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Implementation Of A Social-Emotional Curriculum In The Middle School, Molly Ramirez
Implementation Of A Social-Emotional Curriculum In The Middle School, Molly Ramirez
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this school improvement plan was designed based on first-hand experience in seeing the high need for social-emotional learning skills among middle school students. Research findings show that a social-emotional curriculum provides students with many beneficial skills and supports to self-regulate and respond appropriately to anguish and trauma. The findings also explicitly conclude that when implementing a social-emotional curriculum each step of the process is crucial to the positive outcome of the program. With these research findings in mind, a school improvement plan was created to promote sustainable implementation within the middle school setting.
Impacts Of The General Music Classroom On Social-Emotional Learning, Nicole Geerdes
Impacts Of The General Music Classroom On Social-Emotional Learning, Nicole Geerdes
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to gain insight into students’ social-emotional learning and the impact of general music class on it. The researcher utilized a dependent samples T-test with four sections of third-grade students gathering data with a check-in and check-out form on their emotional zone, using Kuypers, L. (2022) Zones of Regulation. The researcher is a general music teacher (transitional kindergarten through fifth grade) in her nineteenth year of teaching. The findings of this study showed that more than half of students came to music class in a focused and ready-to-learn state. The observations kept by …
Behavior Strategies And Progress Monitoring, Kristan Geary
Behavior Strategies And Progress Monitoring, Kristan Geary
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research was motivated by the researcher's desire to connect with students through PBIS while increasing their IEP reading progress monitoring scores. The researcher is a seventh-grade teacher in her third year of teaching. Participants were her own students in reading access class. Reading access class is a small group for students testing at least three grade levels below. During the nine-week research period, a specific procedure for PBIS and incentives was put in place and reading IEP goals were progress monitored. Results showed an increase in each student’s reading progress monitoring scores. The research was designed with the …
Supporting Special Education Online Learners’ Social And Emotional Wellbeing, Nadia Strong
Supporting Special Education Online Learners’ Social And Emotional Wellbeing, Nadia Strong
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools closed for in person instruction and began remote learning. All students were impacted by the school closures but no students were as heavily impacted as students with disabilities. Parents reported a rise in tantrums, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation among young children during remote learning. The social and emotional wellbeing of children promotes increased participation, positive outlook about school, improves peer relationships, and increases the likelihood of academic success. The purpose of this school improvement project is to detail the importance of supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of online learners, specifically students …
Phonics Instruction To Close The Gap Between Students In 4th And 5th Grade Special Education, Heidi Stevenson
Phonics Instruction To Close The Gap Between Students In 4th And 5th Grade Special Education, Heidi Stevenson
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Action research was conducted to determine if explicit phonics instruction would bridge the gap between students and their grade-level peers. Fourth and fifth-grade students were taught for six-weeks utilizing Really Great Reading’s HD word program. Grade-level fluency probes were used to monitor student progress at the beginning and end of the six-weeks as well as the Diagnostic Decoding Survey (DDS). Findings concluded that all students’ fluency improved on their correct words per minute and accuracy as well as on the DDS. Further research would be needed to determine how long it would take for students to close the gap between …
The Impact Of Social-Emotional Learning In The Elementary Classroom, Rachel Freland
The Impact Of Social-Emotional Learning In The Elementary Classroom, Rachel Freland
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to investigate whether a correlation exists between stronger social-emotional learning (SEL) skills and attendance records and behaviors at school. The participants included four males ages five to seven in kindergarten and first grade in an early elementary building in a suburban school district in Iowa, USA. The research focuses on the effects of the targeted behavior intervention plan for each student based on their pre-Social, Academic, Emotional, Behavior Risk Screener (SAEBRS) assessment; SAEBRS scores determine which SEL skills are most needed for students. This study discusses the helpfulness of various SEL skills …
Effect Of Professional Learning Communities About Vocabulary Instruction On Student Achievement In Reading Comprehension In Rural Iowa, Danielle Hart
Effect Of Professional Learning Communities About Vocabulary Instruction On Student Achievement In Reading Comprehension In Rural Iowa, Danielle Hart
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The research question for this study is based on how a PLC of singletons can best affect student scores on reading comprehension by focusing on vocabulary instruction. For the purpose of this research, students who were considered High Risk of not ending the year on grade level were progress monitored biweekly to determine the effect size of two different forms of PLCs on vocabulary instruction. In the first round of PLCs, the teachers implemented the Frayer Model for vocabulary instruction into the first class of the day. The data was compared from before the intervention until the end of the …
A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of A Spreadsheet Matrix Vs. A Digital Concept Map In Improving Student Annotated Bibliography Entries And Literature Reviews In Ap Research, Alex Kinder
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
AP Research students often find writing the literature review for their thesis papers challenging due to struggling to see connections between sources, leading to difficulty in establishing a gap in the literature. However, incorporating the use of an organizational tool can help students with these challenges and lead to a more thorough and interconnected annotated bibliography entries. With limited research into how well spreadsheet matrices and concept maps help AP Research students improve their writing of these entries, this action research project aimed to further the conversation of how best to help AP Research students approach writing a literature review. …
Self-Selected Reading: A School Improvement Plan, Elizabeth Langton
Self-Selected Reading: A School Improvement Plan, Elizabeth Langton
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Research indicates that school-aged children today are less motivated to read for fun than in previous generations, opting instead to indulge in digital media and online gaming. Studies also demonstrate that small amounts of free reading without follow-up assessments have linguistic, academic, and socio-emotional benefits. This school improvement plan was driven by the developer’s success with guided self-selected reading (GSSR) and self-selected reading (SSR) in her classroom and a desire to assist other educators in the process of creating their own programs to optimize language acquisition, build enthusiasm for reading, and guide students to become autonomous readers.
