Education Commons^™

Getting Families Involved In Students’ Education Through Home Visits At Midwestern Charter Schools, Hakan Solak

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Home visits are a model of communication after school time when school staff members actually go into students homes to foster a relationship among students, families, and teachers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how home visits take place in a single charter school and how families are involved in the educational process of students at Midwestern Charter Schools.

Thirteen participants from Chicago Math and Science Academia (CMSA) were interviewed via an open-ended questionnaire. Additionally, two home visit observations were made by the primary investigator in the natural setting of the homes of two students. Through this …

Attracting The Bright And Committed Into Teaching: Political Rhetoric Or Practical Reality?, Anne Graham, Renata Phelps, Berenice Kerr, Lee Macmaster

Dr Renata Phelps

This article reports on a university developed board endorsed course (UDBEC), which allows higher school certificate (HSC) students to undertake two units of an undergraduate teaching degree as part of their final year of schooling. The course, Springboard into teaching, is a collaborative initiative of the School of Education at Southern Cross University (SCU) and the Catholic education office (CEO) in Lismore, New South Wales (NSW). The course aimed to attract students to the teaching profession, and targeted motivated and high achieving students with an interest in studying teaching at the local university. This article describes Springboard into teaching, and …

Attracting The Bright And Committed Into Teaching: Political Rhetoric Or Practical Reality?, Anne Graham, Renata Phelps, Berenice Kerr, Lee Macmaster

Professor Anne Graham

This article reports on a university developed board endorsed course (UDBEC), which allows higher school certificate (HSC) students to undertake two units of an undergraduate teaching degree as part of their final year of schooling. The course, Springboard into teaching, is a collaborative initiative of the School of Education at Southern Cross University (SCU) and the Catholic education office (CEO) in Lismore, New South Wales (NSW). The course aimed to attract students to the teaching profession, and targeted motivated and high achieving students with an interest in studying teaching at the local university. This article describes Springboard into teaching, and …

Against The Odds: Influences On The Post-School Success Of 'Low Performers', Sue Thomson, Kylie Hillman

Transition and Post-School Education and Training

The link between academic achievement and labour market outcomes is well established. But how well does a student's achievement in a test predict their later success in life? This study examines this question, with 'success' considered to encompass satisfaction with life together with the extent to which young people are fully occupied with education, employment or a combination of these. Low performers in mathematics in the 2003 Programme for International Student Assessment were the focus. The study found that 'low performing' status has little impact on future success. Further, students who saw the value of mathematics for their future success …

Consistency Of Occupational Choice Between Counselled And Uncounseled Senior Secondary School Students In Northern Cross River State, Pauline Edet, Mary Eyo

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The study specifically seeks to find out the consistency in the occupational choice pattern of counseled and uncounseled students and the influence of gender on occupational preferences of counseled and uncounseled students. Research Hypotheses The following hypotheses were posed in order to help investigate into the consistency of occupational choice between counseled and uncounseled students. 1. There is no significant difference in consistency in the occupational choice pattern of counseled and uncounseled students. 2. Gender has no significant influence on the occupational preferences of counseled and uncounseled students.

The Benefit Of Extracurricular Activities In High School: Involvement Enhances Academic Achievement And The Way Forward, Scott Turner

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Research and data have been cited for over four decades about extra-curricular activities both sports and non sports related. Non sports related reference such activities as government, publication, journalism, math, and non specific leadership. Although there appears to be much data individually supporting each as a whole limited studies seem to be available. Depending on the region many schools urge and push sports as extra-curricular but do not necessarily promote sports for the benefit of the student, unfortunately more-so for the benefit of the school. Just as there were skeptics more than three generations ago today some still exist, stating …

The Evolving School Improvement Fund, Anne-Maree Ruddy, Ellen Prusinski

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The School Improvement Fund (Section 1003(g) of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act) recognizes that schools with high percentages of students in poverty may require additional support in order to help their students achieve academic proficiency. As such, the 1003(g) School Improvement Fund has since 2007 provided competitive funding opportunities to Title I schools considered to be in improvement status under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). The Fund has provided vital financial support necessary to make critical improvements in the teaching and learning environment of grantee schools, including enhancing professional development for teachers, …

