Digital Commons Network^™

Minimal Competency Testing In Community Unit # 2 In Mattoon, Illinois, Lila E. Sullivan

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the competency testing program in Community Unit # 2 in Mattoon, Illinois, and in particular the English Competency Tests at grades 9 and 11. Although this field study studied techniques and methods from the Mattoon school district, the researcher believes that these procedures could be adapted to serve as a reference for any school district contemplating competency testing.

The study was divided into five chapters. Chapter One gives background information on the rising interest in competency testing and a definition of terms associated with competency testing.

Chapter Two is a review of …

Development Of A Prison Schools System Handbook, Andrew J. Eggett

Masters Theses

Statement of Problem:

Overcrowded prisons and jails are a major concern of our society. As each day passes, we see more inmates in our prison system.

Nationally, there are well over 315,000 men and women in our state systems. There are approximately 185,000 in our jails and more than a million pass through the jail system each year. The average reading level of the inmates is roughly the seventh grade, and they function generally at about the ninth-grade level.

In the state of Illinois (January 1984), there were 15,000 inmates in the state prisons. Their average reading level is the …

Time In John Cheever's The Housebreaker Of Shady Hill, Charles M. Elliott

Masters Theses

The problem of time is a central concern in John Cheever's short story collection The Housebreaker of Shady Hill. The characters in these stories--upper-middle class suburbanites--live in a sometimes chaotic and disconnected world in which they find it difficult to attain some sense of continuity in their relationships with time. In trying to come to grips with their time and space, many of Cheever's characters express an immoderate devotion to their past, present, or future and neglect to see the bits and pieces of their experiences as interrelated. The characters who are happy and whole in these stories, however, …

Sexual Sterilization Of The Mentally Retarded, Nancy Ann Wallace

Masters Theses

For more than 50 years, sterilization of mentally retarded persons was an accepted practice in many states as a way to reduce the number of persons born with mental defects. In recent years, the practice has come under heavy challenge, both medically and legally. In the United States between 1907 and 1963, approximately 12,500 sexual sterilizations were performed. In 1970, 27 states had particular grounds on which sterilization could be ordered. As of 1979, only 19 states still had statutes that allowed sterilization for eugenic reasons. This paper examines the history of the sterilization laws and the grounds for invoking …

"Training" And Twain's Discovery Of Its Role In His Major Novels, Gary Dale Ervin

Masters Theses

Twain's career as a novelist began with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Before that time he wrote pieces for newspapers and magazines and short stories. The success of Tom Sawyer inspired Twain to write further novels. The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn took seven years to compose, During that time, Twain was forced to face several pitfalls that often confront a writer. One of those pitfalls was a concept he called "training."

The training of an individual in effect is the raising of that individual--the instillation of values and beliefs in a person as he is raised. The process applies …

Similarity/Dissimilarity Of Couples Communication Competence In Relationship To Their Marital Satisfaction, Thomas Kenne Worthen

Masters Theses

Research has shown that similar communicator styles leads to effective communication, and effective communication leads to relationship satisfaction. Using an extension of balance theory, this study analyzed the relationship between spouses similar/dissimilar communication competence ratings and their marital satisfaction.

Subjects consisted of 44 married couples from a midwestern university and the surrounding area. The Communication Adaptability Scale was used to measure communication competence. The Marital Adjustment Test was used to measure marital satisfaction. Using a t-test no significance was found.

The overall competence score of each spouse was broken down into six separate factors (appropriate disclosure, articulation, social experience, social …

The Effects Of Dogmatism, Rhetorical Sensitivity, And Attitude Valence On Selected Speech Ratings, Chris B. Geyerman

Masters Theses

This study empirically examined the demand characteristic construct and the information processing construct of the rating error paradigm. The findings of this study indicated that the position advocated by the speaker with respect to the attitude valence of the raters significantly influenced the speech evaluation process. This study provides support for the demand characteristic construct and the information processing construct of rating error theory. Implications in terms of pedagogy, theory, and future research are discussed.

