Education Commons^™

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

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

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

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

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

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

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

Dissertations

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

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

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

Dissertations and Theses

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

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

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

A Classroom Preferences Questionnaire Based On The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences, Allyn Snider

Dissertations and Theses

A questionnaire based on Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences was developed and administered to forty-five second grade students in three different classrooms. Sections of the fifty-eight item questionnaire dealt with students' preferences for certain classroom activities, methods of learning, and modes of social interaction. Each student's responses were summarized to create an individual profile, indicating preference for linguistic, mathematical, and/ or spatial activity. In addition, students' preferences for receptive and/ or expressive methods of learning, and for working by themselves, with peers, or with adults were profiled.

A Responsive Evaluation In Two Hampton Roads Museums: The Development Of A Performance Assessment System For Museum Volunteers, Joan Fishman Hecht

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this study is to evaluate volunteer performance in two Hampton Roads museums. The research question was: How can managers of museum volunteer services evaluate volunteer performance? The research design was a naturalistic, responsive, utilization-focused evaluation in response to the research question. The data was collected with a systematic examination of volunteer performance activities using techniques of in-depth interviews, participant observations, a questionnaire, documents and records. The data was analyzed by categorizing, sorting and characterizing the categories, conducting member checks, and prioritizing the data. Triangulation was used to verify the collected information. This study determined important traits, performance …

Schema Theory And Application For The Content Teacher, June Allen Carpenter Darling

All Graduate Projects

Schema theory, research, and implications for the classroom were studied. Based on research, teacher resources, and curriculum demands, instruction was designed for a secondary teacher of United States History. During a workshop, four secondary teachers from three districts reacted to research and instruction. A video tape was developed showing schema theory concepts, related research, application for the content teacher, and reactions from secondary teachers. Implications for the content teacher are discussed.

An Integrated Program For Teaching Writing And Thinking Skills, Edmund James Ady

All Graduate Projects

The nature and development of thought, the connection between thinking and writing, teaching practices associated with the direct teaching of thinking and writing skills were researched and studied. An integrated program of writing and thinking skills was compiled. This program includes techniques for teaching thinking and writing activities and provides step by step procedures to accomplish the integration of thinking skills with writing skills targeted at producing contrast and comparison essays. A discussion and recommendations regarding the program are included.

The Use Of Ability Grouping In Reading And Some Alternatives, Sherry Lynn Anderson

All Graduate Projects

This study was conducted to determine if attitudes toward and /or practices of ability grouping for reading instruction have changed over the last thirteen years. Current research was reported. A replication of a study by Wilson and Schmits (1978) was completed and analyzed. The results suggest a fairly dramatic change in both attitudes toward and practices of ability grouping. A collection of alternative methods were offered for teachers looking for options to the ability grouping method of teaching reading.

A Student Assistance Programs Model, David Edward Eby

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a manual detailing the components of Student Assistance Programs in the Olympia School District. The manual would be useful to a school district or a high school intent on establishing Student Assistance Programs. The development of the manual was beneficial to the Olympia School District due to fact that Student Assistance Programs were established at the two high schools, Capital High School and Olympia High School in 1991. A vice-principal and a key staff member from Capital High School attended workshops and conducted research on what type of program would address the …

Experience-Based Dialogues In Secondary English-As-A-Second-Language Classrooms, Carlina V. Lobos

All Graduate Projects

An informal study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of experience-based dialogues in the promotion of oral language use in secondary-level English-As-A-Second-Language classrooms. The twenty-one dialogues field-tested in the project were developed interactively, by teacher and students, in the sociocognitive context of each of the learner's background knowledge, experience and immediate communication needs. Experience-based dialogues are a method of language teaching and learning that focuses on the communicative act rather than on isolated or discrete grammatical items. An overview of the results of the informal study was presented here. Strategies for teachers to develop and implement, using this approach, were …

Enhancing Oral Language Experiences In The Pre-Kindergarten Setting, Anna Kearny

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate how an oral language emphasis benefits pre-kindergarten children in preparation for entry into kindergarten. This study investigated the concept of enhancing oral language activities in the classroom. Growth in the cognitive, social, and emotional areas in pre-kindergarten children was noted.