Understanding The Stereotypes Against Gifted Students: A Look At The Social And Emotional Struggles Of Stereotyped Students, Kimberly Ely

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Approximately 6% of students enrolled in schools in the United States, grades K-12, are classified as ‘gifted’ (NAGC, 2010). This estimates to roughly 3 million children who are of higher academic achievability than average students. Among these gifted students, some struggle with behavioral, emotional, and social development concerns. Their cognitive abilities set them apart from their peers. Their exceptional abilities can cause anxiety, underachievement, and feelings of isolation from the majority of other students. However, for many of these students, it is the stereotypes regarding intelligence that has brought about their struggles, or perpetuated them. This paper will aim to …

The Impact Of A Writing Center On Cross-Curricular Writing: Teacher Perspectives, Whitney M. Gonzales

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study seeks to examine teacher perspectives on the possible impact of a writing center on writing across content areas. Four secondary level teachers from different content areas were interviewed in order to gather data, which were then transcribed and analyzed inductively from a framework of grounded theory. From the analysis of the data, six major themes emerged, including teacher perspectives on student perceptions, teachers as authorities, assignment and evaluation of writing, the writing center's role, writing as a cross-curricular practice, and collaboration. These themes provided the groundwork for implications and recommendations targeted to writing center practices at the secondary …

Understanding Multiple Perspectives Of African American Males In A Suburban High School, Ravi Hansra Matrenec

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

Research on African American males in high school often looks at their experiences from a deficit perspective, and is often conducted in low resourced, high-risk settings, thus perpetuating the image of failure in school. We know less about how African American males experience education in well-resourced schools. In an attempt to fill this research gap, this qualitative inquiry study explores the schooling experiences of African American males at a predominantly White, affluent, and suburban high school of a major metropolitan city. The focus of this study was to understand how the participants made sense of their schooling experiences, paying special …

Undergraduate Commencement Exercises Program, May 22, 2010

Bryant University Commencements

Undergraduate Commencement Exercises Program, May 22, 2010.

Graduate School Commencement Exercises Program, May 20, 2010

Bryant University Commencements

Graduate School Commencement Exercises Program, May 20,2010.

Exploring Brain-Based Instructional Practices In Secondary Education Classes, Constance Darcy Jack

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Research on how the brain perceives, processes, stores, and retrieves information is important to guide pedagogy, yet many schools continue to promote practices that are inconsistent with practices suggested by brain research. Brain-based teaching practices promote a more holistic approach to teaching that acknowledges the interconnectedness of the brain and how it naturally learns.

In order to explore brain-based teaching practices, this study focused on a high school (grades 9-12) in southwestern Idaho to determine whether teachers’ perceptions of their use of brain-based teaching strategies are consistent with the strategies they demonstrate in the classroom. Data included two original instruments: …

Economic Conditions And Employment Prospects: Examining The Experiences Of Bryant University Graduates In The Labor Market, Jeffrey Steacie

Honors Projects in History and Social Sciences

Many authors have researched and identified trends in employment during good and bad economic times. The recent financial meltdown warrants a reexamination of these trends to see if they coincide with previous recessions and what lessons can be learned for those graduating and attempting to find employment. This report details the varying circumstances surrounding college graduates as they seek employment during times of both economic prosperity (or booms) and less fortunate times of economic busts (recessions). This is important since these trends may identity both potential roadblocks and benefits for gainful employment and future opportunities. Graduation is also a crucial …

Predictive Modeling Of Alumni Donor Behavior, Lauren Prue

Honors Projects in Mathematics

In recent years, college and universities have relied increasingly upon the charitable contributions of its previous graduates; as the costs of tuition rise substantially, development offices are facing the challenge of creating annual fund campaigns that are minimally expensive while providing the maximum potential for return. This study addresses the available constituent database at one University in particular in an effort to identify what criteria are the strongest predictors of donor response at a small, private university located within New England. The analysis utilized predictive modeling and data-mining largely within the software program Rapid Insight to build several models in …