Unplugged Learning In The Kindergarten Computer Science Classroom, Ashley Robinson
Unplugged Learning In The Kindergarten Computer Science Classroom, Ashley Robinson
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research study was to determine the impact of teaching computer science to kindergarten using only unplugged learning rather than plugged or a mixture of plugged and unplugged learning on engagement. Participants included 71 kindergarten and transitional kindergarten students in a public school in rural central Iowa. Data was collected through behavior and off-task reminder tallies, as well as assessment data over nine classes equal to a trimester’s number of computer science classes. Students were taught using either strictly unplugged methods using games, books, manipulatives, and movement or a plugged/online curriculum using online puzzles and videos, …
Promoting Computational Thinking To Impact The Implementation Of Computer Science, Mikayla Westhoff
Promoting Computational Thinking To Impact The Implementation Of Computer Science, Mikayla Westhoff
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The researchers drove this action research project to integrate Computer Science into the classroom and the effect it can have on computational thinking. The researcher, a fifth-grade teacher in her third year of teaching, utilized Computer Science activities in a science class of 24 students for two weeks while monitoring their progress through Code.org. The study analyzed the correlation between Computer Science and computational thinking. The findings revealed no correlation between the two variables among students with or without a Computer Science background. This project conducted this research to impact the future classroom practices that may implement Computer Science into …
The Grapho-Phonemic Approach To Teaching Sight Words And Its Impact On First Grade Reading Fluency, Taryn Ernst
The Grapho-Phonemic Approach To Teaching Sight Words And Its Impact On First Grade Reading Fluency, Taryn Ernst
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research study explored the connection between sight words and fluency. The researcher implemented an orthographic mapping intervention with a group of six first-grade students. Throughout the three-week study, students systematically examined the irregularities of first-grade sight words and mapped the expected and unexpected parts of the word. Students practiced reading these words in isolation and in context each week and were progress monitored using FastBridge sight word and CBMr assessments. The six participants were assessed on newly taught sight words as well as previously taught sight words. Data was collected to determine if the intervention resulted in long-term …
Improving Leader In Me Implementation: A School Improvement Project, Joseph Hendershott
Improving Leader In Me Implementation: A School Improvement Project, Joseph Hendershott
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan intends to counter the growing trend of negative student behaviors by moving from a partial to full implementation of the social-emotional leadership program called Leader in Me in a suburban Midwest middle school. Studies show that effective social-emotional programs can improve positive behaviors and improve academics in school. The Leader in Me program is explained within the plan. Studies suggest that the Leader in Me program improves the overall culture and climate of a school when executed with high fidelity and full implementation. This school improvement plan looks to integrate social-emotional learning lessons of Leader in …
Social And Emotional Skills Develop Through Play-Based Learning, April Welding
Social And Emotional Skills Develop Through Play-Based Learning, April Welding
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research study was driven by the researcher’s interest in play-based learning. This action research investigates if social and emotional skills develop through play in a preschool classroom setting. This action research answered the question: Can social and emotional skills develop through play-based learning? Preschool students were engaged in developmental learning play-based learning centers that helped them academically, socially, and emotionally. Teachers were more intentional with interactions with students. Teachers were more present with students, encouraging engagement with learning opportunities. This research study was conducted throughout the 2021 – 2022 academic school year. Data was collected throughout two Teaching …
The Benefits Of Parent-Teacher Collaboration On Achievement In The Preschool Classroom, Samantha Frye
The Benefits Of Parent-Teacher Collaboration On Achievement In The Preschool Classroom, Samantha Frye
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project was conducted to identify a correlation between parent-teacher collaboration and student achievement in the preschool classroom. Baseline data was gathered from the preschool student’s using fall Individual Development and Growth Indicators (IDGI) benchmark scores. Opportunities for parent-teacher collaboration began with monthly newsletters sent out on the classroom webpage, parent-teacher conferences, and signed homework assignments. Parent-teacher engagement was tracked through a tally system. A spreadsheet kept track of the number of communications that parents engaged in, as well as the type of communication. All students were progress monitored within each two week session using the IDGI’s progress …
The Positive Impact Of Social And Emotional Learning, Alexi Allen
The Positive Impact Of Social And Emotional Learning, Alexi Allen
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research was inspired by the researcher’s own district and classroom. The district has core values and competencies under their mission and vision that include excellence in SEL instruction district wide. The district focuses on teaching the SEL competences and SEL standards to help students graduate and show success in life. Based on classroom observations, the researcher hypothesized that children taught socio-economic skills would display more positive behaviors and greater motivation to complete classroom tasks. The participants in this six-week study included 20 kindergarten students, ages four through six. During the week prior to the intervention, data was tracked …
