Education Commons^™

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Laura K. Lawrence

Graduate Research Papers

Principals need to look into the future and make changes that are needed to fit the needs and development of tomorrow's student. It is also important that principals remember to build a school community that continues to grow and not stay stagnant. The vision of a school is a continuous process that is built on dreams of the principal, staff, students, and people in the learning community. This process cannot stop. "Most important is that the leader continue not only to believe in the dream and the need to pursue it, but also to do the hard brain work of …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Ryan J. Lewis

Graduate Research Papers

Quality administrative leadership is a major component of the successful education of our future. Leaders have the responsibility to identify trends and patterns to plan for the future. "With these demographic changes inevitably come cultural changes that we must confront and accommodate" (James, 1997, p. 22). The traditional methods of instruction and leadership no longer meet the needs society has placed upon the educational system. There are three questions that leaders must be able to answer: (a) What is in our future?, (b) What skills will we need?, (c) What do we need to get there? These three questions allow …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Christopher R. Lopez

Graduate Research Papers

Educational leadership was the goal that I set for myself when I began the Educational Leadership Program. That will continue to be part of my future goals as long as I am in the world of education. Along the way in this program I have had to answer the questions of my peers as well as the questions I had for myself. It is only after all the questions have been answered with confidence and knowledge that the goal will be met.

I look forward to the challenge and I am excited about the prospects ahead. There is so much …

Personal Professional Vision For Administrative Practice : A Reflective Essay, Lisa Lueken

Graduate Research Papers

It is important for every future administrator to think about and reflect upon their values and beliefs regarding educational leadership. By identifying these ideas early in their education, one can better learn how to put them into administrative practice. Without this set of beliefs, a future administrator may find it difficult to evolve into an effective leader.

In order to attain this growth, I will utilize the six Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) and the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) and their respective indicators for knowledge, disposition, and performance. The standards for visionary, instructional, organizational, collaborative, ethical, and …

A Reflective Essay About My Preparation For Education Administration, Stephen A. Reed

Graduate Research Papers

The power that schools have to positively impact students' lives and futures is amazing to me. Leading a staff, student body, and a community into positive relationships with one another can be a challenging task and service. Accomplishing this task can be rewarding. Schools exist to promote learning. Learning takes place throughout one's lifetime. The opportunity to lead a school is the opportunity to positively impact lives in the present, as well as the future.

Technology Staff Development, Paul A. Rabara

Graduate Research Papers

Traditional staff development does not suffice for emerging technologies and evolving pedagogy for teacher use of technology in instruction. Societal changes have produced new needs. Change causes a need to systematically look at progress and the attributes associated with the diffusion of innovations (Rogers, 1995). Roswell (1997) is only one of several schools who have dedicated considerable resources to developing a technology staff development plan with results in higher percentages of teachers using technology in the classroom. Technology staff development should have characteristics in models that coincide with the attributes of diffusion. Technology staff development can bridge the use and …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brad Bridgewater

Graduate Research Papers

Caring is the first trait exhibited by almost every great leader. It may sound like a very soft touchy-feely thing, but it works.The second trait of great leaders, or those who get others to excel, is Integrity. In other words, they can be trusted to tell the truth. They tell the truth in good times and bad, and they tell the truth whether or not it makes them look good or bad.

Finally, great leaders who get others to excel have high expectations. They don't let people get by with mediocrity. No one can really feel good about themselves when …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jeffrey N. Novotny

Graduate Research Papers

Principals are leaders who must use their personal characteristics, morals, ethics and knowledge to successfully lead their staff and community. When a principal develops and understands his personal qualities and applies them. his school will have the leadership component necessary for success. This paper is my attempt to learn about myself through reflection and education. It is a compilation of my beliefs on leadership, schooling, education, others and myself--all of which will guide me when I become a school administrator.

Creating And Maintaining A Safe Environment In The Public High School : A Reflective Essay, Chris Anderson

Graduate Research Papers

School violence is an unfortunate fact of life in our society. Administrators need to consider multiple variables when deciding how to deal with violence in their building. The climate of the community must be taken into consideration. In a large metropolitan school with a history of violence, measures such as metal detectors and armed security guards may be justified. At a rural school such measures might be considered an overreaction. Furthermore, in this age of shrinking budgets an administrator may have difficulty justifying expenditures for metal detectors and guards in a school without a history of violence. The answer for …

Reflections On The Roles And Values Of Educational Leaders : A Reflective Essay, Scott Schipper

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on my personal, philosophical perspective on education, the purpose of school, and my values and beliefs relative to educational leadership. I think it is valuable for educational leaders to reflect upon their philosophies of education. It serves as a reminder to them of why they are in education and how they go about obtaining their own personal goals. These beliefs that I will be sharing have been formulated over my years of teaching and from my experiences throughout this leadership program.

