Education Commons^™

Developing Reader Identities Through School-Based Affinity Spaces, Taylor R. Casarez

Culminating Experience Projects

According to recent data, American high school students read for pleasure infrequently, which causes them to miss out on the many literacy benefits of increased text exposure, including stronger reading skills, improved vocabulary, and better reading comprehension (NAEP National Report Card, 2023; van Bergen et al., 2020). Frequently, teachers are encouraged to utilize public libraries or library media centers, but these are not always easily available (US Department of Education, 2022). Developing a reading program that supplements classroom instruction using a limited amount of resources has the potential to help many underserved students read more frequently and develop a stronger …

Improving Fluency And Its Components To Enhance Comprehension, Amanda J. Skellie Ms.

Culminating Experience Projects

As students face many obstacles in their educational journey, it is agreed upon that literacy achievement is an essential skill for all humans. Once students are able to read fluently they can focus on reading to learn for a purpose. With numerous factors affecting literacy development, it is important to scaffold students learning to meet their needs in order to acquire necessary reading skills. The focus of this project is to improve fluency through a scaffolded model in order to focus attention on reading to learn as lifelong learners. Fluency and its components: accuracy, rate, and prosody, is an important …

Decreasing The Reading Gap In Upper Elementary, Carly L. Johnson

Culminating Experience Projects

Students are entering 4th grade well below grade level in reading, and the reading achievement gap continues to grow every year. When students are below grade level it can lead to other subject areas being more difficult on the student. The main factors of students struggling to read are low motivation to read and the lack of phonemic awareness. This project provides research explaining why students are below grade level and the best ways to address these problems. Teachers have the ability to aid students in reaching grade level when it comes to reading. Next, the project addresses strategies and …

Transitioning To English: Teaching Foundational English Literacy Skills In Early‬ ‭Exit Transitional Bilingual Classes, Kate Wiegman

Culminating Experience Projects

Students enrolled in a transitional bilingual education program receive instruction in their native language with increasing amounts of English each year. This is an attempt for efficacy on the part of the United States school system, but English learners still consistently score lower on reading assessments than their White classmates. The White-Hispanic fourth grade reading achievement gap is evidence of this (National Center for Education Statistics, 2019). While there are several different bilingual instructional models in use throughout the U.S., transitional bilingual education (TBE) classrooms are one of its weaker forms (Wright, 2022, 120). This is why teachers in TBE …

Phonics Intervention Supports In 3rd-6th Grade, Nicole Embury

Culminating Experience Projects

Older students have gaps in their foundational literacy skills, especially phonics. This project explores the causes of the literacy skills gaps and what types of interventions and instruction can support closing those phonics skills gaps in students who are in third through sixth grade. Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory framework provides systematic, explicit instruction to support students in their phonics and reading skills. Although this research focuses on students' skills, how teachers supply the instruction is essential to helping students. This project provides various assessments to narrow down where a student is missing a skill and some activities to support the student …

Research-Based Early Literacy Practices For Lower Elementary Educators, Erica Joy Austin

Culminating Experience Projects

Low literacy rates are a significant issue in the United States. Low literacy skills correlate with many notable societal issues including poverty, higher chances of unemployment and incarceration, and even poor health. There are many significant contributors to the issue of low literacy including but not limited to poverty, teacher attrition, chronic student absenteeism and tardiness, lack of literacy practices taking place in homes, and lack of research-based literacy practices taking place in elementary classrooms. Although all of these issues significantly affect the literacy rates in the United States, among all of these issues, teachers have the most control over …

Developing Literacy Through Play, Molli Vanderjagt

Culminating Experience Projects

The loss of play in the classroom has had a significant impact on children’s foundational literacy skills. It has hindered children’s language development by reducing their verbal skills and language comprehension and decreasing vocabulary. Child development has not changed, and yet we continue to put more academic pressure on our youngest students. This project addresses the need for play in early education classrooms. It then provides research why play is important in developing foundational literacy skills, such as oral language and vocabulary, comprehension and recall and higher-level thinking, and possible classroom applications. The project concludes with a presentation for administrators, …

Knowledge Building Through Interdisciplinary Units, Jessica A. Deboer

Culminating Experience Projects

Research demonstrates that developing a strong knowledge base is vitally important for students to demonstrate comprehension in reading. Comprehension strategies are an important skill to learn, but can only be utilized if a student has background knowledge of the subject. Schema theory supports the idea that knowledge is most effectively acquired through networks of prior knowledge built into the brain’s long term memory. The more vocabulary and concept knowledge a person has in their network of schemata the easier it is for them to connect and hold onto new information. An interdisciplinary curriculum can grow students' knowledge and their comprehension …

