Education Commons^™

The Relationship Between Administrators' Learning Patterns And Leadership Competencies, Mark Hendricks

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between selected administrators' learning patterns and attendant leadership competencies. Thirty-nine upper-level administrators at Rowan University completed the Leadership Assessment Instrument and Learning Combination Inventory to evaluate this relationship. Results showed a statistically significant relationship between a confluent learning pattern and conceptual thinking leadership components. Administrators demonstrated a wide variability in leadership competencies and learning patterns on descriptive tests. Findings suggest administrators at Rowan University use a wide degree of flexibility between learning patterns and leadership skills.

The Effectiveness Of Instruction In A Third Grade Classroom Utilizing The Theory Of Multiple Intelligence, Matthew W. Whitaker

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of utilizing Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligence in a third grade classroom. An experimental group (n = 21) received the treatment teaching method over a two week period. A control group of students (n = 20) was instructed the same unit over the same two week period utilizing a traditional teaching method. Both groups were intact classes prior to the research beginning. A pretest and posttest were administered and a t-test for independent samples was employed to determine if there was a significant difference in achievement between …

An Investigation Of The Impact Of Early Intervention And The C.H.A.M.P./Gear-Up Program At Rowan University, Thomas A. Cruz-Soto Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of early intervention / pre-college programs. The study sought to determine if there was any significant information regarding the impacts of early intervention / pre-college programs on target populations. The study involved 92 conveniently selected students from Cooper's Poynt Family School and Woodrow Wilson High School, located in Camden, New Jersey. The primary focus of the study was the C.H.A.M.P./GEAR-UP Program and its effectiveness on selected youth. The data collection instruments included a 15-question survey and scores from a Pineland ecology pre & post-test. This self designed survey was based …

Role Of The New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards In The 4th Grade Classrooms Of Salem County, Nj, J. Michael Mcqueston

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to examine the role that the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards are playing in the 4^th grade classrooms of Salem County, New Jersey. Through surveying the teachers of Salem County, the researcher was able to assign a level of comfort and usage of the NJCCCS for each school district and compare that level with student achievement on the 2003 NJASK assessment. Additionally the issues of clarity and parsimony of the standards, alignment to the assessment and professional development opportunities available to teachers were also studied. The hypothesis of the study was that …

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of The Accelerated Math Program At Monongahela Middle School, John F. Schilling

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of the Accelerated Math Program at Monongahela Middle School in the Deptford Township School District. Monongahela Middle School is composed of 7^th and 8^th grade public school students, and is the only middle school in the district. Recently at Monongahela, the implementation of technology into the everyday structure has been recognized. Certain programs have been incorporated in the planning and development of lessons and as teacher aides.

The program was being used as the main tool of instruction in 7^th and 8^th grade Basic Skills classes …

A Study To Determine If Multimedia Technologies In A Regular Classroom Enhance Learning And Motivation, Carol Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of infusing multimedia technologies in a regular classroom. The purpose of this study was also to demonstrate that with the use of technology, the students would better understand the important concepts covered in the social studies unit, as well as be motivated to learn.

Thirty sixth grade students conducted research using wireless laptops to find information about a prominent African-American who has made a positive contribution to our society. The control group created an oral presentation and constructed a replica in the form of a doll to represent their person. …

School Service Projects For Students Serving In After-School Detentions, James S. Beyer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate student attitudes when a voluntary school service project alternative was offered to those serving a school detention. Another purpose was to examine the potential benefits reaped by the school as a result of these students' work. The sample population for study (n=60) was selected voluntarily from high school juniors and seniors. Data was collected through the use of: 1) student surveys for those who participated in a school service project, 2) material culture collected from student discipline records, and 3) surveys completed by custodians, teachers, and administrators in the school building. Data …

Measuring The Effects Of An Observational Format On The Professional Growth Of The Faculty At Lake Tract School, Shelli Doran

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to design a new teacher observation format used by the building mentors of Lake Tract School in observing the participants. The format revolved around the use of pre and post conferences based on a cognitive coaching approach in order to gain professional development and growth. A total of ten tenured and non-tenured teachers participated in the study. All faculties were surveyed as to their perceptions of the current observational format. The data was analyzed using percentages and the responses of the survey guided the creation of the format. Each participant attended a pre-conference to …

