Education Commons^™

A Media Literacy Curriculum For The Adolescent Learner, Chris Lopez

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a media literacy curriculum for teachers of young adolescents. Media literacy is a new, evolving field of study that teaches students to become critical consumers of today's media. Media have often been blamed for the ills of student learning, critical thinking, performance and/or behavior skills. In the review ofliterature, the author investigated media's impact on the adolescent learner, the need to teach media literacy, and recommended curriculum that would benefit the adolescent learner. The curriculum unit is designed to be a useful teaching tool for teachers of adolescent and preadolescent learners who …

Integrating Expeditionary Learning Philosophy And Principles Into The Middle School Social Studies Curriculum, Paul Andrew George

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a handbook of activities for eighth grade social studies teachers that are based on expeditionary principles, philosophy and pedagogical practices. A review of the literature focused on the academic and social implications of integrating expeditionary philosophy and practices into an academic enviornment. A model learning expedition was provided accompanied by various forms of assessment strategies and methods.

Increasing Third Grade Student Success By The Implementation Of Effective Writing Programs, Jill Evone Mansfield

All Graduate Projects

To increase student success in writing, different writing curriculums were explored. The purpose was to find a writing curriculum that will benefit students and increase test scores to meet district requirements. Three writing curriculums were researched, Interactive Writing, Writer's Workshop, and Conferencing. Lesson plans were developed for all three areas to implement in a classroom setting.

Language Acquisition In A Natural Environment, Lisa Marie Muchlinski

All Graduate Projects

The search for early childhood curricula to prepare children from lowincome families for success in school began with the opening of Head Start in 1965 and Project Follow Through in 1967. Since then, interest in Early Childhood Curriculum Models has come and gone as the result of shifting trends in society. The nation is currently experiencing a renewed awareness in this area. The examination of the natural environment in relation to language acquisition is of increasing interest, as language acquisition is the precursor to pre-literacy skills. The natural environment is explored and an examination of several Early Childhood Curricula is …

Conflict Resolution Skills For Elementary Teachers, Jenna K. Blythe

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a conflict resolution resource for teachers to use with elementary school children. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to classroom conflict, conflict resolution skills and school violence issues were reviewed. The research demonstrated that students who are taught to deal with conflict at an early age are more inclined to be peaceable problem solvers as they go through school. The goals of this project are to provide teachers with lesson plans that can integrate conflict resolution skills and concepts into their curriculum in the hope that they would prevent …

Standards-Based Education: Lessons For The Essential Academic Learning Requirements In The Seventh-Grade Social Studies, Karl Anton Schelbert

All Graduate Projects

This project focuses on aligning seventh-grade social studies with Washington State's Essential Academic Leaming Requirements, the state's curriculum guide. In the last decade standards-based education has swept across the United States and the results in Washington have changed the face of education. The project itself presents a variety of lessons that are aligned with the seventh-grade standards for social studies. Lessons are separated into the four disciplines in social studies: history, geography, civics, and economics. Each lesson teaches some aspect of a selected social studies requirement. The review of literature examines the standards-based reform and its resulting affects in Washington …

Meeting The Academic And Social Needs Of Diverse Mainstreamed Students (K-4): A Series Of Workshops For Mainstream Teachers, Carren Renee Tallman

All Graduate Projects

A series of workshop materials was developed to help educators meet the academic and social needs of students at Goldendale Primary School in Goldendale, Washington. The targeted students are those who make insufficient academic and social progress in mainstream classrooms. The materials included in the workshop series consist of assessment training, behavior management strategies, and curriculum adaptation and modification skills that can be used by rural primary mainstream teachers.

The Design And Development Of A Model Program That Integrates Arts, Social Studies And The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements For The Seventh Grade Students And Manson Secondary School, Kenneth L. Nelson

All Graduate Projects

Relatively little research was encountered which attempted to measure the effectiveness of an integrated curriculum over a more traditional course of studies. The results that were articulated seemed to indicate that students in classrooms using an integrated curriculum approach did as well or better than students experiencing a more traditional approach. This was especially true in the area of conceptual understanding. The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model program that integrated Language Arts, Social Studies and the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements for the seventh grade students at Manson Secondary School.

Using Bicycles As A Theme For A Cross-Curricular Literacy Program In A Secondary Alternative Setting, Synthia Parish-Duehn

All Graduate Projects

Practices in constructivist techniques in education and the application of thematic models were researched; the effect of motivation on learning was researched the connection between reading and writing was investigated, the link between vocabulary and reading ability was explored as well as the importance of schema and metacognition. A curriculum was designed using a theme, bicycles, based upon student interests. The curriculum implementation employed a cross-curricular, constructivist model. Research indicated that when reading instruction is delivered via a topic that the students have interest in and ownership of, the students become engaged in the instructional practice. Implications for curriculum design …

A Survival Skills Handbook For Columbia Basin Alternative High School Students, James L. Yonko

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a survival skills handbook to benefit students at Columbia Basin Alternative High School, Moses Lake, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current related research and literature was conducted. Additionally, related information obtained from selected schools/districts and from a survey of participating students was also analyzed.

