Education Commons^™

Western News, July 1, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Tuition; fee increase held to 30% for fall, Lacey to be special assistant to President Floyd for year, Doctoral program converted, Thompson to add Graduate College dean responsibilities to job.

Western News, June 17, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Appointments of new aviation dean; director of race relations institute will go to board, New Arboretum agreement will mean more greenspace and less density for development, Visiting Azerbaijani student to take pollution clean-up methods home, Hard work by many tipped the funding scales in our favor, Brinkley pens book on censorship; teaching, Campus Y2K efforts focus on entire University community's work.

Western News, June 3, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Light announces he'll step down as provost; return to faculty next June, Scholars from across nation head to WMU to study a time long ago and a place far; far away, Environmental writers gather on campus to consider 'diminished' nature of Midwest and other locations, Industrial design students' work for Steelcase unit picked for international trade show in Chicago, Female Holocaust survivors are focus of nursing faculty member's book, Music students go 'down under' for spring concert tour of Australia, Fiji and New Zealand, Bat-Ami draws from history for young adults' refugee romance.

School-Based Functional Assessment For Adolescents With Adhd: Procedural Issues In General Education Settings, Pamela M. Radford

Masters Theses

Functional assessment is a structured problem-solving process that has been found to be an effective method for guiding the selection of classroom intervention for students who present a variety of problem behaviors (O'Neill, et al., 1997), including Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). This study evaluated the utility of school-based functional assessments with 2 adolescent boys diagnosed with ADHD in general education settings utilizing resources typically available to school personnel to document information relevant to behavior function. Descriptive information (i.e., interviews, observations, record reviews) led to the development of potential intervention strategies that were implemented and evaluated by …

Intuitive Understanding Of Time And Space At The Age Of Four, Josephine Barry-Davis

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test the central hypothesis that “children by the age of four years construct accurate and lasting conceptions o f time (past, present, future) and space (near and far away).” In order to test this hypothesis the researcher relied on qualitative research guidelines developed and published in recent years to address social science and educational research issues. The research design is especially applicable to young children where the researcher assumes the role of participant observer. In order to control for the context of the research, the children were observed for time and space cognitive …

The Role Of Access In Evaluating Distance Learning Program Effectiveness, Carole A. Richardson

Dissertations

Distance learning technologies are increasingly used within public post-secondary institutions as a way to deliver courses to students remote from the home campus. Many proponents of distance learning argue that its use provides a method for reaching the educationally undeserved, i.e., those who lack access to higher education. If a distance learning program decreases access barriers, then it is congruent with traditional American values of providing universal access to education to all citizens. Distance learning program evaluation strategies, therefore, need to include a means of measuring the extent to which access goals are met.

The purpose of this study is …

An Analysis Of Grade-Level Expenditures Of At-Risk Funding Among Districts Of Different Economic Status In The State Of Michigan, Benard A. Meyer

Dissertations

Many of the recent financial reforms failed to address the needs of at-risk children. Effective solutions to the problems of the educationally disadvantaged must include changes within the schools, how the schools are funded, and how the schools spend their funding. Michigan’s 1994 finance reform included a funded plan for “unequal treatment of unequals” directed for the support of at-risk students. This fund was called Section 31a Program for At-Risk Pupils and involved a 230 million dollar compensatory education funding allowance for students at risk of school failure. This study presented here will determine if there is a relationship between …

Improving Special Education Teachers' Use Of Data-Based Instruction, Steven D. Goodman

Dissertations

The data-based decision model involves frequent measures of student performance (i.e., 2 - 5 times per week), frequent analysis of performance data (weekly or bi-weekly), and the application of decision rules. In the first study, we surveyed 406 special education teachers state-wide. Results of the survey suggest that the databased decision model is not generally practiced by special educators in the field. Just over one quarter of the respondents report to assessing student performance frequently enough to qualify as using the model. Only 10% of respondents indicate that they generally graph student performance. Additionally, less than 23% of respondents who …

The Use Of Curriculum-Based Measurement To Evaluate The Effects Of A Remedial Education Program, Michael D. Hixson

Dissertations

This study examined the effectiveness of two Direct Instruction programs: Corrective Reading: Decoding and Connecting Math Concepts. The effectiveness of the interventions was evaluated using a single-subject experimental design with curriculumbased measurement (CBM) probes as the main means of assessment. Other methods of assessment included standardized achievement tests, school reports, and pre- and postcurriculum- based assessment probes. The CBM probes for all students were sensitive to the effects of the interventions, although there was a great deal of variability in the CBM reading probes and little correspondence across methods of assessment. The results indicate that the two Direct Instruction programs …

An Analysis Of Nine K-12 School Districts That Have Established Membership With The Coalition Of Essential Schools, Shari A. Peters Kitchen

Dissertations

In the late 1970s, Ted Sizer, professor of education at Brown University, and a team of researchers traveled the country visiting dozens of secondary schools. The purpose of these visits was to understand the American high school by observing it firsthand. Sizer reported his findings in 1984 in Horace's Compromise: The Dilemma of the American High School.

