Education Commons^™

A Qualitative Case Study Of Natural Storytelling Strategies Used At The Nantahala School., Nancy J. Reeder

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study identifies what 8 teachers naturally do with storytelling at a K-12 school in western North Carolina. Through observations, interviews, field notes, document reviews, and artifact reviews, I used the constant comparison analysis method to discover themes from their formal and informal storytelling strategies. From these themes, I created a framework of 7 suggestions to enhance storytelling awareness. They are: sharing personal stories, developing voice control and body expression, connecting story to school culture, modeling well-developed stories with beginnings, middles, and ends, introducing stories with a pause, expressing the word "imagine" often during instruction, and finally, making …

The Effect Of Classroom Management Training And Active Or Information-Based Follow -Up On Inexperienced Teachers' Perceived Classroom Behavior Management Effectiveness, Diana L. Casey

Student Work

Inexperienced teachers' perceived classroom effectiveness of their planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities domains were analyzed to determine the effects of active follow-up compared to information-based follow-up of classroom management training ( N = 50). Inexperienced teachers enrolled in I Can Do It Classroom Management Training were randomly assigned to active follow-up to the training (n = 24) or information-based follow-up to the training ( n = 26). As reflected by the pretest and posttest evaluation form measuring their perceived effectiveness in the domains of planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities, teachers participating in …

The Effectiveness Of A School-Wide Differentiated Home Room Academic Extension Re-Teaching Initiative On The Achievement And Proficiency Categories Of 8th-Grade Students With Varying Levels Of Cognitive Skills, Tamara J. Williams

Student Work

The purpose of the study was to measure the effectiveness of a school-wide differentiated home room academic extension re-teaching initiative on the academic achievement and criterion-referenced assessment proficiency categories of 8th-grade students with varying levels of measured cognitive skills. Achievement measures were reading and math criterion-referenced assessment scores, core subject grades, and the reading and math Terra Nova Normal Curve Equivalent Norm Referenced Achievement Test subtest scores. At the conclusion of the research year 20 students moved into the highest measured criterion referenced reading test proficiency group (beyond proficient) and 33 students moved into the highest measured criterion referenced math …

Turning A Small Residential Farm Into A Non-Profit Educational Organization, Thomas John Anderson

Agribusiness

This study was undertaken to determine whether Felicity’s Farm could become a non-profit organization for education. In order to determine the feasibility of turning Felicity’s Farm into a non-profit organization, interviews were conducted and financial statements were collected. In addition, a Certificate of Incorporation was completed based on the interview and financial data. It was concluded that Felicity’s Farm could become a non-profit organization; however, better organization of finances, fund-raising and the use of volunteers was recommended.

Utilizing Concept Mapping As A Teaching And Learning Tool To Prepare For The Science Taks Test, Rosa Linda Zuniga

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Concept mapping was used with Donna High School students to determine its effect on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test. Concept mapping was used with models such as the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol model (SIOP), the 5- E model, and the Learning Groups model. This measure was taken because the models used have not helped students improve their TAKS scores significantly. The findings of this research reveals that using the process of concept mapping together with the SIOP model helps students clearly see related concepts and motivates them to think more deeply. Students quickly realize what concepts …

An Exploratory Investigation Of The Implementation Of Quality Staff Development And Campus Success, Cindy Hays Sadler

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this study was to explore what proportion of staff development as measured by the National Staff Development Council’s Standard Assessment Inventory (SAI) contributes to campus success as measured by the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). Two exploratory null hypotheses were generated and tested in an attempt to explore outcomes using the SAI and TAKS scores. H0 Campus Success (Y) based on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills is not a function of implementation of the National Staff Development Council Standards (X) based on Standard Assessment Inventory. H0 Campus success (Y) is not a function …

Teacher Leadership Practices In Large Texas High Schools With Different Accountability Ratings: A Mixed Methods Study, Cynthia Molina Saldivar

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

A promising strategy for improving education is to use the energy of teacher leaders as agents of school change. According to Katzenmeyer and Moller (2001), teaching and learning improve where shared leadership exists, and when there is no expectation of “heroic leadership” from one person. Therefore, this mixed methods study was designed to examine teacher leadership and the leadership styles and practices of principals in large Texas high schools with different accountability ratings. Two hundred and fifteen participants consisting of teachers, teacher leaders, and leadership team members from 24 high schools were surveyed; and personal interviews were held with principals …

