Education Commons^™

The Relationship Between African American Students' Self-Beliefs And Beliefs About Teachers And Academic Outcomes And Disciplinary Referrals, James Matthew Thompson

Dissertations

This research study addressed a facet of the academic achievement gap regarding students' beliefs. The specific area that was examined is African American students' self-belief and beliefs about their teachers, while Caucasian students were used as a comparative group. The sample consisted of 34 African American and 65 Caucasian fifth-grade students from a southeastern public school district. The purpose of the study was to explore correlations between beliefs and African American students' academic outcomes. The theoretical foundations regarding beliefs, cultural context, and stereotype threat that were explored in this study addressed the variables located in Chapter III: Methodology. Additionally, these …

Motivation, Language Learning Strategies, And Course Performance Among English Speaking College Students Learning A Romance Language, Kathia Flemens

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Only 8% of American college students study a foreign language (Christian, Johnson, Malone & Rifkin, 2003). Part of the reason stems from a decrease in foreign language requirements from four to two years at many secondary schools, thus reducing the number of students exposed to foreign language learning (Brecht & Rivers, 2000; Congressional Hearing Document, 2001). This creates a shortage of qualified human resources proficient in a second language at a time when an influx of immigration and globalization have created an increasing need to learn a foreign language (General Accounting Office, 2002). Meeting the human capital foreign language deficit …

First-Generation, Income-Eligible Peer Mentor Study, Charlotte L. Giscombe

Dissertations

This study was designed to determine how mentoring affects the peer mentor. Despite the proliferation of peer mentoring programs, little research has been conducted to consider how mentoring affects the peer mentor's attitudes, leadership ability, and academic accomplishments when engaging in a mentoring relationship.

The focus of this study is on the at-risk peer mentors who are part of the federally funded Student Support Services (SSS) located on a midwestern university campus, and seeks to ascertain whether their grade point average, retention, graduation rates, self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth, and leadership abilities are changed by serving in a mentoring relationship. Since these …

Effective Intervention Approaches For Increased Student Achievement With At-Risk Middle School Students: Voices From Parents, Susan J. Peets

Dissertations

Parent involvement is closely linked to student achievement. Research suggests that students, families, and schools benefit from active participation by families in the process of educating children. Many parents provide a broad range of support to their children, although, currently no common agreement on the most effective forms of parent support exists.

This study focused on the gap in the literature as to the needs of middle school at-risk students' parents. Qualitative methods were used to explore how parents of twelve at-risk middle school students (identified by low academic achievement scores of reading at least one year below grade level …

Longitudinal And Reciprocal Effects Of Ethnic Identity And Experiences Of Discrimination On Psychosocial Adjustment Of Navajo (Diné) Adolescents, Matthew D. Jones

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examined the relationships among ethnic identity, cultural identity, experiences of discrimination, their interactions, and their effects on various psychosocial outcomes (self-esteem, depression, sense of school membership, social functioning, substance abuse, substance related problems, delinquent behaviors, and grade point average [GPA]). Data were collected twice over a 2-year period.

Change across time was observed in male adolescents' experiences of discrimination. Affirmation and belonging to Navajo culture was the strongest protective predictor at Time 1, but at Time 2 less consistent patterns of association emerged. Also at Time 2, experiences of discrimination emerged as a powerful negative predictor of psychosocial …

Examining The Effects Of Linguistic Accommodations On The Colorado Student Assessment Program—Mathematics, Marisol Enriquez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act changed assessment for English Language Learners (ELLs). Under the law, states must validly assess ELLs' English Language Proficiency (ELP) and content knowledge. The law shed light on the achievement of ELLs while also creating challenges for states in validating state assessment and accountability systems. Test accommodations are used for ELLs to reduce threats to test score validity and measure academic achievement as accurately and fairly as possible. Since ELLs are working towards proficiency in English, they face linguistic and socio-cultural barriers under the confines of large scale assessment. A limited body of research …

Communication Strategies In Problem-Free Synchronous And Asynchronous Computer-Mediated Communication (Cmc): An Egyptian Efl University Context, Hanaa Abdel Rahman

