Recent Publications

Adams, B., Allee, K. A., & Wilson, N. S. (2026). The Climb Model of Reading: A strategic framework for comprehension, metacognition, and classroom practice. Early Childhood Education Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-026-02202-y

The article introduces the Climb Model of Reading, which uses the metaphor of top-rope climbing to frame reading as a dynamic, learner-centered process integrating foundational skills, comprehension strategy, motivation, and responsive instruction. The model engages constructivist and sociocultural perspectives to support teacher decision-making in the current Science of Reading policy landscape.

Allee, K. A., & Mulé, T. N. (2026). Balancing development and rigor: Beliefs about priorities and threats in early childhood education among future professionals. Early Childhood Education Journal, 54, 3027–3042. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-025-02023-5

Allee, K. A., Seccia, A., & Wooten, K. (2026). Identity mediation in doctoral education: Extending a situated framework of scholarly identity. Journal of Education. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/00220574261434798

Burrell, J. (2025). Learning to connect with students by connecting with self. Schools: Studies in Education, 22(1), 144–158. https://doi.org/10.1086/734964

Donaldson, J. P. (2026). Why we stay stuck: A complex conceptual systems theory for wicked problems. Systems, 14(4), 431. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14040431

Mulé, T. N., & Allee, K. A. (2025). University students' beliefs about gendered play: Implications for teacher education. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10901027.2025.2591105

Wei, Z. (2019). Constructivism and teachers in Chinese culture: Enriching Confucianism with constructivism. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2691-2

Public Scholarship and Media

Allee, K., & Hirsh-Pasek, K. (2025, January 17). We all need a little more recess. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/we-all-need-a-little-more-recess/

Coleman-Mortley, A. (Host). (2022, April 20). Let's talk about education, play, and equity with Karyn Allee, PhD (Season 3, Episode 5) [Audio podcast episode]. In Let's K12 Better. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1036873/episodes/10461803

International Play Association USA. (2025, May 5). Porch play chat with Karyn Allee: The power of playful pedagogy / Addressing equity through play [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF-68BQpOPs