Education Commons^™

Small Michigan Schools: Course Offerings And Methods Used To Maintain Curriculum Despite Low Enrollment, Dona M. Hettle

Masters Theses

Small schools face curriculum limitations because of low student numbers and financial constraints. The purpose of this study was to determine the course offerings and techniques for maintaining curriculum in selected Michigan small schools. Principals of 50 Michigan small schools chosen at random completed a questionnaire listing 79 courses and 15 strategies for maintaining curriculum. Responses were tabulated and listed in rank order. Course offerings in Michigan small schools vary greatly in numbers and kind. Sixty-nine percent offer a basic curriculum enabling students to meet the National Commission on Excellence in Education (1983) recommendations. In coping with small numbers, schools …

Community Education Plan For North Kent Consortium, Charlene M. Bunnell

Masters Theses

The purpose of this project was to design a working document which could be used by the four-school community education consortium in its management practices. The underlying question was whether it was possible to design a document which would be simple and complete, by still address the many needs of four different school systems.

The completed project includes a document which addresses the many facets of administering a multi-district consortium. It outlines the duties and responsibilities of each district at the present time while allowing for the realigning of those duties and responsibilities at a later date.

As a result …

Implementing Computer Use In A 5th Grade Curriculum: A Study Of The Process Of Implementation And Subsequent Impact, Walter F. Davison

Masters Theses

There has recently been an intensive effort on the part of school systems, administrators, teachers, and parents to bring computers into everyday classroom use. Yet, to a large degree, this effort has proceeded without appropriate planning about just how computers can best be used and integrated into the curriculum.

This study focuses on how an independent elementary school with a minimum of resources went about the process of integrating computer usage in the fifth grade, the steps required for integration and for continued student use of computers in the school. Computer usage was introduced as part of the writing classes …

Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizures In Pigeons And The Effects Of Ethosuximide Thereon, James J. Jakubow

Masters Theses

Previous research has shown that ethosuximide in high enough doses will disrupt operant responding in pigeons. Whether or not these same doses will protect against seizure activity in this species has not been previously tested.

To test this question a system for scoring pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in pigeons was developed and the effects of ethosuximide on such seizures were evaluated. In Experiment 1 pentylenetetrazol at 15, 27 and 47 mg/kg reliably induced seizures. In Experiment 2 non-behaviorally active and behaviorally active doses of ethosuximide were tested for their seizure controlling effectiveness.

Doses of 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg ethosuximide …

A Study Of The Development Of A Second Language Program Proposal For Decatur Public Schools, Linda L. Iciek

Masters Theses

The development of a second language proposal for Decatur, Michigan, Public Schools, was undertaken as a result of an established board goal for the 1985-86 school year. Chairing the committee which investigated the possibility of implementing such a program was undertaken to fulfill the requirements of a Specialist in Education degree through the Department of Educational Leadership, Western Michigan University.

The committee met on a weekly basis to study and develop the proposal by completing the following tasks: (a) identify and visit schools within the state implementing such programs; (b) research the effects of immersion language programs; (c) survey the …

A Comparison Of Video Disc-Presented To Teacher-Presented Direct Instruction, Charles P. Schira

Masters Theses

The video disc Mastering Fractions by Systems Impact (1984) was investigated for effects on student on-task behavior. The video disc uses basic principles of Direct Instruction and was compared to teacher-presented Direct Instruction. The study used a reversal design in a Special Education classroom where the classroom teacher normally used Direct Instruction. Three Special Education students at the junior high school level were used as subjects. The results of the study indicate a slight increase in student attending behavior with the use of the video disc. Subjects were also evaluated for the novelty effect of the video disc on attending …

A Review And Evaluation Of Research On Suspension And Expulsion Of Handicapped Students In Public Schools, Debria D. Young

Masters Theses

The purpose of this report is to review and synthesize findings of research studies about suspension and expulsion of handicapped students as a disciplinary procedure in public schools.

The first chapter begins with a glossary of frequently used terms and definitions to assist the reader in understanding the terminology used in this paper.

Chapter II reviews literature relevant to suspension and expulsion of handicapped students.

Chapter III cites statutory and mandatory provisions set forth by the .Michigan State Board of Education on suspension and expulsion.

Chapter IV explores the historical content on suspension and expulsion of handicapped students.

