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Full-Text Articles in Education
Enumclaw School District Summer Reading Program, Lea Kai Tiger
Enumclaw School District Summer Reading Program, Lea Kai Tiger
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The aim of this project is to improve the elementary summer school program currently offered by the Enumclaw School District by developing a reading program to be used by the summer school instructors. Instruction outside of the school day, characteristics of successful extracurricular programs, why reading needs to be the focus of the summer school program, and what to teach and how to teach reading were researched. Taking the information found after studying the aforementioned topics, a program to be used for the Enumclaw School District summer school was developed. The program consists of lessons, games, and strategies that can …
Sitka School District Kindergarten Literacy Curriculum Handbook, Jacqueline Elizabeth Hedrick
Sitka School District Kindergarten Literacy Curriculum Handbook, Jacqueline Elizabeth Hedrick
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The intent of this handbook is to provide support to a teacher and be used as a resource. This document is intended to guide a Baranof Elementary Kindergarten teacher, through the year, with the use of a theme document. However, the scope and sequence contains the skills and content that must be addressed by the end of the year. The literacy curriculum handbook was developed based on Froebel's kindergarten philosophy and Bruner's educational philosophy that early childhood education should be hands-on and developmentally appropriate. The handbook includes programs available to kindergarten teachers in Sitka, Alaska while continuing to be content-based, …
Benefits Of Using Primary Sources In The High School United States History Classroom, Norene Lee Osborne
Benefits Of Using Primary Sources In The High School United States History Classroom, Norene Lee Osborne
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History textbooks have not traditionally included the perspectives of the whole of society. The contributions of non-whites, women, the poor and the illiterate are consistently forgotten or ignored in the history classroom. When the stories of these groups are present, the content is incomplete and minimal, due to the resources available to the teacher within the curriculum provided by the textbook manufacturers or the school districts. Primary sources, or first hand accounts of history, can be used to supplement gaps in the curriculum, allowing students to construct a more authentic and complete knowledge of history. This project includes practical supplemental …
Redefining The Apartheid Of American History: A Middle School History Curriculum, John Scott Sandberg
Redefining The Apartheid Of American History: A Middle School History Curriculum, John Scott Sandberg
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After more than half a century of efforts to address the historical educational chasm between marginalized groups it has become obvious that the need for culturally sensitive and inclusive curriculums need to be developed. This project is intended to assist educators take the first steps into the multicultural arena or provide a vehicle for curriculum incorporation. Sample curriculum is provided as an illustration of classroom practice and cultural inclusion. Student and educator roles are defined as well as activities, and assessment methods are described and outlined with links to curriculum content, Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements and Classroom Based …
Unlocking The Power Of Multidimensional Literacy In A Language Arts Classroom: A Middle School Language Arts Curriculum, Andrew Raymond Kostelnik
Unlocking The Power Of Multidimensional Literacy In A Language Arts Classroom: A Middle School Language Arts Curriculum, Andrew Raymond Kostelnik
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A curriculum project that incorporates a multidimensional and multicultural point of view is created for a middle school language arts classroom in a rural community. Multiculturalism theories and underpinnings are examined and critically analyzed. Materials are identified and examined to determine the appropriateness in relation to the demographics and nature of the Kayman School District. Multiple sources and materials were established as a permanent curricular component to ensure an education that incorporates multiple perspectives and viewpoints.
An Integrated Nutrition Unit For Half-Day Kindergarten, Erin Spencer
An Integrated Nutrition Unit For Half-Day Kindergarten, Erin Spencer
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The obesity rates among children in the United States have been rising rapidly over the past thirty years. Children are getting messages from the media to eat unhealthy foods. This epidemic is beginning to be addressed in schools. A nutrition curriculum was developed and implemented in a half day kindergarten program. Core academic subject were integrated using Washington State GLEs as a guide. Parent involvement was a component to strengthen student's understanding of cultural diversity as it pertained to food.
Using A Balanced Reading And Spelling Approach To Enhance The “Spell To Write To Read” Program For Preschool To Fifth Grade, Dawn A. Heer
Using A Balanced Reading And Spelling Approach To Enhance The “Spell To Write To Read” Program For Preschool To Fifth Grade, Dawn A. Heer
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Reading is the foundation of much that society aspires to, even now in the age of technology. The teacher plays a key role in facilitating the learning of reading in an elementary school. By using a balanced reading approach through the use of spelling, phonics, writing and language, teachers will be able to apply user-friendly principles of reading with the curriculum, Spell to Write to Read. A handbook will be used to present this information during a workshop for teachers and para-professionals of preschool to fifth grade students.
