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Electronic Theses and Dissertations

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2011

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Full-Text Articles in Education

A Comparison Of Eighth Grade Athletes And Non-Athletes Academic Achievement, Time Spent On Homework, Future Educational Goals, And Socioeconomic Status, John F. Shelby Jan 2011

A Comparison Of Eighth Grade Athletes And Non-Athletes Academic Achievement, Time Spent On Homework, Future Educational Goals, And Socioeconomic Status, John F. Shelby

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the differences between eighth grade athletes and nonathletes in terms of mathematics and reading achievement based on standardized test scores from direct cognitive assessments in mathematics and reading. The data for this study came from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Class of 1998- 1999 (ECLS-K). Data were collected from student and parent surveys in conjunction with direct cognitive assessments. The research questions were as follows: 1. To what extent is there a difference in mathematics achievement between eighth grade athletes and non-athletes while controlling for self-reported future educational goals and socioeconomic status? 2. To what extent …


The Synergies Between Tourism Expansion And Development An Analysis Of Economic Growth, Poverty And Human Development In Ecuador, Manuel Antonio Rivera Jan 2011

The Synergies Between Tourism Expansion And Development An Analysis Of Economic Growth, Poverty And Human Development In Ecuador, Manuel Antonio Rivera

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation attempts to answer the question of what has been the effect of tourism expansion and development in Ecuador. We attempt to analyze, both theoretically and empirically, the relationship between tourism and development. There have been an enormous number of studies explaining how tourism can affect the various dimensions of development. However, no research has been undertaken to simultaneously empirically examine the impact that changes in tourism expansion has on poverty, human development, and economic growth. To this end, we propose a cointergation methodology with an error correction model to estimate the impact of tourism expansion on poverty, human …


Interdisciplinary Studies Students' Academic And Social Engagement A Quantitative Study, Jessica Simmons Jan 2011

Interdisciplinary Studies Students' Academic And Social Engagement A Quantitative Study, Jessica Simmons

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explored interdisciplinary studies students‟ academic and social engagement. As the review of literature demonstrated, student engagement and satisfaction are important to retention and institutions can adopt policies and practices to foster student engagement. Because interdisciplinary studies programs often struggle to maintain relevance, fostering student engagement is one way to ensure maximum student satisfaction and retention. This study identified factors of student engagement that were positively related to satisfaction and confirmed that requiring core interdisciplinary studies courses had a positive impact on engagement. A quantitative instrument, the Interdisciplinary Studies Student Engagement Survey, was adapted from the National Survey of …


Peak Performance Training, Matthew Gabriel Hallett Jan 2011

Peak Performance Training, Matthew Gabriel Hallett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Peak performance is defined as an “episode of superior functioning” where an individual performs up to (and sometimes exceeds) their full potential (Privette, 1983, p. 1361). Most individuals do not consistently experience episodes of peak performance. After accounting for biological factors, motivation, and external constraints, the inability to achieve peak performance consistently is due to the challenge of successfully selecting and accessing knowledge and skills on demand while under pressure (Brown, 2009). This thesis describes the psychology of peak performance and skill training for peak performance. A peak performance training program is designed specifically for business professionals. The program was …


Management Support And Faculty's Adoption Of Learning Management System Applying Technology Acceptance Model 3, Zhigang Li Jan 2011

Management Support And Faculty's Adoption Of Learning Management System Applying Technology Acceptance Model 3, Zhigang Li

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to understand and identify the key factors that affect faculty’s behavioral intention of using a learning management system. This research study adopted the Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM3) as the theoretical foundation and extended it by adding management support as an exogenous variable based on the recommendations from previous research studies. Technology Acceptance Model 3 is the latest iteration of Technology Acceptance Model – a widely adopted research framework for studying users’ acceptance of technology. It provides a comprehensive network of determinants of technology adoption and use. A survey questionnaire with 54 measurement …


An Investigation Of The Representation Of Middle School English Language Learners (Ells) In Special Education Programs In A Large Urban School District, Leah J. Lerma Jan 2011

