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Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research

Central Washington University

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Animals In The Classroom: Implications And Implementation, Christen Lynn Robinson Jan 2009

Animals In The Classroom: Implications And Implementation, Christen Lynn Robinson

All Graduate Projects

The role of animals in the classroom through Animal Assisted Therapy is examined. The benefits and risks are outlined and discussed. Specific measures to decrease related risks are given. A look at Animal Assisted Therapy from the perspective of the animal itself is also explored. Does the practice exploit animals? The research suggests that it depends upon the type of animal used. A Power Point presentation explaining the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy is provided. The target audience for the presentation is educators interested in implementing an Animal Assisted Therapy program within the school setting. The presentation clearly outlines the …


Educational Games Increase Learning Effectiveness: A Case Study, Shonda R. Hoyt Apr 2008

Educational Games Increase Learning Effectiveness: A Case Study, Shonda R. Hoyt

All Graduate Projects

Educators of all age groups-whether they be elementary, secondary, or postsecondary- have long recognized and known that there is a strong connection between student engagement in the learning process and student success. Given the environment in which we teach in today, with its growing diversity, larger class sizes, increased focus on high-stakes testing, and ever- expanding poverty levels, it is essential that teachers incorporate new teaching techniques into their classrooms as a tool for better engaging students in their own learning. To that end, this paper reviews the purported benefits of educational games in the classroom setting as a tool …


Motivating Students: Identifying And Motivating Reluctant Learners To Reach Their Academic Potential, Kim Yeager Feb 2008

Motivating Students: Identifying And Motivating Reluctant Learners To Reach Their Academic Potential, Kim Yeager

All Graduate Projects

Motivation plays an important role in determining how well a child will perform in school (Philips & Lindsay, 2006). Regardless of how intelligent or capable a student may be if the student is not motivated to do well then their academic performance will be less than it could have been with some motivation. Teachers need to understand why some students are motivated to try hard in school and why some students are not. This understanding will lead teachers to understand why their students are not reaching their academic potential. The purpose of this project was to design a guide that …


National Board Certification: A Scholarly Endeavor, Kathryn Loveless Jan 2008

National Board Certification: A Scholarly Endeavor, Kathryn Loveless

All Graduate Projects

If today's students are going to succeed they need quality teachers. To atiract and retain those teachers, we need to have a system to recognize and reward those teachers. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) was created to fill that need. This study presents the historical development of the Natio1ial Board Teacher Certification program, research on its effects on student learning, and the personal certification experience of a teacher practitioner. The high standards set by the NBPTS are commendable and worthy of being replicated in teacher training programs. These standards set the ground work for what teachers should …


Is Identical Really Identical? An Investigation Of Equivalency Theory And Online Learning, Ruth Lapsley, Brian Kulik, Rex Moody, J. B. (Ben) Arbaugh Jan 2008

Is Identical Really Identical? An Investigation Of Equivalency Theory And Online Learning, Ruth Lapsley, Brian Kulik, Rex Moody, J. B. (Ben) Arbaugh

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of Business

This study investigates the validity of equivalency theory among 63 students by comparing two introductory upper-division human resource management courses: one taught online, the other in a traditional classroom. Commonalities included same term, same professor, and identical assignments/tests in the same order, thus allowing a direct comparison of course outcomes. MANCOVA results supported equivalency theory, and further suggest that the online learning pedagogy may be superior in its overall effect on student performance.


A Personalized Art Curriculum That Promotes Art Advocacy, Nicole Marie Walters Jun 2007

A Personalized Art Curriculum That Promotes Art Advocacy, Nicole Marie Walters

All Graduate Projects

The following project shows the development of a personalized drawing curriculum that will encourage students to become art advocates. The curriculum is based upon art history and is designed for students to relate historical ideas to their own lives. This personalization will help students learn more about art as a form of communication. Through this art experience, students will see the value of art in their own education and it is hoped that in the future, when these students are adults they will be advocates for the arts.


The Effectiveness Of Student Led Conferencing In An Intermediate Setting, Mindy Fitterer Jul 2006

The Effectiveness Of Student Led Conferencing In An Intermediate Setting, Mindy Fitterer

All Graduate Projects

The studied focused on the communication between parents, teachers and students and the student self-reflection of strengths, weaknesses, and goals during Student Led Conferencing. Twenty-five students in a sixth grade classroom created student led conference portfolios and participated in fall and spring conferences with their teacher and parents. The specific parts of each of the pieces of the portfolio and conferences are examined. The results showed a highly effective rate in the desired areas.


