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Investigating The Impact Of Data-Driven Decision Making On Elementary Curriculum And Its Implications For Teaching And Learning, Sara A. Hofer

Graduate Research Papers

Accountability is the new word of importance in the field of education. National attention to schools has caused states and districts to re-evaluate the business of educating children. This review will investigate the many facets that support data-driven decision making in current educational practices. The research will describe the relatively short history of nationally mandated legislation for the use of data to drive instruction and entitlement of services. Then, this paper will report the implications of implementing data collecting and synthesis systems in individual buildings to maintain both student successes in the classroom while fulfilling demands of national reporting requirements. …

The Impact Of Grouping For Reading Instruction On Student Attitude And Self-Concept, Michelle Renee Keegan

Graduate Research Papers

Researchers have found a parallel between types of grouping and attitudes of students regarding reading. The majority of students placed in the "lower" reading group in their classrooms have had negative perceptions and overall attitudes about reading. Research has indicated that the curriculum taught in these lower reading groups has differed from those in medium and higher groups due to different skills and practice that teachers have felt were required for students to succeed. Teachers' overall expectations have been found to be lower for those in lower academic groups in school. Students who have had motivation, self-efficacy, self worth, competence, …

Using Powerpoint Created Talking Books For Reading Fluency Instruction, Gretchen R. Lawyer

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes action research integrating Microsoft PowerPoint with reading fluency instruction in a group of 6 first grade students. Included is a literature review examining multimedia, hypermedia and reading fluency. Students used CD-ROM storybooks as models for reading fluency, received direct fluency instruction, and wrote stories they developed into "talking storybooks" with Microsoft PowerPoint. Results showed students improved overall reading fluency, except reading rate. Expression and prosody were most positively affected.

A rating scale measured student attitudes towards the instruction. Results showed a positive reaction. In addition, it was found that students might have been indirectly motivated by the …

How Does Home Literacy Help Children?, Katie Pick

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature paper focuses on the importance of home literacy programs. The literature shows the importance of parental involvement in their children's formal and informal educational process. Children who are exposed to home literacy have learned literacy better than children who are not. Many literacy activities for home are described. Many schools offer home literacy programs to assist parents within the home. This review of literature has implications for parents and teachers who try to implement home literacy.

The Importance Of Building Classroom Community, Sara A. Retallick

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will examine the importance of building community within the classroom. Information will relate classroom community with student needs and classroom management. It will provide a written visual on what community looks like in a classroom and explore different strategies important to community building within the classroom. A review of the No Child Left Behind Act and policymakers' views on community in the classroom will be discussed along with various community building programs.

An Evaluation Of The Relationship Between Physical Fitness Measures And Academic Achievement, George Victor Harnick

Graduate Research Papers

Over the past several years, physical education has often been forced aside in the wake of increased emphasis on improvements to academic performance in the core areas of study such as science, math, and reading. This stems from the implementation of the Title II Elementary and Secondary Education Act (a.k.a. No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) and the expectation that all students in schools funded by the federal government will be "proficient" in these core subjects by the year 2014 (United States Department of Education, 2007). With this law in effect, many school districts are being forced to increase …

Nbpts Portfolio Option, Cindy L. Borske

Graduate Research Papers

My lesson that I have taught provides evidence of active scientific inquiry. Students are observing phenomena; formulating working hypotheses; gathering, recording and analyzing data; and expressing the significance of their findings. My learning goals for this lesson are for students to:

1. develop an understanding of the interdependence of organisms and population growth, and

2. demonstrate the ability to solve complex problems to enhance students' analytical and problem solving skills.

Nbpts Portfolio Option: Young Adolescence Science, Mary Margaretta Beck

Graduate Research Papers

I completed and submitted all the entries required for the Young Adolescence Science NBPTS portfolio. Entry one involves designing science instruction. In this entry, I followed one theme, matter, through several activities. Entry two was probing student understanding. I completed this entry using a cookie mining activity to understand the effects of mining. Entry three was inquiry through investigation. My students investigated making observations using black boxes. Entry four consists of my personal documented accomplishments and how they relate to student learning. These accomplishments include learning center, special projects, and co-teaching.

