Education Commons^™

Middle School Discipline: In Need Of Solutions, Robin L. Moore-Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract available.

A Study And Intervention Of Excessive Absenteeism At Bridgeton High School, Sandra H. Myers

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate reasons that students were absent and to study policies or programs that could help decrease absenteeism for students. The intern used an action research design by surveying students and interviewing teachers. The sample cluster in this study consisted of the students attending the Summer Credit Completion Program at Bridgeton High School. The population in which inferences were made was the student body at Bridgeton High School. The information, however, can be generalized to any special needs high school or one that is comparable in socioeconomic status.

The intern looked at three areas …

Developing And Implementing A Daily Schedule Which Promotes Professional Collaboration And Meets The Needs Of The Students At The Lakeside Middle School In Millvile, New Jersey, Scott M. Sheppard

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this report was to develop and plan a daily schedule which promotes professional collaboration and meets the needs of the students at the new Lakeside Middle School. A properly structured schedule contains the organizational elements for delivering the curriculum to meet the needs of the students.

This research program involved the students in grades 6, 7 and 8. The students and staff are housed in four different schools throughout the district. A commercial building has been converted into the first true middle school (grades 6-8) in the history of the district. The school opens in September of …

Improving Student Bus Behavior In An Elementary School Through The Use Of Video Cameras And An Incentive Program, Mary L. Steinhauer-Kula

Theses and Dissertations

This report focuses on two strategies used to improve student behavior on school buses at Silver Run School, an elementary school in Millville, New Jersey. The purpose of this comparative study was to determine whether or not the use of video cameras on school buses and the implementation of the "Best Bus" program, a behavior incentive program, leads to improved student behavior as measured by fewer discipline referrals. Two consecutive school years, 1997-1998 and 1998-1999, were studied. In the 1997-1998 school year, neither strategy was utilized, while both were implemented in the 1998-1999 school year. In addition to the quantitative …

World Language Program In Elementary Schools, Claire S. Whittaker

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to discover and evaluate the effectiveness of a World Language Program on the elementary students of St. James Regional School using a schoolwide action research design. This study's result were formulated into an evaluation to parents, teachers, and administrations on the progress of a FLES Language Program.

This project took place at a small Catholic elementary school consisting of the students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. This school is small and located in an economically depressed area. There is little exposure to foreign language in the community and none has been taught in the …

The Effects Of Music And Clothing On Youths' Ideological Development, Troy Turner

Theses and Dissertations

With adults such as sociologists, psychologists, public officials, and laypeople looking for answers into building more cordial racial relations, a key could be to see how white people's exposure to black culture facilitates such relationships. 65 white males between the age of 16-21 years old, who identified as preferring the music and clothing style of hip hop/r&b, were compared to 58 white males 16- 21 years old, who did not indicate such a preference.

The Morrison Scale of Attitudes on Black and White Relations (M.S.A.B.W.R.), which measures for comfort with integration, and the Anxiety of African Americans Scale were used. …

A Study Of The Impact Of The Picture Exchange Communication System On Verbal Language And Stereotypic Behavior In Preschool Children With Autism, Theresa Caratozzolo

Theses and Dissertations

The Picture Exchange Communication System was designed to give children with autism, developmental disorders, and social-communication disorders a way to communicate with the world around them. It is a picture based communication device that puts emphasis on the child initiating interactions. PECS utilizes many behavioral teaching techniques such as shaping, fading, backward chaining, and delayed prompting to teach children to make requests and communicate with others.

Even with the emphasis on spontaneous interactions without the use of speech, verbal language is likely to develop as a secondary outcome for those children who have the ability to develop and use speech. …

Using "Social Stories" To Enhance The Social And Behavior Skills Of Preschool Children With Autism Or Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Amy F. Wiesen

Theses and Dissertations

Autistic or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) children may exhibit impairments with communication skills, social skills, and cognitive skills. A treatment strategy called social stories may be an effective visual aid that provides individuals with autism/PDD accurate information regarding situations they encounter or skills they are working on. This thesis examined whether the use of social stories would increase the academic, social, and behavior skills of autistic/PDD children. A study was conducted over a three month period on three preschool students from the Bancroft Preschool. The purpose of writing a social story for each child was to teach the students to …

A Correlational Study Between The Adolescent And Adult Self Concept Retrospective Scale And The Inferred Rating Scale, Patricia A. Coley

Theses and Dissertations

If it is to be believed that self-concept can be inferred from behavior, that an individual perceives himself based upon how others see him and behaves according, then it can be assumed that the development of one's self-concept can be influenced by significant individuals such as teachers, school counselors and school administrators.

