Education Commons^™

Case Study On The Journey Of An Elementary School Labeled As A Persistently Low-Achieving School, Annette Duncan

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study examined an elementary school, located in an urban school district, which was labeled as a Persistently Low-Achieving School (PLAS) by the federal government in 2009 in order to determine how the school planned to change leadership and staff; increase student achievement; and implement new approaches for changes in school climate.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the response of this school in the following areas:

1. Professional Practices of Teachers and Administrators: What impact did the PLAS label have on the professional practices of teachers and administrators in this building?

2. Curriculum and Academic Achievement: What …

A Study Of Cultural Orientation And Attitudes And Meaning Toward Play: A Cross Cultural Investigation Among Emerging Adulthood In The People Republic Of China, Hong Kong, And United States, Winnie Wing-Sze Wong

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine play among emerging adults in the People Republic of China, Hong Kong, and the United States. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the respondents' perceptions of play and their personal cultural orientation. The study also explored the relationship between respondents' perceptions of play's importance and their cultural orientation. Respondents' frequency of play was also studied to determine whether there were relationships between frequency of play, countries of origin, and personal cultural orientation. Finally, the study considered the interactive effects among perceptions of play, play's importance, personal …

Student-Centered Literacy Instruction: An Examination Of An Elementary Teacher's Experience, Carolyn Marie Wiezorek

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In this qualitative study, I examined and interpreted the literacy instruction of a fourth grade instructor who identified herself as a student-centered teacher. I sought to understand and interpret the beliefs and attitudes of my participant, Julie. Through seven unstructured interviews and five observations, I collected, and simultaneously interpreted, data. Julie freely shared her beliefs, successes, challenges, and frustrations regarding her literacy instruction.

Because of the contextual nature of the study I sought emerging themes through analysis and reflection. Four themes surfaced: attitude and philosophy, environment, instructional practices, and impact on students. Julie possessed an attitude that all students could …

Learning Transfer Of Geospatial Technologies In Secondary Science And Mathematics Core Areas, Curtis P. Nielsen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to investigate the transfer of geospatial technology knowledge and skill presented in a social sciences course context to other core areas of the curriculum. Specifically, this study explored the transfer of geospatial technology knowledge and skill to the STEM-related core areas of science and mathematics among ninth-grade students. Haskell's (2001) research on "levels of transfer" provided the theoretical framework for this study, which sought to demonstrate the experimental group's higher ability to transfer geospatial skills, higher mean assignment scores, higher post-test scores, higher geospatial skill application and deeper levels of transfer application than the …

A Case Study Of One Iowa Female Elementary School Principal's Journey Into Administration, Angela J. Fowler

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The representation of women in educational administration fluctuated throughout history from the 1900s to present day. Presently, women represent over 53% of all elementary school principals in Iowa; but documentation of their specific stories and perspectives is infrequent. I conducted this research with the intent to build upon the qualitative research studies previously completed on educational leadership; specifically lo include an ethnographic account of one female's story in an urban school district.

Through a series of in-depth interviews and participant observations, I gained the perspective of one female elementary school principal in Iowa's experiences into and through the principalship. In …

Intensive Mentoring : Stimulators Of And Barriers To Coaching, Spiritual Guiding And Discipling Relationships, David Alan De Jong

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

After reviewing data from over 600 case studies of mentoring, Stanley and Clinton (1993) concluded many people long for intensive mentoring relationships yet miss out on opportunities because they simply do not understand the true nature of mentoring. The stories of my intensive mentors and their mentors will bring greater clarity, depth, breadth, and an applied perspective to intensive mentors on Stanley and Clinton's mentorship continuum. The goal of my qualitative research was to provide an opportunity for the reader to connect to my story and the stories of my mentors to draw conclusions for themselves concerning pieces of the …

Feedback : Best Practices For Effectiveness, Hanne Elizabeth Wuertz

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The focus of this paper is on the use of formative assessment in classrooms which is increasingly becoming a widespread practice in education today. More specifically, the paper examines the role feedback (a crucial element of formative assessment) plays in student achievement. Feedback and the way it is defined, delivered, and used impacts the effectiveness of formative assessment. In addition, decisions about, and changes in, instruction are often made based on what is communicated through feedback. Thus, this paper defines feedback, discusses best practices for effective feedback, and describes how school psychologists can encourage and help facilitate the use of …

A Qualitative Study Of New Secondary Teacher Attrition In An Iowa Urban School Setting, James E. Dostal

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The teaching profession is constantly changing and with it comes the challenges and difficulties of teaching in the 21 st century. The challenge of the teaching profession for new teachers creates various levels of differing frustrations. These various frustrations are the reason why new teacher attrition is high not only in the United States but also more specifically, in the urban setting of Iowa schools. The focus of this study is to provide current explanations of why new teachers decide to leave teaching within the first five years of entering the profession. With the intent of understanding why specific teachers …

