Education Commons^™

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jeffrey N. Novotny

Graduate Research Papers

Principals are leaders who must use their personal characteristics, morals, ethics and knowledge to successfully lead their staff and community. When a principal develops and understands his personal qualities and applies them. his school will have the leadership component necessary for success. This paper is my attempt to learn about myself through reflection and education. It is a compilation of my beliefs on leadership, schooling, education, others and myself--all of which will guide me when I become a school administrator.

Creating And Maintaining A Safe Environment In The Public High School : A Reflective Essay, Chris Anderson

Graduate Research Papers

School violence is an unfortunate fact of life in our society. Administrators need to consider multiple variables when deciding how to deal with violence in their building. The climate of the community must be taken into consideration. In a large metropolitan school with a history of violence, measures such as metal detectors and armed security guards may be justified. At a rural school such measures might be considered an overreaction. Furthermore, in this age of shrinking budgets an administrator may have difficulty justifying expenditures for metal detectors and guards in a school without a history of violence. The answer for …

Reflections On The Roles And Values Of Educational Leaders : A Reflective Essay, Scott Schipper

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on my personal, philosophical perspective on education, the purpose of school, and my values and beliefs relative to educational leadership. I think it is valuable for educational leaders to reflect upon their philosophies of education. It serves as a reminder to them of why they are in education and how they go about obtaining their own personal goals. These beliefs that I will be sharing have been formulated over my years of teaching and from my experiences throughout this leadership program.

Reactive Attachment Disorder : Diagnosis, Assessment, And Treatment, Kimberly A. Rees

Graduate Research Papers

In recent years, there has been an increasing trend toward the use of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) as a diagnosis to describe myriad problem behaviors and disturbed interactions between infants, young children and their caregivers. There is considerable disagreement about what RAD actually entails and, in particular, what types of assessments and treatment interventions to use with affected children and families (Hanson & Spratt, 2000). This paper is intended to clarify what the current research states about Reactive Attachment Disorder. It includes the definitions and diagnosis, importance of attachment, biological components, risk factors later in life, assessment, and treatment available …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Cindy Roerig

Graduate Research Papers

I believe in visionary, instructional, organizational, collaborative, ethical, and political leadership in administrating a school community. I know all students can achieve quality education if the right accommodations are developed for each learning situation. Administrators need to promote educational excellence for all stakeholders. As an administrator, I will promote and advocate for a school community where all students will learn and achieve lifelong knowledge and skills so they can become future leaders in our society. I believe educators must be held accountable for every student to reach their maximum potential in achieving academic and social success. As a principal, my …

Attachment Disorders And Personality Disorders : A Possible Connection, Jen Sacora

Graduate Research Papers

Researchers now propose that attachment theory can be applied beyond childhood. They believe attachment exists in adulthood and influences adult relationships. Possible connections between personality disorders and well-known approaches to personality development such as attachment theory have been made (Brennan & Shaver, 1998).

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between parent-infant attachment which influence adult relationships and psychopathology. Theories of personality development as they relate to attachment will be explored as well as influence of early childhood experiences on personality. Finally, possible connections between attachment disorders and personality disorders will be speculated.

Academic Advising Strategies For The At-Risk Student, Angie K. Tudor

Graduate Research Papers

"They often come to class without a pen or paper, put off buying a textbook, do not complete initial assignments, become erratic in attendance, and one day, they simply disappear" (Rouche, 1993, p.37). This description of an at-risk student was provided by a faculty member expressing concern over the plight of this unique category of students in higher education. At-risk students are students who, through no fault of their own, have been denied some of the advantages granted to the majority of college students. "These advantages include growing up in a loving, supportive family, having adequate financial resources, or having …

Designing A Web Page To Facilitate Communication, Lori B. Lee

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this action research project was to build a teacher-controlled web page that would facilitate communication between home, community, and school. The web site contained information about administration, athletics (including schedules), honor roll and awards, faculty and staff information, advisor/advisee programs, academic information with assignments, special events, and students of the week.

Twenty-three seventh grade parents volunteered to respond to surveys about their communication with the staff at the Nashua-Plainfield Middle School and the implementation of the middle school web site.

The response by the parents indicated that they liked the monthly news, information on assignments, and athletic …

Adult Distance Learners In Distance Education : A Literature Review, Yu Cao

Graduate Research Papers

Distance education is a current reality creating new opportunities and challenges for educational institutions, offering students expanded choices in where, when, how and from whom they learn, and making education accessible to a large population, especially for adult learners. This paper intends to present and discuss some of the most current research on the issues which influence adult distance learners' learning process. And help the school administrators, distance course designers and distance instructors to truly understand adult distance learners and their learning needs; design an effective and efficient learning environment and experience; facilitate adult learners' learning, provide learners' support to …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, James Muench

Graduate Research Papers

The area of school administration has never been one for easy success. It has always been left wide open for criticism and debate from many different groups of people and community organizations. Since the beginning of this great nation, leaders have debated on the best methods and techniques of educating the children. School leaders have changed with the times just like other leaders in our society. Adjustment and change will always be an important aspect of the success of education.