It is noted that students with negative self-concepts may become high risk for learning problems. The self-concept can predict academic success or failures.

This study will look at 30 students classified Learning Disabled from a South Jersey High School, and how they perceive themselves compared with the teacher's …

A Validation Study For The Use Of The Adolescent And Adult Self-Concept Retrospective Scale For Emotionally Disturbed Adolescents, Stephanie D. Frasier

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the Adolescent and Adult Self-concept Retrospective Scale (AASRS) for use with emotionally disturbed adolescents. To determine validity, scores on a behavioral rating scale, the Behavioral Dimensions Rating Scale (BDRS), completed by a teacher or teacher's assistant were correlated to scores on the AASRS. It was thought that if there was a high congruence between the scores on the two measures the AASRS would be validated.

The sample in this study consisted of 29 dually diagnosed adolescents that attended a school for special needs students. All subjects were between 13 …

The Effect Of Participation In A Preshool Disabilities Class On Future Academic Placement, Barbara E. Zuber

Theses and Dissertations

This research hypothesized that students who received help in a preschool disabilities program would be less likely to remain classified as eligible for special education services. The study looked at eleven children who had previously attended a preschool disabilities program. It was found that seven of the eleven children were still classified in special education. The functioning of the students was examined based on their scores on the BASC(Behavior Assessment Scale for Children) Teacher Rating scale. It was found that the majority of students scored high in the area of learning problems and had low scores in study skills. These …

Social And Emotional Effects Of Inclusion In Special Education And Inclusion Classes, Ava Boyce

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to determine whether students with learning disabilities benefited socially and emotionally from inclusion placement when compared to placement in a special education class.

Forty-eight high school students were included in a 17 item attitude scale questionnaire which measured their motivation toward school as well as their self-esteem. Students were surveyed from two inclusion and two special education classes. A second questionnaire measured the attitudes of three special education teachers and three regular education teachers.

The data was analyzed by evaluating the frequency distribution for each question and then comparing the inclusion group to the special education group. …

Visual-Motor Integration Training And Its Effects On Self-Help Skills In Preschool Students With Disabilities, Kimberley L. Maneval

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether structured visual-motor integration training activities aid in the acquisition and refinement of self-help skills in preschool children with disabilities. Research has shown that visual-motor integration training can be beneficial in the remediation of some reading and math difficulties, however, not all researchers agree on the merits of structured training for young children. The experimental group for this study received twenty-three visual-motor integration training sessions over the course of thirteen weeks, in addition to the regular visual-motor integration training activities presented in the regular daily curriculum. The control group only received visual-motor …

Teachers' Perceptions Of The Benefits And Challenges Of Instruction In Collaborative And Resource Room Settings, Dawn M. Ewing

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to pinpoint problems special education teachers face in resource centers and collaborative classes. With this information, teachers will be able to instruct their students with a higher degree of success. In this study of special education teachers who instruct in both a collaborative team-teaching class and a resource center, educators were asked to list and explain the challenges they face in each setting, and how they compared with one another. Special education teachers completed open-ended surveys, as did regular education teachers who teach collaborative classes. Teachers reported that their biggest challenges in both settings were time constraints …

Resolving Conflict Through Peer Mediation, Scott A. Heino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to develop and conduct a peer mediation program in the upper elementary grades at the Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School in order to reduce conflict among students and increase the students' ability to resolve conflicts. An action research methodology was implemented to support a school environment conducive to learning with minimum instances of conflict.