The Prevention Of Bullying Curriculum And Pamphlet For St. Philomena School, A'Ndria Marie Salcedo Jan 2006

The Prevention Of Bullying Curriculum And Pamphlet For St. Philomena School, A'Ndria Marie Salcedo

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create and implement a curriculum and an informational pamphlet on the prevention of bullying at St. Philomena School. The plan was designed to empower students, parents, staff, and community members by defining bullying to give tips on how to prevent bullying, to provide statistics, and to give more resource support to students and parents as well as teachers. The review of literature and research showed that it was essential for all schools, whether public or private, to have information regarding bullying in place. This could be either an extensive bullying curriculum package or …


A Parent Information Guide For Assisting Their Child With The Transition To High School, Wendi Frank Jan 2006

A Parent Information Guide For Assisting Their Child With The Transition To High School, Wendi Frank

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a guide for parents of Eisenhower High School and the various feeder middle schools in the Yakima School District to help the eighth graders transitioning from middle school to high school. The intent of the program was to increase the ninth grade student's academic and social success by having parents involved in the transition along with various transition activities. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature, research and selected programs related to transitioning middle school students and parent involvement in the transition, were examined. The culminating guide was designed and …


Animals And Biographies: Integrated Units For Third/Fourth Looped Classes, Kimberly Lynn Bonsen Jan 2005

Animals And Biographies: Integrated Units For Third/Fourth Looped Classes, Kimberly Lynn Bonsen

All Graduate Projects

This handbook was designed for teachers in a third-to-fourth grade looping classroom. The lessons integrate reading and writing, and the second year (fourth grade) builds upon skills and strategies introduced in the first year (third grade). The third grade set of lessons focuses study on animals while the fourth grade set of lessons focuses on biographies. The handbook contains a OLE/Lesson plan matrix, information for teachers before beginning both sets of lessons, twelve third grade lessons, thirteen fourth grade lessons, and extension activities for both animals and biographies. The final section in the handbook is an appendix that contains every …


Service Learning Manual For Coupeville High School, Kenneth J. Stange Jan 2005

Service Learning Manual For Coupeville High School, Kenneth J. Stange

Graduate Student Projects

This project examined the need for increased service learning in schools as well as current practices being used by educators who employ service learning as a regular part of curriculum. The review of literature found that service learning, when conducted properly, has shown benefits to students, educators, and communities. In addition, there were five main components of an effective service learning program: preparation, action, reflection, presentation, and recognition. Included is a service learning manual, specifically designed for Coupeville High School, focused on the five pa1is of a service learning program. The overall purpose of the manual was to ensure that …


A Manual For The Small Schol Conversion Of Evergreen High School, Michael T. Sita Iii Jan 2005

A Manual For The Small Schol Conversion Of Evergreen High School, Michael T. Sita Iii

Graduate Student Projects

The project examined key elements of success in large high school conversions to smaller learning community complexes. The review of current research found that the mere act of making schools smaller by size of staff and student population is not enough of a structural change to affect student learning and achievement. Six defining characteristics of a small school were identified as key elements to a learning community that can demonstrate success by significantly improved graduation rates, testing scores and college applications and acceptances. The manual describes a developed six step process which addresses all of the elements which lead to …


The Relationship Between Teen Mothers And Academic Achievement, Nichole M. Archer Jan 2005

The Relationship Between Teen Mothers And Academic Achievement, Nichole M. Archer

All Graduate Projects

In recent years there has been a growing public, professional, and scientific concern about the effects of teenage pregnancy on young women and their offspring (Fergusson & Woodward, 2000). This study aims to identify the root causes for this public concern. The aim of this qualitative study was to determine what factors influenced the level of academic achievement teen mothers accomplished. This study examined services teen mothers accessed during their schooling from the community and schools. Family and work experiences were also looked at in this study. The purpose of this study was to examine early warning signs of academic …


A Technology Integrated Curriculum For An 8th Grade History/Civics Class, Kathy Colleen Chavez Jan 2005

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 …


Gender Differences In Student Learning: A Review Of The Literature From The Neuroscience And Psychology Perspectives, Noreen Ann Clark Jan 2005

Gender Differences In Student Learning: A Review Of The Literature From The Neuroscience And Psychology Perspectives, Noreen Ann Clark