Site-Based Management: A Principal's Strategy For Success, Maria Gioffre

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this study was to determine effective leadership strategies that are the driving force behind the success of site-based management. The intent was to identify key elements that impart some direction to help principals attain strategies that will boost site-based management and its potential to improve the overall quality of educational achievement. It draws on an extensive literature review and includes results from a teacher survey, observations, and informal interviews. The results reported that the respondents generally agreed with the research that presents leadership strategies, which tend to enhance the effectiveness of site-based management. The analysis suggests that …

A Study Examining The Effects Of Athletics On Females' Mathematical Achievement, Genevieve M. Bieg

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of a correlation between females who actively participated in athletics and a high achievement in mathematics. A comparison of females who actively participated in athletics and females who did not actively participate in athletics was made using an independent samples t-test.

The design for this study was the use of a survey, data collection and an independent samples t-test. This study used the sample of forty-one sixth grade females. Each female attended the same middle school and had the same math teacher. Each participant filled out a survey that determined …

Aerobic Exercise As A Tool To Improve Problematic Student Behavior In The Classroom, Joseph F. Mufferi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to research the effect aerobic exercise on the behavior of problematic students. The time period of exercise in this study was between 15 and 18 minutes, two days per week. Two types of aerobic exercise were used, running and progressive resistive exercise, in the form of circuit training. The subjects of study were special education students who had been evaluated to have behavioral problems. These students were then classified as Intensive Learner Centered or ILC and placed in self-contained classrooms. Each student received behavior and academic evaluations in each subject area daily. Evaluations were …

Team Step Up Program, Edward V. Regan Iii

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to (a) develop a program to assist the At-Risk population of Washington Township High School; and (b) to determine its overall effectiveness on student academic achievement, discipline, and attendance. The study focused on twenty at-risk students who were in the ninth grade at Washington Township High School in Sewell, New Jersey. An academic, discipline, and attendance baseline was established for each student and was monitored on a weekly basis. The results of the study demonstrated an increase in both the academic and school attendance, and a decrease in negative student behavior. Implications of the …

A Study Of Relational Aggression Among Middle School Girls, Susanne R. Wooton

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to evaluate the degree of bullying in the middle grades and to design an effective anti-bullying program using the input of the female students. The participants were selected on a volunteer basis from a pool of 7^th and 8^th grade female students. In addition to two surveys, that were designed to evaluate the extent of bullying in the school and the knowledge that the students gained from the study, the students participated in several small group meetings where they discussed the topic of bullying and ways to eliminate it. Students demonstrated an increased knowledge …

A Case Study: The Development, Influence, And Evaluation Of A Site-Based Management/Advisory Group On The Role Of The Principal At The Delair Elementary School, Curt R. Wrzeszczynski

Theses and Dissertations

This study traced the development and evaluated the effectiveness of a site-based management/advisory council at the Delair Elementary School, and sought to gain insight into the utilization of the advisory group's influence on the role of the principal, the school's daily operations, curricular concerns, and climate. A site-based advisory council composed of faculty members and support staff of the Delair Elementary School, and the community members of the Delair section of Pennsauken, New Jersey was developed, and periodic meetings were held to discuss critical issues. The members of the advisory group were surveyed to gather data on their roles and …

A Study Of Overrepresentation Of Minorities In Special Education In Southern New Jersey Public Schools, Carol Phister

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an overrepresentation of minority students in special education in southern New Jersey Public Schools. Data was disaggregated to the district level for 25 randomly chosen public school districts in southern New Jersey. Data were reported on the total school population and the total number of students classified as eligible for special education. These data were further broken down in both categories (i.e. total school population and special education) by race/ethnicity and by gender. In addition, special education data were also reported by specific disability category. These data were presented …

A Study Of Teachers' And Administrators' Perceptions Of Collaborative Teaching, Ritaanna Bell

