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Wmu Board Of Trustees Regular Meeting December 8, 2000, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Minutes of the WMU Board of Trustees meeting include appendices:

• Academic and Student Affairs Committee Recommendations
• Grant Report
• Personnel Report
• Program Revision Requests for 2001-02
• Budget and Finance Committee Recommendations
• Gift Report
• Personnel Report
• Sale of Property
• Capital Outlay Project Request for 2001-02

Using Word Boxes As A Large Group Phonics Approach In A First Grade Classroom, Laurice M. Joseph Ph.D.

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The purpose this study was to explore the effectiveness of word boxes phonics instruction on beginning first-grade children's word identification and spelling performance. Forty-eight children were randomly selected to participate in either the word boxes instruction condition or a more traditional phonics condition. All children were administered a word identification and spelling pretest. At the completion of experimental conditions, children were administered word identification and spelling posttest and transfer measures.

Issues Of Factorial Invariance Inherent In Conceptual Change: Teachers’ Evolving Perceptions Of Classroom Practice, Cynthia C. Phillips

Dissertations

This study explored the extent to which confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) can be used to address the measurement challenges faced by evaluators engaged in the assessment of change; in particular, the interpretation of self-report survey data collected under quasi-experimental conditions. The psychometric principles behind the instruments used to measure change are built on the assumptions that the constructs of interest remain stable and that error and score magnitude alone may vary. This study examined the complications that arise, with respect to the valid use of change scores, when the constructs of interest reflect conceptual change.

CFA techniques are available enabling …

"Why We Do This Is Important": An Inner- City Girl's Attitudes Toward Reading And Writing In The Classroom, Carol Leroy Ph.D.

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This qualitative case study explored an inner-city girl's views on school-based literacy activities in relation to several factors identified in the literature as important to children's attitudes toward reading and writing. They include: intrinsic satisfaction the child gains from the activities, the child's beliefs about the importance of schooling, and her relationship with her teacher. The author/researcher's purpose was to further understanding about ways to enhance children's attitudes toward reading and writing.

The Role Of Storytelling In Effective Family Literacy Programs, Barbara C. Palmer, Sara Marie Leiste, Kim D. James, Shirley M. Ellis

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

The family literacy movement, which emphasizes respect for diversity and the cultural heritage of participants, is gaining momentum. Acknowledging the importance of family-aseducator, researchers have searched for effective strategies to develop children's oral language and literacy more authentically. The art of storytelling provides an excellent vehicle for promoting and enhancing language and literacy development within families. A sampling of effective family literacy programs across the United States revealed that each included storytelling as a vital component.

Reading Horizons Vol. 41, No. 2

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Complete issue of Reading Horizons volume 41, issue 2.

From Mcguffey Readers To Taking Notes On The Sermon: Literacy Experiences In A Catholic Home Schooling Group, Jennifer L. Altieri Ph.D.

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This study looks at the literacy practices of a Catholic home schooling group located in the Pacific North West. Semistructured interviews conducted with each parent in the home schooling group comprised the primary data source. Researchers have called for more research looking at specific teaching practices of such individuals (Cizek &Ray, 1995; Knafle &Wescott 1994) involved with home schooling. Findings of this study revealed that reading aloud was important to all parents. Benefits cited by parents included immediate feedback for children, ability to pace themselves as necessary, and the opportunity to tailor lessons to individual child.

The Safety And Efficacy Of Resistance Training For Chronic Heart Failure Patients, John B. Coleman

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of resistance training (RT) in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. Two retrospective CHF patient groups were assessed pre and post 4-week participation at the Borgess Health and Fitness Center CHF Clinic. The first group participated only in monitored aerobic exercise (AG, N= 10), while the second group participated in monitored aerobic exercise along with the six experimental RT exercises (ARG, N= 10). The safety parameters measured during the aerobic and RT exercises were incidence of new onset arrhythmia and rate pressure products (RPP). The efficacy parameters measured were …

The Effect Of Presentation Media On Student Reading Comprehension, Jeffrey T. Conklin

Dissertations

The purpose o f this study was to investigate the effect of display media on reading comprehension in students with learning disabilities. This research examined two types o f display media, computer screen and paper.

Three groups of subjects were used in this study: (1) readers with learning disabilities, (2) low achieving readers, and (3) average readers. Three instruments were used to gather performance data in this study: a) a standardized measure o f reading comprehension, b) a measure of individual passage comprehension, and c) a measure of vocabulary knowledge using words from the experimental passages.

The data presented in …

Can Principals’ Personality Traits Predict Their Risk-Taking: Uncertainty And Success Orientation As They Relate To Risk Propensity, Bruce A. Evans

Dissertations

This exploratory investigation compared the personality traits uncertainty orientation and success orientation of Michigan principals with their risk-taking propensities. The personality traits were correlated individually with the risk-taking of principals and both traits were combined to examine their additive effect. The principals' personality traits and their risk-taking were also compared by gender.