All Graduate Projects

Literature from the fields of psychology and neuroscience were examined to establish what scientifically based information was available regarding gender differences. Myths of the past, psychological and neuroscientific perspectives, gender specific differences for students with genetic and metabolic-based exceptionalities, gender specific changes in behavior through maturation, and the educational implications for gender differences were included. The results indicated that children show developmental differences in expression of emotion, metacognition, and cognition, and the developmental differences are influenced by gender. The implications for educational practices are that curriculum, instruction, and assessment can be aligned to meet the unique need of both male …


Create A Successful Homework Partnership Program: A Professional Development Workshop For Teachers To Maximize Benefits Of Homework Assignments, Terri M. Anderson Jan 2005

Create A Successful Homework Partnership Program: A Professional Development Workshop For Teachers To Maximize Benefits Of Homework Assignments, Terri M. Anderson

All Graduate Projects

Decades of research have indicated the importance of family participation as a contributing factor toward the academic success of children. Most significantly, a child's family can play a role in his or her scholastic achievement by helping with homework assignments. The teacher's task in this endeavor is to explain assignments clearly and thoroughly both to students and to their families. This task is twofold. First, the teacher must construct assignments that are purposeful, clear and appropriate to meet individual student needs; second, the teacher must offer assignments in a variety of presentation modes to accommodate needs of diverse populations that …


Imbedding New Technologies Into Current Practice: A Guide For Administrators Of Physical Education, Thomas J. Haeck Jan 2005

Imbedding New Technologies Into Current Practice: A Guide For Administrators Of Physical Education, Thomas J. Haeck

All Graduate Projects

Many new technologies are available to the Physical Education teacher, yet few are commonly used. This project contains findings from a review of literature regarding Physical Education technology use in today's schools. The guidelines presented in this project were designed to facilitate the integration of Physical Education technology into the schools curriculum. The project was designed with the fundamentals of the constructivist classroom in mind, as well as including all students in the process. Students from historically marginalized groups, low socio-economic status, high and low achieving students, students with physical exceptionalities and special education students were all included in this …


"Beating The Odds": How Bi-Lingual Hispanic Students Work Through Adversity To Become High Achieving Students, Mark Hassinger Jan 2005

"Beating The Odds": How Bi-Lingual Hispanic Students Work Through Adversity To Become High Achieving Students, Mark Hassinger

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine characteristics of academically successful Hispanic students. Rather than ask ourselves why so many Hispanic students are failing, this study takes a more positive approach to this subject. Despite repeated failures and early academic difficulties, some Hispanic students continue to fight through the adversity. Some children have a positive attitude toward school although there are monumental barriers for these at-risk children. This study asks, "What piece of the puzzle do these students possess that the others do not?" In essence, this is an "asset-oriented" approach rather than a deficit-assessment approach. The purpose …


A Model Service-Learning Curriculum For Rainier Beach High School, Seattle, Washington, M. Karen Harrington Jan 2005

A Model Service-Learning Curriculum For Rainier Beach High School, Seattle, Washington, M. Karen Harrington

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a Service-Learning Curriculum for Rainier Beach High School, Seattle, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review ofrelated literature was conducted. Additionally, related information and materials from programs throughout the United States was obtained and analyzed, along with related materials from Seattle Public Schools.


Preventing Plagiarism In The High School, Robin Brooke Rushing Jan 2005

Preventing Plagiarism In The High School, Robin Brooke Rushing

All Graduate Projects

The project provides high school teachers with a handbook to aid their effort in teaching summarization skills and MLA citation format. Because research articles have become easier to obtain over the internet, plagiarism among high school students has evolved and become a problem in American high schools. This handbook is not only a resource for teachers to utilize in their lesson plans, but provides various opportunities for students to practice key writing and research documentation skills.


Behavior Management Manual For Asa Mercer Middle School, John L. Paloy Jan 2005

Behavior Management Manual For Asa Mercer Middle School, John L. Paloy

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the creation and implementation of a behavior management manual for Asa Mercer Middle School, in the Seattle School District. The review of current research indicated that school behavior codes and manuals were more successful when they were open for revision and discussion, concise and relevant, used consistently amongst all staff as an educational tool, and containing systems for students to redeem themselves and be rewarded. Included are a concise behavior management manual for students, along with a staff edition with more annotated descriptions and implementation methods. The overall purpose of the manual was to create an educational …


Creating A Small Learning Academy At My. Rainier High School, Gerald A. Turner Jan 2005

Creating A Small Learning Academy At My. Rainier High School, Gerald A. Turner

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the essential components of a small learning academy to be established at Mt. Rainier High School. The review of current research found that six components are necessary for a small learning academy to be successful when breaking down large comprehensive high schools into small learning communities. The components that are evaluated include personalization of education, creating studentcentered and authentic curriculum, adaptive teaching strategies, performance-based assessment with high expectations, teacher collaboration and professional development, and strong community connections. The overall purpose of the guide is to focus attention on the components that matter in the establishment of the …