Reactive Attachment Disorder : Diagnosis, Assessment, And Treatment, Kimberly A. Rees

Graduate Research Papers

In recent years, there has been an increasing trend toward the use of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) as a diagnosis to describe myriad problem behaviors and disturbed interactions between infants, young children and their caregivers. There is considerable disagreement about what RAD actually entails and, in particular, what types of assessments and treatment interventions to use with affected children and families (Hanson & Spratt, 2000). This paper is intended to clarify what the current research states about Reactive Attachment Disorder. It includes the definitions and diagnosis, importance of attachment, biological components, risk factors later in life, assessment, and treatment available …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Cindy Roerig

Graduate Research Papers

I believe in visionary, instructional, organizational, collaborative, ethical, and political leadership in administrating a school community. I know all students can achieve quality education if the right accommodations are developed for each learning situation. Administrators need to promote educational excellence for all stakeholders. As an administrator, I will promote and advocate for a school community where all students will learn and achieve lifelong knowledge and skills so they can become future leaders in our society. I believe educators must be held accountable for every student to reach their maximum potential in achieving academic and social success. As a principal, my …

Attachment Disorders And Personality Disorders : A Possible Connection, Jen Sacora

Graduate Research Papers

Researchers now propose that attachment theory can be applied beyond childhood. They believe attachment exists in adulthood and influences adult relationships. Possible connections between personality disorders and well-known approaches to personality development such as attachment theory have been made (Brennan & Shaver, 1998).

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between parent-infant attachment which influence adult relationships and psychopathology. Theories of personality development as they relate to attachment will be explored as well as influence of early childhood experiences on personality. Finally, possible connections between attachment disorders and personality disorders will be speculated.

Parents In Education (Pie), Kathy L. Becker

Graduate Research Papers

"I want to be part of my child's life, all parts of it. I want to help decide things at school, not just be there to help with work that is sent home, but really involved in the school and the decisions about the education my child gets." (D. Schnuelle, personal communication, April 2000) This is the voice of just one parent, but these sentiments and concerns echo many parents. School involvement and making decisions with the administration and faculty is an important part of a parent's responsibility to the school and the children. How do we, as educators, allow …

The Use Of Electronic Technologies In The Cedar Rapids Community Schools' Physical Education Programs, Nicholaus J. Daniel

Graduate Research Papers

How often is electronic technology used in physical education programs? How much electronic technology is available to physical education programs? Does electronic technology and physical education go together? When most people think of electronic technology, they do not think about physical education. Most people tend to think that technology is anything related to a desktop or laptop computer, something you sit down at and work on, not something that involves being physical.

From the researcher's experience in the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD), there is some pressure for all subject areas to implement and integrate electronic technologies into the …

The Role Of Invented Spelling In Early Literacy, Nancy Carper

Graduate Research Papers

An awareness and understanding of invented spelling in early literacy were presented in this research paper. The developmental stages and guidelines associated with invented spelling were discussed. Advantages and problems of invented spelling were examined. Conclusions were drawn from the literature review and recommendations were stated for future research concerning invented spelling.

Classroom Success Using Online Distance Education : Methods For Maximizing The Effectiveness Of Online Distance Education, Deborah Rae Crane

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature was conducted to explore classroom success using online distance education and proven methods of maximizing the effectiveness of online distance education.

The components of successful online distance education programs are reviewed and brought together in a paper that suggests that online education developed with careful planning will continue to grow and become a standard component of many programs. The challenges that online instruction faces as it continues to develop are also included.

The future of online education is dependent on the quality that is built into courses. Technologies continue to evolve and present opportunities and challenges …

Teaching Literacy In Kindergarten, Dawnette Diane Leslie

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined ways of teaching literacy in the kindergarten. Benefits and problems associated with teaching reading in kindergarten were discussed. Guidelines were presented for teachers implementing literacy instruction in kindergartens. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for teaching reading to kindergarten students.

Second Language Learning With Computer Software, Sonia Uppal

Graduate Research Papers

This article addresses diversity in the classrooms and the need for technology for English language learners. Language acquisition and English language learning are overviewed with highlights of the different stages in language learning and various methods used for language. Integrating the role of technology in learning English as a second language is presented as a practical way in which to instruct English language learners. However, selection of software is seen as a critical aspect of effectively using technology for English language instruction. Various important aspects for evaluating a software program for English language learners are presented. A software evaluation form …

Effectively Treating Conduct Disorder Through Therapy, Angie Wittstock

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper examined four types of treatment. Functional Family Therapy, Multisystemic, Parent Management Training and Problem-Solving Skill Training, for youth with Conduct Disorder. It looked at the core of how each treatment was facilitated along with some of the strengths and weakness of the different therapies. This paper also explored the cost-effectiveness rate for the different therapies. It suggested that less severe cases might benefit from some fom1 of Parent Management Training or Functional Family Therapy. Cases that are more difficult may require Multisystemic Therapy (Brosnan & Carr, 2000). Problem-Solving Skills Training should be used with Parent Management Training …

School Climate : A Review Of Literature, Sarah Galloway

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature and research on school climate to determine how school climate affects achievement, social, emotional and behavioral development, school safety, and school attendance and completion. Reviewing these outcomes for students leads the author to address principles for school climate measurement and improvement, as presented in the school climate literature. The measurement and improvement programs are reviewed in the context of school psychologists contributing to climate interventions.

