Education Commons^™

Integrated Curriculum In Physical Education, Delaney M. Rice

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This paper seeks to address an absence of resources for teachers that highlight cross-curricular integration of physical education and core academics to benefit the learning, motivation, health, and academic outcomes of students. Curricular integration, or the highlighting of overlapping themes between subjects, has become a popular way to maximize educational time in schools. The benefits of curricular integration are well documented, however, less known are the benefits of curricular integration in the fields of physical education and special education. By analyzing existing literature, reviewing existing curricula and educational resources, and surveying educational professionals, a guide was created to support teachers …

Effects Of Extreme Behaviors And Outbursts In Kindergarten Classrooms, Christine M. Ng

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This study explored extreme behaviors and violent outburst in kindergarten classrooms and the affect they had on other students as observed by their teachers. A mixed methods study design was used, and included a survey and interviews. Quantitative data was collected to understand what teachers are experiencing as a group, and qualitative data expanded on those experiences. The data revealed the variety of extreme behaviors exhibited by some students, and the ways other students and staff both in the classroom and at the school site are affected by them. One of the primary findings is that a lot of time …

Making Connections To The Filipino American Community Using Culturally Responsive Music Pedagogy, Jared Thomas Coyle

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Positive connections between school and home have been shown to increase student achievement. Currently there are few resources available in the United States that allow teachers to incorporate aspects of Filipino American culture into their instruction practices. Through the use of traditional children’s songs and singing games, the K-6 classroom music curriculum can serve as an effective vehicle to establish these connections.

In interviews with members of the California Filipino American community, we discussed the musical culture of the Philippines. Informants shared how musical traditions are transmitted and shared in the Philippines and United States. Participants also discussed possible ways …

What Student Information Do Teachers Find Valuable Enough To Change Their Practices?, Heather Becksted

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This Teacher Survey study follows-up my school district’s Parent Interview conducted by teachers on children’s interests, parents’ hopes and fears for their children, how the school can communicate with parents, and areas the school can improve. The intent of the district’s Parent Interview was to improve teacher awareness of student and family needs, influence the teachers to scaffold their curriculum to support student needs and become more motivated to be involved with long-term initiatives that could improve student and family support within the district. However, the Parent Interview did not ask teachers about their views of what, if any, Parent …

The Effects Of Social Media In The Overall Job Satisfaction Of School Administrators, Tiffany R. Maher

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Literature suggests school administrator shortages worldwide. A number of factors are blamed for this trend, one of which is overall job dissatisfaction. This case study examines the effects of social media on the overall job satisfaction of five school administrators in small town America. Through semi-structured interviews, this research indicates that school administrators in the study avoid reading the comments section of online news media forums. Research participants share their strategies of working proactively with the press, and they reveal how social media has changed their job. Social media has altered the landscape of what it means to be a …

Childhood And Trauma: The Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On The Brain, Behavior, And Learning In The Elementary School Classroom, Aeryn Aguilar

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

A variety of studies have been conducted on how trauma, caused by emotional, physical, or verbal abuse, impact children’s lives. Many of the studies which involved observations and assessments were done with the preexisting knowledge that these children had been through a traumatic experience. Instead of looking at behavior of known cases, this study’s goal is to find out whether or not children’s observable behaviors can predict cases of trauma. For example, is acting out or defiance a key sign of trauma or is it part of the typical development for the elementary school-age group? This thesis takes into account …

Does Waldorf Education Offer A Well-Rounded And Integrated Experience That Prepares Students For Higher Grades And Life In General?, Jacqueline A. Stratton

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This thesis research focuses on the study of Waldorf education and how it benefits the whole child. It begins by looking at Rudolf Steiner’s Waldorf educational program and its foundational history and then takes an in depth look at the key elements of its rich philosophy and pedagogy. The literature review focuses on the key question, ‘Does this 100 year-old teaching philosophy encourage a more well-rounded and integrated educational experience than traditional public schools?’ The review highlights four broad topics in relationship to Waldorf education. These include: Educating the Whole Child; Education for the Three Stages of Childhood; Early Childhood …

Bully-Victimization, Depression, And School Connectedness In Early Adolescent Students, Irene Gonzalez-Herrer

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

During early adolescence, schools play a significant role in the development of students. An issue that continues to be a serious concern for students, parents, teachers, and school officials in the U.S. and around the world is bullying. The primary purpose of this study was to examine school connectedness as a mediator between bully-victimization and depressive symptomatology in early adolescence. The secondary purpose of the study was to explore how gender and bullying classification groups (i.e., bully, victim, bully-victim, and non-involved) may relate to levels of reported school connectedness. The current study found low school connectedness partially mediated the relationship …

Using Community Volunteers To Help Struggling Readers In Kindergarten, Tamara L. Lindblom

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

It can be difficult to help struggling kindergarten students learn pre-reading skills with limited resources. Trained community volunteers can make an impact on student literacy learning while forming positive relationships with students as they deliver a prescribed curriculum. This project explores the value of Professional Learning Communities (PLC), school and district support, the use of collaboration time, intervention, pre-reading essential standards, community support and PLC self-assessment. A handbook designed to assist in organizing effective interventions for the teacher or tutor is presented. This manual includes the role of professional learning communities in literacy tutoring; in developing essential standards, assessments and …

Effects Of Collaborative Teaching Evaluation Process On Teacher/Administrator Collegiality, Gary A. Storts Jr.

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The job of the professional educator is becoming ever more complex. Research has shown that effective teacher evaluation processes and collegial relationships between the teacher and the principal both positively impact student achievement. This study investigates how a collaborative teacher evaluation process effects collegiality between the teacher and the site administrator. Four teachers who had experienced both traditional and collaborative reviews in a small rural school district in Northern California were interviewed to assess the impact that a collaborative evaluation had on their professional relationship with their principal.

The results of this research confirmed that teaching evaluations, however they are …

Cultural Change In Rural Schools Through Enrichment And Intervention In A Quality After-School Program, Kimberly Stepp Mrs.

Projects

A review of the best practices and research literature resulted in the implementation and evaluation of an after-school program for a small rural school in Northern California. The program is designed to overcome some unique challenges for rural schools by offering after school instructional support, homework assistance, and enrichment opportunities that work together to create a rich and successful environment to support student growth. A program evaluation survey measured parents’/guardians’ satisfaction with the program demonstrating significant support after two years. Student achievement data as monitored by teachers and administrators, demonstrated the program’s academic effectiveness in supporting student growth. The included …