Education Commons^™

Financial Analysis And Fiscal Viability Of Secondary Schools In Mukono District, Uganda, Janet Jeffery Tanner

Theses and Dissertations

Within the worldwide business community, many analysis tools and techniques have evolved to assist in the evaluation and encouragement of financial health and fiscal viability. However, in the educational community, such analysis is uncommon. It has long been argued that educational institutions bear little resemblance to, and should not be treated like, businesses. This research identifies an educational environment where educational institutions are, indeed, businesses, and may greatly benefit from the use of business analyses. The worldwide effort of Education for All (EFA) has focused on primary education, particularly in less developed countries (LDCs). In Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda increased its …

The Effects Of Parent Involvement On The Reading Achievement And Reading Engagement Of Students Participating In A Balanced Reading Curriculum, Ledonna M. York

Student Work

This study evaluated the reading achievement scores and reading engagement outcomes of second grade students, in an urban magnet center, whose parents were randomly selected to participate in active parent involvement training (APIT; n = 13) sessions compared to information based parent involvement training (IBPIT; n = 6) sessions. Results of the pretest posttest two group comparative study examined (a) reading achievement scores as measured by (i) Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills 6th edition (DIBELS); and (ii) Group Reading Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation (GRADE); and (b) reported reading engagement frequencies as measured by student (i) school absences, (ii) …

Defining The Components Of Academic Self-Efficacy In Navajo American Indian High School Students, Thomas R. Golightly

Theses and Dissertations

The academic difficulties experienced by a majority of Navajo American Indian students are well documented. Past research has focused on a variety of internal and external factors which possibly explain some of these difficulties. Low levels of academic self-efficacy (ASE) has been identified as one of the factors possibly contributing to lower than expected rates of academic achievement and low post-secondary education retention rates in this population. This investigation sought to further define the component structures of ASE using theoretical structures postulated by Bandura (1977a, 1997), namely: past success, modeling, verbal persuasion, and emotional arousal. Information about grade point averages …

English Language Learners And Technology: Applying Universal Design For Learning And The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol In The Evaluation Of Literacy Support Software, Susan M. Connolly

All Graduate Projects

The population of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students in U.S. schools has been steadily increasing. These students do not experience equal educational opportunity in U.S. secondary schools. CLD students need to develop English literacy as well as content knowledge to attain equal educational opportunity. Teachers of CLD students need techniques and tools which support CLD students in mastering the content expected of secondary school students while acquiring English literacy. The criteria for effective lesson design and delivery inherent in the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) and the criteria for designing curriculum without barriers to access inherent in Universal Design …

Implementing Reading Response Logs In An Intermediate Classroom To Increase Student Interest And Comprehension, Carrie Winegar Risley

All Graduate Projects

This study includes a brief explanation of the history of reader response and the purpose behind the theory as well as how to apply the theory to classroom practices when teaching literature and reading. Reader response is the reader's reaction to what he/she has read. This can include making connections, asking questions, clarifying information, evaluating the author's craft and making predictions. The reader's response can be oral or in written form. The study includes examples of the application of reader response in classrooms ranging from the primary level through the high school level and an explanation of why it can …

A Comparison Of Student Achievement In Economically Different But Academically Equivalent Catholic School Programs, Roseanne L. Williby

Student Work

Urban and suburban religious educational programs were evaluated to determine if achievement and readiness for high school transition were the same for students with similar parent commitment and equivalent Catholic school program experiences but differing socioeconomic advantages. Following five consecutive years in their programs, urban and suburban 4th-grade pretest compared to 8th-grade posttest gains made by students (n = 56) demonstrated positive academic outcomes for both programs. As reflected by subject test scores and composite percentile rank scores, urban and suburban programs equally prepared students for posttest performance on achievement tests and unconditional 9th-grade acceptance into college preparatory Catholic High …

Are Public Schools Worth Saving? If So, By Whom?, Philip Edward Kovacs

Educational Policy Studies Dissertations

ABSTRACT ARE PUBLIC SCHOOLS WORTH SAVING? IF SO, BY WHOM? by Philip Kovacs While there is a loose coalition of individuals and organizations attacking the institution of public schools, there does not appear to be a coordinated defense of public schools. Without a coordinated defense of the institution, public schools will arguably 1) grow increasingly regulated and/or 2) be shut down altogether. Given that progressive scholars believe schools should exist to maintain a pluralistic and participatory democracy, should 1) or 2) continue, the progressive goal of democracy through education becomes increasingly removed from possibility. The failure of progressive educational reformers …

Verbal Behavior: An Empirical Review Of Establishing Operations, Gary R. Hoerth

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Establishing Operations are steeped in the science Applied Behavior Analysis and verbal behavior. Their principles are utilized daily in schools, clinics and treatment centers. The purpose of this study was to review the research literature of this principle to affirm its scientific base and identify specific strategies that can be used by educators and practitioners. Results affirmed its scientific base and identified numerous strategies for immediate use. As ABA practitioners state, "These principles are thought to be of value only if in the hands of people who use them to improve the lives of others" (Carbone, 2004).