The site of the study is the Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School in Haddonfield, NJ. The population of the study involves all upper elementary students at the school. The population of the study includes 25 staff members as well as the 180 …

A Validity Study For The Revision Of The Joseph Self-Concept Scale For Young Children, Patricia C. Colna

Theses and Dissertations

This project was a validity study for the purpose of assisting in the development of national norms for the revision of the Joseph Self-Concept Scale for Young Children (JSSYC). The study consisted of 60 pre-school children, ages 3-5 years of age, 30 in a low socio-economic family and 30 in a higher socio-economic family. The students were given the JSSYC which consists of 21 questions. One teacher rated the children on the Social Skills Rating Survey (SSRS), including the Behavioral Section. The results were significant with the prediction of the study. Those children whose self-concept rated high on one of …

Examining The Locus Of Control Of Hispanic Students Involved In A Hispanic Self-Esteem Program And Its Association With Academic Achievement, William Edward Beltran

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to identify the locus of control of two participating Hispanic groups; students that belong to a proctored Hispanic organization/club and students that do not belong to a proctored Hispanic organization/club. Then, pair the locus of control of each group with their corresponding level of academic achievement. It was hypothesized that Hispanic students belonging to a proctored Hispanic organization/club would have a greater frequency of internal locus of control and they would exhibit a higher level of academic achievement.

Fifty-four High school students, ages 16-19, were given the Rotter Internal/External locus of control scale. A …

A Validity Study Of The Joseph Self Concept Scale For Young Children, Patricia A. Lemke

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between a student's self concept as compared with the teacher's evaluation of the student. The study used the Joseph Self Concept Scale for Young Children, a self-report, and the Behavioral Academic Self Esteem Evaluation, which was completed by the students' teachers. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive correlation between the two tests. Analysis of the data showed a positive correlation, however, the correlation was not significant.

The population tested consisted of 82 students from an urban school district. Thirty-five of the students tested were female and forty-seven …

Tae Kwon Do Achievement And Locus Of Control, Michael Sansone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to show that children who reach high ranks in Tae Kwon Do taught in a traditional manner will have a greater propensity towards an internal locus of control. The psychological legacy of Tae Kwon Do is in tune with many aspects of Rotter's Locus of control theory. In the words of the president of the Pan American Martial Arts Union, Chang K. Kwak, "Through the martial arts we learn control and that control can be applied to all areas of life. Success is not measured in a set of short term goals... Learning is …

The Relationship Between Birth Order Status And Personality Traits, Michele D'Angelo

Theses and Dissertations

Alfred Adler pioneered birth order research having found that birth order had a great deal to do with how adults interact in the world and the development of personality traits. In an expansion of his theory, the relationship between birth order and personality was examined in this study. One hundred thirty undergraduate and graduate students, with ages ranging from eighteen to forty-six and different ethnic backgrounds were tested. They were group administered the BASIS-A Personality Inventory as well as a questionnaire which assessed their birth order. The BASIS-A is based on Alder's Individual Psychology and asked the participants to recollect …

The Effects Of Range Of Notes, Gender, And Songs With Text Or Without Text On The Vocal Accuracy Of First, Second And Third Grade Students, Nancy J. Hanna

Theses and Dissertations

There are four problems that address the effects of range of notes, gender, and songs with text or without text on the vocal accuracy of first, second and third grade students.

Thirty students each from grades one, two and three were recorded singing four songs in solo. Each student sang a song with a restricted range of notes with text and then on the neutral syllable "loo." Each student then sang a song with a wide range of notes with text and then on the neutral syllable "loo." The recordings of the students singing were then evaluated for accuracy of …

Generational And Gender Differences In Response To Traditional Male And Female Personality Characteristics, Tricia M. Cirineo

Theses and Dissertations

There are many stereotypes pertaining to what is a typical male and typical female characteristic. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in attitudes towards these characteristics between two different generations. Many theorists feel that masculine and feminine characteristics are on opposite poles of a continuous spectrum, while others feel it is possible to possess both masculine and feminine characteristics, termed androgyny. The Bem Sex Role Inventory, the measure utilized in the present study, was developed to measure masculine and feminine characteristics, as well as the concept of androgyny (Bem, 1974).

The sample in this study consisted …

A Comparison Of Two Methods For Teaching Art And Their Influences On Students' Creativity, Marilyn Ross Isaacs

Theses and Dissertations

In 1984, the Getty Center for Education in the Arts initiated a program called Discipline Based Art Education (DBAE), which offered new criteria for teaching art. The basic aim of DBAE was to introduce additional disciplines into an art education program, with an emphasis placed on the teaching of art history, art criticism and aesthetics. To date, no true supportive data has been found substantiating the effectiveness of the DBAE program.

