Education Commons^™

What Do Elementary School Librarians Know And Believe About Students With Color Vision Deficiencies?, Karla Collins

Education & Human Services Faculty Publications

Colour vision deficiencies affect approximately eight percent of the male population, yet the condition is often overlooked in the educational setting despite the pervasiveness of colour in the school. The purpose of this study was to explore how elementary school librarians provide instruction and prepare the library environment to meet the needs of students with colour vision deficiencies. Findings indicate that elementary school librarians in Virginia did not feel knowledgeable about colour vision deficiencies but were interested in knowing more and expressed a desire to make changes. The case study participants'ʹ knowledge increased from pre-­‐‑test to post-­‐‑test. There were noticeable …

Tapping Into The Skills Of School Librarians, Audrey Church

Education & Human Services Faculty Publications

The article focuses on the role of school librarians in evaluating the teacher's effectiveness. It states that librarians has knowledge about various areas other than library including information literacy, media literacy and digital literacy. It further presents various scenarios that can be used for analyzing the performance of librarians including formal observation, self-evaluation and portfolio.

Text And Technology: Creating Open Educational Resources For Students And Teachers Of American Romanticism, Jeff Everhart

Theses & Honors Papers

American Romanticism Online (ARO) is an open educational resource that provides students and teachers with access to annotated primary texts, standards based lesson plans, and other multimedia resources. ARO leverages open source technologies on the WordPress content management platform to create interactive assessments and curricular materials that students and teachers can use, download, and repurpose to fit a variety of classroom situations. The goal of ARO is to create and curate a store of primary sources and curriculum resources based on the needs of classroom teachers in public institutions. Although electronic editions of canonical texts exist, there is no other …

Mentoring Through Collaborative Partnerships Until The End Of Time, Frances Reeve, Audrey Church

Education & Human Services Faculty Publications

The authors offer insights on mentoring through collaborative partnerships based on personal experience. According to them, as school librarians, their relationship with their students can be described as a lifelong partnership of learning. Their graduate students under their university's School Library Media Preparation program are nontraditional adult learners.

Young Adult Literature In The High School Classroom: Explanation And Application Of Teacher/Scholar: Student/Scholar Pedagogy, Colleen Barnes Herndon

Theses & Honors Papers

This thesis investigates the ways in which literature is taught in high school English classes. The author expresses frustration with current methods and advocates an increase in teaching Young Adult Literature to high school students in order to encourage the students’ enjoyment of reading. She goes on to discuss how she has taught Young Adult literature in the classroom and includes example lesson plans.

Guest Editors' Column: The Solo Librarian, Audrey Church, Frances Reeve

Education & Human Services Faculty Publications

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the guest editor discusses the various stories of solo school librarians in the U.S.

Definitely Not Alone!, Audrey Church

Education & Human Services Faculty Publications

The article discusses the importance of technological innovations for solo school librarians in accomplishing their tasks in various schools in the U.S. It notes that the availability of web sites allows librarians to have an easy and constant access to professional information including several conferences and opportunities, continuing education, and grants. Electronic (e) mails and social media will also promote connections and communications among professionals.

Voices From The Ivory Tower, Gail Dickinson, Robin Boltz, Renee E. Franklin, Audrey Church, Carol A. Doll

Education & Human Services Faculty Publications

Perspectives on the move from being a school librarian to teaching and researching with those preparing to enter the field are provided. Personal perspectives of a doctoral student, an assistant professor, an associate professor, and a full professor are provided.

Making The Grade: Authentic Assessment Through Music Portfolios, Kendra June S. Aylor

Theses & Honors Papers

Research shows assessment is an important part of education. However, information on assessment in music is often limited to secondary education leaving elementary music teachers to devise their own systems of evaluation students. This teacher research addresses elementary music assessment by examining the implementation of student portfolios as a way to manage the data that is created in the music classroom. The portfolios were compiled using fourth grade student work which was divided into section that mirror the MENC National Standards. This research shows that student portfolios provide tangible evidence of student understanding to be shared with teachers, parents, and …

Catch Them (Preservice Teachers) While You Can!, Audrey Church

Education & Human Services Faculty Publications

The article addresses a university school library instructor's approach, which features a meeting with preservice teachers early in the sequence of coursework. The majority of preservice teachers are not learning in their teacher preparation programs about the benefits of collaborative partnerships with teacher-librarians.