Chapter V …

The Effects Of Nautilus Circuit Weight Training On Aerobic Capacity, Rhonda M. Ludwig

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify whether Nautilus Circuit Training effected maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) levels of novice weight trainers. Fourteen college age male and female subjects (18-23 years old) from physical education classes at Western Michigan University participated in a six week Nautilus Training Program (NTP). Each subject performed a pre and post maximal treadmill graded exercise test to determine VO₂max levels. A randomized block ANOVA design was used to analyze the dependent variable, VO₂max. The mean of the pre-test VO₂max level (42.83 ml x O₂/kg/min) was …

An Evaluation Of A Student Orientation Pilot Project And Counseling Services As Retention Activities At Grand Valley State University, Mary T. Gustas

Masters Theses

The field experience was completed in the Counseling Center in affiliation with the Dean of Students Office, and the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, spring of 1986 through spring of 1987. An objective of the experience was to determine if an increased orientation program and counseling service impacted the retention of freshmen students at Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI.

Data were gathered and compiled which supported an extended orientation program at other institutions. Recommendations for implementation were prepared and presented to the Retention Committee at Grand Valley State University.

Additional data collection was done for the …

Effects Of Student Attitudes And Student Time On Achievement Gains In College Developmental Reading, Kathryn K. Welsch

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to provide a new focus on college-level developmental reading programs by examining course content (i.e., instructional activities) in a developmental reading class.

Attitudes and time spent on instructional activities were monitored for 47 students in three sections of college level developmental reading. Multiple regression analyses were used to relate these data to vocabulary and comprehension gains on the Nelson Denny Reading Test (J. Brown, Nelson, & Denny, 1976).

Students made significant gains in vocabulary and in comprehension. Student attitudes predicted gains in both vocabulary and comprehension. Because of reliability problems, the time data do …

A Relationship Between Vitamin B12, Folate, Ascorbic Acid, And Mercury Metabolism, Nancy Elizabeth Zorn

Masters Theses

The effect of megadoses of vitamin B₁₂, folate, and vitamin C on the in vivo methylation of mercuric chloride was studied in guinea pigs. The incorporation of high levels of vitamin B₁₂, folate, and vitamin C resulted in a decrease in both inorganic mercury and methylmercury concentrations in all tissues except the lung and heart compared to controls. However, percent methylmercury levels tended to increase with vitamin treatments.

The addition of megadoses of vitamin B₁₂ fed either singularly or in combination with the other vitamins resulted in increased methylmercury concentrations in the liver, spleen, and …

The Knoxville City Schools Proficiency Project: A Summary Analysis Of Three Years And Year-Three Results, Kathleen S. Puckett

Masters Theses

The Knoxville City Schools (KCS) Proficiency Project was designed to help inner-city high school pupils improve their scores on the state proficiency test. Grade-nine pupils in lower achieving project high schools and grade-eight students from the corresponding middle schools were given intense treatment over a three-year period. Proficiency test scores for grade-nine students were analyzed each year and were compared to results in control high schools and to the scores of the total city high school population.

Project results showed steady, sustained improvement. By the end of year three, the average percent of pupils passing the state proficiency test in …

Utilizing Daily Repertoire Behavior To Facilitate The Acquisition Of Generalized Imitation In Profoundly Mentally Retarded Adults, Scott A. Kremser

Masters Theses

Two procedures were compared in teaching the skill of generalized imitation. One procedure incorporated some of the subject's daily behavior repertoire into the imitation training paradigm. Another similar procedure utilized non-repertoire responses during training. Two male profoundly mentally retarded adults were trained with each procedure. Overall, the acquisition of generalized imitation was facilitated by incorporating daily repertoire behaviors into the imitation training packages. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in levels of generalized imitation as a function of training condition. Results were variable across subjects however, and it is questionable whether the difference is clinically significant. Further and more refined …

Establishing Interagency Communication Among K-12 School Districts And Government Agencies Through An Intermediate School District, Gary R. Campbell

Masters Theses

The proposed procedure for a local school administrator to establish direct interagency communication between local, K-12 school districts and other government agencies who deal with troubled youth was to: (a) examine the function and organization of the intermediate school district, (b) evaluate the role of its superintendent, and, (c) assist the superintendent in establishment of an interagency discussion group. the This group would meet regularly to discuss mutual concerns in helping troubled youth.