The Effectiveness Of Student Led Conferencing In An Intermediate Setting, Mindy Fitterer

All Graduate Projects

The studied focused on the communication between parents, teachers and students and the student self-reflection of strengths, weaknesses, and goals during Student Led Conferencing. Twenty-five students in a sixth grade classroom created student led conference portfolios and participated in fall and spring conferences with their teacher and parents. The specific parts of each of the pieces of the portfolio and conferences are examined. The results showed a highly effective rate in the desired areas.

Effective Letter Identification Activities For K-1 Children: A Handbook For Teachers, Luann Nicole Jensen

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to provide K-1 teachers with a handbook of effective letter identification activities. Letter identification is a pre-requisite reading skill that students must have in order to be successful readers and to prevent reading difficulties later on. This handbook can be implemented by teachers of kindergarten or first grade children who need a letter identification intervention. The lessons in this project were developed to be paired with explicit, intensive teaching during the intervention to help remediate a child's weakness in identifying letters.

Benefits Of Storytelling Methodologies In 4th And 5th Grade Historical Instruction., Julia E. Watts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the benefits of using stories to teach history to 4^th and 5^th grade students. In order to determine student attitude toward history, students completed a History Affinity scale prior to and after being exposed to one of 2 teaching methods. Students in the experimental group listened to and participated in oral narratives during their history lesson while students in the control group received conventional lecture and note-taking instruction. After collecting and analyzing the data, results indicate a significant increase in history affinity in the positive direction for the experimental group with no change in history …

Teachers' Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Block Scheduling In Nebraska High Schools, Steven P. Shanahan

Student Work

The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of block scheduling in seven key areas: staff development, curriculum, teaching methods, students class work, student achievement school climate, and satisfaction. The demographic factors considered included responsibility, years of teaching at this school, years in education, highest level of educational degree attained, type of student schedule used prior to block scheduling, the time at which block scheduling was implemented at this school, and size of the school.

Incorporating Nonfiction Into The Primary Grades: A Handbook For K-2 Teachers, Mandee D. Burton

All Graduate Projects

The majority of reading done outside the school setting is primarily nonfiction in nature; however primary teachers continue to emphasize fictional texts in the classroom. Therefore, many students are unprepared for the increase in the use of nonfiction text which begins in the intermediate grades and continues on up through the college years. Students as young as kindergarten benefit from the early exposure to nonfiction in numerous ways including increased background knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension. A handbook was created to assist teachers (K-2) in incorporating nonfiction into the primary grades. Eight strategies effective in improving students' comprehension of nonfiction as …

A Comparison Of Montessori Students To General Education Students As They Move From Middle School Into A Traditional High School Program, Shelley K. Corry

Student Work

This study evaluated the achievement and social involvement of students who completed eight years of public school Montessori Academic Instruction (n = 31) to determine their current levels of 10th-grade transition adjustment into a traditional high school program, compared to the achievement and social involvement of randomly selected students from the same school district who completed eight years of General Education Academic Instruction (n = 31) before entering high school. Results of the posttest only two group comparative study examined students' (a) Grade Point Averages; (b) reading, language, and math Norm-Referenced Test Normal Curve Equivalent achievement test scores; (c) Essential …

Education In Transition: Church And State Relationships In Utah Education, 1888-1933, Scott Clair Esplin

Theses and Dissertations

Utah's current educational systems were largely shaped by a transitional era that occurred during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. A time when the region itself moved from territorial to state status, the dominant religion in the area, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), likewise changed in its role in Utah society. Previously dominating most aspects of life, the Church was forced to reevaluate its place in society due to greatly increased secular power and context. Educational changes, as harbingers of larger societal shifts, are illustrative of such paradigm changes. During the four decade period …

The Impact Of Iq On Symptom Reduction In A Midwestern Residential Group Home Setting Using The Family Home Program, Robert G. Gehringer Jr.

Student Work

The purpose of this research project was to determine the impact of intelligence (IQ) measured by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Third Edition (WISC-III) on symptom reduction as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) in a residential group home setting using the Family Home Program. IQ Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale scores were gathered from 539 youth who also had an admission as well as a departure CBCL assessment. The IQ scores ranged from 60 to 141. Four IQ groups were formed for each IQ scale, greater than 115, 101--115, 85--100, and less than 85. Data were …

Standards Based Interactive Bilingual Math Centers For The Kindergarten Classroom, Laura Berge

All Graduate Projects

Statistical data from various research sources indicate a large discrepancy between mathematical achievement levels of Hispanic students. The project is significant in that it integrates current research on early learners, educational pedagogy, ELL teaching strategies, and mathematical learning to ensure success in mathematics for young Hispanic students. Toward this end, the purpose of this project was to develop bilingual math centers using a constructivist approach and the latest research on second language acquisition and teaching for the early childhood classroom. This project is also unique because it supplements current math curriculums used throughout the state while providing the necessary scaffolds …