Teaching Today's Diverse Student Population In Schools, Elizabeth F. Hurdle

Theses & Honors Papers

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate teacher candidates' attitude and knowledge level toward the adequacy of their teacher training for meeting the needs of a diversified school population and to make recommendations for any restructuring in a University teacher training program. A survey research method using a convenience sample size of (N = 240) was used to collect data for this study. The sample of 240 participants included graduate and undergraduate teacher candidates who had completed student teaching and alumni from the last five years. A self-developed questionnaire with 35 Likert-type questions and four open-ended questions was …

Current Special Educator And General Educator Perceptions Of Inclusion And Collaboration As A Service Delivery Model In A Middle School Educational Setting, Kathryn Wilkens, Peggy L. Tarpley, Ph.D.

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine, through quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, current special educator and general educator perceptions of inclusion and collaboration as compared to similar perceptions examined in 1995 (Tarpley, 1995). A self-made survey was implemented to explore educator perceptions. Quantitative selective response items were analyzed using a Chi Square procedure. Methods of naturalistic inquiry (Lincoln & Guba, 1985) were used to analyze qualitative open-ended questions. Significant values were noted based on the Chi Square analysis across four demographic areas: (a) current teaching assignment, (b) area of training, (c) number of years teaching experience, …

The Effects Of Direct Instruction Reading On The Behavior Referral Rates Of Rural Elementary Students, David Jarman

Theses & Honors Papers

What exactly is effective instruction? This heavily debated question is still at forefront of educational reform. Many factors contribute to effective instruction in the classroom, but it is critical to define effective instruction prior to describing its components. To understand the concept of effective instruction we must operationally define effective instruction as summarized by Rosenshine and Berliner (1978). they viewed effective instruction as those teacher characteristics that had a positive relationship on student achievement. We know that providing students with the most effective instruction will lead to an increase in student academic achievement. We also know these characteristics can be …

Effects Of A School-Wide Behavior Intervention Plan On A Rural Middle School, Patricia H. Rousis

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to collect office referral data from seventh grade students at a rural middle school in order to assess the effectiveness of a school-wide Positive Behavior Support System (PBS). Pre and post implementation data was collected and evaluated.

The results of the paired samples t-test were mixed and allowed for multiple interpretations. The raw data showed that office referrals actually went up for the second half of the year once the PBS was put into action. The causation for this increase is discussed.

A Review Of General Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Classroom And Instructional Accommodations For Students With Disabilities, Jennifer Askue-Collins

Theses & Honors Papers

The primary purpose of this study was to find out whether general education teachers believe that accommodations for students with special needs help those students succeed. Secondarily, this study seeks to find whether general educators find accommodations to be practical (feasible for general classroom use and fair to students without disabilities) in promoting success for all students. This review will discuss special education laws, service models for special education, and how accommodations fit into these parameters. The researcher created an online survey for K-5 general educators in Virginia's Region 8 to complete. From the responses it was found that this …

The Effect Of Funnix Math On Pre-Kindergarten Student's Achievement In Mathematics, Michelle E. Andreoli

Theses & Honors Papers

It is imperative that mathematics education in the United States be effective and comprehensive in nature. Mathematical skills are a necessary component to functional and independent living. Much debate has aroused over which instructional methodologies to adopt, but the research clearly supports the use of explicit instruction. Direct Instruction is an expository approach to learning, which encompasses critical design principles that enable it to be sequential and thorough. Funnix Math is the newest program, which utilizes this methodology. The present study investigates the efficacy of Funnix Math on the pre-kindergarten population. The results of this study contradict previous research on …

The Relationship Between Religious Programs And Peer Relationships Of Adults With Mental Retardation, Cecilia D. Beasley

