Education Commons^™

Attitudes Of Elementary Classroom Teachers Toward Physical Educators And Physical Education, Jodeen Thomas

Student Dissertations & Theses

Elementary classroom teachers, who were members of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, were surveyed regarding their opinions and beliefs toward elementary physical education specialists and elementary physical education programs. A total of 122 surveys were used in the results from a mailing of 500. Classroom teachers ranked professional positions in the elementary setting from most important (1) to least important (11). Classroom teachers then responded to questions about the physical education specialist and the physical education program on their campuses. Survey results indicated widespread support for students to receive daily physical activity, with an emphasis on health and wellness in …

A Qualitative Study Of A Team-Teaching Classroom And A Traditional One-Teacher Classroom In An Elementary School Setting, Johnny D. Thompson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study describes two heterogeneously grouped second-grade classrooms during the 1998-99 school year. One class featured collaborative team teaching, and the second class was taught by a traditional single teacher. There were 33 regular education students and nine at-risk students in the team classroom and 14 regular education students and eight at-risk students in the one-teacher classroom. One hundred three interviews were conducted with 21 students in the team classroom and 18 students in the one-teacher classroom, with 13 parents, with three teachers, and with the school principal. The researcher observed the two classes 61 times from September to May. …

Characteristics Of Viable And Sustainable Workers For The Year 2015, Brenda P. Dean

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to forecast characteristics of valuable workers within Middle Eastern Tennessee for the year 2015. The following areas were studied as they related to the forecast: (1) the projected employment skill demands of business and industry; (2) the initiatives required and proposed by business and industry to meet their respective employment demands; and (3) the external support by education required for industry and business to meet their employment needs. The Delphi panel was composed of 22 business and industry leaders who were nominated by the county executive of the ten counties of the study, officials …

A Comparison Of Student Achievement, Self-Esteem, And Classroom Interactions In Technology -Enriched And Traditional Elementary Classrooms With Low Socioeconomic Students, Michael Shawn Page

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the attainments of elementary students in technology-enriched classrooms and students in traditional classrooms, while considering performance levels in student achievement, self-esteem, and classroom interactions. Student achievement was measured by the reading and mathematics sections of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) and the California Achievement Test (CAT). Composite self-esteem, as well as subscale self-esteem levels, was measured by the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventories (CSEI), and classroom interaction analysis measurements were conducted using an adaptation of Flanders Interaction Analysis System.

Intact classes from 5 Louisiana elementary schools were randomly assigned to either …

A Study Of Teachers' Perceptions About Staff Development Factors And Their Classroom Implementation Of Reform-Based Science Instruction, Deborah Thompson Silver

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to determine whether or not there were significant differences in implementation levels of reform-based science instructional strategies by teachers who participated in an established staff development program, Project LIFE and those who did not, and (2) to distinguish specific program factors that may have impacted the level of implementation of reform-based instructional classroom practices. The instrument used, the Survey of Reform-Based Science Teaching Strategies (SRBSTS ), was developed by the researcher and had reliability of .912 as measured by Cronbach Alpha.

An independent samples t-test analysis was used to compare the …

A Meta-Analysis Of The Effects Of Multicultural Education On The Racial Attitudes Of Pre-K Through Grade 12 Students: A Comparison Of Curricular Intervention And Reinforcement Dimensions In Suburban And Urban Educational Settings, Ogochukwu Nkeiruka N. Okoye-Johnson

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This meta-analysis examined the effects of multicultural education on the racial attitudes of students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade. Multicultural education, which evolved as a direct result of the push for ethnic studies in schools, was operationalized for this study as programs and curricula dealing with racial and cultural diversity.

