Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Academic Performance And Social Participation Of Gifted And Talented Humanities Program Students, Hyak Junior High School, Bellevue, Washington, Eileen Casey Herling

All Master's Theses

This investigation focused upon the academic and social achievement of identified gifted and talented students who participated in a special humanities program conducted within a traditional junior high school environment. Eighty-two students, ranging from the seventh grade through their sophomore year in college, returned questionnaires lending credence to the hypothesis that these youngsters generally continue to sustain their achievement level as they progress through life. Students' attitudes regarding gifted identification, motivation, peer relationships, and program preparation were discussed.

An Evaluation Of Central Washington University In Meeting The Objectives Of The Degree Program In Teacher Education, John Harold Dallum

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a descriptive study of the findings from a questionnaire designed to evaluate the achievements of Central Washington University in meeting the expressed objectives in the Undergraduate Catalog as a statement of responsibility. The study was accomplished by a survey limited to the Central graduates in teacher education. The essential direction of the study was to compare the stated and implied objectives applicable to the program in teacher education at Central Washington University. The achievement of stated goals was indicated by rating to the questionnaire by graduates of Central Washington University Department of Education.

A Study Of The Neurological Impress Method With Remedial Secondary Students, Larry Charles Reynolds

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a study of the Neurological Impress Method, with junior high students two or more years behind their expected Reading Comprehension level. Thirty students were randomly selected and placed into control and experimental groups by a random number process. These S's received eighteen weeks of special treatment with either the N.I.M. or oral reading practice for the controls. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the Reading Comprehension gains of controls and experimentals. The gains of both controls and experimentals was, however, found to be of significance. Conclusions and recommendations included suggestions for additional research and a discussion …

Assessing Some Side Effects Of A Contingency Management Program, Charles M. Atkinson

All Master's Theses

This study applied a contingency management program to a single behavior while measuring multiple behaviors. Reinforcement was made contingent upon increased addition rate. The experimental group made significantly greater gains in addition rate. There was no significant difference in the gains made in subtraction rate, reading rate, reading comprehension, or classroom behavior. The study was limited by a small sample, six week time span, and the use of mentally retarded subjects to assess side effects of reinforcing an academic behavior.

The Possible Causes And Remediation Of Inverted Vision, Archie J. Beamer

All Master's Theses

The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine possible corrective methods for inverted vision. The visual problem is usually outgrown in the early teens, but these children who experience the problem tend to be classified as retarded because they cannot read. An intensive research of the literature for possible causes and corrective methods revealed inconclusive proof. However, two boys who were diagnosed to have inverted vision were given perceptual training exercises. The subjects responded to the treatment and in a short time were started on a reading readiness program. Although only two cases were found on which to experiment, …

Guidelines For Development Of Outdoor Education Programs, Leland D. Chapman

All Master's Theses

This paper presents guidelines for development of an outdoor education program for schools in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. This developmental study is an analysis of the information collected from nine districts in Oregon, Washington, and the Regional Office, U.S. Forest Service, Portland, Oregon. It is limited to evaluations of existing programs, interviews with resource personnel and library research. Recommendations of this study are those indicated by the districts consulted and the Washington and Oregon Departments of Public Instruction.

The Effect On Reading Achievement Of A Special Grade-One Program In The Othello Schools, Ruth A. Danielson

All Master's Theses

Distar, Play Therapy, and Elemode, a perceptual-motor program, were used with small groups to increase reading achievement. Subjects scored 50 or below on the Metropolitan Readiness Test in 1970-71.

Evaluation of the treatments and their effect on the total first-grade class was based on each pupil's achievement score obtained from the Metropolitan Readiness Test and Stanford Achievement Test raw scores. The comparisons, using the 1968-69 class as a baseline group, showed no significant differences in reading achievement.

The Effect Of Diagnostic Prescriptive Instruction Using Team Teaching Of Language Arts, John Edward Gilmore

All Master's Theses

This study attempts to determine the effect or using diagnostic prescriptive instruction under the organization of team teaching. The study was designed to evaluate the academic progress of students in a pilot program using team teaching. The results indicate that students having team teaching do not score significantly higher than students receiving conventional instruction. During the study the author developed and fieldtested a semantic differential attitude scale that will be used to determine attitudinal differences among groups of students.

