Education Commons^™

Third Grade Writing Skills And Project Based Learning, Julie M. Martin

Master of Education Graduate Projects

The project was designed to utilize project based learning to help improve the informational and opinion writing skills of third grade students. A unit was created that used the PBL Works project based learning Essential Design Elements and Teaching Practices along with a modified version of the Lake Washington School District Writing Units. The goal was to combine the proven benefits of project based learning with the required informational and opinion writing skills mandated by the Common Core State Standards. The unit consists of 25 lessons with roughly 30 total hours of combined teacher instruction and student worktime over a …

Building Family Partnerships: A Series Of Workshops Focusing On Russian Family Involvement, Mark Christopher Pittrof

All Graduate Projects

A series of workshop materials were developed to help educators meet the needs of an increasing Russian population, by increasing school, family, and community partnerships. The targeted families are those who's children are enrolled at Point Defiance Elementary in mainstream classrooms. The materials included in this series of workshops consist of assessments, cultural and historical understandings, current practices in education, and tools and strategies for continuous growth. The content of these workshops will provide all school staff in urban or rural communities skills to increase partnerships and positively effect student learning.

A Model Faculty Handbook To Promote A Shared Vision And A Collaborative School Culture, Nadine D. Betts

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the study was to develop a model faculty handbook to promote a shared vision and a collaborative school culture. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related literature was conducted. Related information and materials from selected sources were obtained and analyzed. Additionally, specific information and forms were adapted and developed to serve an elementary faculty.

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 …

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.

Volunteer Assisted Reading, Linda Laurene Young

All Graduate Projects

The problem investigated in this study relates to the need in schools today to find ways of providing educational support assistance for classroom teachers as part of the classroom learning process. With the continued rise in school enrollments, it is difficult for school funding to keep up with growing educational demands. Favorable student-teacher ratio issues emphasize the need to provide additional help for the classroom teacher. Finding additional classroom help has become a major concern; parents' commitments to employment and social obligations have changed their availability to participate at the schoolhouse and have lessened parent-child contact time (Cassidy, 1981). According …

An Inservice Program For The Training Of Instructional Paraprofessionals And Classroom Teachers, Debra Renee Helm

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop an inservice program to increase the job related skills of paraprofessional classroom assistants and the human management and supervision skills of the classroom teachers with whom they work. To accomplish this purpose, the inservice training needs of class-size paraprofessionals and the classroom teachers were studied. An inservice training program was developed and implemented with twelve class-size paraprofessionals and twelve supervising teachers from selected elementary schools in the Auburn School District. The results of the program showed that the increased use of paraprofessionals in instructional roles creates significant need for inservice training for …

Emerging Practices In K-6 Multimedia Methods Of Instruction In The Bethel School District, Gelnn E. Malone

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess and describB the conditions and practices in the Bethel School District's elementary schools with regard to the use of a multimedia approach to instruction. A sample of the 260 classroom teachers, 13 principals, and 13 learning resource center specialists in the Bethel School District's 13 elementary schools (K-6) were surveyed using questionnaires covering the implementation of multimedia methods of instruction. The results showed current multimedia methods of instruction are rare in the elementary classrooms of the Bethel School District because of a lack of technological inservice and current multimedia hardware.

Teaching Comprehension By Incorporating Story Grammar Into A Drta Lesson Format, Sharon Kay Neal

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a teaching procedure which should improve primarylevel reading comprehension. This procedure combines a framework of story grammar as a guide for implementing the Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) lesson format. Literature is reviewed which illustrates the effectiveness of story grammar when used to teach comprehension, and describes the effectiveness of DRTA to promote active comprehension. By combining both story grammar and DRTA, a procedure is developed and ten example lessons are produced.

Cedar River Mini-School, Judy Anne Rene

All Graduate Projects

A mini-school was set up in Cedar River Elementary School in Maple Valley, Washington. The mini-school will keep the same students and teachers together for a three-year period of time. There will be a fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classroom, each with its own teacher. Research suggests that students in small schools perceive a closer, warmer relationship with their teachers, fellow students and other adults and a stronger connection with the school. This project presents a justification for and a description of the mini-school. The only conclusions reached come from the development of the mini-school, not in an evaluation of …

Corss-Age Tutoring Program, Velma Jean Thompson

All Graduate Projects

This master's project provided a teachers~ handbook to assist in establishing a cross-age tutoring program. In addition to a philosophy statement and a review of the literature, this project also .provided forms for implementing the program and materials for training the tutors. This manual was prepared for use in an elementary school setting and contains a step-by-step approach to establish a cross-age tutoring program.