Seasonal Lekking Behavior Of The Greater Prairie-Chicken In Illinois, Scott A. Simpson

Masters Theses

Spring behavior of prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) has been studied extensively, however there is little information on fall-winter lekking activity. Greater prairie-chickens were observed weekly on a lek from 25 September 1982 to 23 June 1983 during morning and evening hours in Jasper County, Illinois. The peak number of prairie-chicken males on the lek occurred in February although hen attendance did not occur until 10 March 1983. All spring lekking activities were higher compared to that of the fall-winter period. Fall-winter lek activity was aggression which centered on probably brief, less intense male aggression which probably establishes or maintains …

Observations On Relationships Between Limb Measurements And Mode Of Locomotion In Malaysian Turtles, Duayne Nyckel

Masters Theses

Twelve Genera (spanning three Families) of Malaysian Turtles were studied to determine whether bone lengths could be correlated to mode of locomotion. Ulna, humerus, tibia, femur, coracoid (among others) were measured and results were presented graphically. Five of the genera were observed singly in a large aquarium. Data were recorded on the amount of time each spent in different locomotor modes. Both limb length data and aquarium observations suggest that turtles can be grouped into three main locomotor habits (i.e. terrestrial walking, bottomwalking, and swimming). The terrestrial group includes the genera, Geochelone, Kinixys, and Gopherus. Bottomwalkers include …

Instructional Media Materials Used In The Physical Education Program At Eastern Illinois University 1899-1984, Marina Su-Chin Yu

Masters Theses

This study was designed to research the development of the physical education program at Eastern Illinois University relative to its use of audio visual materials. The period covered was 1899-1984. The curriculum of physical education was researched from 1899-1924 to provide background for the reporting of the early use of audio visual materials.

The writer interviewed Dr . Gene W. Scholes, Director of the Audio Visual Center, and checked the Center's inventory records. The writer also interviewed staff members of the Physical Education Department and thereby established that instructional media materials were used extensively in athletics and in departmental activities. …

A Thermal Contact Conductance Correlation For Mechanically Expanded Finned Tube Heat Exchangers, Mahmoud Ahmed Abu Ebid

Masters Theses

"Tests were conducted in dry vacuum environment, on eight mechanically expanded finned tube heat exchangers (with 3/8 inch outer diameter tubes) with different geometries including variation in fin thickness, fin collar length, and net interference. One of the eight heat exchangers was also tested under wet conditions. A mathematical model was used to calculate the thermal contact conductance from the experimental data. An error analysis was performed to estimate the range of error in determining the thermal contact conductance. A correlation of the dry contact conductance in terms of fin number (actual fin collar length in contact with the tubes), …

A Focus Of Attention Algorithm For Expert Systems, Kevin W. Whiting

Masters Theses

"This research is primarily concerned with increasing the performance of expert systems. A refined focus of attention strategy and its affect on performance are discussed. Early expert systems used a brute force approach to process the knowledge base. Each production rule in the knowledge base was evaluated each cycle. More recently, processing efficiency has been increased by focusing the attention of the inference engine on a subset of the rules by "filtering" for further testing, only rules that could possibly fire given the current content of the context base. Focus of attention as developed in this research increases performance over …

Aesthetic Experience As An Epistemological Concept, Patricia Avellano

Masters Theses

The purpose of this descriptive study was to give definition to aesthetic experience as an epistemological concept. The need for the study was based on the lack of continuity and focus of definition and description for aesthetic experience which has been highly diverse in the literature of aesthetics which began foremost with Baumgarten in 1750. The scope of the study focuses on: four intelligences defined as an intelligence faculty of (1) general intelligence, (2) imaginative-intelligence, (3) creative-intelligence, and (4) poetic-intelligence; two perceptual ordering capacities defined as (1) an innate aesthetic sense, and (2) an acquired aesthetic sense; and two primordial …

The Effects Of Self-Monitoring On The Disruptive Behavior Of Students Identified As Severely Behavior Disordered, Claire Thompson Vanvickle

Masters Theses

The study investigated the effects of self-monitoring on the disruptive behaviors of four male senior high school students who were identified as having severe behavior disorders. Using a multiple baseline across subjects design, the students were randomly assigned to 30, 25, 20, and 15 days, respectively, of intervention conditions. The independent variable consisted of self-monitoring of ten appropriate behaviors that had been cooperatively identified by the students and teacher; each student was required to classify his behavior as appropriate or inappropriate at five intervals during their mathematics class. The dependent variables, measured daily, were the mean frequency of occurrence of …

Sex Differences, Intimacy, And Attractiveness In Reported Self-Disclosure: Same-Sex Dyads Vs Opposite-Sex Dyads, Edmund Forst Jr.

