Digital Commons Network^™

Using Formative Assessment Results To Predict Student Achievement On High Stakes Tests, Lisa W. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine whether comprehensive post formative assessments can accurately predict student academic achievement on AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) indicators as measured by standardized criterion-referenced tests.

The primary participant populations for this study were sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students enrolled in a middle school in north Georgia from 2004-2007. Over 2,900 student assessments were used to conduct the statistical research and variables such as gender, race, and socio-economic levels were not disaggregated in the data collection compilation. The data sources included the first quarter, second quarter, and third quarter post formative assessments which are …

Job Satisfaction Of Adjunct Faculty Serving In The Online Environment At A Private Evangelical University, Anita Satterlee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to describe levels of satisfaction of the adjunct faculty who teach in online modalities of instruction at a private evangelical university located in the southern United States. The three faculty groups included in the study were (a) online adjunct faculty (independent contractors), (b) adjunct faculty (university full time staff and administrators teaching part-time in the online program) and (c) full-time residential faculty who teach online courses in the distance format. The abridged Job Descriptive Index and the abridged Job in General index were chosen to survey respondents regarding satisfaction levels. The results of the …

The Efficacy Of Foundations & Frameworks On Elementary Students' Reading Achievement In Urban Christian Schools, Cheryl Mcclure Blackmon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of Foundations & Frameworks (F&F), an instructional program emphasizing reading comprehension, on fourth and fifth grade students' reading achievement, as measured by the Stanford Achievement Test and the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test. Seven urban Christian schools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, participated in the study. A causal-comparative analysis was conducted of reading comprehension and vocabulary achievement between F&F schools and comparison schools. A pre-experimental pretest and posttest analysis of achievement and a comparison of actual growth to expected growth were also conducted in F&F schools. No significant differences in achievement were found between F&F schools …

A Theatrical Take On Educational Self-Esteem, David Seagraves

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the constructs of self-esteem and theatre arts. The experimental research utilized a Solomon four-group design, which included four groups of public high school freshmen. The study investigated whether or not self-esteem would increase after studying theatre arts, and if a cause and effect relationship existed between theatre arts and self-esteem. The study’s independent variable was a theatre arts treatment of ten lessons centered around a novel. The dependent variables were the scores on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (1965), a self-reporting and numerically measurable self-esteem survey. The scale was administered in a pretest and posttest format. The self-esteem …

Measuring The Effectiveness Of After-School Programs Via Participants’ Pre And Posttest Performance Levels On The Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test, Cheri Lynn Ogden

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Schools failing to demonstrate Adequate Yearly Progress on annual state assessments are given federal and state funds to support supplemental educational services. This study was designed to measure the effectiveness of two after-school programs in one middle school in a medium-sized county in Georgia. The school has failed to demonstrate Adequate Yearly Progress for eight years and has been offering supplemental services for six years. The after-school programs are funded and students are offered opportunities to participate based on low performance on the annual assessment, the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test. The effectiveness of the after-school programs was assessed based …

Role Of Spirituality In Persons Choosing A Career In Education: Calling As A Motivating Factor, Jared Bigham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The job of a teacher undergoes more scrutiny and accountability with each passing year. The esteem for the profession and extrinsic rewards do not increase commensurately to the ever growing challenges that teachers encounter. It therefore raises the question what motivates a teacher to enter such a profession? Many teachers in the profession say they answered a calling to teach. This phenomenological study examined the role that spirituality plays in persons choosing a career in education. Participants were chosen from college students who were in their methods semester of training. The participants were interviewed, and the dialogue was analyzed for …

The Relationships Between Cognitive Deficits And Spiritual Development, Charles Nolan Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

An individual’s spirituality is shaped and supported by his or her cognitive capacities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between various cognitive deficits and the spiritual development in individuals who qualified for special education under the category of Specific Learning Disability. Participants were randomly selected through systematic sampling of students and former students of Kellyville Public School who met the criteria. The cognitive deficits were measured by the Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities (2001) or the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery- R (1989), and spiritual development was measured by the Spiritual Assessment Inventory (2002). The results of …

The Relationship Of Principal Leadership And Teacher Morale, Keith A. Rowland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This Study examined the relationship of the leadership practices of middle school principals and the morale of the teachers in these schools. Seven middle schools in a Metropolitan Atlanta school system participated in the study. The Leadership Practices Inventory was used to collect information on the principal practices and the Purdue Teacher Opinionaire was used to collect information on teacher morale. Results indicated that principal leadership and teacher morale were significantly correlated and that the leadership practice of Enable Others to Act had the strongest positive correlation to teacher morale. These results imply that a principal’s daily behavior plays a …