Theses and Dissertations

Laws such as The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) (1990/1997) and No Child Left Behind (2001) have emphasized a need to serve students with disabilities in the general education setting. This inclusion has prompted several models of collaborative instruction. This study investigates the current state of practice from the perspective of Co-teaching partners (general and special education teachers) and their administrators in one New Jersey School District. The foci are on perceptions of current experience, recommended collaborative practices, teacher preparation for co-teaching and administrator effectiveness of the collaborative teaching classroom. 114 teachers and 23 administrators from a mid-sized New Jersey …

An Investigation Of The Effect Of An Educational Program On Students' Decision To Use Birth Control, Christine King

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the "Making Proud Choices Curriculum" on students' knowledge and attitudes on the use of birth control. The students were assigned to an experimental or control group. Students took a pre and post test to measure their knowledge and attitudes on human sexuality issues. The experimental group received eight 1-hour training sessions on the Making Proud Choices Curriculum. Results indicated that after training the experimental group had increases in knowledge and more positive attitudes than the control group.

A Study Of The Effect Of Social Skills Training On The Display Of Physical And Verbal Aggression In Students With Behavior Disorders, Antonio Singletary

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this single subject design was to examine the effect of social skills training as displayed by students with behavior disorders. Social skills training was conducted with 12 to 14 year old multi-cultural students with behavior disabilities in a self contained learning environment. The results showed that social skills training did decrease or eliminate physical and verbal aggression for most students with behavior disorders, while a few students will need more training. The results are discussed with recommendations for future relevant research. The study lasted nine weeks.

A Study Of The Relationships Between Oral Comprehension And Silent Reading Comprehension, Christine M. Menold

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to compare the relationship between the comprehension levels of a student's silent reading level to their oral comprehension level when a passage is read to them. It will also address the theory that reading is a visual symbol system superimposed on auditory language. Theorists state that reading is a symbol system twice removed from the realities which they represent. This statement implies a developmental progression as described by Myklebust. That is, the child first integrates nonverbal experience directly. Next he acquires auditory, then later a visual verbal system which represents both the experience and …

The Effects Of Success For All As A Whole School Reform On The Gepa Scores In A Particular Abbott District, Lisa R. Labbree

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine what impact Success For All (SFA) had on the state standardized test scores of a school district that was identified as being low income and having poor test scores. Data from the literacy/language arts portion of the Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment were compared for the years 2001 and 2003. Students who took the test in 2001 were not exposed to SFA, whereas the 2003 students had three years of SFA. The test scores were analyzed by comparing percentage passed, mean scores, and mean differences. Results indicated that the test scores for special …

A Study Of The Effect Of A Homework Club On The Completion Of Homework By Students With And Without Learning Disabilities, Marlene Cosenza Rolfe

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this experimental multiple baseline study across subjects was to ascertain if a homework club with study skills training would enable students to improve their percentage of homework completion.

The subjects of this study included 16 elementary school students in a suburban, southern New Jersey school district. Twelve third grade and four fourth grade students with and without learning disabilities were included.

All students completed 20 days of intervention by attending a homework club with study skills training. Students self-monitored their percent of homework completed by keeping a weekly graph. These results were checked for accuracy by teachers. …

A Study Of A Self-Monitoring Intervention To Increase On-Task Behavior And Productivity, Susan A, Biglin

Theses and Dissertations

The subject of this study was an eleven year old Hispanic boy from an inner city elementary school. Subject was taught to observe his on-task behavior and rate his performance using a rubric. Intervention was conducted in a general education inclusion class consisting of six students with special needs and eleven regular education students. Inclusion model consisted of co-teaching during the mathematics class and small homogeneous grouping for Language Arts Literacy. Results of this study indicate that self-monitoring, when applied in a structured classroom with positive reinforcements, is an effective approach for students with mild disabilities to gain a better …

A Study Of The Issues And Challenges In Athletic Administration From The Perspective Of Division Iii Athletic Directors, Jason Robert Crews

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the issues and challenges facing selected Division III athletic directors. The study sought to determine if there were any differences in the available literature and the opinions of selected Division III athletic directors. The study involved 80 Division III schools throughout the Tri-State area of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. The primary focus of the study included the colleges and universities within the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The research instrument used in the study was a 12-question survey. This self-designed survey was based upon the current issues and challenges in Division …