Coaching And Developing Non-Certified Instructional Staff In Key Literacy Practices, Holly Nicole Bigos

Culminating Experience Projects

Paraprofessionals are vital staff members of elementary schools that often provide small group instruction for struggling students to develop key literacy skills. Despite the critical contribution paraprofessionals can provide, schools often neglect to adequately train and develop these staff members to support students’ instructional literacy needs. This project explores the relevant history of paraprofessional staff in schools and the current need for increased development and support of these staff members. Additionally, modern sustainable solutions are explored to develop paraprofessional literacy knowledge and instructional skills for these vital staff members. Programming recommendations are grounded in adult learning theory, feedback and coaching, …

Supporting High School Students In Their Transition To College Through A Comprehensive College Prep Bootcamp, Brooke E. Baneck

Culminating Experience Projects

When transitioning from high school to college, many students struggle with increased academic rigor, time management, and lack of financial literacy, while also facing social and emotional difficulties such as homesickness and stress. Addressing these challenges holistically, this project outlines the Next Step: College Prep Academy, a pre-college bootcamp designed to enhance students' academic preparedness, social integration skills, emotional and psychological health, financial literacy, and cultural competency, particularly for first-generation and minoritized students. Grounded in theoretical perspectives, the bootcamp aims to equip students with essential skills and support systems to thrive in their first year of college and beyond.

Fighting For The Right To Learn: Exploring The Impact Of Discipline Policies On Black Female Students, Amyre E. Smith

Culminating Experience Projects

This study investigates the systemic biases and stereotypes that disproportionately affect Black female students in K-12 educational settings. The research aims to analyze how implicit biases and societal norms contribute to the unfair policing and mistreatment of Black girls in schools. Utilizing a combination of literature review, case studies, and interviews, the study explores the intersectionality of race and gender and its impact on disciplinary actions. Findings reveal that Black girls are often disciplined for subjective offenses, such as defiance and disrespect, rooted in implicit biases held by school personnel. The study also evaluates the effectiveness of restorative practices and …

An Examination Of Positive Impacts On Students' Math Success, Lauren E. Bisher

Culminating Experience Projects

In today’s classrooms, some students struggle to achieve at high levels in math. Yet, recent research describing the neuroplasticity of the brain means that, with a mathematical mindset, all students can achieve in math at the highest levels in school. Unfortunately, some capable students disengage from the subject due to a fixed mindset or holding beliefs in math myths, such as only some people are born with a math brain or math is about speed. Achievement in math can open more opportunities in a student’s future. Entrance into college and various careers that require mathematical skills become possible when students …

Shifting Educators' Perspectives On The Purpose Of Play And Play-Based Learning, Emily Mueller

Culminating Experience Projects

Play is a research-based, developmentally appropriate practice for children, supporting both their social-emotional development and academic learning, but there exists differences between Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers in how play is viewed and used. ECE teachers’ perspectives on the purpose of play affects the practices they implement in their classrooms. If educators have limited perspectives on the purpose of play, they are not likely to implement or advocate for certain, necessary types of play and play-based learning in their classrooms. This is especially pertinent when the pressure to teach standards through formal instruction is present in many ECE classrooms. This …

Developing Conflict Resolution Skills In Residential Students At Higher Education Institutions, Lindsey A. Bos

Culminating Experience Projects

For many college students, living on campus is the first experience that students have living outside their familial home. Students may take this leap with people they have developed prior relationships with, or with people they have just met. Regardless, this collision of differing norms has the potential to lead to interpersonal conflict. To support residential students at higher education institutions, this project utilizes the theoretical lenses of Maslow’s (1943) hierarchy of needs, Sanford’s (1966) challenge and support theory, and Chickering’s (1969) seven vectors of development to create a workshop curriculum aimed at developing students’ conflict resolution skills. Highlighting the …

Success In Secondary Mathematics Courses, Victoria Klaas

Culminating Experience Projects

According to research, many students struggle to successfully complete required secondary mathematics courses. Not only are these courses require for students to graduate, the courses prepare students to use mathematics in their everyday lives. The demand for careers in the mathematics field continues to grow. Students will continue to miss out on careers in this field if they do not successfully complete their secondary mathematics courses. This project outlines some of the factors affecting student mathematical success and provides an Algebra II unit plan. The unit plan provides guiding lesson plans and other needed materials for teachers to help improve …

