Education Commons^™

Examining The Impact Of One-To-One Digital Technology Integration On Student Engagement And Academic Achievement In Elementary Education, Mark Loeffler

Education | Master's Theses

Advances in computer technology have rapidly changed the face of elementary education as we know it. These changes were exacerbated in 2020, when elementary education was forced into Emergency Remote Teaching due to the Covid 19 pandemic, and students across the globe were attending and participating in school using only computers. These developments in computers and learning technology have provided countless benefits for educators, however these changes have continued to progress at such a rapid pace, that parents, educators, and school administrators have struggled to keep up (van de Werfhorst, Kessenich, Geven, 2022).

The purpose of this thesis was to …

The Role Of Science In Elementary Education, Emily Moran

Education | Master's Theses

The role of Science in education has evolved over the years. Although it is currently considered an important subject, there is a gap in knowledge involving the level at which Science is incorporated in elementary education and how teachers view the subject. Since the introduction of the Next Generation Science Standards, there has been a shift towards creating more equitable learning opportunities that include inquiry based and three-dimensional instruction (Britton, Iveland, Schneider, Tyler, & Valcarcel, 2016). Recent studies show that many teachers struggle to incorporate science standards and concepts and lack confidence in cohesively integrating science into their lessons (Nadelson …

Technology As A Tool For Support: Classroom Teachers And Resource Specialists In Collaboration And Communication Practices, Mackenzie Jones

Education | Master's Theses

Classroom teachers and resource specialists face hectic schedules that include supporting students and meeting the core curriculum standards. In order to support students with disabilities in the classroom, collaboration between classroom teachers and resource specialists is essential. With busy schedules and increasing demands that teachers face, there is an urgent need to support teachers with effective systems of collaboration. This research focuses on the problem of unorganized and ineffective systems of support, which teachers face when trying to collaborate and communicate with their colleagues. While many prior studies address the significance of providing time for educators to collaborate in the …

Teacher Perspectives On Student Behavior And Aces In Elementary Education, Bridget Mudd

Education | Master's Theses

Since 1998, substantial evidence has demonstrated rates of prevalence for different types of adverse or potentially traumatizing experiences that can happen during childhood, commonly referred to as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). In response, many studies have demonstrated the benefits of trauma-informed practices in mental health. Despite supporting evidence, policymakers have been slow to implement these practices in schools. Teachers are on the front lines of this issue. They are in a position to be most effective in supporting children and most impacted by student behavior yet their voice is notably absent from the literature. The purpose of this study is …

The Inclusion Of Students With Special Needs In The General Education Classroom, Megan Walsh

Senior Theses

The inclusion of students with special needs in the general education classroom has been a major topic of discussion for many years. Inclusion education means that all students are part of the school community, regardless of their strengths and weaknesses (“Sec. 300.8 Child With a Disability.” n.d.). These students deserve to have full access to all resources and social interactions that are present in the general education classroom. The ultimate goal of many schools is to create a classroom that has the least restrictive environment to meet the needs of all students, including those with special needs. However, many teachers …

Identifying Obstacles To Incorporating Ocean Content Into California Secondary Classrooms, Jennifer Stock

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The ocean is the dominant feature on this planet that makes all life on Earth possible. Marine educators and scientists across the country have identified essential principles and concepts that define what an “ocean literate” person should know, but there is a lack of comprehensive ocean content coverage in secondary classrooms across the United States. In California, limited ocean content standards exist in the primary grades, and diminish in the secondary grades. The main purpose of this study was to examine obstacles for secondary (grades 6-12) teachers to teach about the ocean in California public schools. Interviews were conducted with …

Preparing California Public Middle School Students For Scientific Inquiry Into Environmental Issues, Gretchen L. Thompson

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Skilled scientists in all fields of study are critically needed to begin resolving ecological problems resulting from human impact. Time is an essential element in creating a proper conceptual foundation and training should begin early in a student’s education. As of 2010, the California State Standards for Science for grades six through eight do not sufficiently address the importance of inquiry-based studies, limiting the scope of possibilities in public education. Studies show that middle school students build a deeper understanding of conceptual science and its application if they have opportunities to apply their knowledge through empirical activities. Multiple benefits, both …