Education Commons^™

Effects Of Professional Learning Communities On Instructional Revisions In Secondary Mathematics Classrooms, John Kenneth Bond

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This non-experimental, descriptive study examined the effect(s), if any, that professional learning communities have had on the professional practices of secondary (grades 9-12) mathematics teachers in Boone, Clay, Putnam, and Kanawha counties in West Virginia. Also investigated were the potential differences in instructional-practice change(s) based on selected demographic variables: sex, degree level, the grade level taught, the total years of teaching experience, the total number of years in their current position, the specific math subject taught, the total number of years of PLC participation, and the composition (e.g., departmental, cross-curricular, or both) of participants’ PLC. Data were collected from a …

Literacy Leaders : An Analysis Of West Virginia Secondary School Principals' Self-Reported Literacy Leaderships Perceptions And Practices, Stephanie Adria Burdette

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Sweeping changes, such as those ushered in as a component of contemporary school improvement initiatives, have created an educational culture in which all teachers are now considered to be literacy instructors with principals being placed in the role of instructional leader. Yet, review of research literature reveals a severe lack of funding and adequate professional development necessary to ensure that secondary school teachers and administrators have the training they need to provide such literacy services to students. The purpose of this research study was to examine the literacy perceptions and practices of West Virginia’s secondary school principals to ascertain the …

A Study Of Secondary Science Teacher Efficacy And Level Of Constructivist Instructional Practice Implementation In West Virginia Science Classrooms, Amanda Kristen Knapp

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of use of selected constructivist instructional practices and level of teacher efficacy in West Virginia secondary science classrooms. The study next sought to determine if a relationship existed between level of use of the constructivist practices and teacher efficacy. In addition the study sought to determine if differences existed in level of use of the selected constructivist practices and/or teacher efficacy based on selected demographic variables

The study was a mixed-methods design. First, a researcher-developed survey instrument was used to collect data regarding the level of use of constructivist instructional …

A Descriptive Study Of The Impact Of Planning Time On The Utilization Of The National Council Of Teachers Of Mathematics Process Standards Within The Algebra 1 And Applied Mathematics Subject Fields, Kerri Colleen Lookabill

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Planning practices are necessary requirements for effective instruction. Their importance is illustrated in the guidelines produced by several national organizations such as The Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC), The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), and The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Planning time is considered important by teachers at the grassroots level in order for them to develop thought-provoking lessons that allow students to make connections and form meaning as well as to reflect on previous lessons in order to make improvements for subsequent lessons. Collaborative planning is also considered important; however, it …

Current First Aid And Cpr Credentials Of Selected Head High School Athletic Coaches In West Virginia, Amy Robinson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Coaches are typically the immediate caregivers to high school athletes. To date the state of West Virginia has no mandatory laws that coaches be first-aid and CPR certified before they are hired as a coach. The general purpose of this study is to assess current status of first-aid and CPR certifications held by high school head athletic coaches in the state of West Virginia. A packet will be sent to the 160 high schools in West Virginia. The principal will randomly choose five head coaches, at least two females and two males, to fill out the survey which are to …