One-third o f the public school principals in Michigan were chosen and targeted as subjects for study. The study concluded a significant positive correlation between uncertainty orientation and success orientation existed. The Pearson coefficient was r = 0.39. However the alpha level was a = 0.003. The findings …

Public School Principals’ Perceptions In Accredited And Non-Accredited Elementary Schools Regarding Strategies To Improve Student Performance On The Michigan Education Assessment Program, Mattie P. Hampton

Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to investigate whether principals of summary accredited elementary schools and principals of non-accredited elementary schools significantly differ in their perceptions in regards to selected strategies used to prepare students for the Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP). More specifically, this study attempted to address three focused interrelated questions: (I) Will principals of summary accredited elementary schools and principals of nonaccredited elementary schools significantly differ in their perceptions in regards to selected curriculum strategies used to prepare students for the MEAP? (2) Will principals of summary accredited elementary schools and principals of non-accredited elementary schools …

Teacher Perceptions Of Collaboration And Engagement In Five Twenty-First Century Restructuring Schools In Indiana, Cynthia L. Kujawski

Dissertations

School restructuring is a process which can facilitate school improvement. One approach to school improvement is based on the principles of learner-centered instruction. These principles, “by focusing on students and bringing their frames of reference to the implementation of educational innovations” (McCombs & Lambert, 1998, p. 501), relate that more students will be successful in school, and the innovations will be more effective in improving achievement. In Indiana, five restructuring “Indiana 2000” school proposals contained one or more goals for the development of collaboration and teacher-student engagement. Teachers at these restructuring schools completed a 60-item, investigator-created questionnaire designed to assess …

Teachers’ Use Of Instructional Alignment In Michigan Fifth Grade Classrooms And The Relationship Of Use To Student Meap Scores In Writing, John Rasmussen

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which Michigan fifth grade teachers use components of instructional alignment in writing instruction, and then to compare the writing MEAP scores from a sample of fifth grade elementary buildings in Michigan to determine if there was a relationship between writing test scores and (a) teachers’ years of experience; (b) the degree to which fifth grade teachers use the Michigan Model Core Curriculum in writing, the Michigan Curriculum Framework, or local curriculum documents containing this curricula, to plan their lessons; (c) the degree to which teachers perceive they are implementing …

An Account Of Novice Phylogenetic Tree Construction From The Problem-Solving Research Tradition, Terrance E. Brisbin

Dissertations

Both the content and strategic knowledge used in phylogenetic tree construction are described to account for novice performance. A review of the literature is used to place this research with respect to studies in: problem solving studies (both expert, and novice), the history and practice of evolutionary systematics, and the teaching of evolution. The computer-based problem-solving environment is discussed along with model problems used for the research.

Each of the five research problems consists of an encoded matrix containing phylogenetic data organized by taxa and characters. Twelve participants (high school students) volunteered to solve the research problems, on their own …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of School Culture In Relation To Job Satisfaction And Commitment, Mayda Bahamonde-Gunnell

Dissertations

The concepts of culture and climate have been investigated in the corporate world and have been found to relate to increased job satisfaction and commitment. Schools can also benefit from such findings. In the school setting there are a number of studies that have been conducted relating school culture and climate to student achievement, but few have investigated the relationship of school climate and culture to job commitment and satisfaction.

Organizational culture, employee job satisfaction, an d employee commitment are all variables that must be measured in order to investigate how culture affects the organization. In this study, teachers’ perceptions …

An Exploratory Study Of Michigan Grantmaker Attributes And Competencies, Lisa R. Wyatt Knowlton

Dissertations

Foundation trustees and professional staff are giving greater attention to issues of accountability and return on investment, while voices of those with significant experience in the private sector inquire with increasing frequency and vigor about the organizational performance of foundations. For these reasons there must be renewed attention on the competencies and attributes of grantmaking practitioners. This study is a self-assessment by grantmakers based on the construct of Emotional Intelligence (Goleman, 1995) as well as competency studies in organizational management and leadership.

In association with the Council of Michigan Foundations, grantmakers associated with foundations holding in excess of $1 million …

Western News, Nov. 30, 2000, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: WMU shoreline erosion research gets boost from federal funding, Weinger works to repair war-ravaged lives, Rapper; activist Chuck D to speak at MLK convocation, Broncos capture MAC title, McCracken will be incubator's first home, Daniel honored by two states, Curtis-Smith receives coveted Barlow commission for work, Anderson gets HUD award, Joslin is State Dept. guest, Graduate College, research unite in Walwood, On Campus with Stephannnie Harvey, Preparations for WMUK's 50th anniversary celebration will shift into high gear this winter.

Western News, Nov. 9, 2000, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Standout year for gifts and grants reported, BOT gives Floyd high marks, Campus researchers garner nearly $46 million in grants for year, Board approves participation in community 911 initiative, Schwarz to be honored at Dec. 9 ceremony, Quentin Smith to edit Philo, Sanders honored by state group for evaluation work, OT visiting scholar to offer research workshop; speak on developing rehab body of knowledge, Alcohol awareness week will focus on media literacy; cultural issues, On Campus with Victor Manzon, Jazz harmonica legend to perform Nov. 21, 'Piers Plowman' is focus of Loew lecture.