Family Centered Practices For Children Receiving Home Intervention Services, Jessica Winter
Family Centered Practices For Children Receiving Home Intervention Services, Jessica Winter
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research was driven by the researcher’s desire to learn about early intervention services. Specifically, children’s progress with expressive communication using family-centered practices in the natural environment and a caregiver present. The researcher is an early childhood special education consultant in her eighth year of teaching. The data was collected over the course of eight weeks during early intervention services for four children with communication delays. Findings reveled throughout the eight weeks, there may not be a large advancement of a child’s expressive communication skills through early intervention services.
Caring For Creation: An Elementary School Recycling And Food Waste Program, Melanie Haugh
Caring For Creation: An Elementary School Recycling And Food Waste Program, Melanie Haugh
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Much of the waste in landfills could be diverted into recycled or reused materials. This includes organic materials such as food waste as well as recycled materials such as paper and plastic. To solve this problem, the state of California is taking action to reduce landfill waste by 2025. This school improvement plan provides a private Christian elementary school in Southern California with a comprehensive plan to educate students, educators, and staff on how to care for God’s creation through pro-environmental behaviors, including steps to assist in the separation of food waste and recyclables. A review of the literature is …
Implementation Of A Tier Ii Math Intervention Program, Taylor Torres
Implementation Of A Tier Ii Math Intervention Program, Taylor Torres
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The impact of COVID-19 has been detrimental to student success. School closings reduced learning for all students but especially for primary students who missed critical foundational skills. Tier II math interventions within the MTSS framework show evidence of growth for students of all ages and needs. This research-based approach is a logical response to combatting the damage caused by the pandemic. Several successful research studies on mathematics intervention will provide promise of replication in other schools. This school improvement plan will outline actions toward implementing Tier II math interventions in a rural Iowa elementary school.
Implementation Of Ell Professional Development And Teaching Strategies: A School Improvement Plan, Korney Carlson
Implementation Of Ell Professional Development And Teaching Strategies: A School Improvement Plan, Korney Carlson
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Research findings show that educators who have learned more about ELL instructional strategies provide better instruction to ELL students and will improve their testing scores. Data has shown that many districts are seeing an influx in ELL students. Past studies have also documented that vocabulary development and literacy strategies are key components to guide ELL students to a better education. With research findings in mind, a school improvement plan was created to add professional development opportunities to benefit ELL student achievement. This plan implements a professional development opportunity focused on ELL instructional strategies to assist educators in providing improved instruction …
Teacher Mindset Affects School Culture, Sarah Miller
Teacher Mindset Affects School Culture, Sarah Miller
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Feelhaver Elementary School in northwest central, Iowa, has previously focused their professional learning on academic content which limited its focus on school culture and climate. Due to the limited focus on school culture and climate, there has been a lack of trust, collaboration, and growth mindset within the building. This school improvement plan will be implemented over the course of the next school year. This plan was developed to improve the school culture and climate in the building by increasing opportunities to utilize a growth mindset, build trust, teacher agency, and collective efficacy. Steps taken in implementation include a pre-assessment …
Improving School Culture Through Crucial Conversations Among Staff Members, Melissa Tuzzio
Improving School Culture Through Crucial Conversations Among Staff Members, Melissa Tuzzio
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan aims to improve school culture through crucial converstaions among staff. School culture is the set of norms, values, and beliefs that make up what a school believes in, which affects multiple areas of a school, including student success, teacher retention, and job satisfaction. Crucial conversations are discussions between two or more people who hold opposing opinions about high-stakes issues and where emotions run strong. The plan addresses ways to strengthen a school's culture, beginning at the administrative and teacher leadership level, using book studies. In addition, a literature review was conducted to support the plan and …
Maximizing Literacy Instructional Potency In A Classical Education Charter School, Rebecca Thompson
Maximizing Literacy Instructional Potency In A Classical Education Charter School, Rebecca Thompson
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Variable research spans several decades on how emergent readers should be taught. Literacy experts and governmental reports document evidence-based reading acquisition. Yet, a wide gap remains between the state of research and a professional understanding and application of how teachers should maximize daily literacy instruction in elementary classrooms. Teaching students how to crack the alphabetic code is crucial and forms the foundation for further reading acquisition as students mature. Robust scientific consensus overwhelmingly supports utilizing explicit, systematic phonics instruction in the initial stages of learning to read. Therefore, educators must prioritize strong foundational phonics skills in grades K-2 to help …