Exploring New Roles Of Classroom Teachers In Iowa Communities Experiencing Rapid Ethnic Diversification, Cindy R. Lewis

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Non-English speakers are currently the fastest growing population group in Iowa schools. Immigrant and refugee families are choosing in record numbers to make Iowa their home. Across the state, newcomers are added daily to classroom rosters, and teachers are challenged to meet the unique social, emotional, and educational needs of students.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how selected teachers in classrooms across Iowa have responded personally and professionally to an evolving socio-political climate. The study examined how professional roles have been redefined and how teachers have responded to the changes. Three research questions guided this qualitative …

Best Practices Of Individual Family Service Plans And Analyses Regarding Quality Outcomes, Ashley M. Andrew

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This quantitative research study provides information regarding best practices of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs). Research on the content, family-centeredness, and outcomes in IFSPs will be discussed. Evidence suggests that although expected content within IFSPs are clearly defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), professionals have a lack of consensus on what IFSPs should include, lack family­ centeredness, and have minimal understanding of a clearly defined outcome according to IDEA. In addition, this study provides additional data regarding quality outcomes. The researcher rated 120 outcomes in IFSPs against a state rubric. Data indicated that although empirical research states …

Asking School Psychologists How Job Satisfaction Can Be Increased, Justin S. Janssen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

School psychology faces retention issues due to a current and projected shortage of school psychologists and the large number of baby boomers getting ready to retire. Meeting this need becomes vital in order to prevent negative effects of the shortage from continuing. Research has supported a link between job satisfaction and retention in the school psychology research as well as in job satisfaction research in general. Much of the current literature on the job satisfaction of school psychologists, however, focuses only on the identification of correlates with job satisfaction and largely avoids asking practitioners how their job satisfaction can be …

Being In The World : An Existential Inquiry Of Knowing One's Self Through A Personal Project : In The Context Of Dissertation Survival, Tomoe Kitajima

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study--a philosophical exploration, partly in an autoethnographical account--provides an empirical demonstration that one's personal project has a strong and positive impact on the dissertation process both for endurance to complete the process and for quality of the product. The concept of project is often explained as one's pursuit of his or her most important philosophical issues. This dissertation originated in the very beginning of my doctoral education in summer 2000 when I first encountered the man behind the coffee shop counter. In his life story he expressed a strong question about the problem of knowledge and authentic living. How …

The Role Of Animal-Assisted Therapy In Initial Psychotherapy Sessions With Adolescents, Erin B. Stromberg

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is defined as "a goal directed intervention in which an animal, meeting specific criteria, is an integral part of the treatment process" (Nebbe, 1995, p. 40). Since its first introduction into the scientific community in the 1960s, AAT has grown in both recognition and application. This is primarily attributable to the characteristics of AAT that allow it to be appropriate for a wide range of populations. These qualities are shown to be especially effective in research with children (Menzies Inc., 2003). Interventions that exercise the advantageous qualities of AAT, and its service in promoting the well being …

Special Issues In Engaging And Collaborating With Families Of English Language Learners, Stephanie Allison Strouse

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Research demonstrates positive outcomes associated with family involvement (Fl), but little exists specific to English Language Learners' (ELLs) FI. Factors impacting FI are identified, but it is unclear which educators view as most significant and what practices are implemented to address them. This study utilized survey data to examine educators' attitudes within an Iowa Area Education Agency regarding FI of ELLs, current practices, perceptions of practices' effectiveness, and professional development (PD) related to ELLs. Participants reported positive relationships with families of ELLs and that ELL families value education, yet only moderate satisfaction with ELL FI. Results indicate incongruity between common …

Leadership Distinctions : The Impact Of Leadership On Teachers Of Second Chance Reading, Rebecca Sue Williams

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Second Chance Reading (SCR), an instructional framework that targets and supports struggling adolescent readers and determined to be a sound and viably researched framework, can assist teachers in building and supporting proficient and lifelong learners when implemented as intended. This study examined educators from five unique communities who recently implemented the program. Four key questions guided the research and became the focus during semi-structured purposive interviews. (1) What was the relationship between Second Chance Reading teachers and principal leadership? (2) What leadership qualities were necessary to support Second Chance Reading teachers? (3) What barriers were preventing teachers from accomplishing their …

Assistive Technology For Students With Disabilities: Resources And Challenges Encountered By Teachers, Dawn Larae Jacobsen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Assistive technology may be a solution for students with disabilities who are struggling to achieve academic growth; however, the consideration for assistive technology process is not prevalent in schools.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to take an in-depth look at the processes and factors that teachers of students with disabilities used in considering, adopting, and utilizing assistive technology to meet the needs of their students. Three teachers in one rural school shared the resources and challenges they encountered in the assistive technology process. Furthermore, using Rogers's Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Davis's Technology Acceptance Model as theoretical frameworks, …