The Role Of Invented Spelling In Early Literacy, Nancy Carper

Graduate Research Papers

An awareness and understanding of invented spelling in early literacy were presented in this research paper. The developmental stages and guidelines associated with invented spelling were discussed. Advantages and problems of invented spelling were examined. Conclusions were drawn from the literature review and recommendations were stated for future research concerning invented spelling.

Understanding Brain-Based Instruction And The Technology Connection For Improved Teaching And Learning, Tammy Wawro

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to give educators a brief description of the parts of the brain, the implications of the brain on learning, and an understanding of how technology can help in this way of teaching and learning. Many experienced and well respected brain researcher's works are cited as examples and used as references, including but not limited to Slywester, Jensen, and Kovalik. By utilizing what researchers have found, and integrating their own experience and knowledge, educators can find best practices that will help to promote student learning.

The Effects Of Affirmative Action On Students Of Color Applying To Four-Year Institutions, Cathy M. Ketton

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research is to examine the history, pros and cons of Affirmative Action, and the effects affirmation action has in the college and university admissions process of four-year institutions. Furthermore, this paper encompasses the benefits of valuing and aggressively seeking diversity of students and faculty on America's college campuses.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kimberly S. Kazmierczak

Graduate Research Papers

Administration is a journey of discovery. This reflective paper is the testament discovery for one administrator who is not the same person as she was one year ago. The anniversary of acceptance to take a position in administration has passed and has found this administrator with newly found confidence, knowledge and purpose to constantly improve and never cease to learn.

This paper is a reflection of the cognitive and affective gains made by one administrator in her first year. It demonstrates what practical application while learning can do for the professional career of a future administrator. "A leader who plans, …

A Personal Professional Vision For Elementary Principalship : A Reflective Essay, Doreen A. Knuth

Graduate Research Papers

The business of running public schools to prepare our youngsters to be productive members of society is a very complex task. It is not enough to simply have a vision based on values and beliefs, but one must also possess the necessary skills to · transform that vision into reality. Dr. Lorraine Monroe, a successful leader in the field of educational leadership, sums this up by saying, "Most important is that the leader continue not only to believe in the dream and the need to pursue it but also to do the hard brain work of never doubting its importance," …

Promoting Learning Goals In The Classroom : A Preventative Approach To Motivational Problems, Marc Groen

Graduate Research Papers

This paper explores the implications of achievement goal theory for addressing motivational problems in the classroom. First, the basic elements of achievement goal theory are described and relevant empirical research that follows from this framework is reviewed. Next, the implications of achievement goal theory for designing motivationally healthy classroom environments as well as the potential obstacles to successful implementation of these design principles are examined.

A major conclusion of this review is that achievement goal theory provides an important preventative approach to addressing motivational problems in the classroom. Implications of this preventative approach to addressing motivational problems for the school …

Relational Aggression In Early Adolescent Girls, Sara M. Bucknam

Graduate Research Papers

There are differences in aggressive behavior between early adolescent boys and girls. Girls use relational aggressive methods to gain control over their peers. In general, schools do not directly address this form of aggression. School counselors are in the position to reduce relational aggression in schools. Assessment must first be performed in order to address the level of aggression in girls. This can be completed through questionnaires or focus groups. There are several prevention and intervention methods that be incorporated in schools. These methods can reduce relational aggression in early adolescent girls.

How To Develop And Design A Webquest, Amy Neville

Graduate Research Papers

This review will help to solve the problem of not knowing how to develop and design a WebQuest. A WebQuest is "an inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the Web. WebQuests are designed to use learners' time well, to focus on using information rather than looking for it, and to support learners' thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation" (Dodge, 2001, p. 1). They help teach research skills using the Internet. By learning how to write a WebQuest, an educator would be able to integrate one into his/her …

Effective Bilingual Practices For Early Childhood Reading And Language Arts :/ A Professional Development Seminar And Model Thematic Unit For English-Spanish Bilingual Educators, Priscila Palomino De Piper

Graduate Research Papers

This project provides a workshop framework for the implementation of effective bilingual practices in early childhood reading and language arts. It is designed as a series of workshops for English-Spanish bilingual educators, with the purpose of providing ideas and strategies to support the development of reading and language arts programs in both languages. It is important to point out that the success of a language program relies not only on excellent research, but also on the support of parents, teachers, administrators and the whole community. It is important to believe that no language is superior to any other, that the …

Aggression In The Classroom, Heid Reaman

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined how aggression in the classroom influenced the learning climate. Types of aggression and causal factors were discussed. Guidelines for teachers on the successful management of student aggression were presented. Also, conclusions were drawn from the literature, and recommendations were made to help teachers in the classroom by improving their skills concerning student aggression.