Non-Profit Organizations In A Down Economy: The Financial Performance Of Higher Education Institutions In The New England Area, Yuanjun Li

Honors Projects in Finance

An economic recession affects an entire economy, including the non-profit sector. The impact could result from changes in government support, a decrease in donations, investment income, service fees or a combination. Many private universities and colleges, which rely on tuition and endowment, have been affected by a dip in enrollments, while their endowments shrink because of the recession and declining stock values. This study will examine how an economic recession can affect non-profit organizations, focusing on private, four-year higher education institutions in New England. Different types and sizes of schools will be affected differently. Since the large, well-known schools have …

Financial Literacy: The Impact Of Financial Training In High School On The Credit Behavior Of College Students, Lisa Tenaglia

Honors Projects in Finance

Managing credit is increasingly important not only for adults, but for college students. In recent years with sky rocketing tuition and easily available credit, college students find themselves with increasing debt burdens that result in serious and lasting financial problems. In response, financial literacy programs are emerging in hopes that better educated people will make healthy financial decisions, as well as responsibly manage credit. Research suggests that financial education should begin in high school so that young adults can effectively manage credit during the college years. This study assesses both college students’ financial knowledge and their credit management practices. Specifically, …

Making Waves With Critical Literacy, Carolyn Fortuna

Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview

A qualitative study undertaken in 2007 that explores the application of critical literacy pedagogy within English language arts classes of an upper middle class public high school. Results demonstrate that when students recontextualize their own modalities, literacies, and cultures as part of their learning experience, they begin to understand the concept of social justice for all.

The Impacts Of Co-Teaching On The General Education Student, Alicia Parker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate four research questions concerning the impact of co-teaching on general education students educated within a classroom inclusion model. General education students who received instruction during their 10th-grade year in a co-taught language arts or mathematics class were compared with other 10th-grade students receiving instruction from the same teacher but without the additional co-teacher. Achievement data from the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) were gathered on these students. The state of Florida calculates and reports developmental scale scores (DSS) for students taking the FCAT. These scores are calculated to track student progress over …

Perceptions Of Teachers & School Leaders On Competencies Of Teachers & Training Needs, Sailesh Sharma

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Government of Thailand recognizes the need of Human Resources Development of teaching professionals as a key to maintain standards of education at an internationally competitive level. Considering the large number of teachers currently in service whose expertise in new teaching and learning approaches will be critical in implementing the educational reform, it is surprising that very little work has been done in planning, developing and delivering training in new teaching and learning methods. The biggest impact of the teaching and learning reform rests with the teachers currently in the classrooms and yet little attention has been given to (a) developing …

Achieving Academic Success In Algebra, Jennifer Geno

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

When we look at landmark legislation that significantly impacted the face of education in our country, we often think of events such as the passage of the Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, whereby students with disabilities would now be brought into our public school system and educated alongside of their non-handicapped peers. We may also think of the landmark decision in Oliver L. Brown et. al. v. The Board of Education of Topeka (Kansas) in 1954, abolishing legalized racial segregation within the United States public school system. In 2006, the ground significantly shifted again for educators-at least …

Growing Pains: Transitional Issues In Higher Education, Louis Fletcher

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

High school provides a structured environment which moves young adults through a daily routine of educational and social activities. Teachers and administrators are openly concerned about the student’s feelings and attitudes toward the overall educational experience. Parents are usually close at hand to encourage and empower their students through the tough times. They also provide financial support and transportation, at a minimum, when things are routine. Secondary education is intended to be a warm cocoon which nurtures the student-caterpillar into a well adjusted young butterfly within a parent-teacher chrysalis. Higher education has not traditionally provided the aforementioned structure; therefore, the …

Impact Of The Media On The Senior Secondary School Students Performance In Speech Work In English Language, G.O. Oyinloye, I.O. Adeleye

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Most Nigerian students learn English Language as a second Language (L2).They have acquired their mother tongues (L1) and are very proficient in them before entering the school. In most cases, many secondary school students do not have the opportunity to use English language at home. For such students, English Language learning and use is restricted to the classroom. Therefore, these students use their mother tongue more in the school environment, at home and for interpersonal relationships. These practices are negatively affecting the production of some sounds in English Language, which is the language of education, government, commerce and international communication.

