Effectiveness of the Tools of the Mind curriculum in an inclusive preschool classroom on students' academic performance, social-emotional behavior, self-regulation skills and kindergarten readiness scores, 2024

Preschool education is a critical period in human development, shaping attitudes and behaviors pivotal for later social and personal success. Among various preschool curricula, Tools of the Mind claims to innovate by addressing the diverse developmental needs of preschoolers (Tools of the Mind, 2023). This mixed methods study examines the effectiveness of the Tools of the Mind Curriculum on inclusive preschool students’ academic performance, social-emotional behavior, self-regulation skills and Kindergarten readiness scores. The study provides valuable insights into the curriculum's efficacy by using pre- and post-assessments, observations, and semi-structured parent/guardian interviews. Findings indicate that while the curriculum excels in fostering early literacy and social-emotional growth, it requires improvement in supporting the development of voluntary self-regulation. Results from the DIAL-4 Kindergarten Readiness Assessment were mixed, with some students performing above average and others below, suggesting outcome variability. Parental perceptions reflect satisfaction with the curriculum's impact on real-life experiences and student personality but also highlight the desire for more focus on academic achievement. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing professional development and parental involvement to ensure curriculum quality and consistent implementation. Given the Tools of the Mind curriculum’s relatively recent introduction, further research is essential to assess its long-term impact and effectiveness, providing critical insight for early childhood education policy and practice.