A Systematic Examination Of Data-Driven Decision-Making Within A School Division: The Relationships Among Principal Beliefs, School Characteristics, And Accreditation Status, Beth Teigen

Theses and Dissertations

This non-experimental, census survey included the elementary, middle, and high school principals at the comprehensive schools within a large, suburban school division in Virginia. The focus of this study was the factors that influence building administrators in using data to make instructional decisions. The purpose was to discover if there is a difference in the perceptions of elementary, middle, and high school principals of data use to make instructional decisions within their buildings. McLeod’s (2006) Statewide Data-Driven Readiness Study: Principal Survey was used to assess the principals’ beliefs about the data-driven readiness of their individual schools. Each principal indicated the …

Perceptions Of School Civility: A Survey Of School Of Education Alumni, Keely Marie Swanson

Theses and Dissertations

Very little empirical data exists on the topic of civility in schools, although much theory and philosophy are proffered in the literature. Literature on moral education and character education also informs the study of civility. Many of the philosophical theories mention education as a way of increasing civility in society. Some schools have attempted to implement various civility interventions and research supports the use of similar interventions to teach social skills; however, none have systematically collected data for these interventions to evaluate their effectiveness for teaching civility. The present research systematically gathered data on perceptions of civility and incivility in …

Becoming A 21st Century University: How Usm Can Use Online Education To Meet The Needs Of Its Adult Student Population, Amy Gieseke

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

The 21st century has been, and will continue to be, a time of great change within the world of higher education. One key demographic change lies in the growing number of adult students seeking educational opportunities. Higher education institutions, such as the University of Southern Maine, have not historically been structured to serve the needs of this important and growing student population. In the coming years, significant changes in structure and organizational mission will be critical to address the needs of these students and to capitalize on the influx of revenue they could bring to a financially struggling institution. This …

The Effect Of An In-Class Behavioral Intervention Plus Differentiated Instruction Program On The Achievement And Behavior Outcomes Of Verbally Disruptive 8th-Grade Students With And Without Co-Occurring Reading Delimitations, David R. Lavender

Student Work

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of an in-class behavioral intervention plus differentiated instruction program on the achievement and behavior outcomes of 8th-grade students with verbally disruptive behavior and co-occurring below grade level reading test scores compared to 8th-grade students with verbally disruptive behavior and grade level reading test scores. Statistically significantly improved posttest reading vocabulary and reading total Normal Curve Equivalent scores and between class tardy frequencies supported the use of an in-class behavioral intervention program that allowed students with verbally disruptive behavior and co-occurring below grade level reading test scores to reclaim themselves after …

The Easy Way Versus The Hard Way: Middle-Class Black Male Students' Perceptions Of Education As It Relates To Success And Career Aspirations, Rita D. Williams

Educational Policy Studies Dissertations

ABSTRACT THE EASY WAY VERSUS THE HARD WAY: MIDDLE- CLASS BLACK MALE STUDENTS‟ PERCEPTIONS OF EDUCATION AS IT RELATES TO SUCCESS AND CAREER ASPIRATIONS by Rita D. Williams “Education is the key to success” is a common mantra on which schools base their goals and daily operations as well as the reason why most teachers enjoy job security. The majority of school personnel project two beliefs: (a) College is the appropriate next step after graduating from high school, and (b) white-collar occupations, such as professional, management, and supervisory positions, are desired career choices. However, after interacting with and observing the …

The Production Of Political Discourse: Annual Radio Addresses Of Black College Presidents During The 1930s And 1940s, Vickie Leverne Suggs

Educational Policy Studies Dissertations

The social and political role of Black college presidents in the 1930s and 1940s via annual radio addresses is a relevant example of how the medium of the day was used as an apparatus for individual and institutional agency. The nationalist agenda of the United States federal government indirectly led to the opportunity for Black college leadership to address the rhetoric of democracy, patriotism, and unified citizenship. The research focuses on the social positioning of the radio addresses as well as their role in the advancement of Black Americans. The primary question that informs the research is whether the 1930s …

Second Language Teaching Strategies For Teaching The Human Body To Fourth Graders, Maria L. Vela

All Graduate Projects

In a country filled with pressure for high academic achievement at the state and federal levels, it is necessary to implement "best practice" teaching strategies for student success. "Best practice" teaching strategies are strategies that are research based and have proven to be essential in increasing academic achievement. Among using "best practices," there are a variety of programs that focus on teaching second language learners English, one of them being dual language. Dual language is an additive bilingual program in which the second language is taught through the content areas as the native language continues to be developed. However, the …

