Digital Commons Network^™

Revitalizing The Mathematics Program To Improve Student Achievement For First Through Sixth Grade Students, William J. Zipparo

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes a program for improving mathematics achievement and test scores of first-through-sixth-grade students for the specific purpose of obtaining a predetermined state score level on the mathematics subtest of the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills annual achievement test. Original problem evidence became apparent after the review of the district’s tasting results for students from 1988-89 school year. The Maurica River Township Board of Education voiced concern over the fact that the district students' mathematics achievement level was either below or just slightly above that of the Stata's minimum level of proficiency in mathematics.

An analysis of the problem …

An Integrated Service Delivery Model For Preschool Children Who Are Hearing Impaired And Multiple Handicapped, Sharon Doutt

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to address the educational needs of preschool children who are hearing impaired and who also exhibit additional disabilities and medical conditions. The problem of how to effectively meet the educational needs of these children within the public school setting who demonstrate a number of developmental needs that can not be aet by one individual or program was dealt with in a three-part solution.

The first component of the project provided a class that had access within one setting to all the various services providers for each of the educational needs of the children. Secondly, the parents …

A Cross-Age Tutoring Program To Raise Self-Esteem In Learning Disabled, Regular And Gifted Elementary School Students, Marian J. King

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was originally designed to provide teachers with a means of enhancing the self-esteem of learning disabled (LD) students by using them as cross-age tutors in a Kindergarten class. It was assumed that, by engaging them to help younger students, LD tutors would experience a feeling of accomplishment and self-worth, and therefore develop a sense of being capable, useful, and appreciated. It was further assumed that this more positive self-esteem would lead to a healthier social, emotional and intellectual self-perception and behavior. As the project developed, other students (regular and gifted, including whole 5th and 6th grade classes) asked …

Improving Positive Experiences For Middle School Minority Students Entering A Suburban Community, Through Intervention Programs Involving Staff, Parents And Students, Christine D. Piscitelli

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to Increase the positive experiences of middle school minority students entering a suburban community: the problem being for racial and ethnic minorities to have full access to and participation In the educational life of the community without surrendering their language and cultural distinctiveness.

The goals of this practicum were for minority students and their parents to have positive school experiences when interacting with classroom teachers as well as when they were engaged In other school activities. In addition, classroom teachers were to become sensitive to the customs and values prevalent among these students through the acquisition …

Designing And Implementing A Program To Increase The Number Of Black Teachers Hired Annually By The Calvert County Public Schools, Charles W Craft

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes a program used by a medium sized school system to increase the hiring of Black teachers. Areas of need that were addressed included selection of colleges and universities to be visited by members of the recruiting team. Inservice training for recruiters, communication with predominantly Black colleges and universities, and development of local strategies to increase Black teacher hiring.

The system charged a local task force of citizens and educators to study the problem and make recommendations. Through the office of the Director of Personnel, the system increased communication through mailings and telephone calls with placement directors of …

A Training Program Designed To Enhance Supervision Of Child And Youth Care Workers In Multicultural Settings, Lesley Du Toit

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The majority of child care practitioners promoted to supervisory positions did not have the essential skill and knowledge to ensure effective supervision. Alternatively, supervisory positions were given to practitioners from a related profession, such as social work. In this instance, supervisors had difficulty in recognizing the importance of supervision, and in knowing how to approach supervision of child and youth care workers.

The author designed and implemented a 10 week training programme for child and youth care supervisors. A total of 11 supervisors participated in a three-phase training program which included individual consultations and b training workshops. The workshops focused …

Improving Parental Involvement In A Campus Child Care Center Through Increased Communication, Education, And Empowerment, Patricia Amanna

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem addressed the lack of parent involvement in a campus child care center. The parents were uninformed about the center's policies and procedures. They did not attend scheduled parent workshops, conferences, and events. Parents did limited fundraising which impacted on the operating budget.

Effective, clear communication was developed between the parents and staff through the distribution of a parent handbook, calendar of events, and newsletters. Parent-teachers conferences and workshops were scheduled during convenient hours for the parents. Parents were trained on the functions of fundraising committees; teacher and parent session surveys were administered: goals were established for fundraising proceeds: …

Developing An In-School Suspension Program In An Elementary School As An Alternative To Home-Bound Suspension, Jerry Guindon

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was developed to address the staff concerns at an elementary school of frequent out-of-school suspensions (OSS) resulting from misbehavior referrals to the principal's office. The staff felt that suspended students were often rewarded by OSS, at risk on the streets, interrupted in their schooling and that they often continued to be repeatedly suspended.