A Study Investigating Parental Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Of Children With Autism, Kristy Kratz

Theses and Dissertations

This study intended to look at the relationship of obsessive compulsiveness between parents of autistic children and parents of non-autistic children. A screening instrument in the form of a questionnaire was used to screen for traits and characteristics of obsessive compulsive disorder. A sample of 60 adults was used: 34 parents with children with autism and 26 parents of non-autistic children. The sample was further broken down into mothers and fathers of autistic and non-autistic children. Three hypotheses were tested using statistics such as Chi-Square measures. Results indicated that there was no relationship between parents of autistic children and non-autistic …

An Evaluation Of A Character Education Program On Students With Developmental Disabilities, Andrew Disque

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a character education program on students with developmental disabilities. Both the experimental (n=20) and the control (n=14) groups were administered a pre-test during the same week. Following this, a six-week character education program was implemented with the experimental group. A post-test was then administered to both groups. Two hypotheses were generated; primarily, character education would improve post-test scores in the experimental group compared to pre-test scores from within that group and post-test scores from the control group. Secondarily, behavioral data would display a decrease in maladaptive behaviors for the …

Implementing A Study Skills Program In Secondary School: What Needs To Be Done?, Margaret R. Ritson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory investigation was to ascertain if a study-skills program implemented during a study hall in a Southern New Jersey high school might improve the study skills of students who voluntarily participate. At the outset of the study, students were surveyed in order to gauge their perceptions of their own academic study skills. The same survey was administered at the conclusion of the study in order to determine if study-skills growth and improvement had occurred. Information derived from the survey was used to assess the overall effectiveness of the study-skills program. The survey consisted of twenty-five questions …

Children Of Divorce Versus Children Of Intact Families And Their Adjustment To College, Kimberly Martin

Theses and Dissertations

Children of divorce and children of intact families grow up in very different worlds. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects that being a child of divorce has on later adjustment in college. A sample of 95 undergraduate students were administered the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire. Of the 95 students, 18 reported being from divorced families, two reported parental death, and 75 reported their parents still being married. Results indicated that the age a child experiences their parents divorce can have a significant impact on their later attachment to college and social adjustment to college. More …

Individual Learning Versus Group Learning In A Suburban Second-Grade Classroom, Devonn Grimm

Theses and Dissertations

There has been a great debate about which learning style is the best for all students. Some propose that individual learning situations enhance the education a student is receiving. However, perhaps a group learning environment would help inclusion and special education students, as well as their average or above average peers. Research indicates that there are benefits and drawbacks to each different teaching style. The present study investigated the difference between group and individual learning styles and their impact on students' individual academic scores. A single second-grade classroom containing many types of students was manipulated and observed. For eight weeks …

Positive Reinforcement As An Intervention For Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder And Schizoid Personality Disorder, Dana H. Kagan

Theses and Dissertations

Positive reinforcement is effective when used as an intervention for children with inappropriate behaviors. Children with the diagnosis of Schizoid Personality Disorder (SP) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may exhibit inappropriate behaviors that inhibit their quality of life. When appropriate behaviors are paired with rewards or reinforcements, there is an increase in the likelihood of such behaviors reoccurring. When four appropriate behaviors were reinforced by stickers for a child with SP and ADHD, the behaviors increased, therefore inappropriate behaviors decreased. The data that was collected was analyzed by a two-way ANOVA test. Several types of reinforcement interventions were researched …

Reinforcements As An Intervention In Children With Bipolar Disorder, Rachel Agin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test social and token reinforcements as an intervention to help eliminate behavior problems that are common in children with Bipolar Disorder. The subject was a six-year-old Caucasian boy diagnosed as bipolar. The experiment was performed during eight non-consecutive group therapy sessions. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant difference in behavior from the baseline measures as compared to post-reinforcement measures. The hypothesis was proven wrong however, because results show the baseline and post-reinforcement measures were almost identical. It was concluded that although the results were not significant, the data shows there …