Education Commons^™

The Effect Of Intercultural Training On Ethnocentrism, Victor Pedro Padilla

Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies ETDs

The problem of changing individual ethnic prejudice through a type of social intervention in the workplace was investigated. Intercultural Synergy Training, an intervention method with potential usefulness for many types of organizations, was administered. Elements of the method were drawn from theories of prejudice and intercultural training literature. A randomly-selected group (n=l7) of staff members at a Job Corps center in a southwestern U.S. city was given a four-hour course in intercultural relations (Intercultural Synergy Training). The group trained and a randomly-selected control group (n=18) were then administered an ethnocentrism measure called the Association Questionnaire. Analysis of the results showed …

Influence Of 17-B-Estradiol And Progesterone On The In Vitro Cultured Mouse Preimplantation Embryos, Matthew L. Offutt

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Matthew L. Offutt on December 10, 1992.

Sediment-Water Nutrient Flux In Tidal Creeks Of North Inlet, South Carolina, Michael Duane Quillen

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Michael Duane Quillen on December 7, 1992.

Developing Thinking Competencies And Self-Esteem Through Selected Literature And Higher-Level Questioning Strategies, Carolyn B. Cropper

Student Dissertations & Theses

This project developed curriculum focusing upon the importance of using literature and higher-level questioning strategies as a tool to increase a student's self-esteem. The major emphasis of the study was on developing higher-level questioning strategies to promote thinking on the part of the student in order to improve self-esteem. Common conflict situations threatening the improvement of self-esteem were selected. After reviewing the literature, a curriculum containing an annotated, categorized bibliography of relevant books accompanied with specific questioning strategies was compiled to aid the classroom teacher to develop higher-level questioning skills in children.

Self-Concepts Of Career Level Ii And Iii Teachers And Career Ladder Eligible Teachers In The Public Schools Of Tennessee, Lois C. Myers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a significant difference in the self concept of Career Level II and III teachers and teachers who are eligible to apply but have not elected to participate in the Career Ladder Program in the public schools of Tennessee. The technique of causal-comparative research was used in this study. The Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS), developed by William Fitts, was selected as the appropriate instrument for use in this study. The TSCS is a versatile instrument that measures ten dimensions related to self concept: total level of self esteem, self …

Functions And Responsibilities Of Superintendents And School Boards In Tennessee As Perceived By Superintendents And School Board Chairpersons, Steven L. Scott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if differences exist between the superintendents and the school board chairpersons of Tennessee in regard to the perceived functions and responsibilities of each group. The study also attempted to determine if factors such as age, size of the school district, educational level of the superintendent and the board member, years of service as superintendent or as a board member, the existence of clearly written board policies defining the functions and responsibilities of the superintendent and the school board, and elected versus school board appointed superintendent status had any effect on the perceived …

The Effects Of Retention In Elementary School On Subsequent Academic Performance And Instructional Practices, Janie H. Snyder

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of retention on the academic performance of students retained in the third and fifth grade during the 1985-86 school year. A follow up study was used to analyze changes in academic test results. Another purpose was to interview teachers who had retained students and teachers who had taught the children the next school year to determine what changes occurred in instructional practices. Forty retained students of Northeast Tennessee were matched according to sex and similar scaled scores on the Stanford Achievement Test. Scores were compared by grade and by year …

The Agrarian Legacy: A Study Of Political Structure And Ideology In Modern China, Zuo Xiang

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Sociology by Zuo Xiang in December of 1992.

The Impact Of Site-Based Management On Perceived Roles Of Superintendents, Board Chairpersons, Principals And Selected Central Office Personnel In Tennessee School Systems, Narvia D. Haywood

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The introduction of site-based management has had an impact on the operation of school systems in Tennessee; however no one seems to know for certain what that impact was. Findings from this study revealed that there is a basic understanding of the impact of site-based management as perceived by superintendents, board chairpersons, principals, personnel, budget, curriculum, and staff development administrators. Findings also revealed that central office staff and principals, for the most part, perceive that the superintendents and board chairpersons were supportive of site-based management programs. One hundred and eighty-one educators, including board chairpersons, responded to a fifty-four item questionnaire. …