Theses & Honors Papers

This research was intended to look at the relationship between attendance at religious programs on the peer relationships and spirituality of adults with mental retardation. The literature reviews the benefits of spirituality for all individuals, the characteristics of individuals with mental retardation, and the influences of peer relationships. Fifty-nine surveys about the individual's spiritual development, happiness, peer relationships and criminality as well as the importance of religious functions were completed by adults with and without mental retardation. The results indicate that attendance at religious activities does in fact impact spirituality and peer relationships of individuals with mental retardation. They also …

Reading And Phonological Awareness Gains In A Second/Third Grade Bridge Class, Lian Chen

Theses & Honors Papers

Reading is a fundamental skill that is used on a daily basis as we are bombarded with print. It is also the basis for the majority of formal education. When someone lacks the skills and strategies needed to read, reading becomes a frustrating experience. The key to overcoming deficits in reading is prevention utilizing research-based methodology. This widely debated topic has lead to the recognition of the necessity of the infusing of phonics into the instruction. In this study, a one-on-one, cross age peer tutoring program using systematic, explicit phonics instruction, Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons, …

Relationship Of Secondary Special Educators' Disciplinary Style To Teacher Burnout And Teacher Self-Efficacy, Ashley E. Wall

Theses & Honors Papers

Burnout and attrition among special education teachers has become a major problem in public schools today. Stress in the classroom, stemming mostly from inappropriate student behaviors, is one of the key sources of teacher burnout. Disciplinary styles and self-efficacy contribute to the risk of burnout. The authoritative disciplinary style is ideal in the classroom. Teachers work with students and negotiate with them, and the students develop a sense of responsibility in the classroom. Teachers who have a high sense of self-efficacy generally adopt the authoritative approach and have a lower degree of burnout. The results of this study indicate that …

The Effects Of A Direct Instruction Versus A Non-Direct Instruction Classroom Environment On Behavior Patterns At The Middle School Level, Pamela D. Davis

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this research was to complete an historical comparison of behavior patterns exhibited by students at a small rural middle school in Southside, Virginia during the 2000-2001, and the current 2001-2002 academic years. In addition, the research includes components of the effects of a non-direct instruction classroom versus a direct instruction classroom environment on such behavior patterns. All students' discipline records in grades 6 through 8 were evaluated for the study. The numbers of referrals written on individual students were considered in addition to the types of referrals written.

Environmental Economics A Teacher's Guide, Sandra Allmond Bagley

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this thesis is to incorporate economics into lectures on environmental issues. This guide introduces several environmental issues, discusses the laws and regulations governing these issues, and discusses the economic instruments discussed in this guide are those that have been incorporated into environmental laws. These instruments allow environmental protection goals to be met at the least cost. Economic instruments are more flexible than command and control regulations and allow firms to choose the least cost method of reaching goals. Economic instruments also encourage advances in new technology. Students will be more receptive to the concept of using economics …

Using A Constant Tie Delay To Teach Measurement To Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities, Emily S. Lovell

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to teach the parts of an inch in sixteenths, using a constant time delay procedure. Constant time delay is a virtually effortless, or near errorless, instructional process involving the simultaneous delivery of a target stimulus and a controlling prompt for a limited number of trials, followed by trials where the target stimulus is presented, but the controlling prompt is delayed for a constant time period. The study was conducted with 6 sixth-grade students in a self­ contained math class for students with learning disabilities. The subject group contained 5 males and 1 female. Each …

Parent Perceptions Of Behavior Management Strategies Used In Elementary And Secondary Special Education Programs For Students With Learning Disabilities, Natalie Buritsch

Theses & Honors Papers

A descriptive study was designed to investigate parent perceptions of behavior management strategies used in elementary and secondary special education programs for students with learning disabilities. A questionnaire was used to obtain the perceptions of 130 members of the Leaming _Disabilities Association of Virginia. In particular, three questions were examined: Do parents of children in elementary school differ from those having children in secondary schools regarding their perceptions of classroom management techniques? Do parents have different perceptions about a resource classroom compared to a self-contained classroom? Do parents differ in their perceptions of the teacher use of classroom management versus …

Student And Staff Perceptions Of The Point And Level System At An Alternative School In Central Virginia, Michelle B. Kocen

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine student and staff perceptions of a point and level system at a specific alternative school. Ten students and four staff members were interviewed using a researcher developed table of questions. As this research was qualitative in nature, answers to the questions were analyzed for recurring themes. Ten themes were generated for students and eight themes were generated for staff. The results showed that students and staff held mixed feelings about the point and level system.

