Education Commons^™

A Literature-Based Approach To Reading, Cheryl L. Lester

Masters Theses

This study examined the impact that a primarily literature-based reading program had on a third grade class in becoming proficient independent readers and writers. Using authentic literature, students were taught reading content, prioritized strategies, and necessary reading skills. Progress was assessed using theme tests, periodic reading surveys, skills surveys, observation checklists and forms, student portfolios, and standardized tests.; The results of this study indicated that a primarily literature-based approach inspired and motivated children to become successful readers and writers. The literature produced, emphasized, and enforced positive learning experiences. The assessments used demonstrated that the class became stronger and more enthusiastic …

The Concept Of The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences And An Interdisciplinary, Arts Inclusive Curriculum: A Model For Teaching Whose Time Has Come, Loraine W. Cowe

Masters Theses

The biting critique of A Nation at Risk (National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983) caused the nation to initiate school reform on federal and state levels. The initiatives have defined education's deficiencies in meeting the needs of students in a rapidly changing, technological society. Students and the society in which they live are the premise and focus for the new outcome-based curriculum. Educators and researchers are developing new concepts of teaching that radically change the traditionally accepted curriculum, instructional delivery, and assessment. Many of these changes are based on new knowledge of the mind's capacity to function in several …

Attitudes Of Occupational Therapy Students Toward The Mentally Disabled, Patricia Mccarthy

Masters Theses

Thirty-nine undergraduate occupational therapy and fifty-seven entry-level graduate occupational therapy students from eight randomly selected academic programs were surveyed using the Opinions About Mental Illness Scales ([OMI], Cohen and Struening, 1959) and the Mental Health Information Questionnaire ([MHIQ], Nunnally, 1961). Results revealed that both student groups’ knowledge toward the mentally disabled was more similar to the general public’s knowledge. Using a one-tailed t-test to compare the MHIQ factors revealed there was no statistically significant difference between the occupational therapy student groups.

Both student groups’ OMI factor scores were similar to an expert group for Factors A B, and D; however, …

Choosing And Using Children's Literature: The Rationales And Instructional Designs Of Preservice Teachers, Nancy J. Gooden

Masters Theses

This study examined the extent to which preservice teachers were aware of gender related issues in their selection and use of children's literature. The review of research provided background information on the subject of gender equity in children's literature and explored the effects of stereotyped attitudes on students' academic performance, self-esteem, and career choices. The application project used three instruments of study: a gender attitude survey, an analysis of preservice teachers' rationales for literature selection, and an examination of preservice teachers' instructional designs. The results of this study indicated that preservice teachers may benefit from additional exposure to gender issues …

Designing A School Wide Discipline Policy Using Staff Involvement, Cynthia A. Ruscett

Masters Theses

This study offers a way of designing a school wide discipline policy for an elementary school. Three components are necessary for successful design, implementation, and support. The first component is to involve as many staff members and parents as possible in making the decisions about the policy. The second component is to review current research pertaining to important components of a discipline policy. The third component is to review current discipline policies in use by effective schools. Next, design a discipline policy tailored to your building's specific needs. The result of this study is a discipline policy completed by an …

Using American Sign Language With A Direct Instruction Mathematics Program To Affect The Mathematics Achievement Of Deaf Students, Annette J. Bass

Masters Theses

The effectiveness of supplemental instruction using a scripted direct instruction program, Connecting Math Concepts (Englemann & Carnine, 1992), with four lower elementary deaf students was compared to the effectiveness of supplemental instruction in their traditional math curriculum, Mathematics Today (Abbott, 1985). A two-phase multiple baseline design across students was used. During the first phase, the students' achievement on curricula-based math probes was assessed while using the Mathematics Today as a supplement. During the second phase, the students' achievement was assessed while using Connecting Math Concepts as a supplement. The teacher presentation scripts in this program were translated into American Sign …

The Effects Of Parental Tutoring On Reading Achievement, Cara K. Krumrie

Masters Theses

Supplemental parent tutoring was investigated to determine its effects on student reading and error rate. This study used a multiple baseline design and was implemented in classrooms at Project Help, a remedial reading center, located on Western Michigan University's campus. Seven subjects were involved in this research, four serving as experimental subjects and three serving as controls. Both groups were observed during their reading checks. Results of the study indicate no observable difference in reading and error rate between those students receiving supplemental home tutoring and those receiving no supplemental tutoring.