In response to the compromises raised in Horace's Compromise, 12 schools volunteered to become the Coalition of Essential Schools. The Coalition rests on a set of nine Common Principles, which include intellectual rigor, simple and universal goals, personalized school, graduation by exhibitions …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership And Teacher Attitudes, Scott Palczewski

Dissertations

One hundred Michigan public high schools were randomly selected to participate in a study of the relationship between transformational leadership and teacher attitudes. Forty-eight high schools with enrollments ranging from 237 students to 1,730 students responded, a response rate of 48%. The study required that each building principal complete the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Designed by Bass and Avolio (1990), the instrument uses 45 questions to identify the relative level of transformational leadership exhibited by the building principal.

Five dependent variables including teacher motivation, teacher satisfaction with administration, follower identification with work, teacher willingness to disagree with administration and teacher attitudes …

The Faculty Recognition Dinner 1999, Western Michigan University

Faculty Recognition

The Faculty Recognition Dinner Program

May 27, 1999

Honored Guests:

• Mary Ann Bush
• Anna Campbell
• Lewis Carlson
• Dennis Darling
• Thomas Deckard
• David Diget
• Susan Hannah
• Robert Humiston
• Edgar Inselberg
• Edward Jayne
• J. Michael Keenan
• Robert Luscombe
• David Lyon
• Marcia Mascolini
• Ruth Ann Meyer
• Philip Micklin
• Ellen Page-Robin
• Ronald Sackett
• Uldis Smidchens
• Charles Spaniolo
• Hans Stolle
• Curtis Swanson
• Shirley Van Hoeven
• Lewis Walker
• Leard Wylie

Faculty Recognition Dinner Photo 1999, Western Michigan University

Faculty Recognition

Faculty Recognition Dinner Photo

May 27, 1999

Photographed:

• David Lyon
• Ronald Sackett
• Leard Wylie
• Thomas Deckard
• Curtis Swanson
• President Elson S. Floyd
• Philip Micklin
• Edgar Inselberg
• J. Michael Keenan
• Charles Spaniolo
• Mary Ann Bush
• Ruth Ann Meyer
• Lewis Walker
• Shirley Van Hoeven
• Robert Luscombe
• Dennis Darling

Western News, May 20, 1999, Western Michigan Univeristy

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: University stops accepting fall 1999 freshman applications; closes class, Senate subcommittee supports funding boost for WMU; conference committee is next step, Year-to-date gifts to WMU Foundation top $9 million, Senate approves research policies, hears presentation on classroom civility, Green campus audit will review University's environmental efforts.

Western News, May 6, 1999, Western Michigan Univeristy

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Name change approved but mission remains same for School of Nursing, WMU again called one of nation's 'best buys', West Point researcher and department head named dean of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, International scholars come to campus to discuss ways to approach Middle Ages, Haworth grad and undergrad programs lauded in successful re-accreditation process, Software award by Houston-based firm will boost work in geosciences.

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of Sex Education Classes On The Hiv/Aids-Related Attitudes And Behaviors Of Adolescent Women, Imelda Reyes-Phetteplace

Honors Theses

Twenty adolescent women using services at the Kalamazoo County Family Planning Clinic were interviewed using a protocol developed by the student investigator. Their responses were analyzed for themes and patterns. The majority of the adolescents were aware of HIV/AIDS and were using condoms on a consistent basis. Using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as the theoretical framework, suggestions were made to help improve area school programs such as practicing role-play during class and offering more classes in greater detail. Many of the adolescents recommended having more classes offered in school that cover the topics of STDs and health education in …

Western News, April 8, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Federal funds will expand elementary skill building, Political science senior is named Truman Scholar, Student-designed Sunseeker solar race car to be unveiled; head for Sunrayce qualifying event, Civil unrest can't match determination in setting up Kandy to Kalamazoo connection, BOT approves name change for new campus chapel to honor national health care pioneer, Levin to speak at ed technology session, Bartley to be honored.

Inaugural Address, President Elson S. Floyd, Elson S. Floyd

WMU Presidential Inaugurations

Moving Forward Together: Listening to the Voices of the Community, Inaugural Address made by President Elson S. Floyd on April 6, 1999.