Reading Improvement In The Era Of No Child Left Behind, Meredith Furrow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This mixed-methodology study described the reading curriculum and instructional changes that occurred in a small, rural, intermediate school in Virginia as a result of the No Child Left Behind legislation and Virginia’s Standards of Learning requirements. A special focus was placed on the progression of reading scores of the 2003-2004 fifth grade students to their eighth grade school year of 2006-2007. Since the Standards of Learning reading scores given in the spring of 2004 initiated the school improvement process for this school, the focus of this research was based on documenting these scores along with the school improvement process that …

Comparing Leadership Scores Of Collegiate Level Basketball Players And Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (Rotc) Students, Lawrence A. Braue

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the differences in the transformational leadership practices of collegiate level basketball teams and students from an Army Reserve Officers Training Program as measured by Kouzes and Posner’s Student Leadership Practices Inventory (SLPI) (2006). The purpose was to determine if ROTC students with formal leadership training obtained higher leadership scores on the SLPI than the basketball players who had not received formal leadership training. The study compared the overall mean scores of ROTC students who had participated in at least one year of formal leadership training and the players from a university men’s and women’s basketball team who …

Impact Of Racial, Ethnic, And Socioeconomic Diversity: Student Perceptions Of Educational Outcomes In A Northern Virginia Public School System, Joseph F. Fontanella

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationship between diverse learning environments and students’ perceptions of their educational experiences within a large Northern Virginia public school system via quantitative, nonexperimental, survey methods. Five areas reflecting frequently established goals of education were explored: student diversity; curricular diversity; student learning and peer interaction, to include development of critical thinking skills; future educational aspirations; and goals and perceptions of support by the school. Subjects were 11th-grade high school students from across a selection of the 10 high schools in the subject school division. Data was derived from the Diversity Assessment Questionnaire (DAQ), an instrument that asked …

Character Traits In Newbery Award Literature 1997-2007, Julie Beth Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the character example elements in the Newbery Award winning books from 1997-2007. Content analysis was used to identify the pertinent character traits identified by the researcher using the acronym C.H.A.R.A.C.T.E.R. These example elements include: (a) caring/compassionate, (b) helpfulness, (c) acceptance, (d) respect, (e) ambition, (f) citizenship, (g) trustworthiness, (h) encouragement, and (i) responsibility. Using a coding system developed for this study, four readers read and discussed the books to attempt consensus as to the character traits identified. The researcher sought answers to the following questions: (a) Do the Newbery Award winning books …

National Board Certified Johnston County Teachers’ Perceptions Of National Board Certification In Contrast To Their Non-National Board Certified Counterparts, Laurene Patricia Lawless Madern

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationship of perceptions of national board-certified teachers and eligible but non-certified national board teachers in the process of national board certification. The primary participant population for this study consisted of 47 national board-certified teachers and 282 eligible but non-certified national board teachers from Johnston County, North Carolina. Data was collected in a study which was electronically conducted in June 2005. The data sources included the application of this research and research from a previously administered study conducted on eligible but non-certified national board teachers in Tennessee. Factors that were analyzed included gender, years of experience and …

Connecting With One Another: A Step By Step Approach To Guest And New Member Assimilation, Kevin Ray Milburn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project was born out of frustrating experiences at assimilating new members into church life, and disheartening statistics proving this is a common problem in Kentucky Southern Baptist churches. After reviewing literature pertaining to the topic, it became apparent there was a need for a simple, workable program for churches to use in assimilation. This project highlights the CONNECT strategy, a small group Sunday School program, which this author created to put into place at a model church. After gathering statistics from this model church since the program’s inception, it is evident that this CONNECT strategy does work for assimilation.

