Education Commons^™

Music As A Form Of Therapy In The K-4 Special Education Classroom: A Phenomenological Study, Roger Hattaway

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify and describe the perceptions of elementary K-4th grade teachers on the effects of music therapy as it pertains to academics and behavioral incidents in the special education classroom (Gooding, 2010).

Methodology: This qualitative study used a phenomenological design to ascertain the perception of the teachers on the impact of music therapy regarding academics of students in the K-4 grade special education classroom. The data were collected using the descriptive narrative to ascertain the perception of the changes in academics and behavior gathered from the interview questions.

Findings: Analysis of the …

Adaptation Of The Brockton High School Literacy Initiative To Elementary Schools In Jackson County, West Virginia, Sonya Jane White

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Implementing organizational change related to student achievement is a daunting task that requires buy-in, planning and support structures to ensure fidelity of implementation in the classroom over many years. Brockton High School’s Literacy Model demonstrated such a change is possible and sustainable. Elementary schools in Jackson County, West Virginia were given a mandate from their superintendent to implement the Brockton High School Literacy Model in the kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms in their schools. The immediate concern was how to successfully modify or adapt a high school model to be appropriate for students who were still learning to read and …

Title I Schools And Strategies That Work, Michelle Manriquez

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the strategies principals of Title I schools perceived as most effective in improving English language arts (ELA) scores by at least 10 points, through the lens of WestEd’s Four Domains of Rapid School Improvement.

Methodology: This study utilized a qualitative methodology to gather data via the California Dashboard and semi-structured interviews of 11 principals from 11 different sites in northern California that showed at least 10-point growth on the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) standardized test. The interview questions were based on the Four Domains for Rapid School Improvement: …

Adding It Up: The Effects Of Math Curriculum On Third And Fourth Grade Act Aspire Math Scores In Arkansas, Rebecca Cook

Theses and Dissertations from 2020

Over the last 62 years, mathematics reform has occurred due to a political push after results from a major survey or report were released stating that the United States scored lower than other countries. With each reform effort, teaching methods were changed to match the new initiative. Math curriculum was a key point in each of these reform efforts. In 2015, Arkansas adopted ACT Aspire as the statewide assessment, and in 2017 Arkansas adopted Arkansas State Standards. Although Arkansas adopted ACT Aspire and Arkansas State Standards, Arkansas does not require school districts to adopt a curriculum. The purpose of this …

A Comparison Of Complex Thinking Required By The Elementary New Jersey Student Learning Standards And Past New Jersey Curriculum Standards, Gerald Fitzhugh Ii

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Academic learning standards define the necessary skills and knowledge that students need to master in order to become college and career ready. The best 21st century learning standards are those that provide the opportunity to develop complex thinking skills including creativity, strategic thinking, and critical thinking. The learning standards that provide an insight into complex thinking are identified as critical thinking, creativity in practice, and strategic thinking. This dissertation’s intent was to examine the language of complex thinking of the newly adopted New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) in Grades 4 & 5 Mathematics as compared to the language of …

I Wish School Was Like This: One Teacher's Journey Towards Creating A Student-Led Learning Space, Angela Dawn Abbott

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to use the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach to change how children in a high poverty school in West Virginia are educated. Specifically, this study was an exploration of the learning space as a third teacher, teachers as researchers, and giving students agency in their learning. A philosophy supporting emergent and participatory inquiry was developed and carried out for this project. Data were collected using several qualitative methods such as participant observation, discussion, interviews, photo elicitation, and student work. Conclusions from this project include: that there is potential of using space as a …

Converting Agricultural Lesson Plans To Be Common Core Compliant For Grades 3-5, Hattie Kaymarie Jameson, Brittany Rose Withnell

Agricultural Education and Communication

There are few Common Core approved lesson plans for teachers to incorporate into traditional science programs in California. The Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom (AITC) program provides K-12 educators lesson plans with an agricultural focus. Only 13 out of 45 of the lesson plans that the California AITC website offers are Common Core approved (Learn About Ag, 2017).