With the school principal's permission, the writer developed an in-school suspension program (ISS) which served as a better alternative to sending students home. ISS was more punitive, safer, more instructive and more rehabilitative.

Collected data over a four-month period reveal that the school principal suspended …

Improving The Writing Skills For Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Gifted Students Through The Use Of Development Processes, Mary Helen Freeman

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The intent of this practicum was to increase third, fourth and fifth grade gifted and talented students’ exposure to the writing process. Nine behavioral objectives were identified. They were: (1) demonstrating more prolifically and mechanically correct narratives, (2) demonstrating more positive feelings toward writing, (3) increasing the number of words used in a narrative, (4) completing a publication-ready narrative, (5) increasing selection of words in a narrative, (6) indicating success in having a written work published, (7) reporting self-improvement in the writing process, (8) increasing ability to inform their readers, and (9) demonstrating a desire to write.

Developmental writing lessons …

Improving Attitudes Toward Mathematics Of Eighth Grade Students Through The Implementation Of A Telecommunications Project, Harrison J. King

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

In order to improve attitudes towards mathematics of a target group consisting of a heterogeneous class of eighth grade students, the writer developed and implemented a mathematics program using available telecommunications technology.

Students were introduced to telecommunications theory to prepare them for the project. A Modem, Practical Peripheral 2400 MNP, and Microsoft Works 2.0 for DOS was used to initiate dialogue between the target group of eighth graders in the writer's school and another eighth grade class of students at a junior high school 55 miles away. In order to motivate students in learning mathematics, each class exchanged autobiographies and …

The Articulation Process: A Model For Transition From Middle School To High School For Exceptional Education Students, Carol Rees Jellie

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was deigned to coordinate and standardize the articulation process between the junior high school feeder schools and the secondary center school for exceptional education students. Meetings, and inservice sessions were conducted with counselors, parents, teachers and students to increase the understanding of the criteria for placement of exceptional educational students.

The writer developed an articulation time structure; designed appropriate transition forms; evaluated student referral information; and administered a post registration survey of the articulation process.

Analysts of the data revealed that the standardization of articulation was successful process and that referrals for transition to secondary school better met …

Teaching The Cultures Of Francophone Countries To High School French Students Through Group Activities, Brenda J. Pulliam

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum addresses the need to improve the cultural proficiency of high school students studying French. The writer developed and implemented a twelve-week unit designed to teach the cultures of francophone countries to 20 randomly selected first-level students.

The writer developed and administered a survey and a pretest to determine the difficulty of students to demonstrate knowledge of and appreciation for French-speaking countries and people. Individual and group activities and a posttest measured the outcomes of the implementation.

Analysis of the evaluation data indicated an improvement in students’ level of cultural proficiency. They displayed an increase ability to recognize and …

Developing An Active Media Center In A Jewish Day School K-8 Through Creative Management, Rhona Singer

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to develop an active media center. The primary goal was to create a dynamic, functional facility with an interdisciplinary library skills program for students in kindergarten to grade eight in a private Jewish day school. Additional goals were to incorporate volunteer service in order to organize the library collection.

Eight months of implementation at the target school integrated library skills with the development of the media center. The previously colorless facility became alive with mobiles and student artwork and projects. Chess games enlivened recess periods. Observation checklists. quizzes, questionnaires, as well as frequent statistic counts were …

Improving The Science Performance Of Bilingual Fourth Graders Through Additional Services, Marguerite L. Hutchins

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to determine if additional services to bilingual Hispanic fourth graders would increase their academic achievement in process method physical science curriculum.

Each day 21 bilingual Hispanic boys and girls received 15 minutes of intensive tutoring which concentrated on reviewing the concepts of the previous day and introducing the vocabulary and ideas of the next lesson. During these sessions the students were encouraged to put their understanding into oral and written language. In addition. an effort was made to determine and correct misconceptions about the topics in physical science as soon as they appeared. Toward this objective …

Utilizing Systems Change Strategies To Increase The Integration Opportunities For Special Needs Children In A Public School Early Childhood Center, Stephanie J. Frantz

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was aimed to increase the opportunities for integrating preschool special needs children in a public school early childhood center Expected outcomes were the preschool special needs children would have an increase in integration opportunities teachers/staff would have a positive attitude toward integration special needs children and the special needs children would show an increase in the amount of social interaction and in positive behavior changes.

Systems changes and team collaboration were utilized to address the four literature identified target groups of administration staff parents and children to help in insuring successful integration. A staff attitude survey staff development …

Developing An Appropriate Methodology To Identify Minority Students For The Gifted Program, Brenda Goza George

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The goal of this practicum was to increase the number of minority students referred for the gifted program. Three broad objectives were designed to achieve this goal: (1) to increase the number of minority students classroom teachers refer for the gifted program; (2) to develop a greater sensitivity among the teachers and staff to Identify potentially gifted minority students; (3) to develop a matrix which can be used by gifted program teachers for referral of minority students to the gifted program.