Instructional Strategies Promoting Academic Success In Inclusive Settings At The Elementary School Level, Deborah L. White

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the instructional strategies that promote academic success in inclusive settings at the elementary school ·level. This study also attempted to investigate the most effective instructional strategies perceived by regular education teachers and special education teachers. Seventy-eight subjects from the elementary school level, including thirty- nine (n=39) regular education teachers and thirty-nine (n=39) special education teachers, participated in this study. A survey research design, with a self-developed questionnaire, was used to collect data. Approximately thirty-three percent (33.33%) of the questionnaires were returned. The data were analyzed through qualitative and quantitative statistics . The …

Homework, An Educational Instructional Technique Used In The Middle School Special Education Classroom, Charles R. Murphy

Theses & Honors Papers

The assignment patterns, frequency, and perceptions of homework as an educational instructional device was investigated in middle school special education classroom teachers. A general topic questionnaire was generated and administered to each of the middle school special education teachers who volunteered for this study. A population sample was used in the survey to represent, determine, and investigate the application of homework as an instructional technique. The survey also referenced specific questions on teachers' attitudes and perspectives on whether homework should be employed as a device to improve learning, comprehension, and retention of materials being presented in the classroom. The results …

Perceptions Of Recent Teacher Education Graduates Regarding Their Preparation To Teach, Julie Marie Barrett

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of. this study was to investigate how recent graduates of a special education and an elementary education program perceived their preparation to teach. Sixty-five recent graduates responded to a twenty-two item Teacher Perception Likert-Scale questionnaire regarding their perceptions about their education. The results were analyzed by calculating means for three separate indices within the questionnaire to provide information on overall satisfaction. A t-test indicated no significant differences at the .OS level for each index between special education and elementary education graduates . Elementary education subjects more frequently chose "strongly disagreed" or "disagreed" than did special education graduates as …

Regular And Special Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Their Role In A Collaborative Teaching Model, Kristen Philbrick

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate regular and special education teachers' perceptions of their role in a collaborative teaching model ..The subjects of this study were (N=39) from elementary, middle, and high school levels . A self-developed survey was used in collecting data for this research. Responses were categorized as either regular or special education, and how much question items were representative of each teacher's particular classroom situation. An independent sample t-test was used to determine any significant differences between the perceptions of regular and special education teachers. A. Pearson-r was used to examine any significant relationships between …

Student And Teacher Perceptions Of The Aversiveness Of Behavior Management Techniques, Brent Halstead

Theses & Honors Papers

This research investigated teacher and student perceptions of behavior management techniques. Subjects for this study were all ninth grade students in a city high school. Both the students and their homeroom teachers were surveyed. The sample was drawn from a city school district in central Virginia. The sample provided 169 subjects, five teachers and 164 students.

The results of the study were consistent with previous research in the field. Students thought public discipline and techniques that involved outside forces (parents, principals , etc.) were most aversive. Students perceived token economies and private correction as not aversive.

Teaching Decision Making Skills, Beatrice Landrum Gallier

Theses & Honors Papers

Summarized in this document are results from a survey distributed to find the number of hours elementary, middle and high school teachers were trained to teach the six decision making skills to students . This survey found that at least sixty percent of all teachers responding received no training. The teachers indicated which skills were the most important for students to acquire . The skills which were most important for students to acquire were rated among the lowest for student mastery of the concept/skill. Although many of the teachers were not trained, they did report teaching the skills as the …