Agricultural literacy is valuable to consumers, can lead to careers in agriculture, and can create a greater understanding of the world and of science for students. The agricultural lessons give students a real life relationship with what they are learning and …

Cross-Curricular Teaching And Children's Literature: Dixie And Burt Hear A "Quack!", Brittany Skiba

Honors Projects

Motivated by research in the field and subject of elementary education, children’s literature, and cross-curricular teaching with the use of children’s literature, this project involved creating a children’s book with interrelated lesson plans in order to encourage teachers to use lessons that are more meaningful, to enhance learning experiences, and also to provide a quick-and-ready resource tool for teachers to use when preparing lessons. I conducted my research on elements that comprise a good children’s book, creating effective lesson plans, and the benefits of cross-curricular learning. According to an article, “Integrated Learning: Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts,” by …

An Analysis Of Reflective Thinking In Teacher Candidates' Eportfolios, Cristina Salinas-Grandy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Preparing the next generation of teachers to prepare students for the 21st Century is a challenging endeavor. Teacher candidates need to possess critical thinking and evidence-based pedagogical skills. It is believed that teacher reflection is the cornerstone to making informed decisions and timely modifications to daily instruction (Cochran-Smith, & Zeichner, K. 2005, Darling-Hammond, L. & Bransford, J., 2005 NBPTS, 2014; Schon, 1987;). What has been less examined is how an ePortfolio can be utilized as a tool to aid in the development of reflection among teacher candidates. This case study significantly contributes to our understanding of how to develop reflective …

Addressing The Impact That Workshop Site Coordinators And Administrators Have On The Teaching Of Science In The Classroom, Valerie Elaine Mckenna

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation studied the beliefs and practices of principals, workshop site coordinators, and science support personnel in two Central Florida school districts and compared those beliefs and practices to the literature on effective science in-service education. It is important to understand these beliefs and practices because they directly affect the content and pedagogical knowledge of classroom teachers, yet this aspect of instructional practices has been ignored in the science education literature. This study used a grounded theory methodology using open-ended individual interviews, participants observation, and documented analysis. Constant comparisons were built through analyzing the data. The research shows that in-service …

Proposal For An Elemenatry Science Curriculum Outline To Help K-4 Teachers Prepare Students To Take The 5th Grade Science Wasl, Cindy D. Williams

All Graduate Projects

With a statewide pilot of the 5th grade science Washington Assessment of Student Leaming (WASL) in the spring of 2003, all elementary schools were tiying to prepare their students to meet the standards. At this time, the only resources schools had for preparation was a glimpse of the first criterion-referenced assessment, the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs), Grade level Expectations (GLEs) and a "release booklet" of sample items distributed to 5th grade science teachers. Educators knew that the best curriculum built on the previous year's knowledge which spiraled throughout the curriculum. At this time there were no curriculums designed starting …

Activities For Elementary Libraries To Integrate Nonfiction Reading, Cynthia L. Debock

All Graduate Projects

The focus ofthis project was to create activities that would encourage Kindergarten through Fourth grade elementary students in the use of nonfiction texts for personal enjoyment and information gathering. The project consists of activities designed to increase reading of nonfiction by the early elementary student. The activities are developed based upon a review of research that indicates improved reading comprehension of expository text among students who are taught to use interactive strategies. The activities include activation of prior knowledge through K-W-L, various graphic organizers, and DR-T A/DL-TA and providing a method for the reader to discover the structure or organizational …

Comparison Of East Asian And Western Culture In Teaching Mathematics: A Model Of Elementary School Mathematics Curriculum, Hui-Nuan Nuang

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to compare cross-cultural mathematics teaching in the elementary schools in East Asian and Western countries, particularly focused on Taiwan and the United States. Another purpose was to design and develop a common mathematics curriculum program for elementary schools to use in both environments. To accomplish this purpose, a review and comparison of current research and literature regarding current curriculum and teaching practice of mathematics in Taiwan and the United States was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.

