David Brown, Ph.D.

Professor

David Brown, Ph.D., has continuously promoted early childhood education. For more than forty years, he has influenced early childhood policy, programs and legislation. As a professor, Brown mentors and trains future early childhood educators.

A Conversation with Dr. Brown

What draws you to curriculum and instruction, specifically early childhood?

I have a strong interest in developing and designing quality programs for young children and their families. All of my training and degrees have focused on the discipline of early childhood. I have been able to study many components of early childhood education from program, to research, to legislation, to policies.

What has been your favorite course to teach?

I must say I really enjoy EDCI 695 – Doctoral Research Methodology. This course provides one of the first experiences in learning the fundamentals of conducting educational research. Special attention is devoted to helping students understand how to design a research investigation with emphasis on understanding research questions, research design, data analysis and writing up the findings in a research report.

Tell us about a project you are currently working on or recently completed.

I have been working with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) on the design and development of the new EC-3 certification program in Texas. This new program will allow preservice teachers to receive specialized training in working with young children, ages 3 through 8 or Prekindergarten through 3rd grade. I've been able to work on the design of standards for this new program. I am also currently conducting research on family involvement in early childhood education with Head Start of Greater Dallas, Inc.

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?

First, I would make sure that the student's program of interest aligns with their long-term professional goals. Second, I would help the student understand the quality of the faculty within our department. Third, I would talk about the graduation rate of our students; approximately 80% of our students who enter the SCI doctoral program complete the program. Additionally, I would talk about the strong mentoring support provided by faculty during the doctoral journey. Finally, I would talk about the professional opportunities to work with faculty and other doctoral students on projects throughout the doctoral journey.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., Early Childhood Education, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 1984
• M.Ed., Early Childhood Education, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 1976
• B.S., Elementary Education (Kindergarten certification), Texas A&M University-Commerce, 1973

Awards and Honors

• 2020, Faculty Eminent Scholar Award, Texas A&M University-Commerce
• 2016, Texas A&M System Chancellor's Academy of Teacher Educators
• 2011, TAEYC Teacher Educator of the Year Award, Texas Association for the Education of Young Children
• 2010, William L. Mayo Professorship Award, Texas A&M University – Commerce

Research Interests

• Parent Involvement and Family Literacy
• Emergent Literacy in Young Children
• Early Numeracy in Young Children

Professional Organizations

• American Educational Research Association
• National Association for the Education of Young Children
• International Literacy Association

Selected Publications

• Brown, D.L., Sennette, J.N., McCrary, D.E., and Morton, T. (2019). The Effects of a Science-Based Curriculum on the Outcomes of PreK Students. Journal of Education and Social Justice, 6(1), 28-41.
• Brown, D.L., Sennette, J.N., McCrary, D.E., and Morton, T. (2019). Literacy Growth for Children of Poverty. Dimensions of Early Childhood, 47(2), 21-24.
• Brown, D.L., Sennette, J.N., McCrary, D.E., and Morton, T. (2017). Response to Intervention and Authentic Assessment: Is Coexistence Possible? Dimensions of Early Childhood, 45(1), 30-38.
• Brown, D.L., Sennette, J.N., and McCrary, D.E. (2016). Using Ecological Assessment to Reduce Aggressive Behaviors in Young Children with Behavior Problems. Education, 136(3), 365-377.