Digital Commons Network^™

A Technology Integrated Curriculum For An 8th Grade History/Civics Class, Kathy Colleen Chavez

All Graduate Projects

To ensure educational technology is used effectively, educators must put together a curriculum that will encourage students to ask questions and think about what they need to learn (Schrum, 2003). Educators must value the exploration that technology lends itself to and realize it can be a vital teaching tool. They must seek out professional development in the use of appropriate technology and become models of life-long learning for their students. In using technology within the classroom, educators must become comfmiable with and then develop ways technology can enhance what they teach (Schrum, 2003). This project's goal was to develop a …

A Model General Science Developmental Writing Skills Curriculum In Alignment With Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, Troy L. Halfaday

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a model general science curriculum, for seventh grade students, for implementation at Ballou Junior High School, Puyallup, Washington. The model curriculum was designed in alignment with the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALR's). To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature was reviewed. Additionally, related information from authorities was obtained and analyzed.

A Brain-Based Pedagogy To Improve Student Achievement Of Middle School Aged Children, Marci Lynn Stadiem

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the role of a brain-based pedagogy to improve student achievement in middle school students. The review of current research found that orchestrated immersion, relaxed alertness and active processing were integral for an effective brain-based pedagogy that increased student achievement. Included is a curriculum that focused on a brain-based pedagogy. Written for teachers of middle school students. Lessons included support a brain-based pedagogy, were age appropriate, and encouraged teachers to use a curriculum based on a brain-based pedagogy that increased student achievement.

Gifted Education In The Middle, Debra Ann Carlson

All Graduate Projects

Educators have always been concerned with addressing the needs of gifted students within the regular classroom. It has become difficult to challenge all children when school populations are composed of diverse groups with special needs, interests, abilities, and learning styles. With an interest in the education of highly capable (gifted and talented) students, the author did extensive reading and research. This project encompasses a variety of strategies, grouping practices and programs that can be implemented into a regular classroom to accommodate the gifted population. With this comes a focus on meeting the unique affective and academic needs of the gifted …

A Model Peer Coaching Guide For Junior High General Education Teachers In The Tahoma School District, Ausencio Matthias Delgado

All Graduate Projects

Improving teacher efficacy and pedagogy by building collegial and supportive relationships through peer coaching was studied. A model peer coaching guide featuring coaching procedures and activities was developed and utilized at Tahoma Junior High School. The results of the guide indicated that peer coaching can be implemented by general education teachers to enhance their educational practices by increasing dialogue, reflection, and refinement of teaching and learning practices.

A Model Resource Guide For Jr. High Classroom Teachers To Support Students With Learning Difficulties In The Area Of Reading, Amy Lynn Low

All Graduate Projects

The need for reading strategies in the general education classroom was studied. Research showed that students who struggled with reading, including students with learning disabilities, benefited when content area teachers, not just Language Arts teachers, implemented specific and effective reading strategies into their curriculum. The results also demonstrated a need for teacher resources in the area of reading strategy application. This project is a simple and effective tool that all teachers can use in their classrooms based on current related research.

An Application Of The Essential Academic Learning Requirements And Gardner's Multiple Intelligences On Middle School Social Studies, Pamela B. De Persio

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this application is to use a combination of the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements and Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, to create learning plans for middle school social studies, history (U.S. Civil War) and geography. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements were first adopted in 1993 as goals to raise the standards and achievements of elementary and secondary students. Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences is an alternate way to describe the talents or gifts we each possess. Multiple intelligences can be considered as intelligences in diverse disciplines which allow human beings the ability …

A Model School Within A School Program For Chelan Middle School, Joseph B. Harris

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model school within a school program for at-risk students enrolled in grades 6 through 8 who are currently residing in the Lake Chelan School District, Chelan, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature focused on altemative programs/schools and at risk students was reviewed. Additionally, related information from selected schools/districts throughout the state of Washington was obtained and analyzed regarding the formation of a new altemative school program. The school within a school will be evaluated on an ongoing, annual basis by participating administration, staff, and students.

A Model Junior High School Title I And Learning Assistance Program (Lap) Handbook, David Carthum

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model junior high school Title I and Learning Assistance Program (LAP) handbook. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding Title I/LAP programs was conducted; existing school district documents (i.e., state and local LAP reports, building plans, building accreditation report, department plans, parent involvement plans, shared decision-making team plans) were examined. Additionally, Title I/LAP information and materials from selected schools were obtained and analyzed.

Model Orientation Plan For Students Entering Sixth Grade In The Clover Park School District, Rosalynn Mckenna

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a model orientation plan for incoming sixth-grade students in the middle school setting for a smoother transition from elementary to middle school. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding middle-school transition programs was conducted. Additionally, materials were obtained on other transition programs. This orientation plan was designed to be implemented in the Clover Park School District, Lakewood, Washington.