The Relationship Between University Nursing Student Classroom Engagement Activities And Academic Performance, Helen Reyes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Academia is struggling to meet an increasing nursing shortage with limited resources; therefore, student success is paramount in any university nursing program. Research data suggests one major reason for increased attrition rates is course failure. Research also reveals that college students often feel disengaged in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between classroom engagement activities and the academic performance of professional nursing students. Is there a relationship between nursing student classroom engagement activities and academic performance? The Classroom Survey of Student Engagement (CLASSE) was administered to 317 university nursing students enrolled in seven different …

The Role Of Preaching In Revitalizing Declining Churches, Jammie D. Vance

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature demonstrates that very little material is available to assist Pastors in declining churches, develop a preaching plan to effect turn around in their church. The purpose of this project is to explore various styles of preaching and decide what style is biblical and most effective in reviving a declining church. This project also explores the causes and needs of the declining church so as to determine what subjects need to be addressed by the pastor of the declining church.

Freshmen Experience At A Community College: Its Relationship To Academic Performance And Retention, Robert Andrew Hall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated an optional new student orientation program, Freshmen Experience, at a rural, public, community college. The results of academic performance, attrition, and retention of participants and non-participants were examined through an ex post facto study of student participation over two semesters: Fall 2004 and Fall 2005. Two groups of first-time freshmen students, an orientation group and a comparison group, were tracked through their first semester and the start of their second semester to determine the programs effectiveness. Three hypotheses were tested using independent t-tests and z-tests. Results indicated that no significant differences existed between groups for the variables …

An Analysis Of Rx For Discovery Reading For Elementary Students Below Average In Reading, Susan Kay Stanley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Rx for Discovery Reading® is an intervention developed by the National Institute for Learning Development to impact the reading abilities of students below grade level in reading. The program was designed to address every area of reading acquisition, but, for this study, the areas of phonological processing, decoding, and fluency were investigated using pre- and post-test scores from the KTEA-II, GORT, and DIBELS. The problem studied was whether Rx for Discovery Reading® would raise the mean standard scores in the three areas at the conclusion of the field test. Using a small-group format, twenty-nine students who were not on grade …

The Relationship Between The Beliefs Of School Board Members Concerning Young Earth Creationism And Old Earth Creationism And The Inclusion Of Creationism In The Science Curriculum Of Georgia Public Schools, Karen S. Cook

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated district location and the beliefs of school board members regarding Young Earth Creationism (YEC) and Old Earth Creationism (OEC) associated with the inclusion or exclusion of creationism in the district science curriculum of Georgia public schools. A random sampling of 144 mailed of a total population of 1,034 local school board members was selected as subjects. Data analysis indicated that beliefs of school board members in Young Earth Creationism had a weak, positive association with the permitted inclusion of creationism in the district science curriculum while board member beliefs in OEC had a moderate, negative relationship. No …

Christian School Administration: Exercising Biblical Competence: A Consecrated Heart And An Educated Mind, Julia Curruth Mcmillan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is minimal research conducted to assist Professional Educators with effective ministering and administration in Christian Schools. While secular academic training and experience provide the Administrator with great preparation, there are specific dynamics unique to the Christian school environment that warrant deliberate attention if the Administrator is to be effective. Observed from the perspective of a parent, having served faithfully as both teacher and the current Principal of the Bible-Based Fellowship Christian Academy; in its young life, this nine-year old school had experienced eight different administrators, most recently in January 2005. Inconsistency in leadership had stunted the growth of the …

The Twenty-First Century Pastor: His Calling, Character And Competencies, Seth Nathan Polk

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This paper defines modern ministry utilizing timeless and unchanging biblical principles, thereby providing a guide that pastors can utilize in fulfilling their God given responsibilities. It discusses, outlines, and synthesizes the calling, character, and competencies of the twenty-first century pastor. Directives related to calling and character come primarily from biblical and historical research. Based on surveys sent to pastors of middle sized churches, the project researches how modern ministry is being practiced related to the competencies of preaching, pastoral care, and church administration. Directives are then given concerning how modern ministry should be practiced based on the Word of God.

The Great Invitation: A Call To Discipleship, Richard N. Foster

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian and secular sources alike site a recent decline in baptisms in the evangelical church. By receiving one hundred and fifty surveys from pastors, this dissertation project examines the cause for this alarming trend and recommends a solution which entails discipling the pastor within a Christian community. This project proposes a model for Bible colleges and seminaries to train the pastor by facilitating five key relationships that will enhance his fellowship with Christ and encourage his desire to carry out the Great Commission. The objective of this project is to reverse the current decline in baptisms.