An Investigation Of The Representation Of Middle School English Language Learners (Ells) In Special Education Programs In A Large Urban School District, Leah J. Lerma

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The disproportionate representation of ethnically and racially diverse students in special education has been an enduring problem in education for the past four decades. However, most of the research on disproportionality has focused on the ethnic/racial variable; the body of research focusing on the linguistic variable is still slim in comparison. As linguistic diversity in the United States continues to rise, teachers will continue to be challenged to meet the needs of the English Language Learners in their classrooms. However, many teachers feel unprepared to deal with this diversity and have difficulty discriminating whether a student’s poor performance is due …


An Analysis Of Teacher Action Research Focused On Differentiated Instruction For Student Subgroups In One Florida School District In 2009-2010, Michelle Marie Madden Jan 2011

An Analysis Of Teacher Action Research Focused On Differentiated Instruction For Student Subgroups In One Florida School District In 2009-2010, Michelle Marie Madden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the action research reports written by teachers in one Florida school district after they had received professional development on differentiated instruction and the action research process in the 2009-2010 school year. The 69 reports that were completed by the teachers were assessed using the Action Research Rubric that was developed for this study. This rubric evaluated whether the reports contained the elements of action research along with the characteristics that the district emphasized as part of the professional development such as differentiation, student subgroups, and collaboration. The Action Research Rubric contained seven subscales: Purpose of the Study, …


An Analysis Of The Effect Of Involuntary Mobility On Student Achievement As Measured By The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, Mark Willard Mullins Jan 2011

An Analysis Of The Effect Of Involuntary Mobility On Student Achievement As Measured By The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, Mark Willard Mullins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the impact of involuntary mobility on the academic achievement of tenth grade students in a Central Florida school district. Students of involuntary mobility were selected as the result of new attendance boundaries due to new high school construction. Students were compared against non-mobile peers at schools of like demographics (i.e. poverty level and ethnicity). Mobility status (involuntary or no mobility) was the independent variable. The dependent variable, academic achievement, was measured by students’ tenth grade developmental scale scores in reading and mathematics on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Students’ ninth grade test scores were used as a …


Effects Of A Reading Inference Strategy Intervention On The Reading And Social Inference Abilities Of Adults With Asperger Syndrome, Kimberly A. Murza Jan 2011

Effects Of A Reading Inference Strategy Intervention On The Reading And Social Inference Abilities Of Adults With Asperger Syndrome, Kimberly A. Murza

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ability to generate inferences is a skill that is necessary to fully comprehend a text and understand the intentions, behaviors, and emotions of a conversational partner. Individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS) have been shown to demonstrate significant difficulty in inference generation in both social contexts and in reading comprehension. Although, the reciprocity of the four components of literacy (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) has been established in the literature (Bradley & Bryant, 1983; Catts & Kamhi, 2005; Englert & Thomas, 1987; Gillon & Dodd, 1995; Hiebert, 1980; Kroll, 1981; Ruddell & Ruddell, 1994); the relationship between inference generation in …


The Effects Of Using An Interactive Student Notebook On The Understanding Of The Concepts And Algorithms Of Addition And Subtraction Of Fractions And Mixed Numbers For Fifth Grade Mathematics Students, Brian J. Twar Jan 2011

The Effects Of Using An Interactive Student Notebook On The Understanding Of The Concepts And Algorithms Of Addition And Subtraction Of Fractions And Mixed Numbers For Fifth Grade Mathematics Students, Brian J. Twar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research study was to observe the effectiveness of the utilization of an instructional tool in my three mathematics classes. Using a tool, called an Interactive Student Notebook, or ISN, the goal was to equip my students with a tool that would allow them to take and keep daily notes as well as conduct guided and independent practice in an organized fashion. I believed that my students would therefore utilize their notes and class work as a reference and study tool to assist them with their homework as well as studying for assessments. Weak to moderate …


