Education Commons^™

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.

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.

Creating Motivation And Oral Reading Fluency Through Readers' Theatre, Kelly Leaverton

All Graduate Projects

Readers' Theatre is a wonderful teaching tool in which students practice and rehearse scripts in order to put on plays in front of an audience. The focus is on word accuracy and expression in reading without having to memorize lines. Studies have shown that Readers' Theatre can strengthen oral reading fluency by repeated readings, and increase confidence and motivation to read as students learn to read their parts with fluency and precision. Unfortunately, due to lack of availability and training, Readers' Theatre is not used in the classroom to the extent it should be, and many educators are uncomfortable with …

Creating A Balanced Literacy Program For Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Students, Shayne T. Wrzesinski

All Graduate Projects

Balanced literacy instruction can be defined in a variety of ways. The important characteristic about a balanced literacy program is that it is neither phonics nor whole language. Creating a balanced literacy program within a classroom encompasses both phonics and whole language in a literature rich environment. Students who participate in a balanced program have opportunities to read and write daily through a variety of meaningful approaches including shared, guided, independent and direct instruction. The literature rich environment provides growth for all students, by teaching skills and strategies through literacy in a natural setting not in isolation. Teachers in the …

Promoting Literacy Through Literature And Content-Based Radings In The Secondary English-As-A-Second-Language Classroom In Conjunction With The In Contact 1 Curriculum: A Handbook For Educators, Tanya Lynn Adamson

All Graduate Projects

The use of literature and content-based readings in the secondary ESL classroom was researched. The research suggests that providing second language learners with meaningful readings that provide for comprehensible input will build schema and background knowledge that will help them to be successful in their content area classes. A handbook for educators was created to supplement the existing curriculum, as well as to show readers that this type of supplemental reading handbook can be created by anyone to be used with any type of ESL curriculum. This handbook contains both literature and content-based resources that coincide with the themes and …

A Model Resource Guide For Jr. High Classroom Teachers To Support Students With Learning Difficulties In The Area Of Reading, Amy Lynn Low

All Graduate Projects

The need for reading strategies in the general education classroom was studied. Research showed that students who struggled with reading, including students with learning disabilities, benefited when content area teachers, not just Language Arts teachers, implemented specific and effective reading strategies into their curriculum. The results also demonstrated a need for teacher resources in the area of reading strategy application. This project is a simple and effective tool that all teachers can use in their classrooms based on current related research.

A Handbook Of Activities For Inclusion Of At Risk Middle School Language Arts Students, Deana M. York

All Graduate Projects

A handbook oflanguage arts activities for at risk middle school students was developed for preservice and experienced teachers to utilize in general education classrooms. A review of current educational research and literature addresses the need for inclusive instructional practices to meet academic needs of students who are at risk for drop out and failure. The literature review supports evidence that educators provide necessary accommodations for a culturally diverse adolescent student population by adapting classroom curriculum and pedagogy.

Recipe For Reading: A Handbook For Parents In A First Grade Classroom, Katherine R. Anderson

All Graduate Projects

A handbook, supported by research on parent involvement and reading was developed to help promote literacy in beginning readers. The handbook incorporates both parents and students as they are encouraged to participate in pre-assigned activities together. Each activity involves a different type of strategy designed to help their child become a successful reader.

Repeated Reading: Using Audiotaped Books And Activities To Help At-Risk Readers, Wendy S. Stover

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to determine whether repeated reading with an audio model would significantly supplement the literacy instruction of atrisk readers. Research related to reading practice, the relationship between fluency and reading development, and repeated reading was read, evaluated, and summarized. A positive relationship between repeated reading and reading growth (i.e., fluency and comprehension) was indicated from this review. The literature review provided a rational and guidelines for using repeated reading with at-risk readers. A manual containing a teacher's guide on repeated reading with an audio model and related literacy activities was created.

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 Program For The Primary Grades, Hope Kranz Mcdonald

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.

An Early Intervention Reading Program For First Grade Students At Risk For Reading Failure, Tamara Ann Parriera

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop an early intervention program, which included strategies and techniques shown in the research to be most effective in improving reading. The review of related literature supported the need for early intervention with students having language or reading problems. The program consisted of assessment procedures and tools, activities, materials, record keeping, parent involvement, and cross-age tutoring.

Promoting Phonological Awareness For Primary Grade Students Through Read-Aloud Book Activities: A Teacher's Guide, Mary Sue Warrington

All Graduate Projects

This project investigated phonological awareness as it relates to beginning literacy acquisition. The literature review provided a rational and guidelines for phonological awareness instruction. A manual containing a sequence of research supported activities based on read-aloud books for facilitating acquisition of phonoiogica! awareness with primary grade students was created. Many of the activities were field tested with a class of 14 kindergarten students in the last quarter of the school year.