Archived Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated four communication strategies in problem-free synchronous and asynchronous CMC interactions among 15 advanced Egyptian students in an EFL university context. The data yielded a statistically significant difference in the use of topic continuation and off-task discussion at higher levels than forward inferencing and hypothesis testing in synchronous CMC. Differences among some groups were also observed showing variation in communication strategy use. The results failed to support similar findings in asynchronous CMC. However, the data implied several considerations closely related to low interactivity in asynchronous CMC. The findings suggest that some communication strategies may lend themselves to a …

Bilingual Education, Federalism, And The Political Culture Of American Public Education, 1964-1980, Robert Harold Duke

Dissertations

Five decades of English-only orthodoxy in American public schools came to an end with the passage of the Bilingual Education Act of 1968 (BEA). This research investigates how the convergence of community activism, ethnic pride, and union clout shaped and reshaped bilingual education programming at thelocal level within the broader context of post-WWII American society. By comparing and contrasting the experiences of communities in Texas and Michigan with the newly enacted BEA, this study illuminates the changing political culture of school governance from the high-water mark of Johnson-era liberalism tothe surging tide of Reaganite conservatism. It asserts that the tradition …

Redefining The Apartheid Of American History: A Middle School History Curriculum, John Scott Sandberg

All Graduate Projects

After more than half a century of efforts to address the historical educational chasm between marginalized groups it has become obvious that the need for culturally sensitive and inclusive curriculums need to be developed. This project is intended to assist educators take the first steps into the multicultural arena or provide a vehicle for curriculum incorporation. Sample curriculum is provided as an illustration of classroom practice and cultural inclusion. Student and educator roles are defined as well as activities, and assessment methods are described and outlined with links to curriculum content, Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements and Classroom Based …

Unlocking The Power Of Multidimensional Literacy In A Language Arts Classroom: A Middle School Language Arts Curriculum, Andrew Raymond Kostelnik

All Graduate Projects

A curriculum project that incorporates a multidimensional and multicultural point of view is created for a middle school language arts classroom in a rural community. Multiculturalism theories and underpinnings are examined and critically analyzed. Materials are identified and examined to determine the appropriateness in relation to the demographics and nature of the Kayman School District. Multiple sources and materials were established as a permanent curricular component to ensure an education that incorporates multiple perspectives and viewpoints.

Teacher Perceptions Of Multicultural Education: A Research Proposal For A Study Of The Perceptions Of Five White, Female Teachers, Katherine Waight

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

The population of the United States continues to become more and more culturally diverse. Yet, white middle-class women dominate the teaching force. Because there are such great numbers of white middle-class women teaching students of color, it is important to re-examine how they perceive and use multicultural education in their classrooms. There have been numerous studies that have examined how white, pre-service teachers’ perceptions impact their pre-service experiences, but it is important to look at how practicing teachers’ perceptions of multicultural education affect their teaching. This study explores how teachers’ perceptions of multicultural education influence the way they teach.

A …

The Effect Of Stem Length In Multiple Choice Questions On Item Difficulty In Syllabus-Based Vocabulary Test Items, Marwa Mohamed Abd El-Mohsen

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints' Indian Student Placement Service: A History, Lynette Riggs

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

From 1947 to 1996, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operated a foster program that placed Native American children into Latter-day Saint (LDS) homes to attend public schools and be immersed in Mormon culture. This program, the Indian Student Placement Program, is described through LDS perspectives as being generally successful. The children were baptized into the LDS church, removed from the reservations, and relocated to live with white Mormon families where they attended public schools and were expected to conform to white cultural life ways. Critics charge that the program was a missionary tool used to assimilate children …

Educación Ambiental Bilingüe, Kirsten Brewer

Pitzer Senior Theses

El enfoque de esta tesis es un proyecto de servicio-aprendizaje en una clase bilingüe de kinder en el área metropolitana de Los Ángeles. Los estudiantes recibieron un temario de educación ambiental por dos horas a la semana durante la primavera de 2008. Un estudio de la educación ambiental y la educación bilingüe da un contexto social y historico a este trabajo práctico. Describe las lecciones y su significado dentro del contexto. Hay recommendaciones a seguir para proyectos similares en el sitio de estudio.