School-Based Bully Prevention And Violence, Catherine T. Mclallen

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews the literature available on several bully prevention/violence awareness programs. Also discussed is the significance of prevention programs and the roles they can play in today's school systems. It includes a definition of bullying behavior and describes the several types of bullying prevalent in schools today that most programs attempt to address. Additionally, it includes a brief history of bully prevention programs, with a look at the zero tolerance movement, an initiative that has not been overly successful in the past with regards to aggression in schools.

The paper also explores the effects of bullying on the victim …

Best Practices In Social Skills Training With Preschool Children, Kathleen M. Twohig

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature focuses on several aspects of social skills training with preschool children. The importance of positive social skills is discussed. Numerous definitions are offered, and a clarification is made between social skills and social competence. The review highlights how social skills deficits may be classified and common dimensions of social skills. Issues and methods in assessment are explained. Finally, effective interventions that have received empirical research support are described as well as issues in generalization. Further research should address the following questions: What specific social skills are appropriate for certain ages? How do boys and girls differ …

The Importance Of Behavioral Interventions And Stimulant Medication Effects On Reducing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Elizabeth Alvarez

Graduate Research Papers

Overall, various avenues of research state that ADHD is a complex disorder that requires treatment by multiple modalities. Most research states that a combination of medication and behavior therapy is necessary to resolve the symptoms. It should be noted that the dose of stimulant medication prescribed to a child with ADHD should be adjusted based on the child's response to a behavioral intervention, as well as the combination of the behavioral and pharmacological treatments. Rapport et al. (1982), as well as others, have found that medication alone will not "cure" ADHD. But with multiple methods of treatment the symptoms will …

An Overview Of Bibliotherapy As An Intervention For Young Children, Lisa Ludwig

Graduate Research Papers

Young children can benefit from therapy to deal with disabilities, abuse, normal developmental issues such as famiily problems, and social-emotional issues. One approach to helping children manage psychological issues is bibliotherapy. In its simplest form, bibliotherapy can be described as the practice of using books in treatment, or helping with books (Pardeck & Pardeck, 1993; Pardeck & Pardeck, 1987). The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on bibliotherapy and to examine its possible applications, its effectiveness, and best practices in carrying out the intervention.

A Writing Instruction Tool For Valley High School, West Des Moines, Iowa, Kristine Milburn

Graduate Research Papers

As computer-based communication becomes increasingly popular, so does the need for effective and efficient writing skills. Individuals must express themselves formally and informally to others through writing; thus, the importance of writing goes beyond scholarly pursuits and pervades every facet of society today.

The focus of this paper is to examine the usefulness of a common evaluative and instructive language, specifically the Six-Trait Analytical Scoring Guide (developed by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory in Oregon), within a high school in order to encourage growth and success in student writing.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, James Muench

Graduate Research Papers

The area of school administration has never been one for easy success. It has always been left wide open for criticism and debate from many different groups of people and community organizations. Since the beginning of this great nation, leaders have debated on the best methods and techniques of educating the children. School leaders have changed with the times just like other leaders in our society. Adjustment and change will always be an important aspect of the success of education.

Dvd Technology For Educational Purposes, Donald J. Devore

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature is about the technology of the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD). Provided is a brief overview of information in the area of DVD technology world, the evolution of DVD technology, areas that have enhanced educational advancement, and directions to be explored.

Corporate Universities : What Companies Should Know, Megan Riley

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews the research conducted about corporate universities. Our society lives in constant change, in regards to roles, skills, careers, and technology. Continual staff development seems to be requiring technology, as corporate universities are becoming more evident throughout the business world. Corporate universities differ from traditional training programs by providing employees with cutting edge information, in order to keep the company competitive. The research cited in this paper addresses the need to constantly update and transform their training programs, so that employees maintain and enhance their role as a productive and lifelong learner.

Literature Review : Using Humor With Children, Carol J. Aswegen Thornhill

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to explore and review the literature on humor, particularly as it relates to interactions with children. Often adults, whether they are parents or teachers, devalue the use of humor in dealing with children. Research supports that humor is a beneficial component of social interactions, especially with children. Studies have shown that children are receptive to humor beginning at very young ages, and that their sense of humor is developed and finely tuned as they mature. Findings show that by using humor in social situations, stress levels can be de-escalated, defensive reactions are reduced--which in …