Melanie Koss - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Melanie Koss

Research paper thumbnail of Teacher candidate perspectives of edTPA readiness: preparation programs and edTPA supports

Teaching Education, Jan 28, 2020

This qualitative study focuses on elementary teacher candidates (TCs) at two United States univer... more This qualitative study focuses on elementary teacher candidates (TCs) at two United States university-based teacher preparation programs and their experiences with edTPA, a teacher performance assessment increasing in implementation nationwide. TCs from two public universities, in a state where edTPA bears a high-stakes connection to teaching licensure, were participants. Their perspectives of program supports that contributed to edTPA completion are emphasized. Findings suggest that particular supports within coursework and the student teaching practicum contributed to TCs' feelings of success regarding edTPA completion, while certain gaps were hindrances. Implications are applicable to teacher education programs when considering structures that may or may not be necessary for supporting TCs with edTPA.

Research paper thumbnail of Is there a Middle Grades Canon? A Survey Methodology

Along with the development and implementation of the Common Core State Standards comes confusion ... more Along with the development and implementation of the Common Core State Standards comes confusion on what texts middle grades teachers are supposed to use to support students’ learning. Discussions on the existence of a middle school canon are inconclusive. To examine this issue, a survey was implemented asking English/Language Arts middle grades teachers to identify common literary titles they use in their classrooms. This article discusses the identification of the population, the survey design and data collection techniques used to collect data from a large sample of middle grade teachers, and the challenges faced in the administration and initial analysis of the survey. This articles hopes to inform and assist other researchers who plan to complete similar studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Who Do Children See? Diversity of Main Characters in Leveled Texts

Illinois Reading Council journal, Jun 15, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Diversity in Contemporary Picturebooks: A Content Analysis

Journal of Children’s Literature, Apr 1, 2015

Using content analysis and lenses of critical race, gender schema, and critical disability theori... more Using content analysis and lenses of critical race, gender schema, and critical disability theories, this study examines the representation of diversity in contemporary picturebooks. PICTUREBOOKS ARE WRITTEN artifacts that convey cultural messages and values about society and help children learn about their world. Books children read and interact with, including those used in classrooms and educational settings, can influence children's self-awareness (Chaudhri & Teale, 2013) and help them develop a positive self-identity (Hall, 2008; Levin, 2007). Books also assist children in breaking and questioning stereotypes and help broaden their cultural perspectives (Thein, Beach, & Parks, 2007). Picturebooks are educational tools, and most children come into contact with them; consequently, the content of picturebooks matters. This study explores the diversity represented in a corpus of contemporary picturebooks, both within the content of the books and of those who created them. Children also need to see diverse authors and illustrators creating the picturebooks they interact with in order to see career possibilities. In addition to being mirrors and windows, books are also maps (C. Myers, 2014). As children seek their place in the world, they search for where to go and ways to get there. Literature can provide avenues of

Research paper thumbnail of Is there a Middle Grades Canon? A Survey Methodology

Along with the development and implementation of the Common Core State Standards comes confusion ... more Along with the development and implementation of the Common Core State Standards comes confusion on what texts middle grades teachers are supposed to use to support students’ learning. Discussions on the existence of a middle school canon are inconclusive. To examine this issue, a survey was implemented asking English/Language Arts middle grades teachers to identify common literary titles they use in their classrooms. This article discusses the identification of the population, the survey design and data collection techniques used to collect data from a large sample of middle grade teachers, and the challenges faced in the administration and initial analysis of the survey. This articles hopes to inform and assist other researchers who plan to complete similar studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Diversity in Children's Literature: 1 Year Later