Incorporating Readings Outside Of The Textbook Into A High School Science Curriculum, Melissa Hesner

Graduate Research Papers

The use of trade books, such as nonfiction and storybooks, is often used in elementary classrooms as instructional tools for learning content. For many reasons. this strategy is neglected at the secondary level where textbooks remain the dominant, if only reading resource for students. The need to incorporate into instruction meaningful reading experiences beyond the textbook is important for developing students' scientific literacy and reading skills. This project explains the introduction of reading resources outside of the textbook, perceived results of the implementation, and selections for future reading in a high school physical science curriculum.

National Board Of Teaching Standards Portfolio Option, Nathan Oswald

Graduate Research Papers

Next March, I am planning to send in a completed portfolio to demonstrate that I am a Nationally Board Certified teacher. So far, I have completed three of the four entries that are required to become certified. This process has been challenging and taken a considerable amount of time, but it has given me the opportunity to reflect on my teaching practice. And therefore it has helped to make me a better teacher, whom is looked up to by students and colleagues.

Discovering Dna, Melisa Reilly

Graduate Research Papers

Three years ago I was approached by a member of the Upward Bound Staff informing me that they needed a Biology teacher for there summer program. At that time I was a substitute teacher and needed a pay check for the summer. Since I had wonderful prior experience tutoring and mentoring for the program I applied and got the job. The problem I faced was that there was no set curriculum. Although it allows for a lot of freedom, it was overwhelming to me as a new teacher.

National Board Of Professional Teaching Standards (Nbpts) Portfolio Option, Dawn Marie Posekany

Graduate Research Papers

Our school is a small community that lies between two major cities in a Midwest state. Many of the parents of our students work in the science, math, technology, health, or medical fields in these larger cities. Our location often results in students "open enrolling" into our district. One of the challenges for our school is cultural diversity. Our population includes only three non-Caucasian students. My colleagues and I must work hard at extending our classrooms outside the walls to explore diversity. Of our 375 students in the high school, sixteen receive free or reduced cost lunch.

Why Students In The Hispanic Culture Dropout Of School?, Lori A. Schoenauer

Graduate Research Papers

Many Hispanic students, almost 1/3, dropout of high school, and it is important to understand the factors leading to this extremely high dropout rate (Munk, 2004). While only 9% of white and 12% of black students dropout of high school, the number of Hispanic dropouts is on the rise. The increase in Hispanic dropouts is not fully understood; however, research has shown that factors such as the parent's education, involvement, low expectations, school attitude, limited English skills, limited school funding, and cultural differences contribute to Hispanic dropout.

The paper is organized into five different chapters. The first chapter discussed the …

The Effects Of Using Music And Movement To Enhance Learning, Lisa L. Snitker

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews the effects of using music and movement to enhance learning in early childhood years and in the elementary classroom. Information includes Howard Gardner's musical and bodily-kinesthetic intelligences, the effects of music on brain development in infants and children, studies in the effects of music on spatial-temporal reasoning, how music affects learning in the early childhood and primary years, and the effects of music on special learners. Appropriate for parents, caregivers, and educators, this review provides the basis for incorporating music into everyday early childhood and classroom experiences.

An Evidence Base Of Vocabulary Development: Theory And Instruction, Susan L. Stark

Graduate Research Papers

Researchers have discussed the importance of vocabulary instruction for elementary students at length. The magnitude of the task is daunting, as is trying to choose which words to teach out of the many thousands. The question of how best to teach the thousands of words students need to be successful is difficult to answer. Direct instruction or learning words incidentally are two approaches discussed in the research. There are multiple factors that affect a student's vocabulary acquisition, including socioeconomic level, parental conversation, and whether English is a first or second language for the child. Additionally, the impact of vocabulary development …

A Reflective Administrator To Lead In Learning : A Reflective Essay, Garrick Teckenburg