A Manual For Using Communication Strategies With Adolescents With Autism, Gayle J. Anderson
A Manual For Using Communication Strategies With Adolescents With Autism, Gayle J. Anderson
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Many students with autism lack the essential skills necessary to communicate effectively as adolescents and adults. They communicate in a nonproductive manner to get their "wants" or "needs" met. Some of these behaviors include crying, screaming, or having tantrums. Current research reviewed for this project indicates clearly the benefits of applied social skills such as social stories, augmentative strategies such as picture exchange systems, and alternative strategies such as gestures and sign language. These students need to communicate their wants and needs by using socially appropriate adaptive methods of communications. The purpose of the manual at the end of this …
Integrating The Wasl Into The High School Algebra Curriculum, Kent Stafford Pearsons
Integrating The Wasl Into The High School Algebra Curriculum, Kent Stafford Pearsons
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Most Algebra courses in Washington are supplemented with Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) material. However, in the last two years, little more than half of Washington sophomores passed the math portion of the WASL; for about half of tenth graders the extra worksheets did little to no good. Students need relevant WASL material that correlates with the current math they are studying. In this manner, even though questions may be phrased differently, the material is familiar and so answering questions are more possible. Also, since new worksheets have multiple choice, teachers can discuss how most wisely to answer this …
Phonemic Awareness: The Nature And Role In Reading Acquisition, Toni Michelle Paganelli
Phonemic Awareness: The Nature And Role In Reading Acquisition, Toni Michelle Paganelli
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Phonemic awareness and its link to reading are a current topic in education. Research has shown that the two are interrelated and those students lacking in phonemic awareness are at a higher risk for reading failure. The terms phonemic awareness and phonics tend to be used simultaneously, but phonemic awareness is not the same as phonics. Children can naturally acquire phonemic awareness through their environment. However, children who are lacking phonemic awareness can be taught using many different methods and materials in the classroom. Within phonemic awareness there are many different skills. These skills can be tested using commercially produced …
An Opportunity Gap: Focusing On The Issue Of Boys’ Underachievement In School Literacy, Whitney Ann Cromwell
An Opportunity Gap: Focusing On The Issue Of Boys’ Underachievement In School Literacy, Whitney Ann Cromwell
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Male students statistically have not been as successful as females on standardized test scores or literacy activities. The discrepancy between literacy achievement between boys and girls at the elementary level is cause for concern. This gap between the literacy achievement of girls and boys will continue unless we change the way we teach. "All educators share the common goal of providing equitable learning opportunities for every student in the classroom. Providing equitable opportunities for girls is a familiar topic; providing them for boys is a relatively recent issue, but one that is appearing with increasing urgency on education agendas around …
Effect Of Movement Activities On Student Engagement: A Handbook Of Movement Activities For Elementary Teachers, Leanne Kaye Procter
Effect Of Movement Activities On Student Engagement: A Handbook Of Movement Activities For Elementary Teachers, Leanne Kaye Procter
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A handbook has been developed to aid teachers in the incorporation of movement activities in the elementary classroom. The activities can be done between lessons or between long periods of focus. The activities will help to gain attention and engagement of students. The activities in the handbook are to be used as a supplement to any existing elementary curriculum. The handbook consists of seventy-eight activities that may be used in a variety of classroom settings. Current literature and research surrounding the topics of engagement, stimulation, retention, and the importance of movement for adolescents were explored.
Enrichment Curriculum For Third Grade Mathematically Gifted Students, Brooke Anne Mcallister
Enrichment Curriculum For Third Grade Mathematically Gifted Students, Brooke Anne Mcallister
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Research shows that mathematically gifted students learn differently from their same age group peers. They require curriculum to be differentiated to meet their specific learning styles (Johnson, 2006). Studies have shown that formal instruction in elementary school classrooms often lacks challenge for the gifted learner since courses in regular classrooms sometimes have a relatively narrow range of topics, minimal investigation of concepts, repeated drill and practice, and yearly repetition (Fello, 2004). This project consists of curriculum for third grade gifted math students which takes the regular classroom curriculum to a more contextual level. This unit provides inquiry-based, discovery learning approaches …
Repeated Reading To Improve Oral Reading Fluency, Loretta Lynn Powers
Repeated Reading To Improve Oral Reading Fluency, Loretta Lynn Powers
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The focus of this project was to review the available research on repeated reading as a method of improving a student's oral reading fluency (ORF), to determine its contribution to the reading process, and to create an implementation guide for middle school teachers to use in their language arts classroom. The results of the research show that there is a need for effective repeated reading instruction. Including this instruction at the middle school level will provide tremendous benefits for students. Repeated reading is an effective way to expose students to short, interesting, fictional and non-fictional texts. The project includes a …
Improving Reading Acquisition In Elementary Boys, Rachel Ann Stork
Improving Reading Acquisition In Elementary Boys, Rachel Ann Stork
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The purpose of this project was to develop a guide for teachers and parents to improve reading acquisition in elementary-aged boys. The project will summarize current research and a brochure gives practical solutions for education professionals and parents to help increase the interest and acquisition of elementary boys in reading. Current literature and research shows an alarming problem in elementary boys' reading acquisition. This project analyzes best practices, brain research, and parent involvement that lead to improved literacy acquisition in elementary-age boys.