Masters Theses

This study empirically examined the effects of sex (gender), intimacy, and attractiveness on reported self-disclosure. The results were supportive of the attractiveness, intimacy, and gender of the self-disclosee variables in their relationship to self-disclosure. Results failed to support hypotheses involving the gender of the self-discloser variable.

The independent variables used in the study were: (1) Gender¹ of the self-discloser (male-female), (2) Intimacy (intimate friend, acquaintance, and stranger), (3) Gender² of the self-disclosee (male-female), and physical attractiveness (Attractive or Unattractive). The dependent variable used was the amount of perceived self-disclosure. A 2x3x2x2 analysis of variance used to test each …

The Physical Fitness Status Of Selected Female Participants In The Eastern Illinois University Adult Fitness Program, Christine Maria Mullinax

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of Soccer Skills Of Male Participants In The Charleston Youth Soccer League With Non-Participants, Judith Diane Hyndman

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of High And Low Fitness Groups Of College Age Students On Selected Coronary Heart Disease Risk Variables, Karen Joy Meyers

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Sediment Oxygen Demand In Streams Receiving Sewage Effluent, John J. Schultz

Masters Theses

Sediment oxygen demand is an important factor in determining dissolved oxygen concentrations in streams and rivers subjected to sewage effluents and other sources of organic pollution. Resuspension of sediments during bottom-scouring after periods of heavy precipitation exerts an immediate and increased oxygen demand on the water and is expected to decrease sediment oxygen demand at the site.

Sediment samples were collected monthly from April through November, 1983 from three small streams subjected to sources of organic pollution. The samples collected were arbitrarily categorized into wet and dry period samples based on the total precipitation between collection dates. Sediment oxygen demand …

Creating A Model For A Career Planning And Placement Center At Kaskaskia College, D. Rennie Minton

Masters Theses

Statement of Purpose

The primary purpose of this field study was to create a model in the form of a comprehensive career planning and placement program for those individuals served by Kaskaskia Community College, District No. 501. Besides students cur rently enrolled, those who are temporary dropouts and return, early semester leavers, adults in the community and other individuals who could benefit from such services will be encouraged to make use of the facilities and personnel available.

While there has always been some type of placement activities taking place in the public schools in·the past, for the most part they …

A Sophomore World History Gifted Program: A Second-Tiered Curriculum, Franz Grossman

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field study is to describe the establishment of a second level of instruction in a Western World History course, offered in the sophomore year of the public high schools of Decatur, Illinois, District #61. This program of studies is designed to more fully develop the intellectual capabilities of students of high abilities, who may otherwise feel restrained as a member of a class containing many different academic levels. The curriculum seeks to aid students in developing more self-direction, confidence and historical awareness by various approaches of study of events, personalities of the past, dilemmas and conflicts …

Needs Assessment Model For Microcomputer Utilization By Public School Systems, Michael W. Throneburg

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to prepare a needs assessment for development of administrative and instructional programs using the microcomputer at Paris High School in Paris, Illinois. It was hypothesized that this study might serve as a model for other school districts wishing to establish microcomputer programs.

A Microcomputer Survey Questionnaire was developed to gain information concerning the current status of microcomputer utilization throughout the Educational Service Region 11 of East-Central Illinois. This information proved valuable in helping to determine what was "actually'' taking place in area school districts regarding microcomputer utilization.

In addition, a review of the current …

Elementary Gifted Program For Paris Union School District No. 95, Brenda J. Rothenberger

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was to develop an elementary gifted program to be implemented in Paris Union School District No. 95 in Paris, Illinois. In 1981 this writer began working with gifted students in one of the elementary schools in Paris Union School District No. 95. That first program was not considered successful, and the following year there was no gifted program. In 1983 this writer was hired as the teacher for the elementary gifted students in Paris Union School District No. 95. The program which was followed in 1983 was different than the first gifted program, but …

Supplementary Materials On Drug Education, Vickie Ellen Clay

Masters Theses

Statement of Problem:

The problem of this paper was to develop supplementary drug materials to be used with the health textbook at Potomac High School. The information provided in the current health textbook is not thorough enough to provide adequate information in some areas of drug pharmacology. The supplementary materials are designed to not only provide factual information but also to encourage attitudinal changes in the students through the use of various activities.