Corporate Universities : What Companies Should Know, Megan Riley

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews the research conducted about corporate universities. Our society lives in constant change, in regards to roles, skills, careers, and technology. Continual staff development seems to be requiring technology, as corporate universities are becoming more evident throughout the business world. Corporate universities differ from traditional training programs by providing employees with cutting edge information, in order to keep the company competitive. The research cited in this paper addresses the need to constantly update and transform their training programs, so that employees maintain and enhance their role as a productive and lifelong learner.

Dvd Technology For Educational Purposes, Donald J. Devore

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature is about the technology of the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD). Provided is a brief overview of information in the area of DVD technology world, the evolution of DVD technology, areas that have enhanced educational advancement, and directions to be explored.

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Team-Teaching Involving General And Special Education Teachers In Early Childhood Programs, Lesley Janelle Ehlers

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examined the effects of team teaching in early childhood programs. Variations of team teaching were described. Benefits, as well as problems, associated with team teaching were also discussed. Guidelines were presented for educators concerning the successful implementation of team teaching. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for educators interested in team teaching.

The Constructivist-Based Approach : The Better Choice For Learning, Consuella Eugene

Graduate Research Papers

With the integration of technology in the classroom, the constructivist-based approach encourages students to utilize their minds in a scholastic and a creative manner. Students are encouraged to learn via creativity, experience, experimentation, and teamwork. Teachers are able to organize information around conceptual clusters of problems and questions as opposed to learning facts in isolation. This approach is based upon the idea that students construct their own knowledge, rather than reproducing someone else's knowledge.

The advantages of the constructivist-based approach will be clearly noted and described by this researcher exploring the learning environments for students, students learning, student involvement, evaluation …

Indivisible, With An Education For All : Differentiation Strategies Used In A Multi-Categorical Classroom, Stephanie Elizabeth Francis

Graduate Research Papers

This article focuses on a pilot study that examines the effectiveness of differentiation strategies when used in a multi-categorical classroom. The writer, a gifted and talented facilitator in a rural Iowa school district, team taught with two other teachers in a classroom where identified learning-disabled and gifted students were clustered together. The purpose of this clustering was to determine the impact of alternative strategies upon special needs students when implemented in a common learning environment. The writer concludes that with careful planning, differentiation can be a positive instructional strategy in a multi-categorical classroom. She also offers recommendations for educators and …

Implementing Student-Led Conferences, Allyson Forney

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the effects of conducting student-led conferences. Benefits, as well as problems, associated with conducting student-led conferences were discussed. Guidelines were presented for teachers to conduct effective student-led conferences. Conclusions were drawn from the literature, and recommendations were made for the future implementation of student-led conferences.

Establishing Literature Circles In One Middle School Teacher's Classroom, Kristin M. Englert Gehrke

Graduate Research Papers

Literature circles are a popular method of reading instruction in middle school classrooms. Literature circles are when small groups of students choose one book to read and then meet to discuss it. Students are taught how to discuss a book and use response journals. Implementing literature circles into a reading curriculum requires a great deal of planning. A teacher must make decisions about structure, themes, response journals, discussion groups, assessment and final projects.

Literature circles are an evolving teaching method and will not always work the same way each time they are used. I found literature circles to be a …

When The Wildebeest Gets Your Berries : Adolescent Anger Management, Patresa A. Hartman

Graduate Research Papers

This study presents a review of literature regarding adolescent anger management. Problematic anger is defined as externalizing or internalizing behaviors that occur frequently enough and at a high enough level of intensity to: (1) disrupt one's everyday functioning at school, home, and/or in the community; and (2) impair one's relationships with others and one's own self-concept. The causes can be traced to a myriad of possible sources: cognitive problems; developmental problems; chronic irritability, agitation, volatility, or mood instability; or environmental stressors.

This review of studies regarding adolescent anger management programs leads to the following suggestions for school psychologists: (1) understand …

The Trend Of Academic Achievement And Retention For Immigrant Latino Youth, Pamela Humphrey

Graduate Research Papers

This paper discusses the trend of academic achievement and retention for Latino immigrant youth. Research indicates that the general trend for Latino youth is negative – generally achievement is lower than any other immigrant ethnic group, and the drop out rate is higher than for any other ethnic group. Factors such as language and methods of learning, segregation, poverty, low parental involvement in education, discrimination, and stress due to immigration have been identified as factors contributing to low academic success.

The ways in which schools deal with immigrant students is also discussed. Further research is needed on immigrant Latino families …

Phonics Or Whole Language : Choosing The Most Effective Approach To Teach Reading, Alisha Sue Jobe

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the literature concerning the phonics reading approach and the whole language reading approach at the primary grade level. Benefits, as well as problems, associated with phonics and whole language were discussed. Guidelines were presented for teachers to use with the best reading approaches for children in the primary grades. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for teaching reading successfully to primary-age children.