The Culture Of Poverty: How It Affects Middle School Students, Kaycie Anne Tuttle

All Graduate Projects

In education, teachers are seeing more impoverished students than ever before. With that understanding, teachers need to know how to identify and assist these students so that they are successful in school. The War on Poverty has been going on for years, and with a failing economy, teachers are seeing more impoverished students in their classrooms. To counteract this situation, teachers will be shown a pamphlet, power point presentation, and a workshop on poverty which will help show teachers what their students may be experiencing when away from school. In addition, the pamphlet will provide information of what to look …

Improving Second Graders’ Understanding And Use Of Genre Through The Classroom Library, Melissa Kristene Arquette

All Graduate Projects

The research supports the importance of the classroom library, using the classroom library to introduce non-fiction text, and developing students' understanding of genre using the classroom library as a tool. The purpose of this project is to improve second graders' understanding and use of genre through the classroom library. The project includes eight units focused on realistic fiction, poetry, fantasy, folktales, myths and legends, non-fiction (information books), biographies, and fairytales. Each unit combines student focused group book sorting, book browsing, reading log entries, whole group activities, and a genre review form. Pre- and post- unit assessment, in the form of …

Importance Of School Readiness And Early Childhood Education, Amanda L. Moore

All Graduate Projects

The need for childhood education was studied and, based upon experiences garnered as a Kindergarten teacher, Cub Club was created and implemented in order to begin to reduce the achievement gap. The program was designed to educate parents about the importance of family involvement and the benefits, lasting into adulthood, of working with children at home during their early years of learning.

Dual Language Education In The Elementary Grades: What Are Some Constraints Or Limitations Of Dual Language In Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade., Anna Alvarez

All Graduate Projects

This study examined the dual language model of bilingual education available to students at Pioneer Elementary in Sunnyside, Washington. There are a variety of bilingual education, Spanish and English, programs currently used throughout the United States. The effectiveness of student's academic success is based on the bilingual education program they participate in, which has been a long-standing debated topic. Recently new and innovative bilingual education programs such as dual-language models have been introduced and implemented into many classrooms. There is significant scholarly debate regarding the efficacy of dual language education programs. It is possible that the debate is centered on …

A Guidebook, Based On One School’S Journey In Implementing Response To Intervention, Pearl Mckenzie

All Graduate Projects

Many districts across the United States are considering, or have already implemented a system called Response to Intervention (RTI). This is a research-proven instructional method that will benefit many children who are challenged by the academic content. RTI uses a schoolwide structural system to support students and staff. This project documents steps taken by one school during an academic year in the form of a guidebook.

Kindergarten Connection: An Early Literacy Intervention Through Home/School/Community Connections, Laurie Card-Roley

All Graduate Projects

Students most at-risk for academic failure are the populations of students classified as English Language Learners; migrant students; special education students; children of poverty; homeless students; students in foster care; children of abuse or neglect; and children with social, emotional, or behavioral concerns. The number of students falling within the at-risk population of students has continued to increase over the years. A program and curriculum called Kindergarten Connection attempts to address these barriers to learning by identifying family, societal and academic concerns prior to kindergarten and connecting families to the school and community resources that will provide the needed support. …

Microsoft Word 2007 And Powerpoint 2007 Units For Ell Students In Introduction To Information Technology, Janel Jo Lemieux

All Graduate Projects

Trying to settle in a country whose language a person does not speak is challenging in itself. Attending a computer class when a person has never touched a computer is just another hurdle to overcome. The current curriculum is not conducive to English Language Learners in Introduction to Information Technology. Microsoft Word 2007 and Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 are two of the most widely used computer programs in the school. For this reason more effective curriculum was created for ELL students enrolled in the Introduction to Information Technology class.

A Sense Of Trust Through The Eyes Of African American Doctoral Students: An Examination Of How A Predominantly White Institution Of Higher Education Can Create An Environment Of Inclusiveness, Zelda M. Deboyes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological research study explores whether trust influences the experiences of African American students, particularly those in doctoral programs at predominantly White institutions. Recent studies suggest that colleges and universities can benefit in several ways by building and maintaining student trust. However, the body of research typically provides a general understanding of the role and benefits of student trust in the academic arena through the eyes of White students only. Very few studies examine the benefits of student trust for a diverse population, and even fewer address African American students enrolled in predominantly White doctoral programs.