Developing Alternative Grading Strategies, Brian M. Sackett

Culminating Experience Projects

Traditional grading strategies may not accurately reflect student knowledge. Educators are beginning to develop more accurate and efficient methods for grading students. These alternative methods include; standards based grading, content based grading, portfolio assessment, narrative feedback, and minimum grading. These grading strategies focus more heavily on content mastery, rather than non-academic variables such as student behavior. This project will provide a thorough training session to teachers to give them the confidence to implement the new alternative grading strategies. The goal of this project is to have a lasting impact on students’ academic success as well as their motivation and engagement. …

Facilitating Play For Preschoolers With Severe Multiple Impairments, Hannah B. Wade

Culminating Experience Projects

Play is a fundamental right of childhood that should be accessible to every child because it has enormous benefits for all areas of their development and brings joy to their lives. Unfortunately, children with disabilities, especially those with severe multiple impairments, face many barriers to accessing play. Early childhood educators have the responsibility and privilege of supporting their students with severe multiple impairments in engaging in play by facilitating accessible play experiences within the early childhood curriculum. The goal of this project is to provide a guide for early childhood educators that supports them in facilitating playful learning for these …

Becoming Trauma- Informed Parents And Educators, Stephanie M. Petersen

Culminating Experience Projects

Trauma exposure may have a negative impact on students within the K-12 setting. Whether through first and secondhand accounts, trauma may affect students in areas that can lead to academic, psychological, and social emotional developmental concerns. Lasting impacts of trauma can affect cognitive, affective, behavioral, psychological, relational and self-attribution domains, and can lead to psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, borderline personality disorder, depression, etc. (O’Neill et al., 2010, pg. 190). When the brain is affected by neuroanatomical and neurophysiological changes a child’s language is impaired, which affects their ability to comprehend ultimately leading to effects on a child’s ability to …

Using A Flipped Course Design To Increase Positive Outcomes In First Year Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem) Courses, Jennifer Bourbina

Culminating Experience Projects

In the United States racially minoritized students are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields (Fry et al., 2021). Minoritized students have a reduced chance of attaining a STEM degree in part because of the stratification in the K-12 educational system and practices in post-secondary education that disproportionately benefits the dominate class (Griffith, 2010; Johnson, 2007; Martusewicz et al., 2015; Theobald et al., 2020; Thompson, 2021). In the U.S. the K-12 system does not equally prepare students for higher education, yet most STEM courses are taught in a way that assumes all students have the same baseline skills …

Effective Reading Intervention In The Intermediate Grades, Cassandra Baas

Culminating Experience Projects

Reading proficiency among intermediate-grade students remains below expected grade level, necessitating a comprehensive approach to teaching reading intervention. Research indicates that students struggling with reading often exhibit difficulties in both foundational skills and comprehension. To address these challenges, a multicomponent intervention combining explicit skill instruction with engaging comprehension practice is needed. A cognitive science framework, emphasizing active learning, metacognition, and the role of automatic decoding in freeing working memory for comprehension, is essential. Additionally, a reader-response perspective is beneficial, as it encourages deep engagement and critical thinking, helping to foster a lifelong love of reading.

Effective intervention requires a deep …

Strategies To Improve The Achievement Of Multilingual Learners, Breanna Marie Mason

Culminating Experience Projects

With the increase of the number of multilingual (ML) students in schools today, more strategies and practices are being researched and published. However, the achievement of these students continues to fall significantly below the achievement of their non-ML peers. Although teachers are receiving some training about culturally-relevant teaching practices, they are rarely given time to adjust these strategies based on the needs of their students to support a productive implementation. Teachers need more support and time to do so. This project focuses on both the strategies teachers and school staff should be implementing, along with a guide for implementation. Without …

The Importance Of Critical Thinking Skills In Secondary Classrooms, Clinton T. Sterkenburg

Culminating Experience Projects

According to research, many students lack effective critical thinking skills. The ability to think critically is crucial for individuals to be successful and responsible. Many students have difficulties understanding this important skill and especially lack the ability to initiate and apply the process. Although a difficult task, educators have the responsibility to teach critical skills to students and to discern when certain instructional methods or activities are not helping students. Each student is different, and their needs must be considered, this correlates with how they learn and process information. Research has shown that traditional teaching methods that require students to …

The Effect Of Augmentative And Alternative Communication Devices On Preschool-Aged Children With Disabilities, Jocelyn N. Fox

Culminating Experience Projects

Speech and language needs are not being met effectively in preschool-aged children. These skills are incredibly important, as speech and language skills affect all other areas of development (Greenwood et al., 2013). To help solve this problem, professionals who work with this population of students need to have effective practices in place to address the needs of these students. This project aims to provide preschool-aged children who have speech and language needs the access to communication they deserve. Through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, many speech and language needs can be addressed. This project will provide training on AAC …