An Analysis Of Professional Education Course Content Specific To Classroom Management And Student Motivation Within Selected Ncate Accredited Teacher Preparation Programs, Donna M. Babcock Jan 2011

An Analysis Of Professional Education Course Content Specific To Classroom Management And Student Motivation Within Selected Ncate Accredited Teacher Preparation Programs, Donna M. Babcock

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research was to complete a micro-examination of professional education course content related to classroom management and student motivation in approximately 24 traditional teacher preparation programs (TTPP) drawn from the eight of the10 largest teacher-producing states. Programs of study, course descriptions from the school catalogs, course syllabi, and student teaching handbooks or field guides for professional education courses were analyzed to determine what, if any, knowledge voids existed within selected programs designed to serve preservice teachers. Specifically, the researcher investigated materials to discover the depth and breadth of the professional education course content related to classroom management …


Influence Of Using Context Supportive Of The Area Model On Sixth Grade Students' Performance When Writing Word Problems For Fraction Subtraction And Multiplication, Monica L. Friske Jan 2011

Influence Of Using Context Supportive Of The Area Model On Sixth Grade Students' Performance When Writing Word Problems For Fraction Subtraction And Multiplication, Monica L. Friske

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research study was to evaluate my own practice of teaching writing word problems with fraction subtraction and fraction multiplication using appropriate context. I wanted to see how focusing my instruction on the use of the area model and manipulatives could develop students’ understanding of fractions when writing word problems. I chose this topic because Florida has adopted the Common Core State Standards and will be implementing them in the coming years. These standards encourage the development of deeper understanding of mathematics, including fractions. I hoped this research would give my students the opportunity to make …


Curriculum-Embedded Reading Tests As Predictors Of Success On Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test In Reading, Nicole Johnson Jan 2011

Curriculum-Embedded Reading Tests As Predictors Of Success On Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test In Reading, Nicole Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the passing of the No Child Left Behind legislation (2001), individual states have been required to administer standardized tests to measure students’ academic achievement in several academic areas, including reading comprehension. Many schools are using curriculum embedded reading comprehension tests to assess students’ progress in achieving grade level expectations before the administration of state standardized test. This study used de-identified student data on curriculum embedded reading comprehension tests and the state standardized reading test, FCAT 2.0 to assess the correlation between a specific curriculum-based measure and the FCAT 2.0. The researcher used Pearson and Spearman Correlation to assess the …


Principals Who Exceed District Standards Improving Outcomes For Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disabilities, Thomas S. Uhle Jan 2011

Principals Who Exceed District Standards Improving Outcomes For Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disabilities, Thomas S. Uhle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A phenomenological study was conducted to investigate the experiences of school principals, who exceeded district standards on standardized performance evaluations, in providing effective educational programs for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities (EBD) in an urban setting. The aim of this study was to identify common experiences, practices, or attitudes regarding students with EBD, and their teachers, among school principals who qualified for the study. Data was be collected through principal interviews. Data results were coded, organized, and analyzed using a systematic method of phenomenological analysis to find general themes that speak to the essence of the experience.


The Relationship Between Number Of Toys, Infant Distractibility, And Mothers' Teaching Utterances, Lap Van Nguyen Jan 2011

The Relationship Between Number Of Toys, Infant Distractibility, And Mothers' Teaching Utterances, Lap Van Nguyen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship among the number of toys in an infant’s play environment, infant’s distractibility, and how often a mother teaches her infant during a play session. This study takes samples from videotapes of 12-month old children playing with their mothers during a 5 minute free-play situation. Twenty-two mother and infant pairs were selected for this study based on their previous participation in a language study. The measures used in this study were: (1) the number of maternal teaching utterances to her infant; (2) the total number of utterances that mother used during …


The Relationship Between Counselor Hope And Optimism On Client Outcome, Michelle M. Muenzenmeyer Jan 2011

The Relationship Between Counselor Hope And Optimism On Client Outcome, Michelle M. Muenzenmeyer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The counselor is an important contributor to client outcome. Research findings about therapist effects are mixed. In this study positive psychology variables, hope and optimism, were evaluated with client outcome. The sample for this study consisted of 43 graduate-level counselor trainees in the first or second practicum semester and their adult clients in a university’s community counseling clinic. Results revealed no statistically significant relationships between student counselors’ hope and optimism and client outcomes. Post hoc analysis of student hope and their post-graduation expectations, revealed statistically significant relationships. Implications for counselor educators are presented along with areas for future research.


