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SELF-REGULATION, EMOTION EXPRESSION & CLASSROOM ...

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have also shown that, although preschool self- and-teacher-reported motivation levels<br />

were comparable for at-risk and not-at-risk children, at-risk children showed poorer selfregulatory<br />

abilities, as well as diminished academic achievement. This finding has been<br />

further bolstered by other investigations that have found that many of the necessary<br />

components of a child’s preparedness to enter school (e.g. self-regulatory ability, socialemotional<br />

competence, the absence of behavior problems, teacher support) are<br />

significantly impacted by socio-economic status (Eisenberg et al., 2001; Kupersmidt,<br />

Bryant, & Willoughby, 2000; Ladd, Birch & Buhs, 1999; Pianta, & Walsh, 1998; Webster-<br />

Stratton, Reid, & Stoolmiller, 2008).<br />

Many teachers cite children's "readiness to learn" and "teachability" as marked by<br />

enthusiasm, and ability to regulate emotions and behaviors (Buscemi et al., 1995; Rimm-<br />

Kaufman et al., 2000). It is important to point out that although there is a positive<br />

relation between poverty and negative emotional and academic outcomes, most<br />

socioeconomically at-risk children who receive adequate social support are found to<br />

develop effective regulatory and classroom functioning skills (Garner & Spears, 2000).<br />

Although the psychosocial stressors that are associated with poverty are pervasive, not<br />

all children and families are found to be affected in the same way (Blair, Granger, &<br />

Razza, 2005).<br />

More specific to the current investigation, understanding the role self-regulation<br />

plays in on-task involvement and learning behaviors among economically at-risk and<br />

not-at-risk children is absolutely necessary. Although there is a strong body of evidence<br />

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