Achievement Gains And Losses Of Integrated 5th Grade Resource Room Students: Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Yakima School District, 1989-1990, Patricia F. Kincheloe

All Graduate Projects

The achievement gains and losses of integrated 5th grade resource room students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in the Yakima School District were studied. Nine resource room students were pre and post tested for achievement in reading, spelling, and mathematics. Teaching methods included cooperative learning, small and large group instruction, and peer tutoring. The results showed support for the integration of learning disabled students into a whole language, cooperative learning, regular education environment.

Study Skills For School Success, Terry Mills Tanneberg

All Graduate Projects

"Study Skills for School Success" is a project study focusing on the skills characterized by effective study. The specific nature of study skills and the influence of the home environment are also examined. A major product of this project study is a handbook entitled "Study Skills for School Success." Focusing on the parents of elementary children, the step-by-step handbook is designed to serve as a resource guide for the effective implementation of a home study skills program.

A Program For Teaching Reading Readiness Skills To Primary Spanish-Speaking Children, Mary Ofelia Smith

All Graduate Projects

Methods and procedures for teaching reading readiness skills to primary Spanish-speaking children were developed. The methods and procedures were developed to enrich the basic teaching of reading programs and to provide a means for development of specific skills that the standard program failed to develop for the limited English speakers. Each procedure contains step-by-step directions for the teacher to combine with current methods of the teaching of reading.

Multi-Curricular Units Based On Animal Life For The First Grade, Elaine Sanchez

All Graduate Projects

A booklet for teaching first grade science through multi-curricular units was developed and compiled. The booklet contains ten such units, which cover animal life. Each unit is a five-day plan for an approximate thirtyminute period, and was designed for total group instruction. Included in each unit are activities for language arts, math, art, and handwriting, all of which are based upon a particular animal. The materials were compiled from commercial and handmade sources.

Summer Enrichment Program For Elementary Students At The Intermediate Level, Robert John Reister

All Graduate Projects

A six-week summer enrichment program with curriculum was developed for Liberty Christian School in Walla Walla. It is activity based and is in conjunction with A Beka Book Christian school curriculum. The student chooses activities from six disciplines at various difficulty levels. The program includes plans for student incentives and informal evaluation. It will be open to parochial and nonparochial students. The purpose is to (a) enrich curriculum, (b) help students retain concepts over the summer months, (c) promote application of content.

A Curriculum Guide Based On Developmental Stages Of Kindergarten And First Grade Writing, Heidi E. Borrud

All Graduate Projects

The relationship between the developmental stages of a child and the acquisition of written language was studied. Through research, developmental stages were identified. The stages were used to develop objectives for a kindergarten and first grade writing curriculum guide. Activities that would aid in the achievement of the given objectives are suggested.

The Cousteau Log Centering On Marine Animals For Elementary School Children, Annie Suffron

All Graduate Projects

"Centering on Marine Animals for Elementary School Children" was a multi-curricular learning center design in four parts. It consisted of an introduction on Bubbles the Whale, including a picture, a puppet, a song, a Sea Script, and task cards. Following the introduction were three units on Sea Monsters of the World, the Migration of the Grey Whale, and the Ecology of the Southern Sea Otter. Each unit contained a picture of the sea animal, a puppet, a song, a Sea Script, a Quiz, map(s), and task cards.

Computer Banking And Cross-Referencing Of Mathematical Materials For The Elementary Grades, Daniel Jordan Martin

All Graduate Projects

The specific area and focus of this project will be that of arranging District and program math learning objectives for eventual computer banking along with materials cross-referenced to those objectives. In addition, the cross-referenced materials will be labeled as to grade level, interest level, mode of learning, and time needed for their use. The computer banking will facilitate use and prescriptive accessibility to given objectives.

The justification for such a project can be broken down into several areas: (1) the need of the elementary math teachers to have a bank of supplementary materials cross-referenced to facilitate their instruction of math …

Home Interaction Program: Hip, Georgia Sackman

All Graduate Projects

A Home Interaction Program (HIP) was designed and implemented for Title I parents and students. The components of the program included monthly newsletters, libraries, and workshops. It was found that parents of Title I students participated in HIP activities as long as they could be done in the home. The conclusion was reached that if schools want Title I parents to become involved in their child's education learning experiences, programs must be developed to reach into the home.