A Model Geometry And Probability Supplimental Curriculum For Fourth Grade Students In Alignment With The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements For Mirror Lake Elementary School, Federal Way School District, Federal Way, Washington, Melanie Jane Strey

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a model supplemental geometry and probability curriculum for Mirror Lake Elementary in the Federal Way School District, Federal Way, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related literature was conducted. Additionally, related information and materials from selected sources was obtained and analyzed. Control Groups were formed to test district provided curriculum and district provided curriculum with supplemental units. The results showed greater student academic gains when the district provided curriculum was supplemented with additional material.

Using Literature And Language Arts To Teach The American Revolution To Fifth Grade Students, Tara L. Affholter

All Graduate Projects

Teachers who combine language arts with social studies are not only able to teach content, but can also integrate literary elements and comprehension as well, while using literature groups. Students who were taught using novels, with various writing tasks to complete, lectures, and projects made great gains in social studies content, reading writing and communication skills.

Curriculum To Help Teachers Support Student's Development Of Writing Strategies, Christine Elizabeth English

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to create a curriculum that can be used to support students as they develop writing strategies. Current literature and research on the writing process and writers' workshop is explored. The project describes procedures, methods, and activities used to develop the curriculum. The project makes use of the Washington State Essential Leaming Requirements. The project explores use of the curriculum that was developed and how it can be adapted to meet individual needs.

Developing Reading Skills Through The Use Of Music, Toni Baffaro Hobbs

All Graduate Projects

Music is a powerful language that can enhance a classroom. This project was designed to support early literacy by using music. Songs were chosen and activities designed to supplement a beginning reading program. A compact disc of the songs was created to use in conjunction with the activities. It is hoped that the utilization of singing and reading together will not only help children learn to read but also foster a love for reading.

Balanced Reading In An Intermediate Classroom, Rochelle Marie Cramer

All Graduate Projects

Research in the process of balancing the reading curriculum was read, evaluated and summarized. This research showed the need for further study in the areas of shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, and responding to literature; as combining these four components create a balanced reading program. In a balanced approach students receive skill and strategy instruction in addition to reading and responding to authentic literature. A yearlong balanced reading guide and ten sample supporting lessons were created for the intermediate grade teachers at Washington State Centennial Elementary in the Bethel School District.

Supporting Teachers Of Elementary English As A Second Language Students: A Facilitative Handbook Of Activities, Strategies, And Resources, Kathryn E. Getzinger

All Graduate Projects

Stanwood School District has seen an increase of second language students. Many teachers within the district have little or no training in second language acquisition and were having difficulty meeting the needs of these students. A facilitative handbook for supporting teachers of elementary second language students was created. In order to find the strategies that would best serve this student population current research on language development and teaching strategies for English as a Second Language students was examined. Teachers in the Stanwood School District will receive the handbook in the fall 2000.

A Model Music Curriculum For Elementary-Level Students In Taiwan, Mei-Fang Ho

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model music curriculum for elementary-level students in Taiwan. With the current music curriculum utilized recently in Taiwan, this project will help the elementary-level students to develop their music potentials. In addition, teachers can educate students according to their level oflearning at different periods of time. To accomplish this purpose, a review ofrelated literature was conducted. Additionally, selected materials were obtained and adapted for use.

The Mathematics Of Sound: Integrating Music Into A Math Curriculum, Shawn William Meacham

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop prototype lesson plans that connects and integrates musical and mathematical concepts at the 5th grade level. Both musical and mathematical concepts can be enhanced when studying the correlation between the two subjects. This project will provide lesson plans and activities using the Washington State Essential Academic Leaming Requirements as a basis for the concepts being taught. The goal of the project is to inspire teachers to use integration throughout the curriculum. An integrated curriculum develops and supports the coherence of ideas and concepts taught within our schools. By fostering our natural instinct …

A Process Model To Aid In The Development Of Integrated Thematic Curriculum Units, Jennifer Lynn Hamilton

All Graduate Projects

This project provides a detailed manual to assist elementary teachers in the design of successful integrated thematic curriculum units. The project reflects the most recent research related to learning theories of how the brain comprehends. The manual synthesizes current procedures for integrative thematic curriculum development into a manual which includes a rational for integrative curriculum, a step by step procedure for development of integrated thematic units, and an example of an integrated thematic unit.