A Resource Manual For Mainstreaming Students With Behavioral Disabilities In The Middle School, Matthew L. Cobb

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a resource manual to facilitate the use of effective components for mainstreamed or included Behavior Disabled (BD) students in the regular classroom. The manual will be used by Wapato Middle School, Wapato, Washington, to enhance the current mainstream/ inclusion program. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to BD student characteristics, legal issues, instructional strategies and policies were reviewed.

Study Skills Handbook For Elementary Students Transitioning Into Middle School, Kristina Elise Riggs

All Graduate Projects

Students transitioning from elementary to middle school face a unique set of challenges. These students are coming from the comfort of having one teacher and one classroom, to the departmentalized setting of the middle school There they may have up to seven different teachers, classes and classrooms. This new situation forces them to call upon certain organizational skills which may be different from those utilized in past learning situations. The Study Skills Handbook was designed to aid students with this unique transition. It provides students with an overview of basic skills practicing teachers deemed important for success in their classroom. …

A Resource Manual For Facilitating Effective Instructional Strategies For At-Risk Junior High Students, Steven D. Meeker

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a resource manual to facilitate effective instructional strategies for at-risk junior high school students. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to at-risk student characteristics, their special needs, and programs and strategies developed to assist them was reviewed. Additionally, on site visits to selected programs and interviews with teachers and administrators were conducted.

At-risk students are young people who lack motivation to do well in school or work. They live marginally outside the socially accepted code for children and youth. School systems which have large numbers of at-risk students need …

Self Advocacy For Middle School Students With Serious Behavior Disorders And Other Learning Disabilities, Judith Carole Riddell

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a leaflet designed to teach the motivational value of student participation in development of their own Individualized Education Program (IEP). The leaflet, entitled It's My IEP, provided suggestions for teaching students about the IEP process. It also provided information and justification for teachers and parents to encourage their students' participation, in order to teach the skill of self advocacy. The informative leaflet was intended to promote collaboration between handicapped students and their IEP team. To accomplish this purpose, a review of literature and research was conducted. Recommendations were made for the implementation …

The Design Of A Middle School Manual To Aid Core Teachers In The Development Of Integrated Curriculum Units, Irene M. Moren

All Graduate Projects

This project purports to design a manual for middle-school teachers to aid in the development of core-integrated curriculum units. The manual will serve as an ally to the knowledge in textbooks, technology bases, and other available printed and nonprinted library and classroom resources. It will illustrate specific ways to integrate core curriculum knowledge and activities. The manual is intended for use by school-based subject core teachers by providing a common field of knowledge on the development of integrated curriculum units for middle level grades. The manual will enable educators to develop integrated core curriculum units that utilize themes and knowledge …

A Model Middle School Schedule To Address The Problems Of Specialist Teachers Brought On By An Integrated Teaming Schedule, Thomas L. Mitchell

All Graduate Projects

After moving to a new master schedule that supported integrated teaching teams, specialist teachers at Mt. Baker Middle School, Auburn School District, Auburn, Washington, experienced a disparity in work load from teachers of core subjects. The writer set out to construct a modified master schedule for use at Mt. Baker that alleviated the concerns of specialist teachers while keeping integrated teaming intact. To accomplish this, current research in the areas of master scheduling, block time classes, and integrated teaching teams was studied. Additionally, information from schools using a block time schedule to support integrated teaching teams was gathered and analyzed. …

A Model Junior High School Intramural Athletic And Activities Program For The Central Kitsap School District, Mark Eathorne

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model intramural athletic and activities program for students in grades seven through nine, in the Central Kitsap School District. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature and research regarding secondary level extracurricular programs was conducted. Additionally, information regarding existing extracurricular programs in selected Washington state junior high schools has been obtained and analyzed. The Junior High School Intramural and Activities Program developed was intended for use in the Central Kitsap School District, in Silverdale, Washington.

An Outcome-Based Curriculum Design For Seventh Grade Earth Science, Jeffrey Scott Fields

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a curriculum design to be used for the seventh grade Earth Science course taught at Centerville School. The curriculum was created by modifying the district's student learning objectives into outcome-based objectives, lessons and units. This project was designed with the intent of enhancing the teaching of earth science and aiding other teachers in the district by giving them a possible model for their own curricula comparison and adoptions. The curriculum design was successful in meeting these intentions.

Exercises For Developing Student Leadership For The Middle School, Gene Robert Laes

All Master's Theses

This paper surveyed the training methods used to develop student leadership at Bremerton Junior High School, and presents exercises and activities adapted for use by Middle Schools for providing student leadership training.