The findings of thirty selected studies were synthesized in this meta-analysis to examine whether students exposed to multicultural education developed more positive racial attitudes than students who did not. This meta-analysis compared the effect sizes of two dimensions of multicultural education, curricular intervention and reinforcement, to see the relative effectiveness …

An Analysis Of Grade-Level Expenditures Of At-Risk Funding Among Districts Of Different Economic Status In The State Of Michigan, Benard A. Meyer

Dissertations

Many of the recent financial reforms failed to address the needs of at-risk children. Effective solutions to the problems of the educationally disadvantaged must include changes within the schools, how the schools are funded, and how the schools spend their funding. Michigan’s 1994 finance reform included a funded plan for “unequal treatment of unequals” directed for the support of at-risk students. This fund was called Section 31a Program for At-Risk Pupils and involved a 230 million dollar compensatory education funding allowance for students at risk of school failure. This study presented here will determine if there is a relationship between …

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of Sex Education Classes On The Hiv/Aids-Related Attitudes And Behaviors Of Adolescent Women, Imelda Reyes-Phetteplace

Honors Theses

Twenty adolescent women using services at the Kalamazoo County Family Planning Clinic were interviewed using a protocol developed by the student investigator. Their responses were analyzed for themes and patterns. The majority of the adolescents were aware of HIV/AIDS and were using condoms on a consistent basis. Using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as the theoretical framework, suggestions were made to help improve area school programs such as practicing role-play during class and offering more classes in greater detail. Many of the adolescents recommended having more classes offered in school that cover the topics of STDs and health education in …

Design And Implementation Of A Natural Resource Curriculum Guide Incorporating Selected Standards Of Learning At The Elementary Level, Martha Elizabeth Thompson

Theses & Honors Papers

The state Standards of Learning tests were given in 1998 and the results showed a 37% failure rate for science at the third grade level. This thesis project was meant to develop a way to improve these scores. An internship was completed at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center where a natural resource curriculum guide was developed. The guide was developed using activities tested at the 4-H Center. Activities were chosen that met selected Standards of Learning. A copy of the activities has been placed in the Longwood College Library for use by both pre-service and classroom teachers.

Cognitive Complexity And Empathy As Predictors Of Leadership Style In An Urban College Student Population, Scott B. Harrison

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The amount of variation in leadership style predicted by cognitive complexity and empathy was investigated. Differences in cognitive complexity and empathic ability according to students' educational levels and leadership styles was also tested. Leadership style was determined by Fiedler's (1967) Least Preferred Coworker (LPC) measure; cognitive complexity was defined by the Cognitive Complexity Index (CCI), a subscale of the Learning Environment Preferences (LEP; Moore, 1987) instrument which measures Perry's (1998) scheme of intellectual and ethical development; and empathy was measured by Hogan's Scale of Empathy (1969) as scored on the Hogan/Em subscale of the California Psychological Inventory (CPI; Gough, 1987). …

Including Elders' Voices: A Model For Gerontology Curriculum Design In Higher Education, Marilyn Rose Gelish-Gugliucci

Educational Studies Dissertations

This study has proposed a new model for gerontology curriculum design. The model involves elders at two levels: designing gerontology courses/programs and participating in the students' learning experiences… The proposed curriculum model is framed within progressive and confluent curriculum ideologies: thereby, supporting experiential learning, personal growth, integration of attitudes, feelings, emotions, and relevance.

Touch Phonics To Improve Reading Fluency Among Fourth Grade Students, Christina M. Alaniz

All Graduate Projects

Touchphonics, a phonemic awareness reading program, has been implemented among fourth grade students in order to test its effectiveness in improving reading fluency. Data were presented to support teaching phonemic awareness as part of reading programs. Several examples have been given of how students with phonemic awareness skills have been successful in learning how to read. Within this project are lesson plans on how to implement Touchphonics in the classroom which have been developed. Finally, a portfolio system to assess students' reading and writing is explained.

An Integrated Curriculum For Music And Social Studies, Carol Jane Alldredge

All Graduate Projects

Music exists as a discipline that often enhances other subjects. An integrated curriculum can provide students with connections to the real world, greater depth of study, and can generate enthusiasm. Through integration, many boundaries can be crossed. The purpose of this project is to create an integrated curriculum for music and social studies for the fifth grade. The curriculum is for the period of the Renaissance and the American Revolution. Topics explored relate to the subject of integration. Guidelines from Washington State Commission on Student Learning as well as national standards for music and social studies are used as the …

Alignment Of The Challenger Center Curriculum With The Washington State Essential Learning Requirements And The Use Of Multiple Intelligences, Shaila Donel Brookover

