clinical Kinesiology, 64(1), 16-21.

  30. McCurdy, K., O’Kelley, E.O., Kutz, M., Langford, G., Ernest, J., & Torres, M.R. (2010). Comparison of lower extremity EMG between the 2-leg squat and modified single-leg squat in female athletes. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 19, 57-70.

  31. Heckaman, K., Thompson, S.E., Hull, K., & Ernest, J.M. (2009). Preparing teacher candidates to use evidence-based practices to impact student learning.Southeastern Teacher Education Journal, 1(3), 5-17.

  32. McCurdy, K., Langford, G., Ernest, J., Jenkerson, D., & Doscher, M. (2009). Comparison of Chain- and Plate-loaded bench press training on strength, joint pain, and muscle soreness in division II baseball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(1), 187-195.

  33. Frömel, K, Stelzer, J., Groffik, D., & Ernest, J.M. (2008). Physical activity of children aged 6-8: The beginning of school attendance. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 28(1), 29-40. Research Roundup of the article available at: http://acei.org/wp-content/uploads/Fromelfall08.pdf

  34. Ernest, J.M. (2008). From here to …?. Family Focus: Early Intervention in Georgia, 1(4), 1,3,4

  35. Ernest, J.M. (2008). Helping a family help their child. Family Focus: Early Intervention in Georgia, 1(3), 1,3,4.

  36. Ernest, J.M. (2007). When John grows up. In S. Martin and P. Corson (Eds.), Intentional and Relationship-based Guidance (pp. 145-146). Toronto, ON: Nelson.

  37. Ernest, J.M. (2007). Textbook review (5 p.): Cushner, K, McClelland, A, & Safford, P. (2006). Human Diversity in Education: An Integrative Approach. Available: http://florida.theorangegrove.org/usg

  38. Langford, G., McCurdy, K., Ernest, J., Doscher, M., and Walters, S. (2007). Specificity of machine, barbell, and water-filled log bench press resistance training on measures of strength. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(4), 1061-1066.

  39. Ernest, J.M. (2007). Program planning: Evaluation, assessment & Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) development. Family Focus: Early Intervention in Georgia, 1(2), 1,3,4.

  40. Ernest, J.M. (2007). Think-Pair-Share as a strategy to study difference? (8 p.). Available: http://florida.theorangegrove.org/usg

  41. Ernest, J.M. (2007). Developing and applying strategies for studying difference? (8 p.). Available: http://florida.theorangegrove.org/usg

  42. McCurdy, K., Langford, G., Jenkerson, D., Ernest, J., Walters, S., and Doscher, M. (2007). Specificity of chain- and plate-loaded bench press training on measures of strength, power, and throwing velocity. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(4), e33.

  43. Langford, G., McCurdy, K., Ernest, J., Doscher, M., and Walters, S. (2007). Effects of machine and different types of free-weight bench press training on measures of power and strength. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(4), e34.

  44. Ernest, J.M. (2006). Research as a way to confluence cultures. The Activist, 17(3), 3.

  45. Ernest, J.M. (2006). Getting to know you: The intake process. Family Focus: Early Intervention in Georgia, 1(1), 1,3,4.

  46. Ernest, J.M. (2006). Media, stereotypes, and education perspectives? (7 p.). Available: http://florida.theorangegrove.org/usg

  47. Ernest, J.M. (2006). Getting to know you: The intake process. Family Focus: Early Intervention in Georgia, 1(1), 1,3,4.

  48. Ernest, J.M. (2006). How did I become who I am? (4 p.). Available: http://florida.theorangegrove.org/usg

  49. Ernest, J.M. (2005). The measuring stick for research. The Activist, 16(3), 3.

  50. Ernest, J.M. & Killoran, I. (2004). Challenging issues and rays of hope: The education and life conundrum. Childhood Education, 80(6), 292-294.

  51. Stelzer, J. & Ernest, J.M., Fenster, M. J., & Langford, G. (2004). Attitudes toward physical education: A study of high school students from four countries - Austria, Czech Republic, England, and the USA. College Student Journal, 38(2), 171-179.

  52. Szente, J., Hoot, J. & Ernest J.M. (2002). Parent/teacher views of developmentally appropriate practices: A Hungarian perspective. International Journal of Early Childhood, 34(1), 24-36.

  53. Ernest, J.M. (2001). An alternate approach to studying beliefs about developmentally appropriate practices. Contemporary Issue in Early Childhood, 2(3), 337-353.

  54. Hoot, J., Massey, C., Henry, J., Barnett, M., & Ernest, J.M. (2001). A former church as a center of excellence for children. Childhood Education, 77(6), 386-392.

  55. Larson, D. E., Hunter, G. R., Trowbridge, C. A., Turk, J. C., Ernest, J.M., Torman, S. L., & Harbin, P. A. (2000). The effect of creatine supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during off-season training in female soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 14(4), 434-442.

  56. Massey, C., Hoot, J., Ernest, J.M., Barnett, M., & Henry, J. (2000). From near-rubble to rebirth: A former church building as a centerpiece of collaboration for children. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 21(1), 75-84. https://doi.org/10.1080/0163638000210109

  57. Ernest, J.M., & McLean, J. E. (1998). Fight the good fight: A response to Thompson, Knapp, and Levin. Research in the Schools, 5(2), 59‑63. Print journal, but the article is available online at: http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/d/m/dmr/sigtest/8mspdf.pdf

  58. McLean, J. E., & Ernest, J.M. (1998). The role of statistical significance testing in educational research. Research in the Schools, 5(2), 15‑23. Print journal, but the article is available online at: http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/d/m/dmr/sigtest/2mspdf.pdf

  59. Sexton, D., Snyder, P., Wadsworth, D., Jardine, A., & Ernest, J.M. (1998). Applying Q methodology to the investigations of subjective judgments of early intervention effectiveness. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 18(2), 95-107.

  60. Sexton, D., Lobman, M., Constans, T., Snyder, P., & Ernest, J.M. (1997). Early interventionists’ perspectives of multicultural practices with African-American families. Exceptional Children, 63(3), 313-328