Journal of Children’s Literature, 2016

INSPIRED BY We Need Diverse Books (n.d.), "a grassroots organization created to address the ... more INSPIRED BY We Need Diverse Books (n.d.), "a grassroots organization created to address the lack of diverse, non-majority narratives in children's literature...[and] to the ideal that embracing diversity will lead to acceptance, empathy, and ultimately equality" (para. 1), CLA's Thursday afternoon preconference workshop explored the perceived changes happening within the field of children's literature as related to diversity. The session focused on the need for all children to see themselves represented in the pages of the books they read. Workshop participants had the opportunity to hear authors and illustrators of children's literature who include and embrace diversity authentically in their works. Keynote speakers Stacey Lee, Sharon Draper, and Duncan Tonatiuh and panel participants Matt de la Pena, Shane Evans, Tim Federle, Varian Johnson, and Salina Yoon shared their personal experiences and thoughts on the importance of all people seeing themselves in...

Research paper thumbnail of Who Do Children See? Diversity of Main Characters in Leveled Texts

Illinois Reading Council Journal, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Teacher candidate perspectives of edTPA readiness: preparation programs and edTPA supports

Teaching Education, 2020

This qualitative study focuses on elementary teacher candidates (TCs) at two United States univer... more This qualitative study focuses on elementary teacher candidates (TCs) at two United States university-based teacher preparation programs and their experiences with edTPA, a teacher performance assessment increasing in implementation nationwide. TCs from two public universities, in a state where edTPA bears a high-stakes connection to teaching licensure, were participants. Their perspectives of program supports that contributed to edTPA completion are emphasized. Findings suggest that particular supports within coursework and the student teaching practicum contributed to TCs' feelings of success regarding edTPA completion, while certain gaps were hindrances. Implications are applicable to teacher education programs when considering structures that may or may not be necessary for supporting TCs with edTPA.

Research paper thumbnail of Valuing the Lives and Experiences of English Learners: Widening the Landscape of Children's Literature

TESOL Journal, 2017

This article explores the current landscape of children's picture books in terms of the diver... more This article explores the current landscape of children's picture books in terms of the diversity represented, how having a range of diverse populations authentically depicted in picture books impacts culturally and linguistically diverse students, the importance for teachers to seek out culturally relevant literature, and ways that ideologies of literacy transmitted through picture books impact English learners' (ELs') academic success. The authors suggest that books must offer ELs authentic views of all cultures represented in schools and discuss culturally relevant literature and its uses in the classroom. The article presents three pedagogical lenses teachers can explore and incorporate into their curricula to build on their ELs' cultural capital in the classroom: multicultural, multilingual, and strategic. Specific curricular ideas, including pre‐, during‐, and postreading strategies, are included as are lists of suggested titles for classroom use.

Research paper thumbnail of Young Adult Novels with Multiple Narrative Perspectives: The Changing Nature of YA Literature

Research paper thumbnail of Diversity in Contemporary Picturebooks: A Content Analysis

Journal of Children S Literature, 2015

Using content analysis and lenses of critical race, gender schema, and critical disability theori... more Using content analysis and lenses of critical race, gender schema, and critical disability theories, this study examines the representation of diversity in contemporary picturebooks. PICTUREBOOKS ARE WRITTEN artifacts that convey cultural messages and values about society and help children learn about their world. Books children read and interact with, including those used in classrooms and educational settings, can influence children's self-awareness (Chaudhri & Teale, 2013) and help them develop a positive self-identity (Hall, 2008; Levin, 2007). Books also assist children in breaking and questioning stereotypes and help broaden their cultural perspectives (Thein, Beach, & Parks, 2007). Picturebooks are educational tools, and most children come into contact with them; consequently, the content of picturebooks matters. This study explores the diversity represented in a corpus of contemporary picturebooks, both within the content of the books and of those who created them. Children also need to see diverse authors and illustrators creating the picturebooks they interact with in order to see career possibilities. In addition to being mirrors and windows, books are also maps (C. Myers, 2014). As children seek their place in the world, they search for where to go and ways to get there. Literature can provide avenues of

Research paper thumbnail of What's Happening in YA Literature? Trends in Books for Adolescents

Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Disability in Children's and Young Adult Literature

Western Suburban Literacy Initiative …, 2010

Children's literature often includes characters with special needs. These individuals are pa... more Children's literature often includes characters with special needs. These individuals are part of our schools and communities and viewing such individuals as multi-dimensional and capable can help students learn about diversity and acceptance. Books that depict special ...