Enhancement Of Classroom Activities For The Improvement Of Giving And Following Directions For The Business Communication Student, Marcella Matthews

All Graduate Projects

Students in Business Communication at Ellensburg High School may not receive adequate instruction in giving and following written and oral directions. This project was developed to provide additional and/or alternative activities that support the presentation and instruction of giving and following directions. The eight activities presented were developed to build students' skills in giving and following written and oral directions. These activities are to be used in conjunction with applied communication materials which were adopted by Ellensburg High School.

A Thematic Unit For Integrating Social Studies And Science In The First Grade, Lin Marjorie Lasater

All Graduate Projects

A thematic unit for integrating social studies and science with other curriculum areas was developed for first grade students. The theme for the unit centered around farms. The unit was divided into five subunits: farms, farm animals, orchards/vineyards (to include fruits of the Yakima Valley and apples), crops (to include vegetables of the Yakima Valley, pumpkins, and wheat), and nutrition/four food groups. The literature was reviewed to establish a theoretical foundation for the unit and for activities that focused on reading, writing, and language development.

Teach The World: Lessons About The Real World, Robert David Paine

All Graduate Projects

This project is a compilation of 24 personalized cultural geography lessons about the real world. It was developed utilizing travel and living experiences which occurred to me during a 20-year period of my teaching life. The focus of the lessons is the removal of the students from their place and a gaining of perspectives of other people in other places. The lessons are suitable for secondary students and concentrate on the areas of geography, economics, planetary degradation, culture, and religion. Research can be found which supports the study of global education as a basis for a more enlightened and productive …

Metacognitive Prereading Activities To Enhance Reading Comprehension, Katherine Laws

All Graduate Projects

This study investigated metacognitive prereading strategies content area teachers might utilize for process emphasis reading comprehension. The literature review showed the shift in reading comprehension instruction from a word based emphasis to an interactive process emphasis, described content area reading instruction and metacognition. A selection of metacognitive prereading activities was included for use by teachers in content area classrooms. Implications of using the activities were discussed.

Adapting The Outcome-Based Education Instructional Process To A Fourth Grade Social Studies And Science Curriculum In The Cascade School District, Daniel J. Roche

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to utilize the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) instructional process to develop a curriculum in social studies and science for fourth grade students at Osborn Elementary School, Leavenworth, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, student learning objectives, unit objectives, lesson objectives, and lesson plans were adapted to the OBE instructional model.

A Technologically Assisted Integrated Curriculum In The Seventh Grade, Laurie Kay Miller

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop interdisciplinary learning units for middle level students which utilize the latest in educational technology. To accomplish this purpose, research and literature on interdisciplinary education and technology in education were reviewed. The learning units were developed for actual use by all seventh graders in seventh grade block classes at West Valley Junior High School in Yakima, Washington. The results of this type of learning have been very encouraging.

A Research And An Adaptation Of Methodologies To Develop Supplementary Materials And Activities For The Study Of Foreign Language, Melané Mildré

All Graduate Projects

The use of a typical textbook tor the instruction of the first year study of the Spanish language appears to be tedious as well as inadequate in its presentation of grammar drills, vocabulary selection, and its potential of allowing the student to develop fluency in the language. As a result, the writer researched a variety of methodologies currently being employed in the instruction of foreign language. Intending to improve upon the usage of a textbook as well as to add variety to the classroom procedure, the writer then developed or adapted supplementary materials to correlate to the textbook presently being …

Development Of A Third Grade Magnet Curriculum Integrated Through The Fine And Performing Arts And Science, Lorna Marie Walker

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a third grade magnet curriculum that was integrated through the fine and performing arts and sciences in the Yakima, Washington, school district. To accomplish this purpose, units comprised of selected lesson plans were developed to integrate the curriculum through the fine and performing arts and sciences.

Reluctant Readers: How To Motivate Them, Linda Adell Thomson

All Graduate Projects

Elementary age children without a desire to read may be reluctant readers. Many factors may contribute to this condition, and research indicates that parents and teachers need to provide ideas and activities to motivate the reluctant reader to enjoy pleasure reading. Reading activities and ideas are compiled to be used by parents and teachers to spark an interest in books in the reluctant reader.

A Guide For The Implementation Of A Commnity-Based Instructional Model To Teach Students With Severe Handicaps, Kenneth L. Skaley

All Graduate Projects

The need for and implementation of a community-based model for teaching language and communication skills to students with severe disabilities was studied. A guide was presented that includes a list of critical issues and solutions for a school district to consider prior to the implementation of a community-based instructional model. Suggestions and resources were included to be used by teachers to help make decisions about selecting appropriate instructional materials and strategies for teaching students with severe disabilities.

