Education Commons^™

The Relationship Of Reading Recovery Teachers' Efficacy To Length Of Service And School System Support, M. Louise Moon

Dissertations

Existing research results directly relate teachers’ efficacy to student outcomes and to continuing staff development and school context; however, little work has been done to investigate these relationships for Reading Recovery teachers. Reading Recovery (RR) is an early intervention program designed to assist first grade children who are having difficulty learning to read and write. This program requires ongoing staff development and an implementation plan designed to provide appropriate school context; therefore, survey data were collected from Reading Recovery teachers to study relationships between teacher efficacy and (a) their length of service in Reading Recovery and (b) support for RR …

Students' With Learning Disabilities Perception Of Mnemonic Strategies In Mathematics Instruction, Susan C. Moore

Theses & Honors Papers

This was a qualitative as well as quantitative study conducted at a middle school in a rural county in Virginia. The researcher examined learning disabled students for their perceptions of mnemonic strategies in mathematics instruction. After direct instruction and instruction involving mnemonics, the seven subjects were tested. The test scores were examined to determine if there was a significant difference between pre and post scores. After interviewing the subjects, the results indicated five themes: unfamiliarity of procedure leads to anxiety, mnemonics improves performance, students desire more mnemonic strategies, division and other multi-step problems are the most difficult, and an increase …

Instructional Factors Contributing To Good L2 Writing, Jennifer A Cate

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Writing Assignments On Second-Semester Calculus Students' Understanding Of The Limit Concept, Melanie A. Wahlberg

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of writing assignments on second-semester calculus students’ understanding of the limit concept, using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The study involved two sections of second semester calculus (n = 37, 34) at Western Michigan University during the fall semester of 1997.

The treatment group completed six writing tasks focusing on the mathematical concept of limit. These conceptually-oriented writing assignments replaced some of the problem sets that the instructor would have normally assigned. The control group did not engage in writing tasks but handed in problem sets more frequently than the …

The Comparison Of Selection-Based And Topography-Based Verbal Behavior Across Populations, Carl T. Sundberg

Dissertations

Michael (1985) distinguished between selection-based (SB) and topography-based (TB) verbal behavior. Several studies comparing the ease of learning the two systems have shown conflicting results. The data indicate that subjects with fewer lower verbal skills have done better with TB systems (subjects with developmental disabilities in studies by Hodges & Schwethelm, 1984; Sundberg & Sundberg, 1990; Weirmanski, 1984; Wraikat, 1991; Wraikat, Sundberg, & Michael, 1991; and the bottom half of subjects in Cresson, 1994). The higher functioning subjects have done better (or have not shown a difference) with SB systems. (Bristow & Fristoe, 1984; Stratton , 1992; Tan, Bredin, Poison, …

The Relationship Between Language Proficiency, Prior Knowledge And Reading Comprehension In Efl, Hayam William Mikhail

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Implications Of Changing To 4 By 4 Semester Block Scheduling For Secondary Students With Learning Disabilities, Sandra Kay Wayne

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of changing from a traditional schedule to a block schedule on selected school-related behaviors and measures of secondary students with learning disabilities and their regular education teachers. Areas of impact that were addressed included school performance measures of student success rates, attendance rates, and discipline referrals as well as affective measures of levels of students' active engagement in learning activities, the variety of teaching and learning modes used, and the amount of individualized teacher attention given to students.

The research population consisted of six high schools in south and central …

Predicting Academic Success Of Entering Freshmen At An Urban University Through The Assessment Of Oral And Written Language Competency, Karen D. Cobbs

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

In Moores and Klas' (1989) definitive study on college student retention, postsecondary administrators ranked the maintenance of student enrollment second in importance on a list of twenty critical issues facing higher education. Of particular relevance to college administrators has been the retention and graduation of African-American college students (D. B. Hawkins, 1994; Western Reserve, 1991).