Effects Of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (Call) Instruction On The Acquisition Of Passive Grammatical Forms By Post-Secondary English As A Second Language (Esl) Students, Ya Chi Chien Jan 2011

Effects Of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (Call) Instruction On The Acquisition Of Passive Grammatical Forms By Post-Secondary English As A Second Language (Esl) Students, Ya Chi Chien

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to compare Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) grammar instruction with traditional classroom teacher-directed grammar instruction for post-secondary English as a Second Language (ESL) students enrolled in an Intensive English Program (IEP). Students‟ achievement was measured by their performance on three measures (multiple choice, cloze/fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended tests) of passive grammatical forms. This study gathered quantitative data on students‟ performance on the three measures for both teacher-directed and CALL instruction groups as well as qualitative data with respect to the CALL participants‟ perception of the Azar Interactive online grammar instruction program. Results of the mixed design …


A Multiple Case Study Investigating The Effects Of Technology On Students' Visual And Nonvisual Thinking Preferences Comparing Paper-Pencil And Dynamic Software Based Strategies Of Algebra Word Problems, Sirin Coskun Jan 2011

A Multiple Case Study Investigating The Effects Of Technology On Students' Visual And Nonvisual Thinking Preferences Comparing Paper-Pencil And Dynamic Software Based Strategies Of Algebra Word Problems, Sirin Coskun

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this multiple-case study, I developed cases describing three students‘ (Mary, Ryan and David) solution methods for algebra word problems and investigated the effect of technology on their solution methods by making inferences about their preferences for visual or nonvisual solutions. Furthermore, I examined the students‘ solution methods when presented with virtual physical representations of the situations described in the problems and attempted to explain the effect of those representations on students‘ thinking preferences. In this study, the use of technology referred to the use of the dynamic software program Geogebra. Suwarsono‘s (1982) Mathematical Processing Instrument (MPI) was administered to …


Supporting Hispanic Mothers With Preschool Children With Speech And/ Or Language Delays Via Dialogic Reading And Coaching Within The Home, Natalie Elizabeth Dopson Jan 2011

Supporting Hispanic Mothers With Preschool Children With Speech And/ Or Language Delays Via Dialogic Reading And Coaching Within The Home, Natalie Elizabeth Dopson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Young children who are Hispanic, from low-income homes and have developmental delays are at a disadvantage for not having the basic early literacy foundation to become successful readers later in school (Ballantyne, Sanderman, D‘Emilio, & McLaughlin, 2008; Hammer, Farkas, & Maczuga, 2010; Ezell & Justice 2005; McCardle, Scarborough, & Catts, 2001). These challenges can be addressed in several ways. Early intervention including parent education and collaboration along with shared book reading are considered best practices and critical to improving child outcomes (NELP, 2008). In addition, children who have a solid foundation in early literacy skills including vocabulary development in their …


Assessment Of Product And Service Attributes And Consumers' Willingness To Pay In The Vacation Ownership Industry Using The Kano Model And Conjoint Analysis, Amy M. Gregory Jan 2011

Assessment Of Product And Service Attributes And Consumers' Willingness To Pay In The Vacation Ownership Industry Using The Kano Model And Conjoint Analysis, Amy M. Gregory

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ongoing pursuit of understanding how consumers’ expectations can be achieved or exceeded has long been an area of interest for academics and practitioners alike. A multitude of measures of satisfaction have been developed, applied, and adopted with the end goal of understanding how satisfied individuals, or groups of individuals, are with a given product, service, or specific attribute of a product. And, while both academic and practical research has identified and focused on explicit attributes relevant to particular products or services, the general consensus appears to support the thinking that higher satisfaction is better. But this may not hold …