Educating And Transitioning Students With Emotional Behavioral Disorders: A Working Manual For Teachers, Counselors And Administrators, Alessandra Whitehall Jan 2005

Educating And Transitioning Students With Emotional Behavioral Disorders: A Working Manual For Teachers, Counselors And Administrators, Alessandra Whitehall

All Graduate Projects

This project examines incarceration rates, education, employment, substance abuse and intervention models for young adults with Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD). The results of the data demonstrate the discrepancies between persons with EBD and the general population. A manual is provided as a tool for teachers, counselors and administrators to use at the secondary level to assist them with the diverse educational and transition needs of students with EBD.


Factors Of A Low-Ses Household: What Aids Academic Achievement, Allison Ann Milne Jan 2005

Factors Of A Low-Ses Household: What Aids Academic Achievement, Allison Ann Milne

All Graduate Projects

The home factors oflow-SES primary students, having high academic achievement were investigated. Six second grade students were identified as qualifying for free and reduced lunch, while also having high academic achievement. Their primary caretakers were interviewed in order to investigate the factors within their homes that aid academic achievement. The results of this study showed that none of these high achieving second grade students had home factors that were typical for low-SES home environments. Four common themes were identified within the homes and attitudes of the participants' caretakers; (a) educational resources/influences, (b) the mother's education, ( c) relationships, and ( …


Academic Remediation Of Non-Disability, Middle School Students, Merilee Ann Redberg Jul 2004

Academic Remediation Of Non-Disability, Middle School Students, Merilee Ann Redberg

All Graduate Projects

Strategies were developed to address perceived teacher practitioner concerns regarding three areas considered to be negatively impacting student academic performance and three skills perceived to be crucial to student academic success. The six categories addressed were identified through the author's development and implementation of a survey used among middle school teachers.


The Periodic Table Of The Elements, Michael A. Bailey Jan 2004

The Periodic Table Of The Elements, Michael A. Bailey

All Graduate Projects

The blueprint to the world of chemistry is encoded in the periodic table of the elements. This fundamental chart can be found in virtually all science classrooms in the world. The purpose of this project was to design a professional development course focusing on the periodic table of the elements. The target audience is college students working towards teaching science as a career, current teachers looking to enhance their understanding of the table, and resident teachers working towards continuing certification. In order to accomplish this purpose extensive literary research, the Washington State Academic Learning Requirements for science, published science lessons, …


Aiding Non-Reading Spanish Speaking Adults With Worksource Orientation And Usage Through Low-Level Spanish Reading Workshops, Amy Claussen Jan 2004

Aiding Non-Reading Spanish Speaking Adults With Worksource Orientation And Usage Through Low-Level Spanish Reading Workshops, Amy Claussen

All Graduate Projects

The goal of this project is to teach adult Hispanic low-level readers to utilize the Worksource of Kittitas County and to improve their reading in their language of origin. Research shows that the transfer of knowledge from the primary language to a new second language is not possible without mastery in the primary language first.


A Model Faculty Handbook To Promote A Shared Vision And A Collaborative School Culture, Nadine D. Betts Jan 2004

A Model Faculty Handbook To Promote A Shared Vision And A Collaborative School Culture, Nadine D. Betts

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the study was to develop a model faculty handbook to promote a shared vision and a collaborative school culture. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related literature was conducted. Related information and materials from selected sources were obtained and analyzed. Additionally, specific information and forms were adapted and developed to serve an elementary faculty.


A Model General Science Developmental Writing Skills Curriculum In Alignment With Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, Troy L. Halfaday Jan 2004

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 Library Policy Manual For Selah School District Libraries, Selah, Washington], Roberta Jean Gustafson Jan 2004

[A Library Policy Manual For Selah School District Libraries, Selah, Washington], Roberta Jean Gustafson

All Graduate Projects

This project was undertaken to develop a library policy manual for the Selah School District libraries. Topics were collected from a variety of venues, manuals on the Internet,the.librarian list serv LM-NET, American.LibraryAssociation and the Washington Library Media Association. Lists generated from these sources were then narrowed down to the important management and operations topics. It was determined that substitutes in the library would need the information to manage the library, utilize the checkout system and enforce library policies, therefore those sections are in the front of the manual. Those policies that are part of the Selah School District Board Policies …