Biliteracy And Skills Transfer: Literacy Skills Transfer From Arabic To English Focusing On Lexical Access, Henry J. Hauser

Theses and Dissertations

This research was designed to gain understanding of literacy skills transfer from a first language involving a particular writing system to a second language which uses another, divergent writing system. The author has worked in adult literacy in an area of the Sahara desert where the people's first language is Arabic and the majority of adults were illiterate. The present research utilized this setting to study literacy skills transfer from Arabic to English. Specific questions addressed in the research were: what skills transfer from L1 to L2, at what point should instruction in L2 begin, and can lexical access be …

The Right To Learn Across The Tracks: An Analysis Of School Funding And Integration In Seattle, Houston, Philadelphia, Chicago And Washington, D.C., Erin M. Pollard

Politics Honors Papers

Through examining the levels of integration in public and private schools across the United States, it is clear that the spirit of Brown v. Board of Education was never fulfilled. Students are still learning in an overwhelmingly homogeneous environment. Even in diverse neighborhoods there is a difference: the poor and minority children attend the public schools and the wealthy children attend private school. Thus, the urban public schools remain overwhelmingly minority, while private schools are overwhelmingly white. There is a clear discrepancy between black and white students in terms of size of school and quality of education.

To determine whether …

Promoting Higher Academic Achievement Among Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Students, Edna Morris

All Graduate Projects

Designing a multicultural literature based library for use in the classroom setting to promote higher academic achievement among culturally and linguistically diverse students was the purpose of this project. Studies supporting the connection between culturally relevant literature and its use in the classroom with academic achievement among culturally and linguistically diverse students were summarized. The result of this research analysis supports the use of culturally relevant literature and activities with young children. The project provides brochures, resources and guides for use of culturally relevant literature with young children.

Integrating Transformative Multicultural Practice Into The Traditional Physical Education Curriculum, Kari Lea Breeden

All Graduate Projects

This study is intended to serve as a resource for upper elementary physical education teachers seeking supplemental materials to integrate diversity through multicultural education in their traditional physical education classroom. Two questions are the basis for this study: ( 1) Can multicultural education be integrated into the upper elementary physical education classroom? (2) How can teachers' use this study as an assessment tool in their upper elementary physical education program? This study is built upon the work of scholar James Banks. It will extend the work of James Banks by showing how his concept of changing the curriculum to integrate …

Instructional Models And Strategies For Language Acquisition And Literacy, Sheri Ann Ruiz

All Graduate Projects

This study introduces research that shows the most effective teaching models and strategies for language acquisition for students whose primary language is not English in the United States; although most of the research and suggestions presented are also effective for teaching all students, regardless of the student's language level. First, a short background of the history of bilingual education is reviewed. Then, the language domains and various stages oflanguage acquisition are explained. Later, an overview of the research of the most effective teaching models and strategies are provided to inform preschool through 12th grade classroom teachers, Para educators (teaching assistants), …

The Effects Of Program Model And Language On Science Taks Scores Among Fifth Graders, Stephanie Leigh Zelenak

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

THE EFFECTS OF PROGRAM MODEL AND LANGUAGE ON SCIENCE TAKS SCORES AMONG FIFTH GRADERS

This study examined the conditions of learning allowing students in one classroom to succeed on the fifth grade science TAKS test whereas students in other classrooms on the same campus do not succeed. It focused on the relationship of program models, specifically as it pertains to the influence of language within the content area of science and student performance on the fifth grade science TAKS scores.

To compare the academic achievement, as measured by the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test, in grade five …

Assessment Of Adult Esl Learners’ Preferable Learning Styles : Implications For An Effective Language Learning Environment, Kayoko Yamauchi

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This research was conducted to investigate how adult ESL students learn effectively according to their learning preferences and their cultural/educational backgrounds. A total of 117 respondents in this study were categorized in three types: 58 language-based ESL students (L-B ESL students), 48 content-based ESL students (C-B ESL students), and 11 ESL teachers at Marshall University. In 2008, during the fourth week of September, the Productivity Environmental Preference Survey (PEPS) and a demographic questionnaire were administered to both L-B ESL students and C-B ESL students at Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia. Descriptive statistics, including correlation analysis, were used to describe and …

An Investigation Into Teacher Turnover In International Schools, Glenn Odland

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Dual Language Educators: Tambien Tenemos Sentimientos, Monica Sophia Apodaca

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study will show that teaching is a career that involves a relatively high degree of stress. Without the proper coping skills or strategies, educators can face the risk of burn-out. This study will provide a qualitative and quantitative look into the professions of a group of dual language educators, offering suggestions and insights into the stressors unique to this group of educators.