Write The Community The Effects Of Service-Learning Participation On Seven University Creative Writing Students, Lauren Hodges Jan 2011

Write The Community The Effects Of Service-Learning Participation On Seven University Creative Writing Students, Lauren Hodges

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research in higher education service-learning suggests that there is a positive relationship between service-learning and student learning outcomes as well as a positive relationship between students‘ interactions with the ―real world‖ through service-learning and the effects of these experiences on deepening students‘ knowledge in their disciplines. Recent studies have established this positive relationship between service-learning and university composition and literature students. However, aside from the existing literature on service-learning and composition and writing, there has been virtually no examination of the relationship between service-learning and creative writing. The purpose of this study was to investigate how seven creative writing students …


An Exploratory Quantitative And Qualitative Analysis Of Student Performance In Single-Gender Classrooms In One Florida Elementary Aschool Sic] 2006-2009, Lloyd Haynes Jan 2011

An Exploratory Quantitative And Qualitative Analysis Of Student Performance In Single-Gender Classrooms In One Florida Elementary Aschool Sic] 2006-2009, Lloyd Haynes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of participation in single-gender classrooms on student performance on the reading and mathematics developmental scale scores (DSS) of third, fourth, and fifth grade students on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). The FCAT is a standardized test that is administered to all grade 3 through grade 10 public school students in the state of Florida and has been used to assess students‟ achievement in reading and mathematics. Students in grades 4, 8, and 10 have also been assessed in science and writing. This study was concerned only with FCAT reading …


An Investigation In Journal Writing And Cooperative Learning With 8th Grade Geometry Students In The Construction Of Proof, Paul Wojcik Jan 2011

An Investigation In Journal Writing And Cooperative Learning With 8th Grade Geometry Students In The Construction Of Proof, Paul Wojcik

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This action research study summarizes the investigation of journal writing and cooperative grouping with 8th grade geometry students in the construction of proof. Students written responses to prompts in journals were analyzed over the course of twelve weeks. Case studies of four students were developed from the researchers’ three geometry classes. All four students in the study participated in an academic program called Pre International Baccalaureate Preparation. Standardized test scores and an attitude scale categorized the four students. The ATMAT survey (Appendix A) measured each student’s attitude toward mathematics. Writing prompts focused on the students’ perceptions of the group process …


College Science Teachers' Inquiry Beliefs And Practices In The Science Classroom, Janet L. Bisogno Jan 2011

College Science Teachers' Inquiry Beliefs And Practices In The Science Classroom, Janet L. Bisogno

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine college science professors’ beliefs regarding the use of inquiry in the college science classroom, how these beliefs impacted their instructional choices and how these beliefs were enacted in the classroom. Additional questions were how teachers’ beliefs vary across institution types (community college, private, four year college, and large research institution), and how beliefs vary across disciplines (life sciences and physical sciences). A case study design was required for this study due to the complexity of the topic and different data sources needed to answer the fore stated research questions. These data sources …


Inter-Institutional Comparison Of Faculty Perceptions On The Purpose Of Freshman Year Composition Programs, Rosemarie N. Branciforte Jan 2011

Inter-Institutional Comparison Of Faculty Perceptions On The Purpose Of Freshman Year Composition Programs, Rosemarie N. Branciforte

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is an investigation of instructors‟ perceptions of composition learning objectives focusing on which should be taught and which should be emphasized. The researcher observed that instructors do not regard all course objectives in English Composition courses equally; emphasizing some and giving others brief consideration. From this observation, this study was developed to measure objectives as well as to examine principal reasons for the differences in perception. Using an 18-question (16 content area and two demographic) survey based on content areas chosen to mirror general learning objectives in composition courses, along with six focused interviews, the …