A Study Of The Interrelationship Between Physical, Mental And Scholastic Development And Reading Achievement, James Bruce Bruseth

All Master's Theses

This research made an attempt to find a correlation between variables of physical, mental and scholastic development and reading achievement of first grade children. The study was designed to analyze eight variables of physical, mental and scholastic development by computer factorial analysis. An evaluation of the data revealed that there were no significant correlations among the variables studied. Recommendations included the suggestion that future researchers should make a longitudinal investigation of a larger sample and use X-rays of various body parts in determining the carpal age.

A Study Of The Public School Business Official In Washington State: Guidelines For Selection And Preparation, And Attitudes Toward Certification, Donald Wyman Glitschka

All Master's Theses

This paper focused on the public school administrator in Washington State, whose primary function was that of chief business official. The study was designed to produce an overview of his educational role. Broad areas examined included his distribution, status, personal characteristics and qualifications, job responsibilities, salary, and certification attitudes. Recommendations were concerned with suggested guidelines for the preparation and selection of school business officials, the establishment of certification requirements, and additional areas for related or new research.

A Measure Of The Library Skills Of High School Graduates Of Washington State As Demonstrated By Freshman Of Central Washington State College, Malcolm Douglas Alexander

All Master's Theses

This paper presents the study of library skills possessed by the 1971 entering freshman class at Central Washington State College. The study was designed to provide data to library faculty about the skills in which the students required instruction. The students tested possessed a selected list of library skills at the 47th percentile as measured by Ethel M. Feagley' s test A Library Orientation Test For College Freshmen. The hypothesis that they would not possess the skills at the 50th percentile was upheld.

The Effect Of Oral Reading Rate Feedback On Reading Performance, Kristi M. Anderson

All Master's Theses

An attempt was made to determine the effects or oral reading rate feedback on reading performance of third grade children in a self-contained classroom, using self-selected materials. Two measuring devices were used. The Botel Reading Inventory (Word Opposites Test-Reading) showed a mean gain of 1.75 grade levels. The oral reading rate mean increase was 57 words per minute. All students achieved at third grade level or higher.

A Survey Of The Fifty States To Determine Design Standards For The Multiple Car Method, Donaldson Martin Carnahan

All Master's Theses

A survey of the supervisors of traffic safety education programs of the fifty states was conducted to determine what, if any, design standards or guidelines were imposed upon school districts when designing multiple-car facilities for use in traffic safety education programs.

From the information gathered it is apparent that many states are improving the pupil-teacher ratio through the inclusion of the multiple-car methods of instruction and thereby reducing the cost of the traffic safety education programs.

However, only two states, Texas and Minnesota, had well-defined minimum standards for the design and approval of such facilities in approved programs. Georgia and …

Operantly Conditioning A College Student's Study Behaviors, Norman L. Culbertson

All Master's Theses

A 20 year old, male, sophomore college student, who was considered an underachiever, was confined to a laboratory study room for a specified number of observed hours during a period of three weeks. An attempt was made to operantly condition increased study behaviors by the E's control of study break reinforcers. The experiment consisted of three phases, conditioning, reversal, and reconditioning. Statistical results showed that when reinforced in this manner for study behaviors, the S significantly increased his amount of study time and number of pages read. It was concluded that (1) operant conditioning procedures could be used successfully to …

The Effect Of A Learning Skills Course Including Group Counseling On Low Achievers In The Community College, Paul E. Borg

All Master's Theses

A Learning Skills course consisting of study skills, goal direction, and self-understanding was tested among volunteer community college low achievers. Treatment integrated didactic, group discussion, and affective experiences in 18 hour-long sessions. Nineteen subjects received treatment; 25 subjects formed a matched control group; and 41 non-volunteers formed two additional control groups. An apparent trend toward GPA improvement was noted for all groups, but all measurements on GPA and a study survey were non-significant.