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

• …

Involving Parents Through Workshops To Promote Reading, Diane Kay Caldwell

All Graduate Projects

Three workshops were designed to assist parents in improving their children's reading development. These workshops focused on the significance of parents participating in their children's reading. The importance of reading aloud and techniques on how to do so were discussed. Specific activities parents could use to promote their children's reading, and the detrimental effects of television on developing minds were also described. The workshops were designed for parents of fourth grade children.

A Case Study: Effects Of Tutoring On The Sight Word Vocabulary Of A Nonreader, Paul L. Coppin

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to provide remedial instruction in reading to a ten year old nonreading student enrolled in the Ellensburg School District and to develop a case study that outlined the diagnostic and remedial procedures used with the subject. The case study approach was chosen as a way to document the progress of a single student whose initial diagnosis was as a nonreader. Because the initial diagnosis indicated a need to establish a sight word vocabulary, early instructional methods focused on this area.

The Effects Of Sustained Silent Reading On The Attitudes Of Fourth Grade Students, Bernice Mcqueen-Bruce

All Graduate Projects

This project was conducted to determine whether sustained silent reading had a positive effect on the attitudes of fourth grade students. The Kear and McKenna Elementary Reading Attitude Survey was administered in a pretest, posttest format to three classes with one class designated as a control group. The results indicated no difference in attitude as a result of implementing a silent reading program.

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 …

Motivating The Reluctant Teen Reader To Use The High School Library, Mary Ellen Vartheuer

All Graduate Projects

Twenty reluctant teen readers were surveyed to determine their library needs and interests. Interviews with twelve high school librarians yielded suggestions for motivating high school students to read. Input from these two sources was used in developing a library program consisting of motivational activities, designed to encourage young adults to use their high school library and to read more. The resulting library program and a list of library materials ordered to meet the needs of these specific students are included.

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.

Curriculum Based Measurement And Portfolio Assessment: An Effective Evaluation System, Johanna Roberts

All Graduate Projects

The researcher reviewed current literature regarding curriculum based assessment, curriculum based measurement (CBM) and portfolio assessment. The researcher developed a curriculum based measurement for kindergarten prereading and premath skills as a part of a portfolio system. A first grade math curriculum based measurement was designed collaboratively with two first grade teachers. A beginning reading assessment was also designed for the first grade. Results showed that a portfolio assessment with CBM's is an effective evaluation tool.

Reading Study Groups As A Factor In College Persistence, Elizabeth A. Bennedsen

All Graduate Projects

The relationship between attendance in a voluntary study group and persistence in college was studied at Tacoma Community College. A group of students entering with reading skills at the junior high school level was given the opportunity to participate in a study group focusing on study skill techniques and class content. At the end of eight months, the students who were involved with the study group had a higher level of persistence than students who did not choose to participate. While the number of persons in the study was small, it is consistent with earlier studies showing academic and social …

The Use Of Ability Grouping In Reading And Some Alternatives, Sherry Lynn Anderson

All Graduate Projects

This study was conducted to determine if attitudes toward and /or practices of ability grouping for reading instruction have changed over the last thirteen years. Current research was reported. A replication of a study by Wilson and Schmits (1978) was completed and analyzed. The results suggest a fairly dramatic change in both attitudes toward and practices of ability grouping. A collection of alternative methods were offered for teachers looking for options to the ability grouping method of teaching reading.

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.

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.

Monthly Parent Involvement Reading Packet, Beverly J. Severtsen-Meeks

All Graduate Projects

The importance of parent involvement in reading with their child at home was studied. A review of literature was done on this topic. Many researchers strongly supported the importance of parents reading with their child and many suggestion were given. The author put together nine monthly parent involvement reading packets (September-May) and implemented them in a self-contained first grade classroom. The parents spent quality time, each month, completing the packet with their child.

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.

Attitudes Toward Reading Held By Second Grade Students When Instructed In First And Second Grades Using The Basal Approach And The Whole Language Approach, Anne L. Kepner

All Graduate Projects

The attitudes toward reading held by second grade students when instructed using the basal approach and the whole language approach were studied. Forty surveys given to students at the end of their second grade year were analyzed. The results showed support for the hypothesis that students, taught reading by the whole language approach in first and second grades will have a more positive attitude toward reading than students taught reading by the traditional basal approach in the first and second grades.

Personalized Reading Program For Intermediate Grades, Pamela Kay Kelly

All Graduate Projects

As the reading specialist in an elementary school, it was my responsibility to assist the classroom teachers with their reading program; specifically, with those students who were having difficulty. It was not feasible for me to meet with all who needed help; at the most, I could help forty-three students per week. The pace at which I had to function to assess and meet their individual needs became too great. In view of this situation, the following program was designed to stimulate every intermediate student's desire to read and to do so at his own pace.