This experience focused on gaining an understanding of the organization and function of a Michigan intermediate school district, the role of its superintendent, and the other non-school, …

Training Mildly Retarded Adults To Generate Effective Solutions To Daily Living Problems, Dennis Munk

Masters Theses

Two mildly mentally retarded adults, living in a semi-independent residential program received training in solving common social problems. The subjects were trained to perform five problem-solving component skills: (1) identifying the problem, (2) defining a goal, (3) evaluating a solution, (4) evaluating alternative solutions, and (5) selecting a best solution. The five component skills were trained in sequence, as a multiple-baseline across skill behaviors design. It was hypothesized that the training program would successfully improve the subjects' ability to perform the component skills when solving trained and unfamiliar problems. The unfamiliar problems were included to test generalization of skill. The …

Cross-Age Study To Locate The Common Characteristics Of Students Identified As Struggling Readers, Jean C. Hackney

Masters Theses

The problem presented in this study is to locate common characteristics of elementary students who are struggling in their reading at school. The motivation for finding common characteristics is to identify and diagnose the struggling readers as soon as they enter school and to provide remedial assistance before poor self-concepts are developed.

The methodology used for the investigation involved interviews with students who have displayed a low reading ability in their classrooms and questionnaires to their teachers and parents about reading.

The main focus of the study is centered around the physical, social, mental, and emotional aspects of the human …

A Biomechanical Analysis Of The Effect Wear Patterns Of Running Shoes Have On Kinematic Variables Of The Lower Extremities, Audrey E. Randall

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between wear patterns of running shoes and selected kinematic variables of the lower extremities. Statistical analyses were completed by using a case study design for two male subjects. Subjects were filmed for ten strides on six different sessions over a three-month period. A two-way ANOVA design, with repeated measures, evaluated the dependent variables: (a) footstrike, (b) midstance and (c) toeoff phases. The degree of change was determined by digitizing ten points on the body. A University of California, Los Angeles, BMDP2V statistical package was used to determine differences between means. …

Summer Migrant Program Internship, Jacqueline G. Ladwein

Masters Theses

The proposed procedure for an elementary school teacher to gain entry level experience, skills, and knowledge required to assume a summer migrant program assistant directorship was to examine the scope of duties of a summer migrant program assistant director and to acquire knowledge, skills, and experience by assisting a summer migrant program assistant director as he performed his daily responsibilities.

The experience focused on all procedures necessary to establish a summer migrant program. This focus included: goals of the program, staffing, interpersonal relationships, disciplining, community and peripheral organization relationships and administrative leadership styles.

The experience provided on-the-job awareness of the …

The Effect Of Strikes On Superintendents, Marilyn J. Yokel

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of public school superintendents regarding teacher organizations, negotiations, personnel and influence, progression of events related to the strike, issues that contributed to the strike, and time spent working on strike-related activities during and after Illinois teacher strikes occurring during the 1986-87 school year. A review of the literature revealed much relevant advisory information, but this literature was limited to one aspect or another of a strike situation, for example negotiations or unions. The Superintendent Questionnaire was sent to school districts where teachers struck during the 1986-87 school year. Descriptive statistics, …

School Effectiveness Factors And Elements Likely To Enhance Student Performance In The Kell, Illinois, Consolidated School District, Bob C. Wilson

Masters Theses

This study identified from the literature and research school effectiveness factors which can be applied to the Kell Community Consolidated School District for the purpose of improvement. The seven factors identified were: (1) Safe and orderly environment, (2) Clear and focused school mission, (3) Instructional leadership, (4) School climate of high expectations, (5) Opportunity to learn and student time on task, (6) Frequent monitoring of student progress, and (7) Home-school relations. This study also identified elements within each of the seven school effectiveness factors which could be utilized by the Kell Community Consolidated School District to conduct a self-evaluation. These …

The Development Of A School Emergency Plan For The Blue Ridge School District #18, Farmer City, Illinois, Robert D. Hooker

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to devise an emergency preparedness plan handbook for the Blue Ridge School District #18, Farmer City, Illinois. The handbook was designed to aid the school administration and staff by defining definite administrative action in carrying out the steps necessary to protect students and staff in the event of an emergency situation. A data base was formed from several sources. Information was received through a review of the literature; a review of organizational materials; a review of information from school districts through a questionnaire; interviews with individuals from professional agencies; and a review of school …

The Development, Implementation, And Evaluation Of An Effective Reading And Writing Program For A Rural, Small Town Junior High School, Lynn R. Curtis

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the extra time provided for reading and writing in Macon Junior High School, Macon, Illinois. The following hypotheses were tested: The reading and writing treatment has a significant effect on student reading comprehension scores, writing skills, enjoyment of reading, and on the encouragement of students to read more. There is a significant difference between the cost of the reading and writing program and the fine and applied arts courses it replaced. Subjects included students and teachers in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades at Macon Junior High School. Achievement …