Implementing A School-To-Work Writing Program For Secondary Students: Linking Assessment With Instruction, Evelyn Hammer

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop resources for school-wide writing at the secondary level that focuses on the transition from school to work. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on performance-based assessment, linking writing assessment with instruction, writing across the curriculum, and the School-to-Work movement were reviewed. Additionally, eleventh grade students at Auburn Riverside High School participated in the practice of this study with an integrated Pathways School-to-Work writing project and a district-wide writing assessment. Finally, unit overviews, student learning objectives, performance criteria, teaching strategies, assessment and student expectations, and instructional materials were adapted …

Writing To Learn Writing, Dawn M. Williams

All Graduate Projects

The literature and research regarding writing to learn writing was explored. Data were presented to support teaching writing in a holistic process approach such as the Writing Workshop. Mini-lessons for use in sixth grade Writing Workshop were developed to use as models for additional lessons created by the author or others. Implications for using a Writing Workshop format were discussed.

Regrouping For Instruction In Reading: Effective Practices, Leslie Jane Rogers

All Graduate Projects

It is the intent of this project to create a handbook providing information about a plan for regrouping for instruction in reading at Long Beach Elementary School. It will be presented to parents, teachers and administrators at workshops concerning regrouping for instruction in reading. The handbook will provide practical applications of curricular adaptation and instructional techniques that may be used to facilitate improvement in reading for students. The policies and procedures described in the manual will provide the following information:

• Assessment

• Placement

• Transitions

• Pace and Skill Levels

• Curricular Adaptations

• Teacher Collaboration and Consultation

• …

Parent Involvement In The Education Of Their Children With Special Needs, Cindy Ann Cole

All Graduate Projects

The intent of this project is to develop an information packet teachers may use to encourage and enhance parental involvement, in ways that are suited for each child's and parent's needs. Analysis of literature, relevant to parents of children with special needs, has been used to draw conclusions and recommendations regarding appropriate techniques teachers may use to encourage parent involvement in their child's education. The packet includes the following: 1) a questionnaire to assess parents' preferred method of involvement; 2) a parent involvement evaluation form; 3) telephone numbers of support services and resources for parents; 4) recommended activities to help …

School To Work: Community Based Transition Of 18-21 Year Old Students With Mild Disabilities, Jammie Caryle Axon

All Graduate Projects

A community based service delivery plan was developed to meet the individual transition needs of 18-21 year old students with mild disabilities. The transition service was designed to ease the movement of students into post-secondary community life by providing prepatory experiences and community linkages. Students may receive services in the areas of recreation and leisure, vocational, and independent living activities depending on individual need.

Student Lessons To Enhance Reading Comprehension In The Social Studies Content Area, Dianne Marie Daily

All Graduate Projects

This project consists of lessons designed to increase reading comprehension of fifth grade students in the social studies content area. The lessons are developed based upon a review of research which indicates improved reading comprehension of expository text among students who are taught to use comprehension enhancing strategies. The activities include vocabulary development, text structure awareness, advance organizer usage, and study and reading guide strategy lessons. Additionally, a teacher's guide accompanies the lessons. These lessons are created specifically for use with the Civil War Unit entitled, "A Nation Divided," as found in Macmillan/Mcgraw-Hill's 5th grade social studies text entitled, United …

A Bilingual Developmentally Appropriate Preschool Program, Margarita Clara Lopez

All Graduate Projects

Developmental and learning theories of the twentieth century have influenced the role of the preschool programs in public education. The debate over what is appropriate curriculum for young children is nation wide. The need to have a bilingual summer program that is appropriate to young children in the Granger School District was studied. The result was to design and develop a bilingual summer program that would fit the needs of the preschool aged children. The bilingual summer program was piloted in the Granger, Washington School District.

A Model That Integrates Experimental Social Studies, English, And Reading Curriculum For Sixth Graders, Cecilia Ann Mahre

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model integrated, experiential social studies, English, and reading curriculum that would help sixth grade students to relate and apply school studies to real-life/real-world situations. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on experiential learning, integrated/interdisciplinary curriculum, the multiple intelligences, and service-learning were reviewed. Additionally, selected businesses throughout the greater Ellensburg area were invited to participate in a partnership to provide experiential learning sites for students. Finally, unit overviews, student learning objectives, performance criteria, learning activities, teaching strategies, and instructional materials were adapted and developed.

