Education Commons^™

Unlv Magazine, Barbara Cloud, Laurie Fruth

UNLV Magazine

No abstract provided.

Using Environmental News To Help Teach Mathematics, Barry Schiller

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Operationalizing Interactive Learning Paradigms Through Cooperative Learning Activities 100% Of The Time In Math Classes, Ted Panitz

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Site-Based Dropout Identification And Prescription Process For Alternative Education In A Diverse School System, William P. Krupp

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This study developed a school site-based dropout identification and prescription process for student placement in alternative education programs in a school system with diverse residential environments—urban, rural, and suburban. The dropout performance-based and measurable predictor variables selected through discriminate function analysis were total retentions, yearly average of absences, total out-of-school suspensions, the state competency tests passed on time, total administrative hearings, and yearly average of poor grades. The combination and nature of these variables allow for early detection of potential dropouts.

While subtle differences existed between the urban, suburban, and rural prediction formulas, the variables selected produced prediction formulas with …

The Effects Of Structured One-On-One Tutoring In Sight Word Recognition Of First-Grade Students At-Risk For Reading Failure, Laureen Goers Mayfield

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an alternative reading program on the performance of at-risk first graders. Sixty first graders from three north Louisiana public elementary schools with high poverty rates, who were determined by their teachers and principals to be functioning in the bottom 20 to 30% of first grade reading students, were purposefully selected. Students were pretested on three subtests of the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test-Revised (WRMT-R), Form G: Letter Identification, Word Identification, and Word Attack. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control or an experimental group. Experimental group students received 15 …

A Study Of Changes In Students' Science Attitudes, Awareness And Achievement Across Three Years As A Function Of The Level Of Implementation Of Interactive-Constructivist Teaching Strategies Promoted In A Local Systemic Reform Effort., James Shymansky, Larry Yore, John Anderson

Educator Preparation & Leadership Faculty Works

This study explored the cumulative effect of three years of exposure to teaching strategies being promoted in a local school district's systemic reform on elementary students' attitudes towards school science, awareness of science careers, and science achievement. The reform effort, referred to as the "Science: Parents, Activities, and Literature" (Science PALs) program focused on incorporating children's literature and parent partners using an interactive-constructivist epistemology as its base. Individual teachers were rated by the school district's science coordinator on their use of specific Science PALs strategies. Student attitudes and awareness were assessed with a paper and pencil survey developed for this …

Portland Dialect Study - High Rising Terminal Contours (Hrts) In Portland Speech, Rebecca A. Wolff

Dissertations and Theses

This study reports on the use of an intonation contour used in declarative clauses that is referred to in at least some of the literature as a "High Rising Terminal Contour" (HRTs). The intonation pattern is characterized by a final rise, which is similar to the pitch change used in yes-no questions. The purpose of this study is to document the use of this intonation pattern by residents of Portland, Oregon, in order to see what light it can shed on the HRT's status and function, especially among the young to see if it can be implicated in language change. …

“Catching Cannonballs”: Reflections On A Career As A History Teacher, Jerome Nadelhaft

Maine History

This essay was delivered as a plenary address at a conference for high school teachers on teaching history in Maine, held October 1997 at the University of Maine. Retiring History Professor Jerome Nadelhaft reflects on his career as colonial historian at the University of Maine and suggests that the mission of the history teacher is to impart an ethical sensibility to students.

Black Athletes At The Millenium, Keith Harrison

Dr. C. Keith Harrison

No abstract provided.

Widening Literacy: A Training Manual For Managers Of Adult Literacy Learning Programs, Alan Rogers, Joanie Cohen-Mitchell, Udaya Manandhar

Methods, Training, & Materials Development

This training manual has been developed to serve two purposes:

1. To be used as the basis of a training program. To this end, some comments are addressed to the trainer.
2. To be read independently of a training program as a tool for self-directed learning. To this end, some remarks are addressed to the independent reader.