Researchers, in considering the overall problem of student attrition, particularly, among African-Americans, have explored such questions as these: Which students are dropping out (Sherman, Giles and Green, 1994; Robinson, 1992)? Why do they discontinue their studies (Austin, 1982; Bohr et al., 1995; Kraft, 1992; Tinto, …

Methow Valley As A Classroom: Post-Experience Survey Aand Senior Fair, Brett A. Bartlett

All Graduate Projects

Methow Valley as a Classroom (MVCR) is a community-school partnership program between the Methow Valley School District and the people of the Methow Valley, a small rural community in North Central Washington state. The MVCR program grew out of a community need for students better prepared to live and work in the real world. During designated periods of the school year, Liberty Bell High School students leave the school grounds and are taught vocational and recreational skills by community members. Entering its seventh year, no formal assessment has been created or administered to determine whether the program is meeting its …

Develop A District-Wide Discipline Policiy For Exceptional Misconduct, Natalie Cherie Ballew-Briody

All Graduate Projects

Cascade School District in North Central Washington was developed a district-wide discipline program to improve student citizenship. A study of selected school districts in the North Central Washington School Districts identified connnon elements in previous discipline plans. The comparison study resulted in the development of a consistent discipline policy within Cascade School District. Cascade School District staff and connnunity members developed a comprehensive school board policy providing for a discipline sanction range from kindergarten through grade twelve.

The Design And Development Of A Student-Parent Handbook And A Parent-Family And Community Volunteer Handbook For An Elementary School, Richard Kevin Bates

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a Student-Parent Handbook and a Parent-Family and Community Volunteer Handbook for Robert Gray Elementaiy School in Aberdeen, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a study of current research and the incorporation of State laws, Aberdeen School District Board policies, and the special needs of Robert Gray Elementaiy School were all taken into consideration. The Student-Parent Handbook was developed to communicate in written format with the parents. It was to include information, rules, policies and procedures to further students', parents' and school staffs understanding. The Parent-Family and Community Volunteers Handbook was developed …

Community Awareness Of Adolescent Depression For Wenatchee Public Schools Wenatchee, Washington, Mary Carlsen, Steve Donaldson

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a community awareness of adolescent depression and its impact in the public schools, home environment and relationships with peers. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature and resear·ch regarding adolescent depression was conducted. This review led to the development of informational brochures for parents, peers and educators. In addition a resource guide stressing healthy living choices was developed for use by teachers in the Wenatchee School District.

A Model, Secondary-Level, Curriculum For A Teaching Academy Program For High School Juniors And Seniors, Michelle M. Bryant

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop and design a model, secondary-level curriculum for a Teaching Academy program. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature related to Teaching Academies was conducted. Related information from selected schools, school districts, and private organizations was obtained and analyzed. Additionally the investigator, Michelle M. Bryant, attended training sessions and conferences hosted by the Teachers Recruiting Future Teachers.

A Computer Based Reading Program For Elementary Students, Wendy L. Clark

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a plan for teachers, media specialists and administrators to use in implementing the Accelerated Reader Program, a computerized reading management program. Research on the benefits of this program was studied. A handbook was created that includes information and processes for the set up, management and use of incentives for the Accelerated Reader Program. This information is presented both for implementation in the individual classrooms as well as school wide.

An Evaluation Of The Wenatchee High School Connections Program, Norlinda Connolly, Michael Lee Mills

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to assess student opinion of the Connections Program. Connections is a program offered to freshmen at Wenatchee High School to assist students with the transition from middle school. This program offers block schedule as well as curriculum and technology integration, job shadows and community service projects. In order to assess the program and offer improvements, two populations of Connections students were surveyed and data were analyzed. The literature related to integration of technology and curriculum, job shadows and community service projects was reviewed.

Do Teachers In Portable Classrooms Feel Connected?, Kenneth R. Gorman

All Graduate Projects

This report was an analysis of a specific population of teachers who taught in portable classrooms. The focus of the research and questionnaire was to determine whether these teachers feel connected to students, other teachers, administration, and the rest of the school because they are in portable classrooms. Research includes current reports and studies on portable classrooms nationwide and a local questionnaire. The study concludes with suggestions and recommendations for future teachers and administrators.

An Administrator's Guide For Involving Parents In The Education Of Students Enrolled In The Yakima Valley Community College Upward Bound Project, Marcus S. Coomer

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a director's guide for involving parents or primary care-givers in the education of students from underrepresented populations enrolled in the Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC) Upward Bound project. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature and research was conducted. Additionally, materials and related information from selected Upward Bound projects were obtained and analyzed.

A Model Developmental Child-Sensitive Curriculum For Japanese Preschool Aged Children, Patricia J. Gee

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to design and develop a model preschool/kindergarten curriculum program that merges the best practices of representative American and Japanese programs. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature related to early child development was conducted, as well as a review of research supporting developmentally appropriate, early childhood curriculum programs. Additionally, information and materials from selected model American early childhood centers was contrasted with a representative preschool program sample from Japan.