The purpose of this thesis was to examine two different methods of teaching art and their impact on students' artistic learning. Two intact fifth grade classes participated in a …

The Relationship Between Locus Of Control, Gender, And Academic Achievement, Helene Eksterowicz

Theses and Dissertations

This study intended to look at the relationship between locus of control, gender, and academic achievement. The following variables were used: Rotter's I-E scale, Trice's Academic Locus of Control Scale, gender, and college GPA/grades. A sample of 59 subjects (36 female, 23 male) were obtained from the Rowan University student body and each were given the two scales. Six hypotheses were tested using correlational statistics such as the Pearson r, independent t-test, and analysis of means. Results found that a positive relationship existed between Rotter's and Trice's scales. It was also found that although no relationship existed between Rotter's scale …

Clinical Profile Of A Juvenile Delinquent, Arjan Graybill

Theses and Dissertations

This study attempted to explore the relationship that a juvenile delinquent has with three major influences: school, peers, and family. It was hypothesized that juvenile delinquents possess a poor relationship with these influences. Subjects were administered a survey which assesses the relationship with school, peers and family. 19 inmates in a juvenile detention center were administered the survey. There were 15 subjects in the control group who were administered the survey as well. Results from independent t-scores reveal a significant difference in the relationship with school, peers, and family for the two groups. Juvenile delinquents were found to have a …

An Internship In School Business Administration In The Camden City Public Schools, Camden, New Jersey, 1998-1999, Donna M. Houston

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the implementation of a computerized food service system would improve the present financial and management conditions of the district's food service department, by eliminating costly mistakes that repeatedly requires the district to repay monies to the government.

During the initial stage of the project, food service directors from various school districts in New Jersey were instructed to complete a survey to determine the effectiveness of using a computerized system. Data gathered from these districts indicated that the use of computers in school food service departments can greatly enhance the management and …

A Comparison Of Active Learning And Direct Instruction On College Students Enrolled In Two Classes Of Introductory Photography, Deborah A. Hughes-Gallinelli

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to learn about teaching methods and their effects on achievement and skill. The problem was to investigate the effects of both active learning and direct instruction (lecture/demonstration) on students' ability to produce a continuous tone, ten step gray scale, black and white photographic print.

The researcher arranged for a college instructor of photography to teach two intact classes of General Photography using the two instructional methods. The objectives for both classes were the same. Each student in both groups completed eight photographic assignments. After twelve (12) weeks of instruction and studio/lab work, each student …

Postal Workers And Stress, Bobbie A. Person

Theses and Dissertations

It is suggested that a plausible theoretical link exists between the management of change and recent killings in the United States Postal Service. The degradation of labor associated with the scientific management of technological change produces stress and frustration that weaken employee integration and undermine existing forms of social control. Certain employees reject prevailing definitions of situations provided by those in power and develop alternative meanings and patterns of behavior, including assaultive violence.

To examine this theory in more depth, 120 Occupational Stress questionnaires and rating sheets were randomly distributed to 30 Mailhandlers and 30 Machine Clerks working the "day" …

Comparing The Stress Levels Of Inclusion Teachers And Non-Inclusion Teachers, Michelle Lynne Robertson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not the practice of inclusion had a significant effect on the stress levels of inclusion teachers. Forty-seven elementary school teachers were compared across various teacher demographics. The hypothesis stated that the stress levels of inclusion teachers would be higher than the stress levels of regular education teachers based on the belief that inclusion teachers have a heavier workload. In previous studies, a heavier workload has been shown to be significantly related to higher stress levels. The Occupational Stress Inventory was administered in two schools in Southern New Jersey in January …

A Pre-Publication Reliability Study Of The Revised Joseph Self-Concept Scale For Young Children, Dianne Wilkens

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test the reliability of the Joseph Self-Concept Scale For Young Children, as an instrument for measuring self-concept. The sample consisted of thirty-four first and pre-first students from the Mary E. Roberts Elementary School, Moorestown, New Jersey. The timeframe for the testing was November 1998 through February 1999. Each student was individually tested utilizing the JSSYC.

The null hypothesis, stating there is no difference between the test and re-test scores, was rejected. The alternative hypothesis, stating that there is a difference between the test and re-test scores was accepted.

A paired sample correlation analysis …