Graduate Research Papers

Like most educators today, a former teacher inspired me. This teacher taught a subject I thought was boring and turned it into something interesting and meaningful. He made me realize the power that an educator can have on an individual. His approach to education in the classroom changed the way I viewed education and its importance. Each person in his class could feel comfortable contributing and participating in the classroom setting. He had a way of connecting with students on an individual level regardless of their personality differences. I became an educator so that I could have a positive influence …

Identity Exploration In The Secondary Esl Setting, Sarah Wait

Graduate Research Papers

The investigation of the process of identity development is very complex, as a multitude of background information and influencing factors must be considered before suggestions can be made for incorporating identity exploration into a secondary school setting. Chapter One sets the groundwork for this investigation by first describing the nature of the issue and generally introducing topics which will be explored in later chapters. The research question is stated, then expanded upon to include the factors one must consider when attempting to answer the research question. The chapter continues by explaining the significance of the problem, as established in both …

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder In Children, Jessica A. Weber

Graduate Research Papers

In the past ten years, many people have become aware of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This sudden increase in awareness has been good, since more children with ADHD are now being properly diagnosed and treated. Furthermore, classroom teachers and parents are beginning to understand this disorder and how to manage it. Fewer parents feel the issues their children are having are their fault because they did not have a "good" parenting style (Phelan, 2000). The purpose of this paper is to continue to increase awareness about ADHD, the effects it has on children, and the treatments and interventions used …

Effective Technology Integration Strategies In An Elementary Classroom, Karen M. Worden

Graduate Research Papers

It is important for teachers to use technology to enrich and enhance their curriculums and to adequately prepare their students for the world of tomorrow. There are many factors that inhibit this use, but these factors can be reduced or eliminated by providing resources, such as computers and software, technical and administrative support and professional development opportunities. Action research was conducted to investigate using the computer as a learning station and an assessment tool in a classroom with limited resources and a teacher with limited experiences. The participants in the study were nine students in a combined third and fourth …

Using Distance Education To Deliver English Instruction In Indonesia, Muhammad Yaumi

Graduate Research Papers

This paper highlights using distance education to support students in learning English in· Indonesia. The purpose is to discuss using distance education for English instruction in Indonesia, the cultural uniqueness of Indonesian students' learning styles, and a model of distance education to deliver English instruction in Indonesia. Library research involved resources relating to distance education and teaching English in the Indonesian culture. This research involved a variety of print references, electronic databases and a variety of Web resources. Research indicated that distance educat10n in Indonesia has been implemented since the 1950s. The developmental history of distance education in Indonesia was …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education: A Reflective Essay, Mary Yamoah

Graduate Research Papers

Reflection, change, linking curriculum to instruction, and service are a four of the most important criterion for educational leaders to understand in order to become strong leaders. Throughout the course of this paper, I will evaluate each component and through the process gain better knowledge on each. Through evaluation of these four topics along with the seven standards will facilitate learning that is life-long.

Judgmental Heuristics In Nonprofit Organizations’ Web Sites, Jennifer Sue Yarrow

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to identify related judgmental heuristics cues that could be incorporated in Web site home and donation pages of charitable nonprofit organizations. These types of heuristics could persuade individuals to continue activity on the Web site; thus increasing the possibility for donation activity. As nonprofit organizations begin building more sophisticated and progressive Web sites, they must recognize that the importance of reviewing the content of their sites with the users' cognitive processes in mind. The financial support that is lost by poor or unpersuasive Web site content could be critical for many organizations, and an …

Dental Health And Nutrition In Low-Income Preschool Children, Tonya R. Krueger

Graduate Research Papers

Dental health is an important, but often overlooked, health issue for children living in poverty in the United States. There are several risk factors for childhood caries including socioeconomic status, belonging to a racial or ethnic minority group, and poor dietary habits. While dental caries is a preventable infectious disease process, there are several barriers to adequate care and appropriate utilization of dental services often resulting in increased, severe, untreated decay for children from families with limited resources. This review examines caries in low-income preschool children and nutrition education as a preventive strategy. Federal programs that provide health and nutrition …

Self-Esteem & Developmental Assets: An Examination Of The Pertinent Literature Off The Relationship Between Self-Esteem And Developmental Assets In Adolescents, Angela Gorsuch