Fostering Academic Achievement For Out-Of-Home Students In Transition, Valory Porter

All Graduate Projects

This manuscript is intended to serve as a resource for instructors seeking to assist out-of-home youth to successfully transition from the foster care system to post•system living. Frequently, teens transitioning out of foster care have deficiencies in effective independent living skills, useful employment training, and knowledge of post-high school options. A discussion of the information supporting this position is provided, as well as a review of related literature and research. The implementation of a transitional curriculum focused on independent living skills will help provide at-risk youth in out-of-home care with the skills necessary to become positive, contributing members of society …

Health Attitudes, Knowledge And Literacy Of Primary Caregivers With Elementary School Children, Susan Stuib

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has indicated that physical activity and healthy eating in elementary school children are the exception rather than the norm. Increased attention to the rising rates of childhood obesity, coupled with the recognition that changes in the school environment are critical to reducing this trend, has intensified the need to adopt better practices in school nutrition, physical activity and physical education. Apart from being physically active, children need to learn fundamental motor skills and develop health related physical fitness (cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition). Primary caregivers play an important part in developing and teaching …

Preliminary Research On Taiwanese Art Curriculum Design Based On Visual Culture, Jui-Jung Chang

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, art education has started an on-going discussion on the issue of visual culture. In the past few years this issue also becomes topical due to the necessity to improve art education in Taiwan. Currently, art education based on visual culture has become a very important concern in Taiwan. However, the concept of visual culture has its origin in foreign theories. In order for our art professional to remain independent, it is essential that Taiwanese art teachers begin to address the issue of how to properly incorporate the concept of visual culture into the design of our art …

A Case Study Of The Writing Consultant As A Professional Development Model For Elementary School Teachers, Shirley E. Martin

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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The Effects Of Inquiry And Single-Gender Grouping On Second Grade Girls' Attitudes And Participation In Science, Elsy Estrada

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Disparities between males and females in attitudes toward science have been the focus of extensive investigations. Studies have found that females feel intimidated by their male peers in science and mathematics classes, making girls less likely to participate. Their confidence in these areas decreases and they become less likely to follow related career paths. Researchers and educators are at task to find methods to provide equal learning opportunities for all students. The purpose of this action research was to investigate the effects of single-gender grouping and inquiry-based teaching on girls' participation and attitude in science class. This study took place …

A Historical Analysis Of New Jersey Charter Schools: Development Of Hypotheses For Measuring Effectiveness, Georgiana C. Walsh

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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New Principals And Initial Trust Formation Engenderment, Joseph R. Saxton Jr.

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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The Status Of English Language Learners Post Proposition 227 In Reading In The Leander Unified School District For The Years 1998-2001 Grades 2-11, Susana Leija

Theses Digitization Project

This project explored the impact of the implementation of Proposition 227 on SAT-9 scores in grades 2-11 of the Leander Unified School District. Minimal growth in test scores was found as a result of replacing the bilingual programs with English-only programs, contradicting claims by proponents of the proposition.

Why Parents Choose A Two Way Immersion Program For Their Children, Elisa Maria Barr

Theses Digitization Project

This project investigates the reasons parents cite for enrolling their children in a bilingual alternative program, Two Way Immersion (Dual Immersion).

Does Culture Matter? : Exploring The Relationships Among Parenting A Child With Disabilities, Cultural Identification, And Stress In A Group Of European American And Immigrant Latino Families, Ximena P. Suarez-Sousa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this correlational exploratory study was to delve into the experience of raising a child with disabilities by investigating the parents' level of stress and the role played by culture, acculturation, and various demographic variables suggested by the literature to influence stress were included. A purposive sample composed of 38 primarily undocumented immigrant Latino parents and 32 European American parents of children with disabilities was recruited from community agencies in a Midwest state. The most frequent disabilities were orthopedic impairments, pervasive developmental disorders, and mental retardation.

Data were collected with the Parent Survey, comprised of the Questionnaire on …

Making Sense Of Nonsense, Violeta Erendira HernáNdez

Theses Digitization Project

The project focuses on the creation of supplemental teaching materials that can be used to support reading and writing activities in the science content curriculum taught in a bilingual fifth grade classroom. Mediated structures are used to link the curriculum in the language arts with science materials. They are also used to provide depth and complexity to the materials offered by textbooks adopted by the school district. The mediated structures discussed and developed in the project are included.

The Relationship Between Participation In Extended-Day Programs And Mathematics Achievement Of Title I-Eligible Students, Crystal M. Lovell

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Teaching Character Education In Primary Grades Using Multicultural Children's Story Books, Gilbert Mwangi Muraguri

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this curriculum project is to offer K-3 regular education and 4-8 Special Education teachers ideas and activities for integrating character education into their regular curriculum. The whole group activities, games, art ideas, and more will help the teacher teach character education in a fun way and help students learn how to be caring and productive citizens.