Impact Of Total Quality Control Measures On Secondary School Students’ Academic Performance In Ogun State, A. Adenaike, O.S. Olaniyi

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The pride of educational system depends not just on the quantity but more importantly, on the quality of its products at all levels. The quality of the products in turn depends largely on the quality of the education diet that students receive in Secondary Schools and which is also dependent upon the standard of control that teachers and students enjoy. It has been observed that, the problem of adequate and effective quality control has been responsible for producing students who remain half-baked and could not assist the society in which they find themselves (Erinle & Abioye, 2003). The problem of …

Influence Of Resources Allocation In Education On Secondary School Students’ Outcome In Nigeria., Olabanji Obadara, Abayomi Alaka

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

School finance is concerned with the mobilization and allocation of resources to schools. School finance issues are of paramount concern to all levels of educational system both at federal, state, and local government level. The child’s future as well as the future of a society in general, depends largely on the quality of the educational system. The high expectation of the society for students and teachers to perform at higher levels, and for schools to guarantee the success of all students, the question of how best to support the expectation through effective and efficient allocation resources becomes even more critical.

Re-Visiting Secondary School Science Teachers Motivation Strategies To Face The Challenges In The 21st Century, Jacobson Nbina

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Education is considered as the most valuable tool for human building. FRN (2004) make it clear that government recognizes education as the greatest investment that the nation can make to bring about civilization, modernization, development and socio-economic progress.

Promoting Effective Home-School Connections For The English Language Learner, Meredith Gibbons

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

It was a typical day as a reading specialist in Mrs. Kyle’s second grade classroom. It was an energetic classroom of twenty-four students in a small school situated just outside of an urban school district. As Mrs. Kyle instructed the rest of the group, I sat with a small group of remedial reading students in the back of the room. It wasn’t uncommon for a large percentage of English Language Learners (ELL) to be referred to the reading specialist, and subsequently, qualify for reading support services. These students typically received a considerable number of additional services, including reading, ELL instruction, …

Relationship Between Principals And Teachers’ Perceptions Of Principals’ Performance Of Staff Development And Students Personnel In Secondary Schools, Delta Central Senatorial District, Nigeria, E.D. Nakpodia

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The success of any organisation solely depends upon the quality and efficiency of its staff personnel , who perform the functions necessary for the fulfilment of stated goals and objectives. These assumptions is as applicable to the school system as it is to any organisation involving human efforts. The extent to which the quality of education succeeds will depend strictly upon the quality of the personnel engaged in the educational process, and upon the effectiveness with which they carry out individual and group responsibilities. (Nakpodia, 2006)

School Accreditation: An Opportunity For Administrator Professional Development, Trudy Salsberry, Annie Diederich

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

School accreditation is generally viewed as a means of assuring quality in terms of programs, personnel, services, and operations. Accreditation in P-12 schools is generally conducted by state agencies and/or non-profit organizations. One prominent non-profit organization, Advanced, is now “involved with 23,000 public and private schools and districts in 30 states and 65 countries and serving nearly 15 million students. This organization is generally considered one of the world’s largest educational communities and the recent creation of Advanced is the beginning of a new journey in the century-long histories of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement …

Teachers’ Qualification On Instructional Objectives Preference And Performance., Chinelo Duze

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

This study involved teachers who participated in a short in-service training course in Data Management and Processing organized for science teachers by a private computer training school in Anambra State of Nigeria during one of the long vacations. The programme was designed to upgrade and update participants’ knowledge, skills, and competence in Data Management and Processing, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and efficiency as teachers and administrators in managing school data and statistics for educational policy and programme implementation. Set objectives were expected to be accomplished at the end of the programme. To achieve this, the various units to be studied, …