Results of the study indicate that training methods at Bremerton Junior High were viewed by parents and teaching staff as providing positive learning experiences for the students. Students reported their experiences to be valuable in several key areas: communication, assertiveness, and gaining a better understanding of the key concept of leadership. Recommendations of the study would include permitting the students to take an active role in important school …

The Nature Of The Middle School In Washington State - 1980, Edward Allen Barnhart

All Master's Theses

The nature of the middle school in the state of Washington and its conformance to the middle school concept was studied. Eighty-four of the state's ninety-two middle school principals reported on programs and offerings in their schools. The study indicated that Washington middle schools conform favorably to the concept in all major areas except grading practices and athletic programs. The schools recognize a developmental stage of transescence and minister to it through child-child- centered rather than subject-centered programs. Further study is recommended to compare the middle school with the junior high school in the state of Washington.

A Study Of The Neurological Impress Method With Remedial Secondary Students, Larry Charles Reynolds

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a study of the Neurological Impress Method, with junior high students two or more years behind their expected Reading Comprehension level. Thirty students were randomly selected and placed into control and experimental groups by a random number process. These S's received eighteen weeks of special treatment with either the N.I.M. or oral reading practice for the controls. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the Reading Comprehension gains of controls and experimentals. The gains of both controls and experimentals was, however, found to be of significance. Conclusions and recommendations included suggestions for additional research and a discussion …

Effectiveness Of The Edl Study Skills Library In A Seventh Grade Reading Program, Robert Winn Elfers

All Master's Theses

This paper presents an evaluation of a study skills program used in a seventh grade reading class. This program is designed to teach study skills on an individualized basis, allowing the student to work at his own pace and on his own level. Two groups of students were involved. The group using the program showed slightly higher improvement on the post-tests. Recommendations included using the program in a reading class and that the teacher closely follow the progress of each student.

A Survey Of Administrators' Attitudes Regarding The Effectiveness Of The Middle School, John Charles Epperson

All Master's Theses

This study was made in order to gain data pertinent to assess the need for change from junior high school to middle school. The study did indicate that a majority of middle school administrators believe that educational philosophy was more influential than was economic expediency in the creation of the middle school. It was evident that the majority of middle school administrators believe that the students served by the middle school are more tranquil, better disciplined, and taught better, because of the middle school structure.

Due to responses received, it is recommended that further study of achievement levels be made.

Innovative Instructional Materials For Eighth Grade English, Mary Lou Clerf

All Master's Theses

This study was undertaken for the purpose of reviewing current literature and developing new instructional materials suitable for classroom use by teachers of eighth grade English.

An Evaluation Of An Early Introduction Of Algebra I To Junior High School Students On An Extended Basis, Ralph H. Peterson

All Master's Theses

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the program of mathematics for eighth grade students that provides for an early introduction to Algebra I. The study will (1) gather evidence needed upon which to base a decision to continue the type of grouping described above, and (2) gather evidence to determine changes in the students' attitudes and interest concerning mathematics in general.

A Comparative Study Of Open Court And Slingerland Reading Programs When Used With Special Education Students, Steven L. Richards

All Master's Theses

It is the purpose of this investigation to determine the effectiveness of Open Court and Slingerland reading programs when used with intermediate students who perform at the educable mentally retarded level.

A Proposed Curricula Time Schedule Appliance To Eighth Grade Modern Mathematics, James Parker Eastham

Graduate Student Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine several possible curricula time schedules in light of the objectives of eighth grade modern mathematics, and to develop a schedule best suited to meet these objectives. It was further postulated that a flexible schedule would: 1. allow time for completion of materials by students with average and above capabilities. 2. allow for student individual differences. 3. allow most effective use of staff.

A Modified Approach To Flexible Scheduling At Carmichael Junior High School, Richland, Washington, Henry Vernon Yonce

Graduate Student Research Papers

It is the purpose of this study to judge the practicality of introducing a modified flexible schedule in Carmichael Junior High School, Richland, Washington.

A Study Of The Educational Achievements Of Boys Enrolled In The Special Education Program At Mcilvaigh Junior High School, Tacoma, Washington, Donald E. Chamberlain

Graduate Student Research Papers

This study was undertaken to determine if the mentally handicapped child's achievements are higher in subjects and material that are concrete and realistic in nature to the child, rather than the so-called academic subjects based primarily on abstract thinking. Traditionally, most schools have special education classes only in three major academic areas, mathematics, social studies and English. More often than not, these subjects are taught on an academic bases. Industrial arts could be an answer in the search for a suitable curriculum arrangement. Basically the subject matter content and requirements of industrial arts courses are realistic and concrete in nature, …

A Survey Of Recommendations Concerning Competitive Athletics On The Junior High Level, Jerald Edward Ryan

Graduate Student Research Papers

It was the purpose of this study (1) to compare the opinions of noted authors and committee groups on junior high school interscholastic athletics; (2) to determine the basis for the justification of a program in junior high school interscholastic athletics; (3) to learn the significant trends in junior high school athletics; and (4) to learn the standards for junior high school athletic participation.