Upper Kittitas County Consolidation: A Study Of The Effects Of School District Reorganization In The Cle Elum-Roslyn School District 404 Of The State Of Washington, Joseph L. Carter

All Master's Theses

This study examines the effects of school reorganization in Upper Kittitas County on school costs, program, and construction. It determines the effect consolidation had on the attitudes of school district patrons, and whether pre-consolidation promises had been kept. This study determines that costs have risen, pupil-teacher ratios have improved, curriculum offerings have expanded, and new school building has occurred. The study finds little change in the attitude of school patrons, and determines some promises were kept, but many were not.

The Effects Of Systematic Phonics And Contingency Management On Reading Achievement With Intermediate Special Education Students, Allena Marie Hayes Combelic

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a study of the effects of systematic phonics and contingency management on reading achievement with intermediate special education students. The thirtysix week program was divided into four phases. The four equivalent forms of the Gray Oral Reading Tests were used as measuring devices. No statistically significant results were found by using the Gray Oral Reading Tests as measuring devices. Statistically significant results were found on graph data.

Recommendations included: (1) the use of different reading tests other than the Gray Oral Reading Tests as measuring devices and (2) that the study be conducted longer than thirty-six weeks.

A Follow-Up Study Of A Public Law 89-10 Title Iii Elementary And Secondary Education Act Project, Patricia Ann Clark

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a follow-up study of a Public Law 89-10, Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title III project, number 754, The Central Washington Regional Supplementary Center that served public and parochial schools in the nine central Washington counties.

Data were gathered by the questionnaire technique and site visitations.

Recommendations included investigating the possibility of requesting additional Title III funds and providing workshops to instruct teachers how to fully utilize the instructional materials and equipment provided by the Regional Center.

The Effect Of An Increase Of A Mother's Complimentary Behavior On Her Child's Crying Rate And In-Task School Behavior, Mark Connot

All Master's Theses

The purpose of the present study was to decrease an eight year old boy's disruptive crying rate in his home by ignoring his negative behavior and selectively complimenting his acceptable behavior. A check in the boy's classroom was made to determine if a generalization effect or transference of positive behavior from the home occurred. Crying behavior in the home was reduced significantly. There was no observed significant change in school behavior.

Effectiveness Of The Edl Study Skills Library In A Seventh Grade Reading Program, Robert Winn Elfers

All Master's Theses

This paper presents an evaluation of a study skills program used in a seventh grade reading class. This program is designed to teach study skills on an individualized basis, allowing the student to work at his own pace and on his own level. Two groups of students were involved. The group using the program showed slightly higher improvement on the post-tests. Recommendations included using the program in a reading class and that the teacher closely follow the progress of each student.

The Cloze Procedure And Informal Reading Inventory: A Correlative Study, Robert D. Elzenga

All Master's Theses

This study compared the cloze procedure and informal reading inventory at reading levels ranging from third through seventh grade. Twenty-four elementary students, judged by their teachers as not having reading difficulties, were selected from fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classes and. administered the two test instruments. The correlations, at each reading level were not significant at the .01 level as determined by the Pearson Product-Moment formula. Recommendations included the use of more subjects and suggestions for additional research.

A Survey Of Administrators' Attitudes Regarding The Effectiveness Of The Middle School, John Charles Epperson

All Master's Theses

This study was made in order to gain data pertinent to assess the need for change from junior high school to middle school. The study did indicate that a majority of middle school administrators believe that educational philosophy was more influential than was economic expediency in the creation of the middle school. It was evident that the majority of middle school administrators believe that the students served by the middle school are more tranquil, better disciplined, and taught better, because of the middle school structure.

Due to responses received, it is recommended that further study of achievement levels be made.

Occupational Employment Survey Of Yakima Job Market Area, Darrell Allen Estep

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a study of attitudes held by business and industrial employers in the Upper Yakima Valley. Two hundred and four employers provided occupational data and skill needs pertinent to occupations potentially filled by high school graduates. Evaluation of information has been summarized and placed into one of eight occupational groups.