Procedure:

Four steps have been taken in order to solve the problem of developing supplementary drug materials for the Potomac High School health education class. A review …

Improvement Of Supervision For Vocational High Schools In Taiwan, Republic Of China, Kuo-Hung Tseng

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate the problems involved in current supervision of vocational high schools in the Republic of China and propose methods of improving such supervision. Emphasis was placed on the supervision of teaching and administration in the field of vocational education.

A review of related literature revealed that supervision was a synthesis of curriculum, instruction, administration, human relationships, management, and leadership. Supervision should stimulate, coordinate, and guide vocational high school teaching.

A questionnaire was developed to gain information concerning "supervisory problems" administrators and technical faculty perceived, and the ways supervision could be improved. The questionnaire …

Impact Of Austerity: The Changing Role Of School Counselors, Jimmie D. Rice

Masters Theses

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Cutbacks in school funding have caused reductions in staff beyond those resulting from declining enrollments. One way to accomodate reduced funding is to change full-time counselors to part-time counselors by adding teaching or supervisory responsibilities. This research examines the impact of such policies on members of the Okaw Valley Chapter of the Illinois Association for Counseling and Development (IACD). This Chapter is geographically situated in an eight-county region of west central Illinois. It encompasses the counties of Bond, Fayette, Effingham, Marion, Jefferson, Hamilton, Washington, and Clinton.

PROCEDURE

A survey was mailed to each of the elementary and …

Dissident Artists' Associations Of Germany 1892-1912, Mary Jo Eberspacher

Masters Theses

With the end of the Franco-Prussian War on January 18, 1871, the German Empire under the leadership of the Hohenzollern king, William of Prussia, was proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Now Emperor Wilhelm I, Otto von Bismarck, his chancellor, and their staff as federal executives of the Empire possessed important legislative and economic powers. However, the individual states retained rights in some areas such as: education, health services, police protection and some powers of taxation, and in some instances, there was a distrust of the newly organized federal institutions. Consequently, this states' rights concept seemed to have …

A Survey Of Strategies Used By Public School Teachers In Clark County, Illinois To Decrease Unacceptable Behaviors In Elementary School Children, Cheryl D. Thompson

Masters Theses

Teachers are presented with the task of classroom behavior management day after day. Teachers must have a broad repertoire of strategies for controlling behaviors they deem undesirable. The purpose of this study is to investigate teacher reported strategies for increasing or decreasing behaviors. It is the intent of this study to present these strategies to others for the purpose of increasing their repertoire and possibly aiding in classroom behavior management. The procedure for determining the strategies that the public school teachers say they use with given behaviors was a survey. This survey was piloted on public school teachers in Mattoon, …

A Comparison Of The Temporal Spawning Distributions And Growth Rates Of Young-Of-The-Year Redear Sunfish (Lepomis Microlophus) And Bluegill (Lepomis Macrochirus) In Three Illinois Impoundments, Craig Douglas Schmittler

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the temporal spawning distribution and growth rates of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) in Illinois impoundments. Otolith sagittae were used to age the fish and to determine the intervals of successful spawning for both species.

Readear sunfish initiated spawning slightly before or a the same time as bluegill; however, bluegill spawned for twice as long as redear sunfish in all study impoundments. The earliest spawned fish of both species showed the fastest growth and the earliest spawned redear sunfish grew faster than did the earliest …

Program Modeling And Control Synthesis For Robotic Manipulators, Ramiz Najib Ballou

Masters Theses

"The control and programming methodology of industrial robots is becoming increasingly important. The speed and accuracy of data generation, and the performance of the robot are considered the most important factors in robotics control.

This paper presents and discusses algorithms that solve for the inverse solution for a given point in space at a very high speed based on the top down abstract method. The algorithms are independent of any specific type of manipulator configuration or programming language. The algorithms were implemented or the IBM-PC using the FORTRAN language to control the Armdroid robot. The program generates 500 sets of …