Research paper thumbnail of A literary analysis of young adult novels with multiple narrative perspectives using a sociocultural lens

Page 1. A LITERARY ANALYSIS OF YOUNG ADULT NOVELS WITH MULTIPLE NARRATIVE PERSPECTIVES USING A SO... more Page 1. A LITERARY ANALYSIS OF YOUNG ADULT NOVELS WITH MULTIPLE NARRATIVE PERSPECTIVES USING A SOCIOCULTURAL LENS BY MELANIE DEBRA KOSS BS, Skidmore College, 1995 MA, The Ohio State ...

Research paper thumbnail of Curricular Freedom in the Contemporary Sociopolitical Context of the United States

International Journal on Social and Education Sciences

Using a mixed-methods approach, this study uses an Internet survey to investigate the curricular ... more Using a mixed-methods approach, this study uses an Internet survey to investigate the curricular freedom reported by Prekindergarten through Grade 8 teachers in the United States concerning the inclusion of children's literature into their classrooms and curriculum, particularly in the current sociopolitical climate. Drawing upon Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, survey responses were analyzed based on the four levels of the ecological model (micro, meso, exo, and macro systems). To account for regional variations existing at the sociopolitical macro level, the study's findings were organized according to the five geographical regions of the United States: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and West. Analysis indicated distinct variation in the patterns of the responses across the geographical regions, aligned with the dominant political ideology of their state. Responses of teachers from the Northeast and West were heavily influenced by events and exper...

Research paper thumbnail of Finding Common Ground: Understanding Ourselves and the World Through Literature: Overcoming Obstacles: Belief in Oneself

Illinois Reading Council journal, Jan 15, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Mapping the Diversity in Caldecott Books from 1938 to 2017: The Changing Topography

Journal of Children’s Literature, Apr 1, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Self-Esteem, Silences, Invisibility, and Otherness in Newbery Medal-Winning Contemporary Realistic Fiction, 2012-2022

Illinois Reading Council journal, Dec 15, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Conducting a Diversity Audit: Who is Represented in Your Classroom Library?

The Reading Teacher

This article provides an overview of the importance of and the steps to undertaking a classroom l... more This article provides an overview of the importance of and the steps to undertaking a classroom library diversity audit. It begins by situating the importance of the classroom library in children's development because literature can reflect and expand worldviews. Next, statistics of U.S. children's literature publishing and U.S. classroom populations are provided to contextualize the need for a diverse classroom library. The article then covers the four steps a teacher needs to take to complete a classroom library audit ‐ visualizing, completing the inventory, reflecting on findings, and developing next‐step plans. It concludes with a call to action for teachers to consider their responsibility as curators of diversity.

Research paper thumbnail of Diversity in Newbery Medal-Winning Titles: A Content Analysis

Journal of language and literacy education, 2020

This paper shares results from a critical content analysis of Newbery-winning titles from 1922-20... more This paper shares results from a critical content analysis of Newbery-winning titles from 1922-2019 for representations of race/ethnicity, gender, and disability. Each title was coded for the inclusion and representation of race/ethnicity, gender, and disability at both the book and main character levels. Lenses of critical race, gender schema, and critical disability theories were used to classify the ways race/ethnicity, gender, and ability of diverse populations are portrayed and represented in Newbery-winning titles. Results were then compared to U.S. Census and National Center for Education Statistics data about today's publicschool population. Representations of diversity in Newbery-winning titles are not confluent with the race/ethnicity, gender, and disability of children in U.S. schools. Given the prominence of Newbery-winning literature in elementary schools, children are likely to come across these unrepresentative characters.