School Effectiveness Model For Enterprise Elementary School, Lloyd A. Moma

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field study is to develop a school improvement model for use at Enterprise Elementary School, District #61 in Decatur, Illinois based on effective schools research. There has been a slow, steady change in the student population of this school in the past twenty years. The influx of hard to educate children, combined with the loss of some services, such as Chapter I, required that staff adjust teaching practices to maintain the high level of achievement that past test results have indicated. Because of the increased awareness of effective schools research and an increasing demand for school …

The Effect Of Collaborative Consultation Between The Regular Educator And The Special Educator On The Achievement Of Students Labelled Learning Disabled In The Mainstream, Lisa Ann Dewitt

Masters Theses

The effect of consultation on student achievement is an area in which much research is currently needed. This study addressed the issue of how collaborative consultation between regular and special educators effected student achievement. The study utilized a multiple baseline design across subjects to determine the effectiveness of the consultation program. The two-phased study (baseline and consultation) occurred over an eight week period in two third grade and one fourth grade classrooms.

The study involved three regular classrom teachers, one special educator and three students who were labelled learning disabled and who were mainstreamed into the regular classroom. The regular …

Effects Of Instructional Television In Math, Science And Language Arts In Two Small Elementary Schools, Delbert Maroon

Masters Theses

This field experience investigated the effects of instructional television on academic achievement of fifth and sixth grade students in two small elementary schools in Bond County. A two tailed t-test for the difference of means at the .05 level of significance was used to analyze the data collected. A self assessment survey collected from nine teachers determined that no significant differences in opinion existed between members of the teaching staff regarding instructional television usage. An analysis of student grades determined that no significant increase in student grades was found in the comparisons made. Results of this study indicate that the …

Perceptions Of Teachers And Students Of School Effectiveness Factors At Knoxville High School, Roger A. Stevens

Masters Theses

This field study was designed to investigate teacher and student perceptions of school effectiveness factors as related to Knoxville High School. Specifically, this study compared actual perceived school effectiveness factors between teachers and students. A comparison of past achievement tests was also initiated to determine what effect, if any, school leadership might play in the process.

Two instruments were designed for this study, Teacher Feedback Survey and the Student Opinion Survey. Dr. David Bartz, of Eastern Illinois University, developed the survey instruments based on research conducted by Edmonds, Brookover, Lezotte and Weber and a review of current literature addressing the …

Administrative Field Experience: Educational Service Center #17, Olney, Illinois, Joyce A. Carson

Masters Theses

Being the Director of an Educational Service Center is a position of challenge, responsibility, and leadership. The internship consisted of managing the day-to-day operations of the center and completing two major projects. The first project had been implemented in the center's Full Service Plan involving the recognition of exemplary programs. The second assignment was directed by the General Assembly in regard to family life-sex education.

The day-to-day operations involved managing the Educational Service Center #17's summer staff. The staff consisted of the bookkeeper and two secretaries. Leadership and management skills were necessary. Being punctual, being productive, setting goals, praising staff, …

Classroom Instruction Within A Residence Hall: A Comparative Study At Eastern Illinois University, Janet K. Zielke

Masters Theses

This study examined the attitudes, attendance habits, and overall grades of students in an experimental section of Speech Communication taught within a residence hall. The results of this study were found to be significant by comparing them to three sections of the same Speech Communication course taught in "standard" classrooms. This study provides support for the continuation of the experimental program in the fall of 1988. Implications in terms of revision and expansion are discussed.

Creating A Model For A Student Assistance Program For High School Students Involved In Substance Abuse, George C. Lewis

Masters Theses

Substance abuse is a problem faced by schools, parents, students and communities. The purpose of this field experience was to provide a plan to help educators, parents, students and communities deal effectively with youth involved in substance abuse. The need for this field study became evident to the researcher when twenty-five students from the student body of Salem Community High School were placed in in-patient substance abuse programs during the 1985-86 school year.

The literature was examined and certain reactions and trends indicated in the literature were identified. Many substance abuse programs were reviewed. Key programs reviewed include the following: …

The Effects Of The Structured Listening Activity Model On The Listening Comprehension Of Second Grade Students, Angela M. Flach

Masters Theses

The investigation was designed to assess growth in listening comprehension after participation in the Structured Listening Activity (SLA) model for improving listening comprehension.

Prior to treatment, two experimental groups and one control group were administered the Science Research Associates' (SRA) Survey of Basic Skills, Level 21, Listening Comprehension Subtest to assess listening comprehension abilities.

Slx SLA model lessons were designed and administered twice a week for twenty minutes over a three week period. SLA model lessons follow five sequential steps: concept building, listening purpose, reading or telling a passage, questioning, and recitation.

SRA’s Survey of Basic Skills, Level 21, Listening …