During the three month practicum period a teacher checklist was designed for identifying potentially gifted minority students. Training sessions …

Integrating High School English And Vocational Education Through Teacher Collaboration, Cross-Curricula Activities, And Applied Communications, Alexandra Penn

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The aim or this practicum was to integrate academic. Specifically language arts, and vocational education by: I) collaborating with vocational teachers; 2) developing cross-curricula activities; 3) reinforcing and evaluating communication skills in the vocational areas; 4) exploring student career direction; 5) infusing occupational relevancy into academics; 6) facilitating cooperative learning and relevant problem-solving; 7) fostering computer technology and literacy; and 8) orienting staff, counselors and administrators. Two corollary aims were to increase students’ communication skills as measured by the Stale Scholastic Aptitude Test, Part I (SSAT). and to reduce the drop-out rate u a result of participants’ goal-specific successes.

The …

Improving School-Community Relations Through A Comprehensive Parent Involvement Program, Rodney R. Lafon

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes a program for improving school community relations through a comprehensive parent- Involvement effort In an elementary school. Issues requiring attention, such as concerns for the school's image, lack of parent-involvement, and lack of parent satisfaction were noted In Individual Interviews with administrators, teachers, classified employees, and parents. These Issues were substantiated by the data gathered on PTA membership, the parent-volunteer program, and low parent attendance at special school functions.

Research findings supported an Intervention strategy that involved five major types of parent-involvement described as: (1) Basic Obligations of Parents; (2) Basic Obligations of the School; (3) Parent-Involvement …

A Social Problem-Solving Curriculum For Mildly Handicapped And Handicapped And Behaviorally At-Risk Middle School Students, Ellen Gertz

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed in response to the increasing numbers of student behavior problems and subsequent suspension of mildly handicapped and at-risk middle school students. The goal was to implement a group intervention program teaching cognitive behavioral strategics to improve interpersonal problem-solving skills, as well as provide alternatives to current school disciplinary procedures.

The writer combined the video-assisted, cognitive behavioral “Think First” program designed by Dr. James Larson with a student court system to improve social competence, develop self-management and problem-solving techniques. Instructional approaches included group problem-solving, self-reporting, modeling and role play. Training emphasized self-instruction for impulse control, finding alternative …

Using Interactive Learning Strategies To Help High School Students Of Spanish Understand And Appreciate Hispanic Culture, Roslyn R. Sprayberry

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum report describes strategies designed to improve students' knowledge and understanding of and appreciation for the Hispanic culture. Aimed at high school students in a second-year Spanish class, this report Is appropriate for any foreign language class from middle school through university levels.

The writer developed and administered a survey and a pretest to 20 randomly selected students in a second-year Spanish class. The objectives were to Identify cultural terms, to describe Hispanic behavior patterns, to list cultural differences within the Hispanic culture, to express the cultural connotations of words and phrases, and to evince an awareness of and …

Increasing Parent Involvement In The Reevaluation Process Of High School Level Special Education Students By Accommodating Scheduled Meeting Times Valuing Parent Input And Sensitizing Parents And Staff To The Needs And The Rights Of Handicapped Students, Larry Taylor

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The practicum was designed to address the problem of relatively few parents involving themselves in the reevaluation process of high school level special education students. The intervention sought to increase parent involvement in the development of their child’s academic and career/vocational programs.

The writer developed a three-month program and designed a comprehensive system which included personal attempts to get parents to attend reevaluation meetings. This design also incorporated a component where parents’ input in decision making was welcomed. Both parent training and staff training were conducted and deemed important parts of not just a short term solution to increase attendance …

Empowering Parents To Become Reading Models For Their Young Children., Barbara Widdicombe

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to increase the amount of time parents spent reading aloud at home to their four-year-old children. It also attempted to increase the parents' modeling of reading themselves for pleasure. These changes would serve to enhance the young children's literacy development.