A Comparison Of Eighth Grade Reading Proficiency On State Assessments With The National Assessment Of Educational Progress, Kathryn B. Dyer Jan 2011

A Comparison Of Eighth Grade Reading Proficiency On State Assessments With The National Assessment Of Educational Progress, Kathryn B. Dyer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The National Assessment of Educational Progress is a nationwide assessment administered every other year to eighth grade students in the United States in reading and mathematics. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of 2009 eighth grade state reading assessment proficiency percentages to NAEP proficiency percentages. Primarily, this study examined whether a predictive relationship existed between state and NAEP proficiency percentages. Subsequent research questions analyzed the extent to which a relationship existed for subgroups (race/ethnicity, English Language Learners, low socioeconomic status, and students with disabilities) and while controlling for census regions. It was found that a predictive …


An Analysis Of Trauma Narratives Perceptions Of Children On The Experience Of Sexual Abuse, Jennifer Marie Foster Jan 2011

An Analysis Of Trauma Narratives Perceptions Of Children On The Experience Of Sexual Abuse, Jennifer Marie Foster

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is estimated to affect 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys before the age of 18 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005). Despite the prevalence of sexual abuse and frequent negative outcomes for child victims as well as adult survivors, little is known about CSA from the perspective of the child. To date, the vast majority of research has targeted adults. Studies conducted on children are mostly quantitative and have explored the effectiveness of various treatment interventions. To address the gap in the research literature, the present study investigated the perspectives of children …


Gender Segregated Learning Environments An Analysis Of The Perceived Impact Of Single-Sex Classrooms In South Carolina, Paul Gleason Jan 2011

Gender Segregated Learning Environments An Analysis Of The Perceived Impact Of Single-Sex Classrooms In South Carolina, Paul Gleason

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Educating male and female students in separate learning environments has been a common practice since the early inception of educational programs. However, this practice was heavily debated in the 20th century for its perceived inequalities in the treatment of students based on their gender resulting in today's coeducational classroom structure. Recently, interest in single-sex classrooms returned as an alternative for educating America's youth. Political support for this educational approach was evident in modifications to the 2006, No Child Left Behind Act which in turn led to increased availability and popularity of this educational venue. Despite same-sex classrooms' acceptance, research results …


Training Professional School Counseling Students To Facilitate A Classroom Guidance Lesson And Strengthen Classroom Management Skills Using A Mixed Reality Environment, Tiphanie Gonzalez Jan 2011

Training Professional School Counseling Students To Facilitate A Classroom Guidance Lesson And Strengthen Classroom Management Skills Using A Mixed Reality Environment, Tiphanie Gonzalez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

According to the ASCA National Model, school counselors are expected to deliver classroom guidance lessons; yet, there has been little emphasis on graduate coursework targeting the development and implementation of guidance curriculum lessons in PSC training. A national study conducted by Perusse, Goodnough and Noel (2001) was conducted looking at how counselor educators were training “entry level school counseling students” in the skills needed for them to be successful as PSCs. They found that of the 189 school counseling programs surveyed only 3% offered a guidance curriculum course and 13.2% offered a foundations in education course. Inferring that many of …


The Effects Of Delay Of Gratification On The Academic Achievement, Substance Abuse, And Violent Behavior Of Middle-School Students In Alternative Learning Settings, J S. Herndon Jan 2011

The Effects Of Delay Of Gratification On The Academic Achievement, Substance Abuse, And Violent Behavior Of Middle-School Students In Alternative Learning Settings, J S. Herndon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects of delay of gratification on academic success, substance abuse, and violent behavior. The participants in this study were chosen from an alternative learning school comprised of middle school students in Florida. The hypothesis for this study is as follows: Delay of gratification is negatively related to substance abuse and violent behavior, and positively related to academic achievement. The analysis of the data was conducted on the primary predictor variable (delay of gratification), alternate predictor variables (substance abuse & violent behavior) and the ultimate outcome variable (academic achievement) of this study. Initial statistical inquiry involved descriptive …