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

All Graduate Projects

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

An Interdisciplinary Multicultural Resource Guide For Middle Schools, Carol Ann Mccombs Drinkwater

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to promote multicultural education within middle school classrooms. My intent was to provide an accessible means by which other educators could incorporate or supplement their current nine month curriculums with diverse multicultural activities for students in grades 6-8. This multicultural guide was developed around an integrated curriculum. The themes or objective areas focused on the curriculum areas of Social Studies, English, Multicultural Awareness and Art. Most of all, this resource guide was developed for the purpose of providing students additional opportunities to recognize and experience differences through a positive interactive approach. This project was …

Schema Theory And Application For The Content Teacher, June Allen Carpenter Darling

All Graduate Projects

Schema theory, research, and implications for the classroom were studied. Based on research, teacher resources, and curriculum demands, instruction was designed for a secondary teacher of United States History. During a workshop, four secondary teachers from three districts reacted to research and instruction. A video tape was developed showing schema theory concepts, related research, application for the content teacher, and reactions from secondary teachers. Implications for the content teacher are discussed.

An Integrated Program For Teaching Writing And Thinking Skills, Edmund James Ady

All Graduate Projects

The nature and development of thought, the connection between thinking and writing, teaching practices associated with the direct teaching of thinking and writing skills were researched and studied. An integrated program of writing and thinking skills was compiled. This program includes techniques for teaching thinking and writing activities and provides step by step procedures to accomplish the integration of thinking skills with writing skills targeted at producing contrast and comparison essays. A discussion and recommendations regarding the program are included.

Metacognitive Prereading Activities To Enhance Reading Comprehension, Katherine Laws

All Graduate Projects

This study investigated metacognitive prereading strategies content area teachers might utilize for process emphasis reading comprehension. The literature review showed the shift in reading comprehension instruction from a word based emphasis to an interactive process emphasis, described content area reading instruction and metacognition. A selection of metacognitive prereading activities was included for use by teachers in content area classrooms. Implications of using the activities were discussed.

Adapting The Outcome-Based Education Instructional Process To A Fourth Grade Social Studies And Science Curriculum In The Cascade School District, Daniel J. Roche

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to utilize the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) instructional process to develop a curriculum in social studies and science for fourth grade students at Osborn Elementary School, Leavenworth, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, student learning objectives, unit objectives, lesson objectives, and lesson plans were adapted to the OBE instructional model.

A Research And An Adaptation Of Methodologies To Develop Supplementary Materials And Activities For The Study Of Foreign Language, Melané Mildré

All Graduate Projects

The use of a typical textbook tor the instruction of the first year study of the Spanish language appears to be tedious as well as inadequate in its presentation of grammar drills, vocabulary selection, and its potential of allowing the student to develop fluency in the language. As a result, the writer researched a variety of methodologies currently being employed in the instruction of foreign language. Intending to improve upon the usage of a textbook as well as to add variety to the classroom procedure, the writer then developed or adapted supplementary materials to correlate to the textbook presently being …

Reluctant Readers: How To Motivate Them, Linda Adell Thomson

All Graduate Projects

Elementary age children without a desire to read may be reluctant readers. Many factors may contribute to this condition, and research indicates that parents and teachers need to provide ideas and activities to motivate the reluctant reader to enjoy pleasure reading. Reading activities and ideas are compiled to be used by parents and teachers to spark an interest in books in the reluctant reader.

The Benefits Of Reading Aloud To Children, Lori Ann Prince

All Graduate Projects

The benefits of reading aloud to children are studied. Observations indicate that the more young children are read to, the more they are motivated to become readers themselves. When young children are participating in the dialogue of a story that is being read aloud, their interest in that story increases dramatically. Using a variety of children's literature is an excellent supplement to the first grade curriculum and language activity lessons. Recommendations from the conclusions are presented.

Increasing Reading Fluency In Students With Reading Difficulty, Kathryn Balabanis Peabody

All Graduate Projects

Four methods designed to increase reading fluency were employed in a primary level Special Education resource room. The methods were implemented in accordance with the theory and research regarding reading fluency. Each of the four methods effectively increased the students' ability to read fluently. However, the implementation of these methods varied in cost and time.

Literacy Through Literature, Tammy Joy Cartwright

All Graduate Projects

Research on literature based and skills based reading programs was reviewed. Results showed that traditional basal programs, which are heavily skill oriented, do not meet the reading styles of all students. Integrated instruction which allows for a variety of learning activities can alleviate this problem. Research also indicated that the reading experience must be meaningful and motivating and that literature is an excellent means of providing this component. Integrated units were developed based upon this research evidence. Conclusions and recommendations are discussed.

Developing In-Class Activities To Support First-Second Grade Literature Instruction, Trina Danette Miller

All Graduate Projects

Literature-based activities were developed in the curriculum areas of Social Studies and Mathematics to be used with the district's adopted literature book program. A district survey indicated a strong interest in these two curriculum areas. This project will provide teachers with activities that support literature instruction in a learning center environment. The activities also help students to self-select a book of interest and to become actively involved in learning center activities that support the books of choice, plus increase their interest and comprehension.