All Graduate Projects

The State ofWashington has recently adopted a set oflearning standards called the Essential Academic Learning Requirements. It is the intention of this Master's project to align the learning objectives of the Challenger Center curriculum with the Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Science, so that it may be used as a sixth and seventh grade enrichment opportunity. Itis also within the scope of this project to include Gardner's theory on multiple intelligence as an educational tool to improve student learning. It will be suggested that with the use of multiple intelligences and the integration of informal science learning experiences, students will …

Juegos De Educatión: Collection Of Student-Centered Spanish Language Activities In A Web Based Format, Geoff W. Bullis, Jenny R. Smith

All Graduate Projects

This project incorporates the use of games and activities as supplemental resources with today's technology enhanced environment. It was designed to create an easily accessible resource for teachers of Spanish language instruction. Our project focused on creating a Web site on the Internet which included several student-centered activities. The development of the project included research of similar Web sites, literature regarding best teaching practices and methods, Gardner's multiple intelligences, specifically bodily/kinesthetic intelligence, and a teacher questionnaire focusing on the need for the project. Through the research and questionnaire it was determined that a dearth of Web-based resources are available to …

An Application Of The Essential Academic Learning Requirements And Gardner's Multiple Intelligences On Middle School Social Studies, Pamela B. De Persio

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this application is to use a combination of the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements and Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, to create learning plans for middle school social studies, history (U.S. Civil War) and geography. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements were first adopted in 1993 as goals to raise the standards and achievements of elementary and secondary students. Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences is an alternate way to describe the talents or gifts we each possess. Multiple intelligences can be considered as intelligences in diverse disciplines which allow human beings the ability …

The Holocaust: A Text Set To Extend Beyond The World History Text, Stacie Lynn Deason

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the use of trade books, particularly historical fiction and nonfiction, in the social studies curriculum. Through the development of this project, a text set was designed to extend and enrich the students' knowledge of the holocaust beyond the world history textbook. The literature revealed strong support for the use of trade books as a vehicle to learn more than the names, dates and facts presented in the textbook. Trade books allow the students to learn about the human experience of historical events, specifically the Holocaust for the purpose of this project. Through historical fiction and nonfiction trade …

An Integrated Emergent Literacy Curriculum For Primary Students, Katrina M. Clark

All Graduate Projects

A completely integrated reading curriculum has been developed for the primary classroom. The curriculum may be used in whole to cover all academic subjects or as a supplement to an already existing program. The main theme, interdependence, is sub divided into: home/family and farms. Any specific directions or copies of activities are included as well as a teacher reference list and a children's literature list. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements as interpreted for kindergarten are covered by use of this curriculum.

An Analysis Of Teaching Reading By Ability Grouping At Columbia Elementary School Wenatchee, Washington 1995–1998, Roy K. Draggoo

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to undertake an analysis of teaching reading by ability grouping at Columbia Elementary School, Wenatchee, Washington, 1995 - 1998. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related research and literature was conducted and data obtained from a survey of participating faculty was analyzed. The effectiveness of the Schoolwide Planning Committee that implemented the schoolwide project was also reviewed.

A Handbook For Students With Dyslexia Learning To Understand It And Learning How To Help Themselves, Vikki L. Dolman

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to expand upon a current workshop that taught students about positive self-esteem and how to self-advocate for themselves, by creating a handbook of information about dyslexia and some strategies to pre-expose them to the workshop content. The handbook includes an appendix with all required material to complete the workshop. The project also contains, a review of current literature and research related to dyslexia including the definition, diagnosis, testing, remediation, and self-esteem in regards to dyslexia was conducted.

Social Skills Curriculum For Middle School Students At Risk, Eric Franz

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a social skills curriculum for an effective After School Program for students at risk. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to students at risk, motivational strategies, and alternative programs to assist them were reviewed. Additionally, on site visit to an actual program in the Yakima School District were conducted. At-risk students have a high potential for dropping out of school due to the lack of motivation and other factors. Students at risk live marginally outside of the socially excepted norm for adolescent youth. School systems need to have programs …

A Model Reading And Writing Curriculum For Low-Achieving Eleventh And Twelfth Grade Students, Jeri Goebel

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop a model reading and writing curriculum for low-achieving eleventh and twelfth grade students that would be named, English 11. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related literature and research was conducted. Additionally, related information and materials from selected secondary level English programs were obtained and analyzed.