Research paper thumbnail of Teacher candidate perspectives of edTPA readiness: preparation programs and edTPA supports

Teaching Education, Jan 28, 2020

This qualitative study focuses on elementary teacher candidates (TCs) at two United States univer... more This qualitative study focuses on elementary teacher candidates (TCs) at two United States university-based teacher preparation programs and their experiences with edTPA, a teacher performance assessment increasing in implementation nationwide. TCs from two public universities, in a state where edTPA bears a high-stakes connection to teaching licensure, were participants. Their perspectives of program supports that contributed to edTPA completion are emphasized. Findings suggest that particular supports within coursework and the student teaching practicum contributed to TCs' feelings of success regarding edTPA completion, while certain gaps were hindrances. Implications are applicable to teacher education programs when considering structures that may or may not be necessary for supporting TCs with edTPA.

Research paper thumbnail of Is there a Middle Grades Canon? A Survey Methodology

Along with the development and implementation of the Common Core State Standards comes confusion ... more Along with the development and implementation of the Common Core State Standards comes confusion on what texts middle grades teachers are supposed to use to support students’ learning. Discussions on the existence of a middle school canon are inconclusive. To examine this issue, a survey was implemented asking English/Language Arts middle grades teachers to identify common literary titles they use in their classrooms. This article discusses the identification of the population, the survey design and data collection techniques used to collect data from a large sample of middle grade teachers, and the challenges faced in the administration and initial analysis of the survey. This articles hopes to inform and assist other researchers who plan to complete similar studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Who Do Children See? Diversity of Main Characters in Leveled Texts

Illinois Reading Council journal, Jun 15, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Diversity in Contemporary Picturebooks: A Content Analysis

Journal of Children’s Literature, Apr 1, 2015

Using content analysis and lenses of critical race, gender schema, and critical disability theori... more Using content analysis and lenses of critical race, gender schema, and critical disability theories, this study examines the representation of diversity in contemporary picturebooks. PICTUREBOOKS ARE WRITTEN artifacts that convey cultural messages and values about society and help children learn about their world. Books children read and interact with, including those used in classrooms and educational settings, can influence children's self-awareness (Chaudhri & Teale, 2013) and help them develop a positive self-identity (Hall, 2008; Levin, 2007). Books also assist children in breaking and questioning stereotypes and help broaden their cultural perspectives (Thein, Beach, & Parks, 2007). Picturebooks are educational tools, and most children come into contact with them; consequently, the content of picturebooks matters. This study explores the diversity represented in a corpus of contemporary picturebooks, both within the content of the books and of those who created them. Children also need to see diverse authors and illustrators creating the picturebooks they interact with in order to see career possibilities. In addition to being mirrors and windows, books are also maps (C. Myers, 2014). As children seek their place in the world, they search for where to go and ways to get there. Literature can provide avenues of

Research paper thumbnail of Is there a Middle Grades Canon? A Survey Methodology

Along with the development and implementation of the Common Core State Standards comes confusion ... more Along with the development and implementation of the Common Core State Standards comes confusion on what texts middle grades teachers are supposed to use to support students’ learning. Discussions on the existence of a middle school canon are inconclusive. To examine this issue, a survey was implemented asking English/Language Arts middle grades teachers to identify common literary titles they use in their classrooms. This article discusses the identification of the population, the survey design and data collection techniques used to collect data from a large sample of middle grade teachers, and the challenges faced in the administration and initial analysis of the survey. This articles hopes to inform and assist other researchers who plan to complete similar studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Diversity in Children's Literature: 1 Year Later