The Impact Of Site-Based Management On Perceived Roles Of Superintendents, Board Chairpersons, Principals And Selected Central Office Personnel In Tennessee School Systems, Narvia D. Haywood

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The introduction of site-based management has had an impact on the operation of school systems in Tennessee; however no one seems to know for certain what that impact was. Findings from this study revealed that there is a basic understanding of the impact of site-based management as perceived by superintendents, board chairpersons, principals, personnel, budget, curriculum, and staff development administrators. Findings also revealed that central office staff and principals, for the most part, perceive that the superintendents and board chairpersons were supportive of site-based management programs. One hundred and eighty-one educators, including board chairpersons, responded to a fifty-four item questionnaire. …

The Degree Of Usage Of Strategic Planning In Tennessee School Systems, Billy B. Snodgrass

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which strategic planning was used in Tennessee school districts and its relationship with school system size, geographic regions, student achievement, fiscal capacity, per pupil property assessment, and percentage of revenue from local sources. The study also sought to determine the perceived constraints and technical assistance needs of school systems regarding strategic planning. The 139 school superintendents in Tennessee were surveyed to determine the degree of use of strategic planning in Tennessee. Surveys were mailed in early September, 1992. Surveys were received over a period of several weeks. A return …

Women And Leadership: The Effect Of Gender, Gender-Role Orientation, Socioeconomic Status, And Parental Influence On Women’S Aspirations To Leader Roles, Barbara Katherine Kreuzer

Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine which factor or combination of factors are related to the degree to which university women aspire to leadership positions. A random sample of university seniors (N=311) from the business, teacher education, and political science curricula were surveyed by mail. The study attempted to answer the following seven research questions: (1) Are there gender differences among university seniors' aspirations to leader positions, (2) are there differences among university seniors' aspirations to leadership based upon curriculum, (3) are there gender differences among university seniors in their projections of classmates into career roles, (4) are …

The Naturalistic Study Of Performance Feedback In A Higher Education Administrative Setting, Karen M. Reese

Dissertations

Examined in this study is the performance feedback provided to administrative staff at the research location and the relationship of that feedback to performance. Data were collected through semistructured interviews from 27 subjects at a small midwestern coeducational public university. Six research questions were investigated: the conditions under which feedback occurs, the sources of feedback and their relative usefulness, barriers to feedback giving and seeking, and the relationship of feedback to performance.

The desire to correct a deficiency was the primary catalyst to informal feedback being given to staff. Supervisors became aware of staffs' deficiencies through observation and complaints from …

A Study Of The W. Edwards Deming Total Quality Management Concept As It Applies To Education In Tennessee, Ronald Wilcox

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine Tennessee superintendents' perceptions of the educational application of the W. Edwards Deming Total Quality Management Model. The Total Quality Management Model was divided into four parts for the purpose of this study based on review of the literature. The parts are eight selected underlying principles, Deming's 14 points, Deming's deadly diseases, and process improvement tools. A survey instrument developed by the investigator was sent to all 139 Tennessee superintendents. A total of 112 of the superintendents responded representing 81% of the population. Fifty-one percent of the respondents are using some of the …

An Analysis Of The Utilization Of Power By Florence Nightingale 1856-1872, Louise C. Selanders

Dissertations

This historical analysis sought to determine the types of power utilized by Florence Nightingale while providing leadership to major reforms and how these power acts were implemented- The scope of the study was her productive post- Crimean years from 1856 through 1872. Events which were examined included the reform of the health of the British Army including the Royal Commission, the establishment of modem, secular nursing education and the establishment of public health standards in India during British colonization.

The power acts were examined relative to the constituents of power defined by Dahl (1957). The source of power contained subsets …

Identifying A 9-12 Curriculum For High Schools In The Upper Peninsula Of Michigan, Patrick Manning

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify high school graduation standards for high schools in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The standards should meet the state of Michigan recommendations or standards for high school graduation. In addition, recommendations of local, state , and national studies and commission reports were included. A comparison was made between a ll Upper Peninsula high schools' graduation requirements for both non-college-bound and college-bound students and the Michigan State Board of Education recommended graduation requirements and those of the Michigan College Presidents Council.