Both sets of users may of course use this manual in whichever way they prefer, starting where they wish to start and finishing where they wish to finish. But we recommend that you look at the introduction before you begin to work on any section …

Silicon Valley Partnership For Recruiting And Preparing Quality Teachers For Students In High Needs Schools: "It Takes A Valley", Susan Meyers, Amy Strage, Janet Norris

Curriculum

The old African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child" seemed apropos as the team members discussed our shared commitment to recruiting and retaining quality teachers for our children. However, we are not a village, we are the Silicon Valley hence, "It takes a valley" to raise the teachers, specifically prepared for the children in our valley who are struggling in high need schools.

Community Service Learning Packet, Martin Kimeldorf

Curriculum

This learning packet contains a set of exercises designed to stimulate the student's thinking about their community and the value of community service. It begins with a personal definition of the word "community." From this definition, the student then gathers information about the school community. Hopefully, by attending school club meetings students will increase their sense of belonging and learn about options for volunteering at their campus. The notion that young people are selfish and hedonistic is examined in a section about stereotypes and biased news reporting. To break up the "worksheet" sequence two movie assignment guides are provided, where …

Kids Initiative Neighborhood Development Facilitator's Manual: Curriculum To Implement Service-Learning, Institute For Global Education & Service Learning

Curriculum

The Institute for Global Education and Service Learning is a non-profit teacher training organization that creates service-learning programs and initiates activity-based education in collaboration with schools and organizations across the country and around the world.

Service-Learning As "Citizenship" Education: The Promise And The Puzzles, Bernadette Sun Chi

Curriculum

Since developing "citizenship" is a prevalent goal for many service-learning programs and policies, Bernadette Chi's National Service Fellowship research proposed to examine what and how students learn "citizenship" through service-learning. She explored students' attitudes about service, their understanding of citizenship, and the relationship between the concepts as a way to consider how service-learning contributed to students' conceptions of citizenship. To suggest how and why students' attitudes differed, this report also briefly describes the significant role of teachers in shaping service-learning experiences, and the variety of service-learning practices that contribute to a diversity of outcomes. In coordination with a state-funded study …

Read And Lead: Fostering Literacy Through Cross-Age Tutoring (Facilitator's Manual To Implement A National Literacy Corps), Institute For Global Education And Service Learning

Curriculum

Congratulations on choosing the Read & Lead Facilitator's Guide for your cross-age tutoring program! This guide is designed to help you facilitate a National Literacy Corps in your own school, after school program, organization, or community. The National Literacy Corps began in Philadelphia high schools in 1991. Since that time the National Literacy Corps model has been implemented in schools across the country and in England. The National Literacy Corps was recognized as an exemplary model at the President's Summit on America's Future in April 1997. Since 2000, the model has been modified for successful implementation in middle and upper …

Discovering Citizenship Through Community Development, Institute For Global Education And Service Learning

Curriculum

Facilitator's Manual: Curriculum to Establish Community Development Youth Corps

Designing Teacher Education Course Syllabi That Integrate Service-Learning, Michael Rowls, Kevin J. Swick

Syllabi

Sample service-learning in teacher education course syllabi are analyzed in relation to important variables impacting the value and use of this pedagogy in teacher education courses and experiences. Results of the analysis – as interrelated with the findings of other service-learning research – point to possible means for strengthening the design and uses of service-learning in teacher education. Guidelines for strengthening service-learning within teacher education courses are presented and discussed.

Counting Quality, John Strassburger

Publications

This is the fifth in a series of occasional papers about the challenges confronting students and what Ursinus is doing to help them enter adult life.

Creative Writing, Storyboarding And Video Script Writing As Techniques To Stimulate The Development Of Imagination And Imagery To Aid In Reading Comprehension, Ellen Settlemyer Bartelli

All Graduate Projects

The relationship between imagination, pretend play, and reading comprehension was researched through the literature. A curriculum unit was designed featuring two exercises using imagination and imagery in conjunction with the book Night by Elie Wiesel. The first exercise asked students to write a 10 entry journal synthesizing information from a variety of sources into a first person narrative of a Jewish child. The second exercise calls for student groups to write, storyboard, and film a scene from Night on videotape.