Recommendations are directed to immediate and long-range vocational curriculum revisions of the Upper Yakima Valley Vocational Cooperative. A review of the literature adds validity to this study.

Washington State Teacher-Administrator Liability In Industrial Education Accidents, Jack Dwane Estep

All Master's Theses

This paper presents the history and development of liability of teachers of industrial education in the State of Washington. The study was designed to give industrial education teachers a basic understanding of tort liability and the ways in which to prevent tort suits. Reconmendations included further investigation of teacher liability insurance and that teachers of industrial education in the State of Washington become more concerned and aware of the potentially hazardous situations in their teaching laboratories.

A Comparison Of Children’S Achievement Whose Mothers Are Employed Full Time And Those Whose Mothers Are Homemakers, Thomas R. Funk

All Master's Theses

This study undertook to examine the relationship between mothers' employment status and the children's achievement. 728 third grade students in the Bellingham Public Schools were used as subjects. The data was analyzed by two way analysis of variance and multiple correlation procedures. There was no relationship found between the mothers' employment ststus and the children's achievement. However, there was a relationship between fathers' occupational level, family size, children's intelligence, and children's sex and some of the achievement tests.

The Teacher's Contingent Use Of Praise And Privilege To Improve Classroom Study Behavior, Margaret E. Taylor

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this experiment to determine if the study behavior of an entire classroom and two target students could be increased by teacher implementation of a program of contingent praise and privilege for appropriate study behavior. It was proposed in this study that a regular classroom teacher receiving instructions in the concepts of reinforcement theory from a school psychologist intern, would be able to elicit significant behavioral changes in the classroom as the result of the implementation of this contingency program.

A Study Of The Status And Leadership Of Girls' Athletics And The Attitudes Of Teachers Of Girls' Physical Education Toward Girls' Athletics In The State Of Idaho, Connie M. Thorngren

All Master's Theses

In 1969 a questionnaire was sent to all Idaho high schools concerning girls’ athletic programs and the attitudes of girls’ physical education teachers toward athletics. Eighty-seven percent of the questionnaires were returned, an indication of high interest in the subject area. Results showed moderate participation in most team sports and low participation in most individual sports. Teachers demonstrated favorable attitudes toward girls’ interscholastic athletics and indicated a need for enlarged programs. Money, facilities, and qualified coaches and officials were viewed as major concerns of girls’ programs.

A Comparison Of Media Between The Linear And Broadview Approach In Self-Instruction, Leslie T. Cotter

All Master's Theses

For this study, two groups of students were exposed to two different sets of self-instructions using a linear and broadview format. Each student was then asked to demonstrate, without the aid of instructions, operation of three machines selected by a laboratory assistant. The present study is investigative in nature and seeks to clarify the following question: whether a difference exists in student performance using linear or a broadview format.

A Comparative Investigation Of The Effects Of Frequent Testing Upon Achievement In Secondary Advanced Algebra, John Thomas Fullerton

All Master's Theses

Relatively speaking, few studies have concerned themselves with the problem of frequent testing, and as Keys pointed out, empirical evidence, uncomplicated by differences in the amount of testing material employed, on the effects of frequent testing is, at best, scarce (14:427). Also many studies used tests and test results for direct instruction, thus introducing additional variables. Furthermore, the choice of subjects and disciplines has been limited, the better part being taken from college psychology and sociology classes or high school science classes. This investigation was not an attempt to modify previous experiments, nor was it an attempt to identify which …

The Effectiveness Of Counselors As Judged By High School Graduates, Ray Y. Johnson

All Master's Theses

This study will attempt to test the following aspects of present counseling effectiveness in Washington high schools. After being asked, students will say: 1. Counselors are quite useful to them. 2. Their ideas about the counselor came mainly from discussion with their friends. 3. Counseling is mostly for vocational-educational reasons and not for personal reasons. 4. They recommended counseling to friends or fellow students and would do so again. 5. The high school counselor is an asset to their school. 6. There are several reasons why more students do not use high school counseling services. 7. High school counselors possess …