Geosciences Newsletter - 2000, Department Of Geosciences

Geological and Environmental Sciences News

Vol.1, No. 25

• Greetings All
• Faculty News
• Groundwater Education in Michigan News
• Graduate Student News
• Alumni News
• Advisory Council News

Wmu Board Of Trustees Regular Meeting October 27, 2000, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Minutes of the WMU Board of Trustees meeting include appendices:

• Presidential Evaluation/Compensation Recommendation
• Authorization to Confer Degrees
• Recommendation re Honorary Degree
• Recommendation re 2001 Meeting Dates
• Academic and Student Affairs Committee Recommendations

Western News, Oct. 26, 2000, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: E-commerce conference brings industry heavyweights to campus, River work gets $1.5 million from Congress, United Way campaign has DeVries' vote, Kormen Foundation puts LHC interns on organization's front line, Croteau lauded by colleagues, OcTUBAfest marks 25 years, On Campus with Margie Glenn.

Western News, Oct. 12, 2000, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Initiative gears up to improve kids' success, Prominent NPR journalist to speak on campus tonight, Jane Abraham to discuss date rape; club drugs, Meyer named to Hall of Fame, Geisler tapped to lead board, Bellamy earns certification, On Campus with Erin Toner, Atomic physicist from Auburn to explain fifth state of matter.

Teachers Role In Providing Culturally Responsive Literacy Instruction, William Dee Nichols, William H. Rupley, Gwendolyn Webb-Johnson, Gita Tlusty

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Every elementary classroom has children of varying intellectual ability, social or cultural background, language facility, and physical attributes. Today, more than ever, all teachers must be prepared to meet the varying educational, social, and emotional needs of all children. The culture of many students, while different from that upon which much of the U.S. educational system is based, is neither inadequate nor deficient; rather, the problem lies in the educational system.

Reading In The Zone Of Proximal Development: Mediating Literacy Development In Beginner Readers Through Guided Reading, Patricia A. Antonacci

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Because the term direct instruction has been and is used broadly, it has come to define all types of explicit teaching. Thus, a traditional basal approach - where children are grouped for instruction by their abilities (high, average, and low) and where the teaching is often predetermined or scripted - is unwittingly compared to guided reading. The major objective of this article is to demonstrate that the fundamental difference between the two approaches lies in pitching instruction to the child's literacy level and the need for dynamic grouping of children for instruction.

You Can't Pass It On If You Don't Have It: Encouraging Lifelong Reading, Kathy Everts Danielson, Sheri Everts Roger

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Teachers need to demonstrate a love of reading in order to pass it on to their students. This article discusses ways to encourage this love of reading through book groups, reading goals, daily oral and silentreading, and sharing the impact of reading with students.

Reading Horizons Vol. 41, No. 1

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Complete issue of Reading Horizons volume 41, issue 1.

The Western Michigan University Magazine, Fall 2000, Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University Magazine (1997-present)

• Landscape Designer: The University's first vice president for information technology is starting with a clean canvas at WMU.
• Human Capital: Dedicated professor puts students in their political place.
• Basketball Buddies: Bronco head basketball coaches Robert McCullum and Ron Stewart are sharing the same home court for the third time in their careers.
• A Clearer Vision: After a shooting accident claimed his eyesight, helping others with visual impairments has become Paul Ponchillia's life's work.
• University News
• Alumni News
• College News
• Classnotes
• Obituaries
• Athletic News

Interactive Bibliotherapy As An Innovative Inservice Practice: A Focus On The Inclusive Setting, Cynthia M. Morawski, Jenelle Gilbert

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Interactive bibliotherapy (IB) warrants greater attention in the pursuit of innovative inservice education. This paper presents the findings of a study thatexplored IB as an inservice practice to help prepare educators for the roles and responsibilities associated with inclusion. Data collection concentrated on a questionnaire (openended) regarding IB's impact on participants professional and personal development. Discussion of findings, which involved a content analysis of participants' responses, concludes with considerations for practice and research.

Western News, Sept. 28, 2000, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: 'NUPL8' is great for University funding; promoting Bronco spirit, HCOB laptops set campus computing pace, Trustees approve AFSCME contract at Sept. meeting, Weaver tapped by NCTE, Hanley elected to exec board of national professional group, Kreager to lead CEDRS, Portage reappoints Strazdas to lead its planning efforts, On Campus with Alonzo Wilson.

Wmu Board Of Trustees Regular Meeting September 15, 2000, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Minutes of the WMU Board of Trustees meeting include appendices:

• Approval of WMU/AFSCME Contract
• General Fund Budget for 2000/01
• Purchase of Property/Development Agreement
• Purchase of Property on 9th Street