English Language Learners And Technology: Applying Universal Design For Learning And The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol In The Evaluation Of Literacy Support Software, Susan M. Connolly
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The population of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students in U.S. schools has been steadily increasing. These students do not experience equal educational opportunity in U.S. secondary schools. CLD students need to develop English literacy as well as content knowledge to attain equal educational opportunity. Teachers of CLD students need techniques and tools which support CLD students in mastering the content expected of secondary school students while acquiring English literacy. The criteria for effective lesson design and delivery inherent in the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) and the criteria for designing curriculum without barriers to access inherent in Universal Design …
Implementing Reading Response Logs In An Intermediate Classroom To Increase Student Interest And Comprehension, Carrie Winegar Risley
Implementing Reading Response Logs In An Intermediate Classroom To Increase Student Interest And Comprehension, Carrie Winegar Risley
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This study includes a brief explanation of the history of reader response and the purpose behind the theory as well as how to apply the theory to classroom practices when teaching literature and reading. Reader response is the reader's reaction to what he/she has read. This can include making connections, asking questions, clarifying information, evaluating the author's craft and making predictions. The reader's response can be oral or in written form. The study includes examples of the application of reader response in classrooms ranging from the primary level through the high school level and an explanation of why it can …
Effective Letter Identification Activities For K-1 Children: A Handbook For Teachers, Luann Nicole Jensen
Effective Letter Identification Activities For K-1 Children: A Handbook For Teachers, Luann Nicole Jensen
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The purpose of this project is to provide K-1 teachers with a handbook of effective letter identification activities. Letter identification is a pre-requisite reading skill that students must have in order to be successful readers and to prevent reading difficulties later on. This handbook can be implemented by teachers of kindergarten or first grade children who need a letter identification intervention. The lessons in this project were developed to be paired with explicit, intensive teaching during the intervention to help remediate a child's weakness in identifying letters.
Incorporating Nonfiction Into The Primary Grades: A Handbook For K-2 Teachers, Mandee D. Burton
Incorporating Nonfiction Into The Primary Grades: A Handbook For K-2 Teachers, Mandee D. Burton
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The majority of reading done outside the school setting is primarily nonfiction in nature; however primary teachers continue to emphasize fictional texts in the classroom. Therefore, many students are unprepared for the increase in the use of nonfiction text which begins in the intermediate grades and continues on up through the college years. Students as young as kindergarten benefit from the early exposure to nonfiction in numerous ways including increased background knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension. A handbook was created to assist teachers (K-2) in incorporating nonfiction into the primary grades. Eight strategies effective in improving students' comprehension of nonfiction as …
Fostering Academic Achievement For Out-Of-Home Students In Transition, Valory Porter
Fostering Academic Achievement For Out-Of-Home Students In Transition, Valory Porter
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This manuscript is intended to serve as a resource for instructors seeking to assist out-of-home youth to successfully transition from the foster care system to post•system living. Frequently, teens transitioning out of foster care have deficiencies in effective independent living skills, useful employment training, and knowledge of post-high school options. A discussion of the information supporting this position is provided, as well as a review of related literature and research. The implementation of a transitional curriculum focused on independent living skills will help provide at-risk youth in out-of-home care with the skills necessary to become positive, contributing members of society …
Hands-On Activities To Be Implemented Within A Title I/Lap Math Program, Margaret Rae Hancock
Hands-On Activities To Be Implemented Within A Title I/Lap Math Program, Margaret Rae Hancock
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The project provides middle school math teachers who work with the lower quartile of the student population at the middle school level, a handbook of strategies, methods and activity ideas to implement into the classroom to enhance student learning. The handbook allows middle school math teachers the opportunity to explore alternative teaching practices. It contains student-centered activities, which will allow the lower quartile of the student population an opportunity to have a positive experience in math, as well as taking ownership of their learning. By connecting the students prior knowledge to situations in math that the students can make a …
Animals And Biographies: Integrated Units For Third/Fourth Looped Classes, Kimberly Lynn Bonsen
Animals And Biographies: Integrated Units For Third/Fourth Looped Classes, Kimberly Lynn Bonsen
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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 …
Preventing Plagiarism In The High School, Robin Brooke Rushing
Preventing Plagiarism In The High School, Robin Brooke Rushing
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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.