This research provides an …

Memorization Techniques: Using Mnemonics To Learn Fifth Grade Science Terms, Juan O. Garcia

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this study was to determine whether mnemonic instruction could assist students in learning fifth-grade science terminology more effectively than traditional-study methods of recall currently in practice The task was to examine if fifth-grade students were able to learn a mnemonic and then use it to understand science vocabulary; subsequently, to determine if students were able to remember the science terms after a period of time. The problem is that in general, elementary school students are not being successful in science achievement at the fifth grade level. In view of this problem, if science performance is increased at …

Students With Learning Disabilities In Postsecondary Education: Differences Among Students With Varying Levels Of Self-Advocacy Skills And Academic Achievement, Diana Villanueva

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This quantitative study described factors that promote or discourage self- advocacy among students with learning disabilities at the postsecondary level. Data were gathered from students with learning disabilities at the postsecondary level and faculty members at the University of Texas-Pan American to address issues on accommodations as well as students' self perceptions regarding their learning disabilities. Five questionnaires were utilized to describe student and faculty member perceptions regarding learning disabilities and the accommodation process at the postsecondary level. Data from the study helped increase an understanding of the factors that may increase or decrease student academic success at the postsecondary …

The Impact Of Focused Tutoring And Science Lab Instruction Strategies For An Elementary School In South Texas, Annabelle Paloma

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that focused tutoring and science lab methodologies have on 5th-grade student performance in science. The study examined how focused tutoring and science lab methodologies affect performance of 5th-grade students in science as measured by Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAKS). The problem is that far too many young Americans emerge from the nations elementary and secondary schools with an inadequate grounding in science. In correlation with this problem, if adequate instructional interventions are implemented, then students may be better prepared when tested with the science Texas Assessment of Knowledge and …

Factors Of Effective Teaming Of Special Education Paraprofessionals And Special Education Teachers., Heidi Zisla

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that lead to effective teaming of special education teachers and special education paraprofessionals. These teams face many challenges in teaming effectively. Teachers and paraprofessionals were surveyed and interviewed to gather their perspectives. Communication, clear roles and expectations, demonstrating appreciation and respect emerged as some of the main factors leading to effective special education teaming.

Understanding Acculturation Patterns Of Burmese Refugee Children In Utah Public Schools, Stacie Jai Fraire

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the experience of 21 Burmese refugee adolescents as they acculturated into public schools in Salt Lake City, Utah. Unstructured, open-ended interviews were conducted to elicit information on the students' perception of the U.S. educational system, as well as their feelings about acculturation. The interviews were conducted with the aid of a Burmese/Karen translator and were transcribed and analyzed utilizing a grounded theory approach. The findings detail the acculturation process of the Burmese refugee students, the positive effect motivation has on the pace of acculturation, the impact of unfamiliar technology and language-based misunderstandings on the students' educational …

It Is Not Good That Man Should Be Alone: What Adam And Eve Can Teach Us About Relationships In Learning Communities, Julene Bassett

Theses and Dissertations

Human existence (or be-ing) is profoundly relational. Yet educational environments often assume that learning happens individually. Though many educators are trying to rectify this problem by introducing community into the learning process, these efforts are too often simply overlaid onto a system that works through competition and rewards individual achievement. Therefore, an alternative perspective for who we are as humans and how we should be together is needed. In this dissertation, I examine what it means to be fundamentally related and show how such an understanding might impact learning. We often think of “community” as a place, but I also …

Quick Listening Activities To Improve Phonological Awareness In The Kindergarten Classroom, Jill Florence Stephens

All Graduate Projects

Current research shows phonological awareness plays an important role in a kindergarten student's ability to read. Phonological awareness (PA) is identifying and manipulating parts of spoken language, such as words, syllables, onsets and rimes, and rhyming. Recent research also indicates a kindergartener's level of phonological awareness is connected to his or her ability to decode words, recognize vocabulary and comprehend text. Students lacking a sense of phonological awareness struggle learning to read. The good news is that kindergarteners' phonological awareness can improve with 10-15 minutes of focused instruction each day. This project guides kindergarten teachers through phonological awareness listening activities, …

Comprehensive Survival Guide For Substitute Teachers, Angela Jeanne Satterfield

All Graduate Projects

The struggles and challenges of substitute teaching were looked at as well as the rationale for supporting substitute teachers. Existing school district handbooks were examined and the limitations and advantages of these handbooks were given. As a result, a handbook was created with a list of suggestions, ideas, tips, and tools. These are all meant to support substitute teachers in their teaching and the students that they work with in experiencing an educationally productive school day.