Journal of Children’s Literature, 2016

INSPIRED BY We Need Diverse Books (n.d.), "a grassroots organization created to address the ... more INSPIRED BY We Need Diverse Books (n.d.), "a grassroots organization created to address the lack of diverse, non-majority narratives in children's literature...[and] to the ideal that embracing diversity will lead to acceptance, empathy, and ultimately equality" (para. 1), CLA's Thursday afternoon preconference workshop explored the perceived changes happening within the field of children's literature as related to diversity. The session focused on the need for all children to see themselves represented in the pages of the books they read. Workshop participants had the opportunity to hear authors and illustrators of children's literature who include and embrace diversity authentically in their works. Keynote speakers Stacey Lee, Sharon Draper, and Duncan Tonatiuh and panel participants Matt de la Pena, Shane Evans, Tim Federle, Varian Johnson, and Salina Yoon shared their personal experiences and thoughts on the importance of all people seeing themselves in...

Research paper thumbnail of Who Do Children See? Diversity of Main Characters in Leveled Texts

Illinois Reading Council Journal, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Teacher candidate perspectives of edTPA readiness: preparation programs and edTPA supports

Teaching Education, 2020

This qualitative study focuses on elementary teacher candidates (TCs) at two United States univer... more This qualitative study focuses on elementary teacher candidates (TCs) at two United States university-based teacher preparation programs and their experiences with edTPA, a teacher performance assessment increasing in implementation nationwide. TCs from two public universities, in a state where edTPA bears a high-stakes connection to teaching licensure, were participants. Their perspectives of program supports that contributed to edTPA completion are emphasized. Findings suggest that particular supports within coursework and the student teaching practicum contributed to TCs' feelings of success regarding edTPA completion, while certain gaps were hindrances. Implications are applicable to teacher education programs when considering structures that may or may not be necessary for supporting TCs with edTPA.

Research paper thumbnail of Valuing the Lives and Experiences of English Learners: Widening the Landscape of Children's Literature

TESOL Journal, 2017

This article explores the current landscape of children's picture books in terms of the diver... more This article explores the current landscape of children's picture books in terms of the diversity represented, how having a range of diverse populations authentically depicted in picture books impacts culturally and linguistically diverse students, the importance for teachers to seek out culturally relevant literature, and ways that ideologies of literacy transmitted through picture books impact English learners' (ELs') academic success. The authors suggest that books must offer ELs authentic views of all cultures represented in schools and discuss culturally relevant literature and its uses in the classroom. The article presents three pedagogical lenses teachers can explore and incorporate into their curricula to build on their ELs' cultural capital in the classroom: multicultural, multilingual, and strategic. Specific curricular ideas, including pre‐, during‐, and postreading strategies, are included as are lists of suggested titles for classroom use.

Research paper thumbnail of Young Adult Novels with Multiple Narrative Perspectives: The Changing Nature of YA Literature

Research paper thumbnail of Diversity in Contemporary Picturebooks: A Content Analysis

Journal of Children S Literature, 2015

Using content analysis and lenses of critical race, gender schema, and critical disability theori... more Using content analysis and lenses of critical race, gender schema, and critical disability theories, this study examines the representation of diversity in contemporary picturebooks. PICTUREBOOKS ARE WRITTEN artifacts that convey cultural messages and values about society and help children learn about their world. Books children read and interact with, including those used in classrooms and educational settings, can influence children's self-awareness (Chaudhri & Teale, 2013) and help them develop a positive self-identity (Hall, 2008; Levin, 2007). Books also assist children in breaking and questioning stereotypes and help broaden their cultural perspectives (Thein, Beach, & Parks, 2007). Picturebooks are educational tools, and most children come into contact with them; consequently, the content of picturebooks matters. This study explores the diversity represented in a corpus of contemporary picturebooks, both within the content of the books and of those who created them. Children also need to see diverse authors and illustrators creating the picturebooks they interact with in order to see career possibilities. In addition to being mirrors and windows, books are also maps (C. Myers, 2014). As children seek their place in the world, they search for where to go and ways to get there. Literature can provide avenues of

Research paper thumbnail of What's Happening in YA Literature? Trends in Books for Adolescents

Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Disability in Children's and Young Adult Literature

Western Suburban Literacy Initiative …, 2010

Children's literature often includes characters with special needs. These individuals are pa... more Children's literature often includes characters with special needs. These individuals are part of our schools and communities and viewing such individuals as multi-dimensional and capable can help students learn about diversity and acceptance. Books that depict special ...