Increasing The Level Of English Language Learners Mathematical Word Problem Skills Using Language Interventions, Hannah M. Frederick

Culminating Experience Projects

This project highlights the possible solutions to the ever-increasing achievement gap between English Language Learners and native-English speaking students in United States’ schools. Standardized assessments are composed of mathematical word problems so instead of students being tested on their math abilities, they are also being tested on their reading comprehension. This adds an additional difficulty for English Language Learners who are in the process of learning English. This project outlines a plan to increase ELLs word problem skills through the explicit teaching of vocabulary and reading comprehension. These interventions will allow ELLs to improve their English abilities in a mathematical …

The Effect Of Trauma On Student Academic Achievement, Wendi N. Petersen

Culminating Experience Projects

This paper explores what current research says about the significant effect that childhood trauma has on student academic achievement. It looks at the ways in which students are impacted by trauma, how this affects them in the classroom and finally recommends a solution to help support educators and school staff in providing a safe, compassionate and encouraging classroom environment for students to learn and thrive in. Educators encounter numerous challenges in today's classrooms. The diverse needs of students today create a unique set of obstacles that teachers must navigate and address in their teaching. Students affected by childhood trauma present …

The Link Between Classroom Diversity And Academic Advancements, Mary Kuik

Culminating Experience Projects

Racially diverse classrooms are not being taught in racially diverse ways, adding to an ever-growing academic gap for students of color. Various studies have pointed to several root causes to this issue, including a lack of representation, bias, inequitable discipline, poor curriculum, and socioeconomic disparity. Due to these causes, students of color are projected to be less successful in state testing and school overall, less likely to obtain a higher education, more likely to be disciplined, more likely to feel a detachment to historical content in the classroom, and more likely to feel a social disconnect from their peers. All …

Utilizing Morphology Instruction To Improve Students’ Reading Proficiency, Michelle Marie Sweigart

Culminating Experience Projects

Many adolescent learners face difficulties with reading comprehension as grades progress. Research suggests that this is due to a variety of contributing factors, including deficits in decoding, fluency, and vocabulary, in addition to content-area vocabulary becoming increasingly challenging. While research has shown the vast benefits of utilizing morphology instruction across grade levels to improve vocabulary, especially in secondary education, it is a largely underutilized area for intervention. This project explores the potential benefits of offering adolescents a morphological intervention to make grade-level vocabulary across content areas more accessible. Through the use of explicitly-taught strategies to systematically break down and employ …

Increasing Secondary Students’ Spanish Oral Language Proficiency, Courtney Kozak

Culminating Experience Projects

Research has demonstrated the importance of students becoming orally proficient after taking foreign language classes. This project explores what can be done to combat the issue of students failing to gain an oral proficiency. It addresses instructional design and teacher impact, as well as student contribution to the issue. Multiple studies were reviewed on the best research backed practices for proficiency growth. After reading through all the research, it was determined that a proficiency-based instructional style that followed ACTFL World Readiness standards is the ideal approach. Going hand in hand with a proficiency-based instructional style is a classroom design of …

Balancing Innovation And Integrity: Addressing Concerns Of Ai In Classroom Environments, Alexandria Patricia Thomas

Culminating Experience Projects

Research into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has highlighted critical issues such as bias, privacy, and plagiarism. Despite these challenges, many educational practices have not evolved to address them effectively. This project develops a comprehensive approach to preparing educators for ethical AI use, offering a series of lesson plans and resources (Appendices A-M) designed to enhance teachers' understanding and management of AI in the classroom. By providing practical tools and guidelines, the project supports educators in balancing technical skills with ethical considerations. It employs Paulo Freire’s Critical Pedagogy and the TPACK framework to address AI’s impact on …

Developing Early Literacy Screening Assessments And Corresponding Interventions, Sarah A. Coutts

Culminating Experience Projects

The topic of this project entails baseline assessments and corresponding interventions for kindergarten and first-grade students attending Newaygo Elementary School. Concerns of students failing to meet grade-level reading expectations continue to rise as achievement gaps grow. “Struggling readers are likely to experience difficulties across content areas, are at a higher risk for grade retention, are more likely to drop out of school before high school completion, and are less likely to pursue post-secondary education” (Ford et al., 2018, p. 207). This project aims to develop systematic baseline assessments and interventions to support students’ academic needs. Markovitz et al. (2021) emphasize …