Handbook For Parents: How To Improve Your Children's Reading (Ages 9-12), Janice De Cordova Beil Rudeen

All Graduate Projects

From this writer's classroom experience, children's reading achievement improves when there is cooperation between teachers and parents. This author felt that a handbook should be developed to help guide them in improving their children's reading. The purpose of this project is to create a handbook which develops comprehension and vocabulary skills. Increased parental involvement in home reading with children will help the children to read better to enjoy it. Parents have powerful influence on their children in developing reading interests. This paper deals with parental participation in improving children's reading from age pre-kindergarten to twelve. The handbook deals with the …

Inservice For Elementary Teachers: Activities And Techniques To Motivate Readers, Beverly R. Pontius

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to provide an inservice course of study for teachers of children in grades one through six. The activities and techniques are designed to motivate children who are below grade level in reading and help them develop an interest in reading in the hope that reading may become a pleasure in their lives.

Relationship Of Convergent And Divergent Teaching To Creative Performance, Robert Bruce Kibler

All Master's Theses

This study investigated the effect on test scores on the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. Form A, resulting from convergent and divergent methods of teaching fifteen half-hour mini-lessons in social studies to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Results favored the Divergent Group, and their scores were more widely dispersed. Recommendations included a follow-up study, replication of the experiment with variations in the sample and treatments, and investigation of the possible utility of a two-score achievement test.

The Effect Of Time-Threat On An Arithmetic Test Situation, Russell Dean Flaskerud

All Master's Theses

There has been a difference of opinion regarding whether or not timing tests of ability is advantageous or hinders performance. Much experimentation has been done in the area of intelligence testing, but little has been done on actual classroom-type testing. The results of timing intelligence tests have been varied with little agreement among the studies. The purpose of this study was (1) to test the effect of time-threat on the performance of eighty-two sixth grade students taking an arithmetic test, and (2) to investigate the effect of time-threat on students of different arithmetic abilities.

A Study Of Scheduling, Staffing And Housing Procedures For A Comprehensive Elementary Instrumental Music Program In The Highline Public Schools, Gerald Clifton Bayne

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a survey of the scheduling, staffing and housing procedures for elementary instrumental music in selected large suburban school districts surrounding the City of Seattle, Washington. Upon comparison with other available studies and a similar survey of the Highline Public Schools, basic recommendations were made for the implementation of three alternate plans for a comprehensive elementary instrumental music program in the Highline Public Schools. The preferred recommended plan involves simultaneously team teaching with instrumental and vocal music specialists.

The Level Of Mathematical Understanding Possessed By Prospective Elementary Teachers, William Dean Vodarski

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study to determine the level of mathematical understanding possessed by prospective elementary teachers graduating from Central Washington State College. It was also the purpose to determine if the measured level of mathematical understanding is related to such factors as sex, education classes completed, mathematics classes completed, and grade level of student teaching.

The Meaning Of Two Categories Of Verbal Reinforcement To Middle And Lower Class Children, Steven John Talmadge

All Master's Theses

Many variables contribute to the effectiveness of social reinforcement in eliciting changes in children's behavior. To date, little work has been done on subject variables such as cognizance of reinforcement contingencies and preference for one type of reinforcement as opposed to another. In previous research the effectiveness of verbal, social reinforcers have been evaluated on task performance criteria (e.g., marble in the hole game) with Subjects in direct contact with the reinforcing agent. The present study investigated these variables by having children rate two categories of verbal, social reinforcers. One category was composed of student-centered statements and the other consisted …

Preparation For Teaching Reading In The Elementary Grades, Joan B. Drittenbas

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the total preparation in reading of a group of elementary teachers, and the current reading requirements of Washington's four-year colleges and universities.

Teacher Performance In The Nongraded Elementary Schools Of Central Washington, Helen Kathryn Dickson

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which a non graded structure in the elementary schools "permits teachers to operate more freely with respect to instructional decisions."

An Elementary Mathematics Curriculum Study To Determine If Achievement And Attitude Can Be Influenced By A Textbook Adoption, Elsie M. Railey

All Master's Theses

There is on the market a wide range of contemporary mathematics textbooks available. Textbooks approach mathematics differently and there is a variation in terms of the amount of time allocated to a topic, the development of elementary concepts and laws of arithmetic, and the amount of drill and repetition. The sequential development of the texts follows closely, but the scope and content differ significantly. Specifically, it is the purpose of this study to determine if there is a significant difference between series, as opposed to those in another mathematics series, in the variables of attitude and achievement. The two textbooks …