Bullying Policies In Iowa Schools, Terri A. Buettell

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This review examines research on bullying. Bullying is defined, along with the various roles filled by children, including bully, assistant, reinforcer, defender, outsider, or victim. The outcomes for participants and the systems in which they interact are cause for action. Bullying usually occurs in the school setting, making it an appropriate environment for intervention. Components of successful programs are discussed, specifically, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS), and Bully Busters, highlighting the successes associated with them and the importance of the teacher's role, along with increasing awareness in the school, organizational strategies, and rewards and consequences …

Teachers’ Efficacy And Perceived Role In Dropout Prevention, Brent O'Rourke

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Researchers have studied potential reasons behind high school dropout for many years. This research has primarily focused on characteristics inherent to the student and has typically labeled them as being the main determinants for why students decide to drop out. Certainly student characteristics are important when looking at dropout, however there are other factors external to the student that may contribute to their leaving school. One such factor would be other individuals that students deal with on a daily basis while at school. Teachers may play a very important role in preventing school dropout. By interacting positively with students, especially …

Comparing Middle School Students' Learning And Attitudes In Face-To-Face And Online Mathematics Lessons, Clayton M. Edwards

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Online learning has become a staple within education for college students, and has started to enter high schools. While this instructional delivery system has been shown to work for older students, few studies have involved middle school students. If this trend toward online teaching of younger students continues, online learning could become a large part of education for middle school students, making research in this area important.

Multiple positive and negative aspects have been identified for online learning. Positive characteristics include individualized pacing; electronic resources, and the opportunity for rapid or personalized feedback, while negative aspects address increased student responsibility …

A Consideration Of Positive Behavior Supports Through A Preschool Lens, Theresa J. Stevenson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Positive Behavior Supports is a research-based, systemic approach to supporting . positive behaviors and structured responses to negative behaviors. Positive Behavior Supports, or PBS, has been implemented in multiple elementary schools and classrooms. However, PBS in an early childhood or preschool setting lacks a strong evidence base. This paper provides an overview of PBS and the need for its implementation in early childhood settings. Best practice for PBS implementation, current researched approaches, and the measurement techniques available for use are reviewed.

Literacy, Autism, And Inclusion, Bridgett L. Hodges

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Young children with significant developmental disabilities can be taught sophisticated literacy skills and many interventions have been shown effective in the research. However, there is a lack of research that looks at the effect of inclusion on literacy with respect to a single student. This study will investigate the influence of an inclusive, general education classroom on the literacy learning of a student with autism. A participant observer approach will be employed in order to collect the following data: in depth interviews and observations of a single individual over a fifteen hour period, and a qualitative case study design will …

Career Cruising Impact On The Self Efficacy Of Deciding Majors, Anthony William Smothers

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of Career Cruising© on self-efficacy of deciding majors in a university setting. The use of the self-assessment instrument, Career Cruising©, was used with measuring the career-decision making self-efficacy in a pre and post-test with deciding majors. The independent variables are the Career Cruising ©, self-assessment instrument, gender, age, ethnic background, year in college, GPA, generation of education, and involvement. The dependent variables are the levels of self-efficacy in the five subscales of pre and post-test results. Those subscales include Accurate Self-appraisal, Gathering Occupational Information, Goal Selection, Planning for …

Instructional Coaching : A Look At Teaching Practices And Impact On Student Achievement, Sharon Sue Ingebrand

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The traditional one-shot teacher trainings aimed at telling teachers what they need to do to get better are not only frustrating to teachers, but are ineffective for improving classroom practices or student learning. Experts have advocated for effective professional learning to be job-embedded and intensively focused on the goal of meeting the learning needs of teachers and students. As the body of evidence around intense, ongoing, job-embedded professional learning grows, more school districts are placing instructional coaches in schools in hope of improving teachers' practices and student learning.

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to: ( 1) determine …

Building Sustainable Schoolwide Positive Behavior Supports In High Schools, Jessica M. Overturf

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this paper is to explore how School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) systems can be successful in high school settings. Chapter 1 will establish the need for SWPBS in high schools and Chapter 2 will provide an overview of and evidence supporting SWPBS. Chapter 3 focuses on what is considered best practice in implementing SWPBS. Chapter 4 discusses the characteristics exclusive to high schools that have been identified as potential barriers in implementing SWPBS efforts, and Chapter 5 provides examples of successful high school SWPBS case studies as well as recommendations for overcoming the aforementioned barriers.

Ipads Versus Laptops: The Effects Of Mobile Device Interfaces On Students' Attitudes Towards Technology And Learning, Evans Lugalia Mudanya

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Although iPad and laptop interfaces look similar, users interact with them in significantly different ways. The differences in these interfaces may lead to attitudinal differences towards technology and learning. In an attitudinal survey taken by 39 UNI Malcolm Price Laboratory School (MPLS) students, possible attitudinal differences of students based upon the two interfaces were investigated. This preliminary ex-post facto study investigated whether there is any relationship between the type of mobile devices used in a ninth grade English class and the students’ attitudes towards technology and learning. The study also explored if a relationship between attitudes toward technology and learning …