Research paper thumbnail of A literary analysis of young adult novels with multiple narrative perspectives using a sociocultural lens

Page 1. A LITERARY ANALYSIS OF YOUNG ADULT NOVELS WITH MULTIPLE NARRATIVE PERSPECTIVES USING A SO... more Page 1. A LITERARY ANALYSIS OF YOUNG ADULT NOVELS WITH MULTIPLE NARRATIVE PERSPECTIVES USING A SOCIOCULTURAL LENS BY MELANIE DEBRA KOSS BS, Skidmore College, 1995 MA, The Ohio State ...

Research paper thumbnail of Curricular Freedom in the Contemporary Sociopolitical Context of the United States

International Journal on Social and Education Sciences

Using a mixed-methods approach, this study uses an Internet survey to investigate the curricular ... more Using a mixed-methods approach, this study uses an Internet survey to investigate the curricular freedom reported by Prekindergarten through Grade 8 teachers in the United States concerning the inclusion of children's literature into their classrooms and curriculum, particularly in the current sociopolitical climate. Drawing upon Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, survey responses were analyzed based on the four levels of the ecological model (micro, meso, exo, and macro systems). To account for regional variations existing at the sociopolitical macro level, the study's findings were organized according to the five geographical regions of the United States: Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and West. Analysis indicated distinct variation in the patterns of the responses across the geographical regions, aligned with the dominant political ideology of their state. Responses of teachers from the Northeast and West were heavily influenced by events and exper...

Research paper thumbnail of Finding Common Ground: Understanding Ourselves and the World Through Literature: Overcoming Obstacles: Belief in Oneself

Illinois Reading Council journal, Jan 15, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Mapping the Diversity in Caldecott Books from 1938 to 2017: The Changing Topography

Journal of Children’s Literature, Apr 1, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Self-Esteem, Silences, Invisibility, and Otherness in Newbery Medal-Winning Contemporary Realistic Fiction, 2012-2022

Illinois Reading Council journal, Dec 15, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Conducting a Diversity Audit: Who is Represented in Your Classroom Library?

The Reading Teacher

This article provides an overview of the importance of and the steps to undertaking a classroom l... more This article provides an overview of the importance of and the steps to undertaking a classroom library diversity audit. It begins by situating the importance of the classroom library in children's development because literature can reflect and expand worldviews. Next, statistics of U.S. children's literature publishing and U.S. classroom populations are provided to contextualize the need for a diverse classroom library. The article then covers the four steps a teacher needs to take to complete a classroom library audit ‐ visualizing, completing the inventory, reflecting on findings, and developing next‐step plans. It concludes with a call to action for teachers to consider their responsibility as curators of diversity.

Research paper thumbnail of Diversity in Newbery Medal-Winning Titles: A Content Analysis

Journal of language and literacy education, 2020

This paper shares results from a critical content analysis of Newbery-winning titles from 1922-20... more This paper shares results from a critical content analysis of Newbery-winning titles from 1922-2019 for representations of race/ethnicity, gender, and disability. Each title was coded for the inclusion and representation of race/ethnicity, gender, and disability at both the book and main character levels. Lenses of critical race, gender schema, and critical disability theories were used to classify the ways race/ethnicity, gender, and ability of diverse populations are portrayed and represented in Newbery-winning titles. Results were then compared to U.S. Census and National Center for Education Statistics data about today's publicschool population. Representations of diversity in Newbery-winning titles are not confluent with the race/ethnicity, gender, and disability of children in U.S. schools. Given the prominence of Newbery-winning literature in elementary schools, children are likely to come across these unrepresentative characters.