Approaching Equity: Strategies For Working With Hispanic Students In The Middle School Health Science Classroom, Heather L. Jones
Approaching Equity: Strategies For Working With Hispanic Students In The Middle School Health Science Classroom, Heather L. Jones
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This project provides middle school science teachers with practical classroom strategies for working with Hispanic students. The strategies are built upon national and state recommendations as well as other expert opinions which can be found in the Review of Literature. The strategies align with the Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Washington state. For each strategy, a rationale is provided based on the literature review. In addition, each strategy includes a detailed explanation, along with specific examples. The strategies themselves address environmental, communicative, pedagogical, as well as assessment considerations. Recommendations for implementation are also discussed.
Problem-Based Learning In A Fourth Grade Gifted And Honors Mathematics Class, Barbara J. Barr
Problem-Based Learning In A Fourth Grade Gifted And Honors Mathematics Class, Barbara J. Barr
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Problem-based learning was used to deliver math instruction on three different occasions. Thirty-two fourth-grade students were involved in the project. The purpose was to investigate students' attitudes towards word problems and the development of their confidence with problem-solving skills by providing differentiation through Problem-based learning. The results showed that the majority of the students perceived themselves as good problem solvers and that math in school was related to real life.
Expressivist Pedagogy In The High School English Classroom: A Handbook For Curricular Integration, Michel Beth Pola
Expressivist Pedagogy In The High School English Classroom: A Handbook For Curricular Integration, Michel Beth Pola
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Research in the area of written composition concludes that individuals learn about themselves, about their subject matter, and about their community through the process of writing. Expressivist pedagogy encourages writing as a process and utilizes writing as a way to shape meaning. It places high value to the writer's sense of self and the writer's ability to create change in the community. A review of related research and survey of current best practices in the secondary language arts setting led to the development of an expressivist-based resource toolbook. This resource book was designed for teachers to help integrate expressivist pedagogy …
Social Skills Curriculum For Middle School Students At Risk, Eric Franz
Social Skills Curriculum For Middle School Students At Risk, Eric Franz
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The purpose of this project was to develop a social skills curriculum for an effective After School Program for students at risk. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to students at risk, motivational strategies, and alternative programs to assist them were reviewed. Additionally, on site visit to an actual program in the Yakima School District were conducted. At-risk students have a high potential for dropping out of school due to the lack of motivation and other factors. Students at risk live marginally outside of the socially excepted norm for adolescent youth. School systems need to have programs …
An Intergenerational Literacy Project For Migrant Families, Sandra E. Harmening, Amy C. Kiesz
An Intergenerational Literacy Project For Migrant Families, Sandra E. Harmening, Amy C. Kiesz
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The relationship between student achievement and parental involvement was reviewed and found to be significant. A model project was developed to include seven migrant families intergenerationally within the context of the classroom. The purpose was to enhance the relationship between students and parents/guardians and between these low literacy families and the school institution. The result was projected to be a better understanding of each family's heritage, an increase in volunteerism at the school site, more interest in school work and accomplishment, and the possible residual effect of parental desire to improve their literacy skills.
Issues In Our Society: A Middle School Interdisciplinary Curriculum, Matthew L. Bowman
Issues In Our Society: A Middle School Interdisciplinary Curriculum, Matthew L. Bowman
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The project contains a team-taught interdisciplinary curriculum based on current issues in our society. The review ofliterature, which focuses on team teaching at the middle level and the process of implementing an interdisciplinary curriculum, indicates that middle level students need opportunities to discuss and analyze current issues in our society that affect their lives in order to make learning more meaningful. Therefore, the content areas of language arts, math, social studies, and science were structured around three themes dealing with issues such as the environment, space exploration, and cultural diversity. The interdisciplinaiy curriculum was developed for a sixth grade, four-person …
Parenting The Transescent: An Education Program For Parents Of Middle School Students At Morgan Middle School, Michael P. Mccloskey
Parenting The Transescent: An Education Program For Parents Of Middle School Students At Morgan Middle School, Michael P. Mccloskey
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The purpose of this project was to design and develop a program to help parents become more effective in recognizing and responding to characteristics and behaviors of the transescent, with special emphasis on assisting parents with their child's transitions into the middle school and high school. To accomplish this task, current literature, research, and programs related to the parenting of the transescent were studied. Subsequently, a program was designed and developed for implementation at Morgan Middle School in the Ellensburg School District, Ellensburg, Washington.