The Effect Of Systematic Cursive Instruction On The Length Of Writing Samples, John Kendall Vail

Masters Theses

This research study investigated the effects of a systematic cursive writing instruction program on the quantity of written product generated by sixth grade students identified as having poor cursive writing (legibility). A Direct Instruction curriculum was chosen to remediate the students' cursive writing skills. Subjects received three to nine weeks of four 20-minute sessions per week of cursive instruction. A multiple baseline across subjects design was used. During the baseline phase, students were asked to write a story based on story starters provided. The total number of words generated was determined for each story. In the intervention phase, subjects received …

A Comparison Of Two Resistance Training Programs On Gains In Strength And Endurance, Pamela S. Canavan

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to find how two different resistance training programs would contribute to each subject's overall fitness level. Fifty-five subjects were tested to determine their 1RM and the maximum number of repetitions performed at 60% of 1RM. Subjects were then divided into three training groups: control (N=19) , strength (N=20) , and endurance (N=16). The strength group performed three sets of five repetitions each and two sets of three repetitions. The endurance group performed three sets of 15 repetitions. At the completion of the six week training programs, the subjects were retested. A significant difference was …

Multicultural Literature: The Need For Inclusion, Barbara Gripton

Masters Theses

Since Muskegon Public Schools serves a multicultural population, and since the canon of the textbooks used in the secondary language arts classes reflects neither this diverse population nor the current publications of the diverse cultures of the society, this study, in the form of a survey will show the need for the district to include literature contributed by ethnic minority writers from the American literature scene. The study shows the increasing need for such inclusion as well as offering rationale for doing so.; Finally, this paper will propose a three year pilot class, minority literature, similar to the minority history …

Writing 1: Outcome-Based Curriculum Renewal, Mark Dobrzynski

Masters Theses

As movements such as process writing and outcome-based education gained momentum in the 1980's, a void was created in many writing classes throughout the United States. In response to that void, this study provides materials for an entry level high school writing course which is philosophically consistent with the afforementioned theories. Following a brief literature review, actual course materials have been packaged, complete with an appendix consisting of student writing samples which demonstrate the success of the new course.

Story Writing By Students With Hearing Impairments, Lois A. Ketchum

Masters Theses

Students with hearing impairments (N = 21) wrote a personal narrative each academic year from 1990 to 1992. These narratives were rated on maturity of the story as a whole and maturity of the language used in the story by senior undergraduate students in the education department at Western Michigan University. The method used for rating was a holistic magnitude estimation technique.

Significant change over time was found for story scores, but not language scores. Grade level was found to have no significant effect on change from first to last ratings for either story scores or language scores. Degree of …

Comparing Selection-Based And Topography-Based Language Systems With Verbal Adults Learning Japanese Words, Matthew A. Stratton

Masters Theses

This study compared selection-based with topography-based learning of similar verbal relationships. In two previous studies, using developmentally disabled subjects, topography-based relations were easier to learn. The previous researchers suggested that the advantage of a topography-based system would increase as the number of relations to be learned increased.

To investigate this possibility, the present study used a 5 and 20-stimulus version of each system. Four independent groups of seven college students each were used in a two by two design. The selection-based task consisted in learning to point to the Japanese character appropriate for each English sample. The topography-based task consisted …

A Comparison Of The Hutchings’ Low-Stress, Factor Analysis, Hand-Held Calculator, And Conventional Addition Algorithms For Speed, Accuracy, And Preference With Regular Education Students, John C. Hampel

Masters Theses

Three repeated measures experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency with which medium and low math-achieving, fourth- and fifth-grade students computed two sizes of addition problems using each of four different algorithms. The experimenter selected the conventional algorithm and the hand-held calculator because they are currently in popular use. The experimenter selected the Hutchings' low-stress and factor analysis algorithms because of their demonstrated performance enhancing characteristics and unique design features. The three written algorithms represented a design continuum that facilitated a powerful deductive analysis.

In all conditions the Hutchings' low-stress algorithm produced incrementally superior performance consistent with its unique features. …

Training Of Elementary Education Teachers In Physical Management Of Students With Physical Disabilities, Laura L. Gregory, Marnie S. Wittenbach

Masters Theses

This study was designed to examine what training regular elementary teachers receive and need in the physical management of students with physical disabilities who have been mainstreamed into their classrooms. This study also attempted to determine when this training should be provided. A questionnaire was sent to 57 teachers within two counties and forty-one were returned and utilized. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information about the following areas: (a) demographics, (b) competency in physical management, (c) knowledge of diagnoses, (d) knowledge of medications, and (e) need and support for training in physical management. The data was analyzed using the …

Multicultural Art Across The Curriculum, Yvonne J. Delamar

Masters Theses

The arts, by nature, can lend themselves as an essential unifying force in the multicultural curricular development in our increasingly diverse classrooms. A compilation of research and investigation is presented for teaching multicultural art throughout the curriculum. The finished project includes a model for teaching multicultural art across the curriculum and a bibliography of resources.