Transition From Preschool To Kindergarten: A Description Of Area Preschools For West Valley Kindergarten Teachers, Susan Graham

All Graduate Projects

Old and new definitions are given for readiness. Concerns about kindergarten readiness testing and current practices for those children identified unready for school are addressed. New strategies for success in the early years of education are discussed with a particular emphasis on easing the student transition between preschool and kindergarten through awareness of local area preschool programs.

An Intergenerational Literacy Project For Migrant Families, Sandra E. Harmening, Amy C. Kiesz

All Graduate Projects

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.

A Process Model For Conducting A High School Self-Study At Auburn Riverside High School, Auburn, Washington, David L. Halford

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a process model detailing the evaluation procedure for a high school self-study required for state and regional accreditation. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding school self-study, restructuring and educational reform was conducted. The project describing a collaborative approach, included the planning and organization of staff workshops, a description and implementation plan for the interactive activities used in the evaluation process, and the preparation of the self-study project which was submitted to the Auburn School District School Board and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The process …

Parent Perceptions Of The Value Of The Juanita Apartment School Program, Stanley B. Hughes

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to determine parent perceptions of the value of the Juanita Apartment School program. To accomplish this task interview questions were developed and family interviews conducted. Transcriptions of audio interview tapes were made and all data studied to determine response patterns. Families interviewed indicated the Juanita Apartment School program had either been "very helpful" or "helpful" in making their children feel more positive about and be more successful in elementary school.

Mentoring The New Teacher, Lynda Jeanne Huson, Neil Thomas Zobel

All Graduate Projects

The effectiveness of the Teacher Assistance Program was evaluated from the perspective of the first year teacher in the Wenatchee School District, the Cashmere School District and the Cascade School District. New teachers were given a questionnaire, interviewed by the researchers, and asked to complete a survey describing the impact that the mentoring experience had on acclimating them into their profession. Recommendations for improving the continued efficacy of the program include careful selection of the mentor, early matching of the mentees to their mentor, and specific responsibilities clearly outlined for all persons involved.

A Resource Guide For Teacher Use To Address Issues Of Disproportionality In Grades K-5 In Urban School Districts, Kelie R. Kegley

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a resource guide for teacher use to address issues of disproportionality in grades K-5 in urban school districts. To accomplish this purpose, a review of literature and current research on disproportionality in academic achievement in urban public schools was conducted. This review focused on effective curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices as they related to disproportionality in grades K-5. Additionally, information from selected urban school districts with disproportionality was obtained and analyzed.

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.

Accelerated Reader Program: An Implementation Guide For Teachers, Heather A. Hull-Stewart

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a plan for educators, librarians and administrators to use in implementing the Accelerated Reader Program, a computerized reading management program. Research on the benefits of this program was studied. A handbook was created that includes information and processes for the set up, management and use of incentives for the Accelerated Reader Program. This information is presented both for implementation in the individual classrooms as well as school wide.

A Model Student Personalized Education Plan Into A Portfolio Through The Use Of Career Pathways In South Kitsap High School, Charla R. Cole

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a Personalized Education Plan and Portfolio system to support secondary students to acquire the skills necessary to ensure employment in South Kitsap High School Port Orchard, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, current research and information related to Personalized Education Plans and Portfolios were reviewed. Additionally, career pathways were established, personal data, resume, individual career planning portfolio, and career goals inventory review worksheets were adapted and developed.

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.

Enhancing Student Learning Through Brain-Based Learning Techniques: A Handbook For Educators, Cynthia Gail Mcfarland

All Graduate Projects

The significance of utilizing a brain-based approach to learning and teaching was researched. Current brain research indicates that often traditional educational methods are not conducive or are even detrimental to student learning. Several sources supported the brain-based learning, multiple intelligence, and learning styles theories. The research suggested that the brain-based learning approach has been beneficial not only to student learning but also to an increase in student motivation and self-esteem. A handbook for educators was created to compliment existing curriculum. This handbook features "brain friendly" strategies and activities that focus on rich and positive learning experiences that enable students to …

Using Bibliotherapy With Selected Developmental Concerns Of Middle School Youth, Dianne Keeling

All Graduate Projects

This project investigated literature related to the developmental concerns of middle school youth and the use of bibliotherapy. The purpose of this investigation was to gain a theoretical understanding of these developmental concerns and the related use of bibliotherapy as well as to discover instructional strategies for the use of bibliotherapy in the middle school classroom. The product of this investigation is a resource guide for the use of bibliotherapy with selected developmental concerns of middle school youth. A review of selected literature revealed that some developmental concerns of students at this age are adolescent changes, anger, drug/alcohol abuse, violence …