A Dual Language Immersion Parental Guide For Teachers And Administrators, Tamara Lee Madrid

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to develop a parental guide for teachers and administrators that will help them to organize and implement 10 effective parent meetings for the parents of kindergartners in a Dual Immersion Program. Seven schools in San Bernardino City Unified School District have the Dual Immersion program. Out of those seven schools, only one of them holds monthly parent meetings.

A Grounded Theory Study Of Inequities Of Power And Privilege: African-American Educators' Anti-Hegemonic Counter-Narratives, Bonnie Blidgen Mckinley

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the racially relevant stories of African American teachers and educators in education settings. It explores the relationship of ideology, culture, and status as a minority while examining the intersection of this relationship in the context of a border community. It looks at beliefs and values about the teaching and learning process and attempts to determine if any of those beliefs, values and/or actions are functions of (real or perceived) racial discrimination. It also looks at reactions, responses, management, and eventual consequences of perceived institutionalized racism. This grounded theory study utilizes both survey and interview methods of data …

The Relationship Between Learning Style Preference And Achievement In The Adult Student In A Multicultural College., Matilde E. Roig

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Minority college students have varied learning styles and process information from distinct background and cultural perspectives, which influences their learning. Accordingly, the way faculty approach teaching affects student achievement. Few minorities are in scientific fields, with a shortage of scientists predicted. A problem exists in understanding the relationship between learning style preferences and achievement of minority college students. The purpose of the study was to investigate this relationship in adult minority students in a South Florida college's biology courses. Research questions pertained to relationships between learning style preferences, race, ethnicity and grades. This quantitative study used the online Felder-Soloman Inventory …

The Effects Of Teacher Race In The Elementary School On Student Achievement Test Scores, John Stortz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The racial and gender composition of elementary school teachers does not match those of the students and this may be contributing to an inequity of achievement scores between African American and European American students. This ex post facto causal comparative study compared three levels of elementary school diversity personnel staffing on Grade 4 African American student Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) scores and differences between male African American scores and female African American scores in a suburban Atlanta county. Nine intentionally selected elementary schools were chosen representing 3 racial diversity personnel staffing levels including 39% to 50%, 25% to 27%, and …

Teaching Cultural Awareness Using The Four Skills, Alison Garza

MA TESOL Collection

The following project examines the validity of teaching cultural awareness in a language classroom and includes five readers’ theatre plays that help students explore five different countries from around the globe. The countries were determined by the nationalities of the students that participated in the project. The setting for this study was a pull out ESL program in a public school with a large multi-ethnic population. Besides the plays, there are lesson plans, activities sheets and a biography of multi cultural books for children. All activities are designed to incorporate the four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.

The paper …

The Use And Interpretation Of The Batería Iii With U.S. Bilinguals, Julie Esparza Brown

Dissertations and Theses

Within each classroom, many children excel academically while others struggle. Some students' difficulties are such that they require placement into educational programs different from grade level core and perhaps delivered outside of general education classrooms. For many, special education programs are the lifeline to reach their innate potential. For others misplaced into special education, their opportunities may be truncated. For the past 40 years (Dunn, 1968), disproportionate representation of minority children in some disability categories has been a problem. Educators commonly ask "Is a child's difficulties due to language differences or a learning disability?" One key area of confusion relates …

Nate And The One Sixty-Eight, Michael S. Mcmillan

MA TESOL Collection

This paper explores the fate of 168 students who failed the Level 4 test at the American University Alumni (AUA) Language Center in Bangkok, Thailand. It examines enrollment trends of all Level 4 students during a one-year study period spanning 2006 and 2007, and reveals what happened to the students – who dropped out (and when), and who continued to study. It also examines why students might have dropped out. It then takes a critical look at certain aspects of the Level 4 test, explores what makes a test a “good” test, and recommends a series of improvements to AUA’s …