The writer developed newsletters to provide parents with information about the benefits of reading to their children. A classroom lending library was created to provide parents with developmentally appropriate books to read to their children. Popular magazines were made available to parents to enable the parents to model pleasurable reading. Data was collected through the use …

Development Of A Promotional Plan For Programs For Higher Education, Joseph E. Campbell

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Since 1976, Nova University’s Programs for Higher Education have awarded more than 1800 Ed.D.’s to working professionals in various areas of higher education. One of the main problems facing Nova University’s Programs for Higher Education has been its continued ability to attract, admit, and enroll students, who will successfully complete the program, in a changing and increasingly competitive environment. Name recognition, lack of knowledge about the quality of the program, as well as continued misconceptions about the validity of an external degree frequently cause enrollment problems. Also, the program has not comprehensively reviewed its on going promotional activities in several …

Improving The Effectiveness Of Science Laboratory Instruction For Elementary Students Through The Use Of A Process Approach For Change., Wanda S. Vorsino

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum endeavored to improve science laboratory instruction for elementary students. The major goal of the practicum was to facilitate laboratory use so that teachers would incorporate laboratory experiences as an integral component in science instruction.

To improve the instructional significance of the science laboratory, the writer developed and initiated a MAPS change process model (Motivation, Alternatives, Planning, Sharing) in collaboration with representative teachers. The committee acted in a leadership capacity to develop goal commitment, formulate strategic action plans, communicate a shared vision, resolve implementation obstacles and monitor progress. Implementation included in-service training in effective science teaching strategies, coordination of …

Designing And Implementing A Program To Increase The Amount And Quality Of Contact Time Of High School Age Learning Disabled Students And Their Parents With Guidance Counselors, Ira Weiss

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The practicum was designed to address the problem of learning handicapped secondary school students ana their parents who have limited contact with their guidance counselors. The intervention purported to make a group of high school age learning disabled students and their parents more knowledgeable about academic requirements for graduation, postsecondary education, vocational options ana community services. It also sought to train ana sensitize a group of high school guidance counselors to the needs of special education students ana their families.

The writer developed a three-month program of structured weekly activities for the students, each focusing on a particular theme. Guidance …

The Development Of A Theatre Arts Management Program At Liberty University Based On Essential Skills Identified By Arts Administrators, David D. Allison

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this study was to develop a theatre administration major for the Drama Department at Liberty University. The research questions that were examined include, *Is there a substantial job market for students trained in theatre administration? “; "Are traditional degree programs adequately preparing students for the job market in arts management?*; *What skills can be identified as necessary for a career in theatre management?"; "Are internships of significant value to both student and explorer that they should be a requirement for the proposed major?"; "What should be the essential elements of a theatre administration program at Liberty University?"; …

Developing And Implementing A Plan To Improve The Impact Program At Lockhart Middle School, Frances G. Cuddy

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This major applied research project report describes a program that was designed to improve the Interdisciplinary Middle School Programs lor Advisement/Counseling/Teaming Programs (IMPACT) at Lockhart Middle School. Students and teachers indicated on a survey that they did not feel the IMPACT program was a benefit to the students. Probable causes of the problem were identified as large class size; inadequate materials; inadequate teacher preparation; a rise in discipline and attendance problems; and lack of support from administration, teachers, and guidance counselors.

A review of the literature supported a solution strategy that included reducing the size of the class, providing materials …

Using Parent Participation Programs To Increase Parent Involvement In The Education Of Elementary Language Learning Disabled Students, Carolyn B. Chiodo

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum actuated a series of parent programs designed to increase the active participation and involvement of parents in the education of their language learning disabled elementary aged children. these programs were designed to increase awareness of exceptional student education, acquaint parents with potential resources, and increase participation in the education of their children through games, homework involvement, and discussion.

The writer developed and administered pre- and post-parent surveys to parents from two language learning disabilities classrooms. Three parents participation programs were designed to respond to the needs ascertained from the results of this survey. Programs included a video presentation …

Prereferral Intervention Strategies Utilized With High-Risk Students In A Primary Grade Setting, Linda S. Levine-Brown

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The goal of this practicum was to develop and implement a program of prereferral intervention strategies utilized with high-risk students in a first grade setting. The program was designed to maximize their performance levels and assist in avoiding the possibility of retention and/or referral for exceptional student education.

Ten students were targeted to receive this intervention program. The children were provided one hour instructional periods three times per week for a period of 12 weeks. A multi-modality approach was applied utilizing visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile approaches to learning. Major emphasis was placed on teacher and program collaboration. Weekly meetings …

Using Environmental Print Media To Enhance Third Grade Children’S Reading And Writing Abilities, Rhoda Orenstein

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

A course of study was designed by the writer to enhance the effectiveness of the traditional third grade reader and workpack as instructional tools. The goal was to create, in the targeted third grade students, a familiarity with the purpose and function of varied print media available within the community, thereby creating a foundation upon which the students could base their understanding of the settings, themes, and experiences of the traditional third grace reader.

The writer created a program that utilized varied print media and speakers from within the students' school and community environment. Classroom cooperative learning centers were established. …