The Western Michigan University Magazine, Spring 1999, Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University Magazine (1997-present)

• Sherman family increases ties to health care, WMU
• Foundation names volunteer aviard winners
• G.W. and Edna Haworth receive Distinguished Philanthropy Award
• Anonymous donor endows nursing chair
• Medallion Scholarship Committee reports more than $31 ,000 raised at 1999 benefit
• Noteworthy contributions
• Planned giving arrangement benefits Bronco tennis program, four donors
• WMU Foundation elects officers for 1998·99
• Development Office announces staff changes, fills five vacant positions

Spelling Practices In School Districts And Regions Across The United States And State Spelling Standards, Elaine Traynelis-Yurek, Mary W. Strong

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The authors sent a survey during the 1996-97 school year to 670 school districts in 41 states requesting information on spelling instructional practices to ascertain whether spelling texts are still widely used in the United States given the current emphasis on developmental spelling in the primary grades and the March, 1996 publication of the NCTE/IRA standards. In addition, a search of the reading/language arts standards in 50 states in 1998 revealed that most states do have spelling standards, but only a few coincide with the CTE/IRA Standard 6 which mentions spelling.

The Development Of One Teacher's Skills At Instructional Conversation, Becky O'Bryan

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This study examined one teacher's learning and implementing instructional conversations (Tharp and Gallimore, 1988). She received assistance through opportunities to: 1) observe effective examples of instructional conversations; 2) practice skills and get immediate feedback through conversation; 3) read and discuss articles about instructional conversations and questioning techniques; and 4) read and comment on transcripts of lessons and follow-up conversations. Participant-observation, unstructured conversations, and interviews comprised the data, which included transcripts of audio-taped lessons, follow-up conversations, and interviews. There was a gradual shift in the teacher's practices from recitation to instructional conversation. Action, reflection, and collaborative talk became the process of …

Gender And Cultural Differences: A Sociocognitive Perspective On Parent Involvement In Students' Autobiographies, Janine A. Kaste

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This inquiry examined the types of literacy support parents gave their children at home, with fifteen students from a diverse class of 23 third graders, during an eight week integrated unit on writing autobiographies. A naturalistic inquiry approach found pattern differences between genders, with respect to the nature of support given at home. Boys, particularly the African American males, received more explicit guidance than girls did. Understanding the nature of parent literacy support can inform ways to connect home and school literacy experiences.

Article Index

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Index to articles in volume 39.

Author Index

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Index to authors in volume 39.

Children's Literature: What's On The Horizons, Lauren Freedman

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Bierhorst, John (Ed. 1998) The Deetkatoo: Native American stories about little people; Dygard, Thomas J. (1998) River danger; Porte, Barbara A. (1998) Hearsay: Strange tales from the Middle Kingdom; Siebold, Jan. (1998) Rope burn; Stevenson, James. (1998). Mud Flat April fool; Hesse, Karen. (1999) Come on, Rain; Hobbs, Will. (1998) Howling hill; Pyle, Howard. (1998) King stork; San Souci, Robert D. (1998) Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella; Turner, Ann. (1998) Drummer boy: Marching to the Civil War.

Reading Horizons Vol. 39, No. 4

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Complete issue of Reading Horizons volume 39, issue 4.

Process Of Change In Reading Instruction: A Model Of Transition, Beth Hurst

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The purpose of this study was to examine closely the processes, both theoretical and enacted, a teacher undergoes when making changes in methods of reading instruction. A case study using qualitative research methods chronicled a teacher who after 19 years of teaching strictly by the basal began changing toward a balanced literature approach. A model of transition demonstrating this teacher's processes of change is included.

Relationships Between Leader Characteristics, Planned Change And Organizational Culture In A Dynamic Manufacturing Environment, Matthew Chodkowski

Dissertations

The new economic era has been marked by profound global change. In response, researchers and practitioners have called for a rethinking of the conventional concepts of leadership, change, and organizational culture to improve our competitiveness in this turbulent world market. This study investigated the relationships between leader style, leader behavior, leadership paradigm, leader knowledge of change, organizational culture potency, and planned change efficacy in a manufacturing company implementing a high performance work system change initiative. This study intended to contribute to the reconceptualization of the leadership construct and the explication of the leadership-culture-change linkage.

Six hundred and eighty-nine subjects representing …

The Relationship Between Principals' Leadership Characteristics And Characteristics Of Public Middle Schools, Linda S. Schneider-Rediske

Dissertations

Principals’ perceptions of the relationship between middle school leadership characteristics and the relevance and use of middle school characteristics were examined in this study. A systematic random sampling procedure was used to select principals from public middle schools in the State of Michigan. A survey instrument was developed to measure the variables. These variables were determined based on a review of the literature. The reliability of the instrument was obtained using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Spearman rank-ordered correlations were used to determine the strength and direction of the relationships of each hypothesis.

The findings from this study suggest that there …

Devolution Of Power Through Shared Decision Making, Jean Deboer Schmeichel

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the devolution of power as it is expressed by the extent of teacher involvement in shared decision making. Extent of both actual and desired involvement and the differences between them were investigated. Teachers were considered adequately empowered when there was no difference between the actual and desired results. The survey Teacher DecisionMaking Instrument {TDI), developed and validated by Dr. Donna L. Ferrara, was administered to K-12 teachers in a public school district in southeast Michigan.

The larger context of this study is the reform initiative called site-based management (SBM). Seen as an …