Information Obtained Regarding Pre-Employment Contracts By Physical Therapists In Michigan, Cindy Clapp, Teri Culver, Pamela Thelen

Masters Theses

Pre-employment contracts, which offer financial assistance to students in exchange for a work commitment after graduation, are becoming a popular means of recruitment in physical therapy. Concerns about contracts include limited student knowledge and preparation prior to signing a contract. The purpose of this study was to examine physical therapy students' preparation prior to committing to a pre-employment contract. Questionnaires were mailed to 225 randomly selected Michigan healthcare facilities, surveying graduates of 1988 through 1992 about pre-employment contracts. Sixty questionnaires were analyzed representing 31 identified facilities. Thirty-three percent signed a contract. Prior to signing a contract most respondents did not …

The Effects Of The Corporate, Private And Government Sectors On The History Of Art Education In American Schools, Nancy Vanderboom Lausch

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of corporate America on the presentation of art education throughout the history of American public education. The needs of Industrial America forced the entry of art into the curriculum in 1870. Over the years art has been justified and offered to serve numerous ends. Art education has prepared draftsmen for industry and crafts, trained a moral citizenry, promoted creativity and self-expression and provided aesthetic understanding of the nature of beauty. As these needs evolve to the philosophic end of the spectrum the arts are perceived as less functional to the …

Survey Of Educational Support For Low-Income, At-Risk Middle School Students In Champaign-Urbana Public Schools, Evelyn Burnett Underwood

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Nutrition Knowledge, Interests, And Dietary Practices Of Female College Athletes, Diane Kruto

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Weather Conditions On Students' Behaviors And Readiness To Learn, Randy Hird

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Current Practices In Central Illinois Public Elementary Schools For Implementing Full Inclusion Of Children With Disabilities, Mary Nan Zimmer

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Freshman Seminar On The Academic Social And Personal Development As Perceived By Students Completing The Course At Eastern Illinois University Fall Semester 1989, Margaret Ann Knapp Messer

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of The Correlation Between The Tech Prep Initiative And The Restructuring Of Curriculum In Selected Illinois High Schools, Sandra K. Ward

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the Illinois Tech Prep Initiative and the restructuring of high school curriculum in Illinois. Tech Prep is a structured sequential program which emphasizes continuity in learning, integration of academics and vocational studies with technology, context-based teaching, and completion of the program with an associate degree.

This study examined the scope and degree which Tech Prep has influenced school districts to create new applied courses, implement new applied methods of teaching, and institute a new focus on technology. A questionnaire was mailed to principals of randomly selected high schools in …

Superintendent Evaluations: Superintendent And Board President Perspectives, W. Robert O'Dell

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was to examine the formal evaluation process of superintendents from the perspective of superintendents and school board presidents. A survey of 72 public school district superintendents and board presidents in six counties in Southern Illinois was conducted. Those surveyed were asked to respond to questions concerning the evaluation instrument itself, the frequency and purpose of the evaluation, and criteria used to evaluate the superintendent.

In addition, a review of current literature associated with superintendent evaluations was presented. Included in the review were articles related to the importance of a good evaluation procedure to both …

A Study Of Thirty-Three Rural Southern Illinois Elementary School Districts' Medication Policies, Allen Bigley

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field study was to determine how thirty-three selected rural elementary (K-8) districts in Southern Illinois regulate the administration of medication to students in the absence of both the superintendent and school nurse. This was accomplished by sending a questionnaire to each of the school districts. A review of the literature and research was conducted to identify policies and procedures that should be included in all medication policies. Policies and procedures commonly found missing in many districts' medication policies were identified. Data received were analyzed through the use of tables to identify policies and procedures currently being …

Evaluations Of Superintendents In Central Illinois As Perceived By Presidents Of Boards Of Education, Ronald E. Black

Masters Theses

This study examined the perceptions board presidents had toward the processes, procedures, and methods used by their boards of education to evaluate their superintendents. Data were obtained from a survey sent to the board presidents of 66 school districts in Central Illinois. Eighty-five percent of the boards of education used a formal written process to evaluate their superintendents. Nearly 92% of the presidents reported satisfaction with this process. The most popular formal methods were evaluations by goals and objectives and checklists. The major reason cited by board presidents for holding evaluations was to identify areas in which their superintendents needed …

Perceptions Of Lifeguard Training Programs From Park District Aquatic Managers In Illinois, Erika L. Smith

Masters Theses

The responses from park district personnel concerning the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training program (ARCLTP) and the Ellis & Associates National Pool and Waterpark Lifeguard Training program (E&ALTP) were examined and analyzed in this study. Subjects were employees from park districts, which are members of the Illinois Association of Park Districts and/or the Illinois Park & Recreation Association. Data were collected by a questionnaire, which measured each lifeguard training program's rescue procedures in terms of: l) emergency action plans, 2) communication systems, 3) entries, 4) approaches, 5) rescues, 6) risk management and 7) legalistic concerns. Demographic data were analyzed by …

Effects Of Single Parent Homes On Educational Outcomes, Mary Jane Day

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Criteria For Developing An Alternative Education Program For Pregnant And Parenting Young Women, Sharon S. White

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.