Inquiry was made into course cred it requirements for graduation, recommended curriculum …

Characteristics Of Community Foundations At Different Ages And Asset Sizes, Kathryn Ann Agard

Dissertations

This dissertation identifies a growth pattern for community foundations. The study is based on a comparative review of 89 community foundations selected on a stratified random sample basis from the membership of the Council on Foundations. Changes in the administrative , social, strategic, and technical systems were studied. Measurements were taken on 35 indicators and analyzed through descriptive and correlational statistics .

The findings of this study indicate that there is a pattern to the change in each of the administrative, social, strategic, and technical systems in the foundations studied. The pattern of change is correlated to the two independent …

Factors Associated With Success In A Participative Decision Making Program For Supervisors, Managers, And Salaried Professionals, Eric Paul De Nijs

Dissertations

This study was designed to investigate the factors associated with success in a participative decision making program, based on the quality circle concept, involving teams of first-line supervisors, managers, and salaried professionals. The teams were formed to initiate and implement cost saving projects. A total of 35 subjects from six teams participated in the study conducted in a food processing company located in the Midwest. Cross-functional teams representing the main functional areas of a company were ranked on the basis of their success, defined as the proportion of the savings goal the team attained. From this ranking, the top three …

A Study Of Selected Strategies For Allocating Funds To Improve County Roads, Ronald E. Reid

Dissertations

Strategies for the ranking of county road improvement projects can be based on a rating that reflects the physical condition of the pavement, a rating that reflects the pavement roughness, a rating that incorporates the combination of physical condition of the pavement and the pavement roughness (its pavement serviceability rating), or a rating that takes into account the age of the pavement and amount of traffic

This study compared the relationship between the strategy of the ranking of each road segment based on that segment's: (a) surface distress rating and roughness rating, (b) surface distress rating and pavement serviceability rating, …

A Longitudinal Study Of The Developmental Kindergarten Program In The Troy Schools, Troy, Michigan, Dennis H. Raetzke

Dissertations

This study evaluated the long-term effects of developmental kindergarten on reading achievement, grade retention, and special education services. Data were collected for 84 subjects from 12 participating elementary schools in Troy, Michigan. Forty-two subjects in the experimental group were matched with 42 subjects from the control group. Pairs were matched according to age within 6 months, gender, and to ta l score on the Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning-Revised (DIAL-R, Mardel1-Czudnowski & Goldenberg, 1983) screening test.

Multivariate analysis of covariance, used to analyze the effects of developmental kindergarten participation on reading achievement over time, indicated no significant results …

The Effects Of An Integrated Environment On Specific Target Behaviors In Severely Impaired Young Children, Rosemarie R. Smith

Masters Theses

Four severely impaired children, ages four to seven, were integrated in a non-handicapped preschool setting during a free play period. A multiple baseline design was used to study the environment's effect on specific target behaviors. No intervention, other than the classroom setting, was implemented to effect levels of these behaviors. The results were mixed with one student showing a marked increased in the desired behavior from.136 occurrences per minute to 1.73 occurrences per minute. However, a second subject's desired behavior decreased from 2.0 occurrences per minute to.194 occurrences per minute. The target behaviors of the remaining two subjects remained unchanged. …

The Effect Of Varying Weightload Intensities On Biceps Curl Technique, Jeffrey C. Gailhouse

Masters Theses

This study described biomechanical deviations from proper biceps curl technique specifically in the shoulder, trunk, body and knee angles, that occurred in response to varying intensities of an individual's 1 RM (repetition maximum). Ten college age males participated in the study. Subjects were required to perform one repetition at 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100% of his 1 RM. The only differentiating factor was the order in which the five intensities were performed. Condition order was randomized to minimize bias. Movement was filmed with a high-speed motion picture camera, digitized and then analyzed with computer software.

The findings indicated that …

An Analysis Of The Effect Of Matching Student Learning Style To The Method Of Instruction, Addamae Akin

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if matching student learning style and teacher teaching style w ill result in any difference in achievement of students in the classroom as measured by the number of students receiving credit in ninth-grade world history classes.

The study was conducted in a mid-size Macomb County, Michigan, school district. Two hundred fifteen ninth-grade students and four teachers participated in this study. World history classes were used because of their heterogeneous grouping and because i t was a required ninth-grade class.