Increasing Financial Stewardship In The Church Of Christ, Ben A. Bruce

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

INCREASING FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP IN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST Ben A. Bruce Liberty Theological Seminary, 2007 Mentor: Dr. Frank Schmitt God desires for man to make wise stewardship choices that will glorify Him. The purpose of this research paper is to increase financial stewardship in the Church of Christ. The author discusses the Biblical principles pertaining to financial stewardship, the qualifications of financial stewardship, and the dangers of poor stewardship. This dissertation also includes an analysis of a stewardship survey sent to members of the Church of Christ. Over 3,000 members of the Church of Christ completed the survey. The last …

A Study Of The Care Ministry, Jeffrey Eugene Mims

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

CARE is total church ministry that places people into service based on their spiritual gifts. It was started at Mud Creek Baptist Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina, by Mark Hunnicutt. This project seeks to determine if CARE can be implemented successfully in a small, rural church setting. It also documents the changes made during the implementation process. Finally this project evaluates whether or not the CARE ministry has been successful at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Dillwyn, Virginia, and at other churches of varying size.

Effective Strategies For Healthy Church Growth In The Hap Dong Jung Tong Presbyterian Denomination In Korea, Manoh Han

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to understand the biblical principles of healthy and highly effective strategies of church growth and to apply them to today’s Hap Dong Jung Tong (Hap-Jung) Presbyterian Denomination (HJPD) in Korea. Based on surveys and interviews, this project also analyzes and evaluates current conditions within 328 HJPD churches, exploring growth factors such as: pastors’ leadership, preaching, professional development, prayer, evangelism, making-disciples, ministry focus, the reasons for HJPD growth, and strategic approaches for future ministry. Finally, this project suggests twelve healthy and effective principles to develop HJPD churches for the next ten years.

Alone In A Crowd: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into Loneliness As Experienced By Pastors' Wives, Jama L. Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study investigated the individual experiences of eight pastors’ wives with the phenomenon, loneliness. The topic of loneliness generated emotionally charged responses from women who live their lives in the public eye. Data was collected using informal, conversational, taped and transcribed interviews. Descriptions of the experiences of loneliness and the general factors contributing to loneliness were identified by the participants. The experiences and general contributing factors were compared and contrasted. Participants identified loneliness as an indescribable void, resulting from guardedness, and a normal experience. General factors contributing to loneliness were identified as explicit or implicit. Explicit factors, those directly …

Pastoral Leadership Problems In Small, Established Churches Of Under 100 People, Brian Keith Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

ABSTRACT PASTORAL LEADERSHIP PROBLEMS IN SMALL, ESTABLISHED CHURCHES OF UNDER 100 PEOPLE Rev. Brian K. Miller Liberty Theological Seminary, 2007 Mentor: Dr. Homer Massey A review of current literature demonstrates that very little material is available regarding small churches and the leadership problems that the pastor will face. The purpose of this project is to shed light on some of these problems, and provide insight and helpful advice to those pastors serving in small churches. Based on the literature available, this project reviews the most common leadership problems faced by small church pastors, and gives advice and suggestions for dealing …

Evangelism On Target: A Proposal To Use Hunting And Fishing As Means To Evangelism And Discipleship, Jackie Andrew Mccullough

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Reach people where they are. The purpose of this project is to identify, explore, evaluate and recommend practical means of using hunting and fishing as tools of evangelism and discipleship. A review of printed literature reveals little about this subject. Other available information shows effective use of these means for the proposed purposes. The research utilized responses to questionnaires completed by pastors, seminary students, seminary graduates, and outdoor speakers who employ these means. Hunting and fishing are being used effectively for these goals. Practical methods for implementation of these means are explored and presented.

A Strategy For Educating The Church Concerning Those With Special Needs, William Blake Shrout

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this paper is to inform and educate the church of the needs of people with disabilities. There is information given as to what the church can do to assist and understand the needs of the people, the requirements of the Law and the moral obligations as Christian disciples. Through a questionnaire, the author has compiled statistics for an overall view of what some churches are doing to accommodating these people. This thesis will also give Biblical and theological perspectives as the foundation for the research.

Online Bible Training: New Opportunity For Church Planting In Thailand, Thanu Wongthanathikul

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Church planting is the result of the work of the Holy Spirit. Bible training is necessary in the process of successful church planting. With the growth of the internet, some institutes use an online training program for training other Christians for planting churches. The purpose of this project is to examine church planting on the basis of cultural, theological, online, model practical and historical principles. Based on research and study, the project first reviews seven principles of an online Bible training program for church planting. It then reviews an application of this training which is based on Thailand's context, and …