A Poetry Curriculum For Primary Teachers, Janice M. Matheny

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the role of poetry in language development and literacy acquisition in children. The review of current literature strongly supported the rationale for providing poetry experiences beginning at an early age and continuing on through the first few years of school. All stages of language development benefit from exposure to rhythm and rhyme. Poetry can be there to bridge the gap as young children speak their first words, read their first book and write their first sentence. Included is a poetry curriculum centering on the theme of Playground Rhymes. It was specifically written for primary teachers. The research …

Development Of An Effective Spelling Curriculum To Be Implemented In A First-Third Grade Classroom, Katherine Marie Richardson

All Graduate Projects

Spelling is a frequently investigated curriculum area. There has been extensive research in the last century concerning various instructional procedures for the acquisition of spelling skills. Many research-based principles of effective spelling instruction have emerged from one of two contrasting models for the development of spelling competence. Traditionally, spelling has been taught with textbooks from spelling series. Students followed a structured program with the goal of learning to spell the list words. Advocates for spelling reform suggest spelling instruction should be based on the understanding of the developmental nature of the child. This project report provides guidelines for implementing a …

Integrating Multimedia Education Into Learning Activities For Students Ages Five Through Seven, Sandra Jean Riley

All Graduate Projects

The intent of this project was to adapt curriculum activities that integrate Internet technology with activities for children ages five through seven. Review of selected literature, relevant to the integration of technology was conducted. Findings presented support the integration of multimedia technology into the instruction of young childre.n. Portions of the Washington State Essential Learnings for reading, writing, and communication were incorporated in the development of the activities for use in the early childhood classroom.

A Model Third Grade Science Curriculum For Use In A Magnet School, Tracy E. Schroder

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model third grade magnet school science curriculum that would give students an opportunity for hands-on, experiential learning. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on magnet schools, magnet science curricula, elementary science curricula, experiential learning and multiple intelligences were reviewed. Additionally, information and materials from selected magnet elementary schools around the Yakima Valley were obtained and analyzed. Finally, student learning objectives, performance criteria, learning activities, teaching strategies and instructional materials were adapted and developed.

Whole Language Based Strategies For Teaching Reading In The Content Areas, Ingrid Annemarie Spencer

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a thematic unit for use in a sixth grade classroom. The unit provides a whole language, integrated curriculum concentrating on ancient Greece. Fifteen lessons were developed for use with a social studies text to teach reading strategies to a class of sixth graders. The project includes a review of selected literature related to the topics of whole language instruction, thematic units, integration, and an explanation of how to utilize the project in a sixth grade classroom. A summary with conclusions and recommendations was included.

Three Units Incorporating The Use Of Tradebooks On The Third Grade Social Studies Curriculum, Jeanne Hargreaves Rogers

All Graduate Projects

Social studies has traditionally been taught using textbooks. Many of these textbooks pose different problems for the students who use them. One reason for this is because the textbooks lack units that are literature-based. For this project, three social studies units were written incorporating literature. They were, Women in History, North American Indians, and Communities. These units include activities for creating interest, teaching the lesson, and evaluating the students' learning. Also included at the end of each unit is an annotated bibliography.

The Reading And Writing Connection: A Writer's Workshop Guide For Second Grade, Monica Louise Donovan

All Graduate Projects

The primary purpose of this project was to develop a writers' workshop curriculum guide for the second grade. The relationship between reading and writing was studied. Data was presented to support the reading and writing connection. By integrating reading and writing through the use of a directed guide, an effective educational curriculum for a writing workshop was developed. The research and results from writing samples received showed support that an integrated reading and writing program is advantageous. Implications for using a writers' workshop format are discussed.

Development Of A Third Grade Magnet Curriculum Integrated Through The Fine And Performing Arts And Science, Lorna Marie Walker

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a third grade magnet curriculum that was integrated through the fine and performing arts and sciences in the Yakima, Washington, school district. To accomplish this purpose, units comprised of selected lesson plans were developed to integrate the curriculum through the fine and performing arts and sciences.