A Model School Within A School Program For Chelan Middle School, Joseph B. Harris

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model school within a school program for at-risk students enrolled in grades 6 through 8 who are currently residing in the Lake Chelan School District, Chelan, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature focused on altemative programs/schools and at risk students was reviewed. Additionally, related information from selected schools/districts throughout the state of Washington was obtained and analyzed regarding the formation of a new altemative school program. The school within a school will be evaluated on an ongoing, annual basis by participating administration, staff, and students.

An Adaptive Curriculum Students With Special Needs, John E. Janke

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to adapt existing social studies program materials for use with students with special needs in selected Washington State middle/junior high school. To accomplish this purpose, a comprehensive literature review of research related to social studies curricular and students with special needs was conducted. Existing curriculum was adapted, with special attention given to Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALR) requirements. The project materials relate to European history from ancient to modern times, and may be a model for adapting other materials by other teachers.

Collaborative Strategies For Teachers And Parents In Achieving Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements In Reading And Language, Theresa Laffey

All Graduate Projects

A teacher handbook containing suggestions and activities teachers can recommend to parents to assist their children in achieving the State Essential Learning Requirements for Kindergarten was developed. Activities and suggestions were based on 25 Expectations set by the State within the Essential Learning Requirements at the Kindergarten level. Each suggestion or activity was supported by research and directly linked to a specific Expectation. The suggestions and activities were selected based upon parent/ child interest, materials required to implement and ease for parents to follow instructions.

Promoting Phonological Awareness In Young Children Through At-Home Activities: A Video Curriculum, Kathleen A. Kwak

All Graduate Projects

Research relating phonological awareness, beginning reading acquisition, and parental involvement in children's literacy development was read, evaluated, and summarized. A positive relationship between phonological awareness and learning to read was indicated from this review, and a correlation between parental literacy activities and children's language and reading acquisition was found. Studies suggesting the existence of a developmental sequence of phonological skills were examined. The literature review provided a rationale and design for phonological awareness instruction. A research supported curriculum containing a teacher's manual, take-home interactive video activities and activity sheets, and assessments was created.

Children And Writing: A Handbook Of Effective Writing Practices For A First Grade Classroom, Julie M. Lang

All Graduate Projects

A handbook has been developed to aid in the design of a first grade writing program and/or to be used as a supplement to any existing first grade writing curriculum. The handbook consists of four main content areas of discussion regarding current strategies used in a first grade writing curriculum: Writer's Workshop, journals, partner writing, and parent involvement. Each section consists of a brief definition of the term and five distinctive lesson plans implementing the aforementioned category. Current literature and research regarding the topic of children's development in writing were explored.

The Design And Development Of A Model Program That Integrates Arts, Social Studies And The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements For The Seventh Grade Students And Manson Secondary School, Kenneth L. Nelson

All Graduate Projects

Relatively little research was encountered which attempted to measure the effectiveness of an integrated curriculum over a more traditional course of studies. The results that were articulated seemed to indicate that students in classrooms using an integrated curriculum approach did as well or better than students experiencing a more traditional approach. This was especially true in the area of conceptual understanding. The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model program that integrated Language Arts, Social Studies and the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements for the seventh grade students at Manson Secondary School.

Integration Of Children's Literature And Mathematics With Literature-Based Supplemental Activities In A First Grade Classroom, Linda Mcdow

All Graduate Projects

The Essential Academic Learning Requirements developed by the various subject committees selected by the Washington State Commission on Student Learning and the recommendations made by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics are addressed. The benefits of integrating children's literature and mathematics are studied. Integrated activities and an annotated bibliography of children's literature that could supplement a traditional mathematics curriculum for primary age students are developed.

A Model, Secondary Level, Mathematics Curriculum Developed In Alignment With Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, Easton School District, Seyed Victor Nourani

All Graduate Projects

The purpose ofthis project was to design and develop a model secondary level mathematics curriculum, in alignment with Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, for the Easton School District in Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current research and literature regarding Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements related to secondary mathematics was conducted. In addition, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.