Students were administered the Learning Style Profile (Keefe & Monk, 1986) from the …

An Analysis Of Student Math Scores Based Upon Teacher Training In The Instructional Theory Into Practice Model, Martha O'Kray

Dissertations

The main purpose of this study was to determine if teacher participation in Instructional Theory Into Practice (ITIP , Hunter, 1978) training resulted in any difference in student achievement. Student outcomes were measured by scores received on the district's Exit Level Mathematics Test (Roseville Community Schools, 1986).

The study took place in Roseville Community Schools. Six hundred forty-nine students and 32 teachers in Grades 3, 4, and 5 participated.

Fourteen teacher observations were included to confirm the appropriateness and frequency of ITIP strategies in classroom instruction. Observers using the Instructional S kills Observation Instrument (ISOI, Wolfe, 1984) scored non-ITIP-trained teachers …

The Tennessee School Board Chairperson's Perception Of School Accountability, Dennis L. Peters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to obtain and analyze information about the perceptions of local school board chairpersons in Tennessee toward school accountability. A questionnaire was designed to gather information from all school board chairpersons in the state of Tennessee. The questionnaire contained 32 attitudinal statements related to school accountability and 11 demographic questions about the chairpersons and the system they represent. The mean score, frequency, and percentage of the responses were computed and analyzed. The Kruskal-Wallis one-was ANOVA was computed to determine if significant differences existed in the mean score of the 32 attitudinal statements based on the …

Teacher Recruitment Practices And Teacher Supply And Demand Conditions In Selected School Districts In Six Southeastern States, Brenda J. G'Fellers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to determine the adequacy of teacher supply and to identify teacher recruitment practices used in large and small school districts in six southeastern states and to elicit from respondents ratings of the importance and effectiveness of the various teacher recruitment practices. A population of 362 small and large school districts in 6 states, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, was surveyed in the late summer and fall of 1991. The return rate was 50.27%. The survey instrument had been developed by Roger L. Nall and was revised by the researcher. A …

An Evaluation Of The Principal's Academies Of Tennessee, David E. Wetzel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem related to this study was to determine which components of the Tennessee Principal's Administrator Academy are effective and which ineffective in influencing the principal's performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Principal's Academy that influences the principal's day-to-day job performance at the local school site. The study also attempted to determine if factors such as age, size of school, per pupil expenditure, number of teachers on the respondent's staff, educational level, school setting, years in present position, years attending the academy had any effect on the administrator's perceptions of the academy. Tennessee …

A Case Study Of The New Elementary School In Kingsport, Tennessee, Debra R. Lee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The statement of the problem was taxpayers and the general populace have expressed dissatisfaction with the current schooling/education results. Influential educators, similarly, have stated their belief(s) that educational practice no longer meets the requirements for production of a competitive citizenry. The purpose of this study was to investigate the process of developing a new elementary school in Kingsport, Tennessee. This study explores the process used by the Kingsport City School System to determine the sequence of analyzing, planning and implementing a new elementary school designed for the twenty-first century. In this qualitative study, four research questions were formulated. A reputational …

An Evaluation Of The Performance Of Retired Military Personnel Who Begin Teaching As A Second Career, Wendell Edgar Parker

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

With the increasing shortage of quality teachers, alternative certification programs have become a major source of attracting professionals from other fields and training them for the teaching profession. As a possible source of quality teachers, military retirees represent a large pool of prospective candidates. Despite their experience, and because of their alternative teacher training, the quality of their classroom performance is often questioned by both teacher unions and teacher training institutions.

This study focuses on military retirees who have been trained via an alternative certification and begun second careers as public school teachers. Specifically, this study determines the level of …

Assessment: Authentic Strategies For Early Childhood Education, Gail Ann Hathaway Tupper

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis explores the relationship between assessment techniques and reporting procedures in early childhood settings. Discrepancies between curriculum being presented and skills and progress being reported are examined.

The curriculum used in this study is Portland Public Schools' Piaget Curriculum, which stresses active, scientific problem solving for children 4 to 6 years old. A variety of assessment, observation, recording and reporting tools are suggested, implemented and critiqued. Creation of a portfolio to store and showcase these items is suggested and explained.

The important role of parents and families in the assessment process is studied. Strategies for involving parents at all …