Trauma-Informed Practices: Professional Development For Elementary School Teachers, Hannah Humpal
Trauma-Informed Practices: Professional Development For Elementary School Teachers, Hannah Humpal
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan addresses the need for trauma-informed practices to be implemented at Timber Ridge Elementary School in Johnston, Iowa. Students who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are more likely to have poor attendance and lowered academic achievement compared to students without ACEs. Trauma-informed practices allow educators to understand such experiences and have resources available to teach students who have experienced trauma. Trauma-informed practices allow students to be present in school; therefore, increasing academic and behavioral success. This school improvement plan includes a detailed literature review surrounding trauma-informed practices. Additionally, this plan outlines a three-tiered professional development plan …
Improving The Daily Student Attendance Rate At An Inner-City Public School, Christina Quinn
Improving The Daily Student Attendance Rate At An Inner-City Public School, Christina Quinn
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
chronic absenteeism, urban schools, attendance policies
Implementation Of Second Chance Reading, Peyton Paddock
Implementation Of Second Chance Reading, Peyton Paddock
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Students will struggle with reading, and it is harder on them when they have a reading disability. Providing support to these students can be critical in developing their reading comprehension and fluency skills. Second Chance Reading (SCR) is a great method of helping students receive the supports needed. Students with disabilities receive supports and accommodations. However, this does not mean that what they are receiving is what they need to be successful. A student reading faster but struggling to understand is just as bothersome as a student reading slower and struggling to understand. SCR helps students break down their reading …
Using Learning Progressions To Enhance Student Outcomes And Performance, Andrea Werner
Using Learning Progressions To Enhance Student Outcomes And Performance, Andrea Werner
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Learning discrepancies are difficult for students to recover from. In earlier years, rote memorization, drill-and-practice, and whole-group instruction have proven little success. Students continually lack proficiency and have minimal gain year after year. More recently, small groups and interventions have made improvements on student proficiency, but they still struggle to increase overall student achievement. Research suggests learning progressions as a dynamic, individualized approach to increase not only academic achievement, but also depth of knowledge and student efficacy. Learning progressions allow for flexibility in levels of learning, the content taught, and how a student grasps information. Then learning progressions promote rigorous …
Improving Reading Skills: A School Improvement Project, Riley Mars
Improving Reading Skills: A School Improvement Project, Riley Mars
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Reading proficiency in American schools has been a topic of conversation for over a quarter of a century. Although much focus and funding has been put towards this topic, many students are still not able to read proficiently. As students progress through their academic careers, lack of reading proficiency becomes more detrimental and more difficult to remedy. This school improvement plan was created to restructure MTSS in a newly formed upper elementary building serving 4th and 5th grade. This restructuring will clearly define the roles of each Tier, ensure data-based decisions are being made, and support students with research-based interventions.
Comparing The Effects Of Phonics Instruction Provided To Students With Disabilities, Ashley Rohlf
Comparing The Effects Of Phonics Instruction Provided To Students With Disabilities, Ashley Rohlf
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Special education teachers work each day to implement effective curricula to help students with disabilities receiving special education services reach grade-level standards. Recent research supports the need for implementing a comprehensive reading program that includes phonics instruction. With numerous curricula available, this action research seeks to inform educators of two methods of instruction that have a heavy phonics component that leads to growth in student reading skills. Two methods were evaluated: one method used multiple curricula to target all areas of a comprehensive reading program while the other method used a single curriculum that targeted all of the same areas. …
Building Teacher Differentiation Self-Efficacy In The Classroom, Tyler Krattenmaker
Building Teacher Differentiation Self-Efficacy In The Classroom, Tyler Krattenmaker
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The practice of inclusion has allowed more students with disabilities to participate with their peers in general education classrooms than ever before. However, research findings show that in many cases, educators have low self-efficacy when it comes to their ability to serve students with disabilities within their classrooms. Studies have documented a need for professional development to target inclusion and accommodations, showing that increased training increases teacher self-efficacy in implementing students supports. With this research in mind, a school improvement plan was developed that focuses on a professional development series to increase educator self-efficacy in implementing accommodations frequently included in …