Education Commons^™

Systemic Racism In Education: Perspectives Of Teachers Of Color, Stephany Vallejo

Education | Master's Theses

Many strides have been made in addressing equity, diversity and social justice in the field of education. However there has remained a gap in the representation of the voices of Teachers of Color. Current literature reveals that there is underlying systemic racism deterring People of Color from pursuing a career in education for a variety of reasons including social, financial, racial and political barriers. Applying Critical Race Theory, critical studies of Whiteness and Microaggressions this study analyzes the experiences of Teachers of Color through their educational career. This research uses a qualitative methods approach with an emphasis on a constructivist …

Natural Learning Environments And The Social-Emotional Development Of Students With Sensory Processing Challenges, Denise Elizabeth West

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

This study examined the impact of a natural learning environment on the social-emotional development of students with Autism and/or Sensory Processing Disorder. For this research, social-emotional development consisted of social behavior, communication, and participation. The elements of a traditional classroom are characterized by confinement, harsh lighting/acoustics, and other habitual triggers for sensory discomfort. A natural learning environment can provide students with natural stimuli, fresh air, natural acoustics, natural lighting, etc. Additionally, the natural learning environment fosters a connection with nature, which research shows is important for the self-discovery, self-advocacy, and self-efficacy of all humans. Considering the artificial nature of the …

What Makes A House A Home? Supported Living Environments For Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Rose Meadows

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

My research aims to address how supported living environments for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) can best support their stakeholders. This is an inherently human and personal problem, but existing research tackling this problem utilizing a person-centric and/or resiliency theory lens or framework is lacking. My research will use the perspective of parents/guardians and staff/caregivers in combination with existing knowledge and research to create ideas for how to maximize support in supported living environments for adults with ASD and their families. This is a qualitative study that uses a humanized approach and in-person interviews with stake-holders to highlight their …

Recess Preparation And Reflection For Supporting Social Connectedness, Elizabeth Teasdale Wells

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

This project examines the effects of how recess preparation and reflection can be focused on providing students an opportunity to connect socially and strengthen overall happiness. By investigating the role social satisfaction plays in a child’s life during recess, educators may gain knowledge about how to foster social connectedness for every child. While most studies about recess focus on a child’s level of physical activity or negative behaviors, researchers have yet to investigate recess as a place to improve a child’s well-being and social satisfaction. This study was conducted at an elementary school through qualitative interviews and observations. Teachers, administrators, …

Effects Of Dialogic Reading In A Special Day Class, Donna Senn

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Early Childhood Special Education provides services to children aged three to five years. A predominant identifier is very low communication skills (Shevell, et al, 2003; Kaiser & Roberts, 2011; Robertson & Ohi, 2016). Dialogic Reading techniques have demonstrated successes in various settings (Hargrave & Senechal, 2000; Whitehurst et al., 1988; Trivette & Dunst, 2009). The rationale for this study was grounded in Rogoff’s, “apprenticeship in thinking” (1990, p. 7) theory. The research literature reviewed centered on three primary lines of inquiry namely, 1) The social aspect of language learning; 2) Speech and language interventions; and 3) Dialogic reading strategies. This …

Improving Reading Through Fine Motor Skill Development In First Grade, Tyler West-Higgins

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Children who struggle with learning to read in first grade, fall behind, and have difficulty catching up with their peers. Research has shown students who struggle to read in first grade, also struggle to read in later years. The purpose of this study was to determine if an intervention to enhance fine motor skills to a select group of students in one class room increased their reading abilities. This was a mixed methods research study which assessed the quantitative data from the running record assessments, and the qualitative data taken by teacher-aide during assessment process post fine motor intervention. This …

Bridging The Gap: A Workshop To Support Sexual Education Outside Of School, Rachel Lambrecht

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Sex education cannot simply provide the “facts” about sex; students must be given the space and support to make connections between the information they receive and their own behaviors. In order to meet the immediate developmental needs of young people I have created a one-­‐day workshop for girls, which is meant to augment current sexual education programming. The aim of the one-­‐day workshop is to bridge the gap between information that girls have received from school programming or parents with the new emotional and physical sensations specific to their developing sexuality, to foster connections with peers, and instill a sense …