Volunteer Assisted Reading, Linda Laurene Young

All Graduate Projects

The problem investigated in this study relates to the need in schools today to find ways of providing educational support assistance for classroom teachers as part of the classroom learning process. With the continued rise in school enrollments, it is difficult for school funding to keep up with growing educational demands. Favorable student-teacher ratio issues emphasize the need to provide additional help for the classroom teacher. Finding additional classroom help has become a major concern; parents' commitments to employment and social obligations have changed their availability to participate at the schoolhouse and have lessened parent-child contact time (Cassidy, 1981). According …

Monthly Parent Involvement Reading Packet, Beverly J. Severtsen-Meeks

All Graduate Projects

The importance of parent involvement in reading with their child at home was studied. A review of literature was done on this topic. Many researchers strongly supported the importance of parents reading with their child and many suggestion were given. The author put together nine monthly parent involvement reading packets (September-May) and implemented them in a self-contained first grade classroom. The parents spent quality time, each month, completing the packet with their child.

Thematic Approach To Teaching Science In Kindergarten For Use With First And Second Language Students, Gerene Marie Sadberry

All Graduate Projects

Thematic Science units were established for the Wapato kindergarten in both Spanish and English. Approximately three hundred students are participants in the program for which this curriculum was designed. This study suggests how selected science objectives may be implemented using the thematic approach. Each theme contains a media resource list of Items available from the Wapato Primary Media Center and suggested activities which will help to integrate the science unit with other subject areas. The Intent of the curriculum design ls that children learn language and science naturally when they are developed in a meaningful context.

The Benefits Of Reading Aloud To Children, Lori Ann Prince

All Graduate Projects

The benefits of reading aloud to children are studied. Observations indicate that the more young children are read to, the more they are motivated to become readers themselves. When young children are participating in the dialogue of a story that is being read aloud, their interest in that story increases dramatically. Using a variety of children's literature is an excellent supplement to the first grade curriculum and language activity lessons. Recommendations from the conclusions are presented.

The Post Office : A Social Studies Curriculum For Seven And Eight Year Olds, Carol Ribner

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This paper presents a curriculum that I have developed and used with my class of second graders over the past three years. The curriculum is the study of the Post Office as part of a study of the neighborhood, and the subsequent planning and running of a schoolwide post office.

The Emancipatory Effect Of Integrating Communication Research Tenets On Discrete Curriculum Designs, Elizabeth Cheney Michel

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Critical philosophers hold that the underlying cause of our current educational dilemma is a societal condition called modernity, the unique result of the technological orientation that has characterized society for the last two decades. Maintaining that individual human interests cannot be served by an instrumentally-oriented educational system, Habermas declares that the key to effecting change is dynamic, democratic communication in the classroom, oriented in the emancipatory interests of the unique individuals therein. The purpose of this study was to reveal an interdisciplinary link between the tenets of critical educational philosophy and communication theory, and, by implementing the dictates of extant …

The Relationship Between Teacher Verbal Feedback, Aptitude, And Academic Intrinsic Motivation, Ann Jenkins Wickwire

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between academic intrinsic motivation and positive teacher verbal feedback, negative teacher verbal feedback, and student aptitude for academic work. The research questions evolved from the Cognitive Evaluation Theory of Edward Deci (Deci & Ryan, 1985) in which intrinsic motivation develops out of a sense of competence and self-determination. In that teacher verbal feedback to students provide messages about academic competence, it was hypothesized that positive verbal feedback would enhance intrinsic motivation and negative verbal feedback would be detrimental to intrinsic motivation.;The subjects for the study were 368 fourth and fifth …

Reader-Text Match: The Interactive Effect Of Reader Ability And Text Difficulty On Comprehension Monitoring, Kathryn Maelou Baxter

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of text difficulty on the comprehension monitoring of above- and below-average readers. The most of the good reader/poor reader comprehension monitoring research, students have been given identical passages. Consequently, the poor readers must read text that is relatively more difficult for them than it is for the better readers.

In this study, 36 fourth graders, 18 above-average readers and 18 below-average readers, were given text on three levels of difficulty, as determined by the Fry readability formula: (a) a second-grade passage for all students, used to reflect the standard practice …