Graduate Research Papers

Adolescent development has been studied heavily as scholars have sought to understand the process of biological, emotional, and cognitive development during the transition from childhood and adulthood. Research has often focused on one indicator, self-esteem, on how well young people navigate this transitional period in their lives. Scholars have agreed that self-esteem is a reflection of a young person's psychological well-being during adolescence. High self-esteem generally indicates an adolescent is successfully handling these critical years of development and is exhibiting positive qualities and behaviors. On the reverse, low self-esteem is often an indication an adolescent may not be negotiating this …

Recognition Of Stroke Symptoms By The General Public Associated With Delayed Hospital Presentation: A Health Awareness Challenge, Shannon Rudolph Umthum

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature examines knowledge of stroke risk factors and recognition of symptoms by the general public and their link to emergency department delays. This review is written with the intent of illustrating the need for educational campaigns and effective programming to improve the public's recognition of the symptoms of stroke and the urgency in seeking prompt medical attention for increased survival and decreased disability.

Social Interaction Patterns Between Children With And Without Disabilities During Recreation Activities, Mary A. Parramore

Graduate Research Papers

Children are spending more time in community care facilities (i.e., after-school programs, day camp, etc.) and are interacting with other children of mixed abilities on a more consistent basis. Therefore, acceptable social skills and possessing the ability to interact and communicate effectively are of vital importance. The basis of this study was to examine and identify key components that generated positive and reciprocated social interactions between children of all abilities in an inclusive recreational program. Participants selected for this study were school-aged children of varying physical and/or cognitive abilities. All children utilized the services of the Family YMCA of Black …

Compliance Of Iowa Private Foundations With The Iowa Principles And Practices For Charitable Nonprofit Excellence, Julie Patricia Gosselink

Graduate Research Papers

Today, nonprofit organizations and foundations in the United States need to think about how they operate and put into place ethically sound business strategies to earn and maintain public trust. The Iowa Principles and Practices for Charitable Nonprofit Excellence, developed in 2004, identifies ways to help make Iowa's charitable nonprofit organizations more effective in their operations, and provides an excellent framework for accountability.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive literature review in order to determine the degree of implementation among private foundations in Iowa pertaining to the Iowa Principles and Practices for Charitable Nonprofit Excellence. This …

University Of Northern Iowa Intramural Sports Employee Manual, Darin Eugene Leigh

Graduate Research Papers

Welcome to the University ofNorthem Iowa Intramural Sports Program, a program within Wellness Recreation Services (WRS). Intramural supervisors and officials are the most important component of the intramural sports program. Supervisors and officials are often only criticized and never commended for the job done. Without the hard work and dedication of supervisors, officials and scorekeepers, our intramural program could not exist. Supervisors, officials and scorekeepers have the most personal contact with the participants in the programs and events we provide. You are a reflection of our program, WRS and the University of Northern Iowa.

Acupuncture For Labor Pain Management A Review Of The Literature, Saraj Brainard

Graduate Research Papers

The process of giving birth is one of the most natural and instinctual processes in the animal world. Although natural, it is often a painful experience that the explanation for differs from culture to culture. Women have been giving birth naturally all over the world since the beginning of time even though there have been methods of pain management for many years. In Western society, we have used biomedical methods such as anesthesia and epidurals to relieve this pain since at least the 1960s (Rooks, 2000). Although the most generally accepted method of pain management, epidurals may not be the …

From Isolation To Integration : An In-Class Writing Model For Literacy Specialists, Sarah Nadine Dorsey

Graduate Research Papers

The article describes descriptive research about one Reading Recovery teacher's design and implementation of a nine week in-class writing model in a first grade classroom. The instructional model was implemented for 45 minutes daily for nine weeks and included mini-lessons, shared writing, writing about a read-aloud, independent writing, and opportunities for students to share their writing. Discussed are the theory and rationale, design, implementation, and findings resulting from the additional instruction.

The benefits of the short-term model include improvements in all students' writing, stronger connections between pull-out and in-class writing for Reading Recovery students, improved self-perceptions of writers, increased collaboration …