An Analysis Of Afterschool Programs In The United States, Caroline Jeter

Senior Theses

This study shows the effectiveness of afterschool programs in the United States. The beginning of this paper shows why afterschool programs have not been effective in academic improvement. It then leads to the conclusion that now we know what our goals are to achieve better results in academics. This is proven through multiple specific examples of improving academic achievement, establishing positive relationships, and exploring individual goals. My project describes specific afterschool programs and how they may achieve these goals in an effective way. In addition, my research cites statistics and quotes from teachers and students who have been a part …

Increasing Phonemic Awareness In Kindergarten Students: Using Ipads In Language Arts Centers, Michelle Harrison

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Language arts teachers find that students at any elementary grade show a wide range of abilities, specifically in the area of phonemic awareness. Student abilities are not evaluated accurately using paper pencil tests.

A review of the literature addresses teaching approaches and effective use of technology in an elementary classroom. Implications of the research suggest that student engagement with technology have an impact on their learning (Kearsley & Shneiderman 1998). The research indicates that, if teachers do not monitor progress,students often view the use of iPad apps as games, not educational opportunities. Research findings emphasize that in order for students …

African American/Latina High School Girls’ Preoccupation With Concepts Of Personal Beauty: The Impact On Self-Worth And Academic Performance, Bobbie Williams

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine African American and Latina high school girls’ understanding of how their self-worth and academic performance may be impacted by the amount of time used to achieve a desired physical appearance. This descriptive, qualitative study used a Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology. The researcher conducted discussions with 11 African American and Hispanic American high school girls between the ages of 14-17, enrolled in grades 9-12. Results concluded that a majority of participants believed physical beauty was the most important quality in having a successful life and spent a significant amount of time applying …

The Effects Of Yoga Practice And Classroom Management In An Elementary School Setting, Gail L. Willits

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Overall performance and well-being among student populations can be attributed to a decrease in stress and anxiety levels. Recent studies show a strong correlation between stress reduction using yoga movement, breathing and meditation. A calmer, focused and attentive classroom promotes an environment where both teacher and student experience less disruption. Limited research also supports a positive effect of yoga practice among students exhibiting symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Inattentiveness, impulsive and adverse behaviors can be successfully treated with yoga. Short interventions can offer students the coping skills needed to promote better self-esteem and confidence in learning and achievement …

Post Hoc Analysis: Increasing Pre Kindergarten Students Letter Recognition Through Use Of Tablet Applications In A Private School Setting, Corrie C. Giugni

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Preschool students are preparing for kindergarten. This involves getting them ready socially, emotionally and academically. The kindergarten curriculum is demanding and the expectation is that students enter school knowing many aspects related to language arts. The problem at the preschool level is that children need to master letter recognition and letter sounds. The literature reveals that using technology before they are school age can be very beneficial to the preschool students (Kol, 2012). According to Nemeth and Simon (2013) it is important for teachers to have many instructional tools to meet the needs of their students. Using electronic tablets is …

A Position Paper On Preschool Experience Vs. No Preschool Experience: Long Term Effects On Academic And Social Readiness Of Children, Dionne C. Estes

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Despite federal and state investments in early education intervention programs, achievement gaps continue to afflict the education system with children from low-income families having a greater need of a high quality preschool education. When children from poor families move through the education system starting off behind, the chances of academic success becomes increasingly difficult, as the education gap increases year after year and they fall farther behind. By the time these students enter high school, they are so far behind they are unable to catch up and meet the grade level requirements, causing many of them to give up and …

Exploring Animal-Assisted Therapy As A Reading Intervention Strategy, Maria S. Kaymen

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

This study is an examination of animal-assisted therapy in an attempt to explore the ways it may serve as reading intervention program for struggling readers. Due to the low rate of literacy in the U.S., children are often put into reading intervention programs where they are required to read to an adult; potentially creating anxiety that may act as a deterrent to reading regularly, and thus contributing to the condition of aliteracy, that is, possessing the basic skills to read yet having no desire to do so. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the ways in which …