Increasing Parental Involvement Through Internet Instruction, David Allen Chaplin

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop a curriculum of Internet instruction for parents of Washington Middle School students. Through a review of the current literature it was found that the recurring lack of communication between parents, students and educators was identified as a barrier for involving families in their students' education. To overcome this barrier four sessions of instruction and practice were developed to increase the families' ability to communicate with their children's educators. The sessions introduce the basic layout and function of computers, the Internet, using email for communication, skills vital for finding information on the internet, …

Teaching Spelling: An Integrated Developmental Approach Within The First Grade Reading And Writing Curriculum, Dorothy Bower

All Graduate Projects

There has been extensive research 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 and workbooks. Students followed a structured program with the goal oflearning to spell the weekly list of words. According to the traditional model, spelling is taught as a separate curriculum. 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 and strategies …

Effective Homework For Primary Students: A Handbook For Parents And Teachers, Gillian Buchanan

All Graduate Projects

After serving on a committee to create a homework policy for my school, I found that both teachers and parents need clarification about issues surrounding homework. I discovered many misconceptions about the effects of homework on student learning, and saw a need to explain these. I compiled research on the history of homework, and the main purpose of homework. As well, I gathered information to understand the positive and negative effects of homework, and homework at the elementary level compared to middle and high school. I found research on guidelines for parents, teachers, schools, and districts. Based on the research, …

A Coordinator's Manual For The Recruitment And Training Of Volunteer, Elementary Level Tutors In Reading And Mathematics, Lara Cole

All Graduate Projects

The purpose ofthis project was to develop a manual for the coordination of a volunteer, elementary level tutoring program. To accomplish this purpose a review of related literature was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected resources was obtained and analyzed.

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.

A Balanced Reading Approach To Teaching Reading In Kindergarten And First Grade, Leah Ann Bodeen

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to create specific activities that teach children various tools that assist in learning how to read. The project implements a balanced reading curriculum with an emphasis in kindergarten and first grade. Throughout this project the students will be exploring a variety of ways to acquire the knowledge of reading. The project concentrates on two philosophies of how to teach reading; phonemic awareness and whole language. The final product encompasses both philosophies and creates a curriculum that links the two into a balanced approach to reading.

The Art Of Science: An Integrative Curriculum, Lisa Kay Dorsing

All Graduate Projects

This project shows the development of an integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum which combines the visual arts with the physical, life and health sciences at the sixth grade level. The integrated curriculum sample identifies and aligns with the Essential Academic Learning Requirements of Washington state. In addition, the sample lessons maintain the integrity of both art and science, the two subjects being integrated, demonstrating how integration can take place while allowing both subjects to maintain their value as individual disciplines. The review of literature gives background on issues revolving around integration in general, as well as integration involving the arts.

Daily Journal Writing In The Early Childhood Classroom, Kristin Fisher

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a handbook to assist teachers who wish to use daily writing journals as a part of the reading and writing curriculum in a preschool, kindergarten, first, or second grade classroom. The project describes procedures, materials, activities, and routines needed to institute such a program. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements and assessment methods are addressed. Variations on the journal format that have been used in other early childhood classrooms are mentioned. Current literature and research on the topics of emergent literacy and journal writing is explored.

Ways To Promote Literacy, Heidi Lynn Desteunder

All Graduate Projects

The process by which literacy develops in children and ways to promote literacy development were studied. The review of related literature showed support that children's literacy development begins in infancy, that it develops through a set of stages, and that active involvement of parents and caregivers does promote literacy development. A handbook for parents of children from preschool through elementary school was created. The handbook includes a continuum of literacy development and activities to encourage its growth.

Educational Math Games For First Grade, Shelly Christine Harberts

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project is to create appropriate educational math games for first grade. Thirty-six new games were generated to replace the math games used in the Everyday Math curriculum used in my classroom. The games were taught to twenty first graders. The results showed that using mathematical games relating to the concepts being taught, helped students better understand and master the concepts.

The Importance Of Phonemic Awareness In Initial Reading Acquisition And How You Can Support It In Your First Grade Classroom: A Handbook For Educators, Jan Pearson Golob

All Graduate Projects

The significance of phonemic awareness in initial reading acquisition was researched. The research suggests that those children without phonemic awareness will struggle with learning to read. A handbook for educators was created to compliment existing curriculum. This handbook contains songs and activities either extracted from or modeled after those that had already been field tested in many classrooms.