Digital Commons Network^™

An Intervention Plan To Improve The Attrition Rate Of Returning Dropouts, Mark Soffian

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes a comprehensive approach designed to decrease the dropout rate of returning students who had previously left school. The school is a predominately black, inner-city senior high school located in the municipality of Dade County, Florida. The dropout problem was observed from previous years of high dropout rates as compared to other senior high schools in the county. Simultaneously, this school experienced consecutive years of low graduation rates, low attendance rates, high retention rates, and low standardized test scores. It was further concluded, from the 1989-90 data, that the students who returned to school, after initially dropping out, …

Development And Implementation Of The Service Plan For Charter Renewal Of The Belmont County Schools, Steven C. Grimm

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes the writing of a Service Plan for charter renewal of the Belmont County Office of Education and details the actions taken to Implement It. The Service Plan will be used by the Ohio State Department of Education in Its evaluation process.

If the components of the Service Plan are being Implemented satisfactorily, the State Department will renew the charter of the Belmont County Office of Education. failure to meet the expectations of the Service Plan will result in non-renewal of the charter and consolidation with another chartered office.

Analysis of problem symptoms revealed that people want to …

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: …

Improving Primary Grade Reading Skills Through The Introduction Of An Alternative To The Traditional Basal Text Program, Joseph A. Somers Jr

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes a program to Improve reading skills of first-grade students in an elementary school in southern New Jersey.

Analysis of the problem situation revealed that standardized test response percentages for first-grade students were lower than expected over a three-year period for reading subtests in comprehension and vocabulary. A traditional, basal approach. had been used for more than five years. The manner in which standardized test scores were reported gave a false impression of student progress. Item analysis by teachers had not taken place on a thorough or consistent basis. Past attempts to involve teachers in the investigation 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 …

Providing Special Education Information For Parents Of Handicapped Elementary Students Through A Systematic Information System, Teresa W. Williams

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes the process used in an elementary school setting to develop and implement a systematic information system for parents of educationally handicapped students. Areas of need which were addressed include comprehensive parent training programs; methods of providing parents the necessary special education information that were systematic, confidential, consistent and accurate; methods for improving the parent-education partnership and strategies to connect parent and appropriate community services.

The settings for this study consisted of two elementary schools with a special education population consisting of learning disabled, emotionally handicapped, mentally handicapped and preschool handicapped.

As a result of the MARP action …

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 …

Improving The Motivational Level Of Disaffected Students By Utilizing Alternative Teaching Strategies To Match Learning Styles, Fanchon Brackfield-Godynick

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was proposed to improve the motivational level of disaffected students by utilizing alternative learning strategies designed to match teaching style to the individual learning style of the student. The primary goal was to elevate the test scores on periodic, cumulative, and standardized tests in order to bring students to grade level. The secondary goal was to adjust the curriculum to meet the learning style of the slow learner. Subgoals included decreasing absenteeism, detention, and suspension. Increased parental involvement in school functions and conferences, as well as peer acceptance and approval were also objectives of the practicum.

The eight …

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 …

Using An Integrated Science-Basal Whole Language Approach To Increase Science Experiences In First Grade, Carol K. Criste

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to increase science experiences in a first grade classroom through the integration of the science textbook with the basal reading series. Four general objectives designed to achieve this goal were:(1) to increase knowledge of science concepts through daily hands-on experiences and through basal reader stories; (2) to enhance a greater desire for knowledge in the area of scientific thinking by the students: (3) to provide to the students a relaxed, happy environment for learning; (4) to maintain a consistent, orderly curriculum structure that will benefit colleagues.

The writer developed a checklist for the evaluation of science …

Creating And Implementing A Model For Motivating Recreational Reading Using A Whole Language Approach For Secondary School Students, Susan Dickinson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The Practicum was designed to increase the amount of recreational reading In secondary school students. Students' attitude toward reading was to be improved causing a decrease in disruptive behaviors in the classrooms. The amount of free time spent in leisure reading would increase, and the students would read a greater amount outside of school.

The subjects of the practicum were secondary school students in a large, academically oriented suburban school. They had the skills to read but chose not to do so. A whole language workshop approach vas implemented to engender in students a joy of reading. The workshop was …

Increasing Knowledge About And Use Of Behavior Checklists And Rating Scales By School Clinicians In Identifying Attention Deficit Disorders And Differentiating Coexisting Disorders, Lloyd J. Campbell

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum addressed the problem that school clinicians were unaware of the variety of behavior rating scales that help In the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD and other disorders that often coexist. The writer's goal was to provide a process to Introduce behavior rating scales to 73 school clinicians from 21 school districts to aid in identifying ADD/ADHO children and differentiate coexisting disorders.

During the Implementation phase, the writer initiated various contacts with groups of clinicians responsible for screening students. The writer met with individual and small groups of school clinicians to present a variety of ratings scales materials, and to offer …

A Counseling Intervention Program For Seventh And Eighth Grade Special Needs Students To Increase On-Task Behavior In The Classroom, Joanne D. Curzie

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed primarily to increase the on-task behavior of the seventh and eighth grade special needs students in the classroom. Counseling intervention strategies were implemented to help the students learn self-management, motivational, decision-making and social skills. The teachers, principal and parents worked together in helping to facilitate the student's behavior change.

The writer developed a student interview, a student behavior questionnaire, a student self-monitoring report and a teacher observation check-list.

The counseling intervention program results were positive. Analysis of the data indicated that ten of the twenty student participants increased their time-on-task in the classroom; ten of the …

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 …

Developing Resources To Assist Families As Their Infants With Disabilities Transition Into Preschool, Claudia B. Fenderson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

There is a lack of adequate information and support given to families during the transitioning of their children from infant to preschool programs. During this transition period, information and assistance are given to families on an inconsistent basis This practicum was designed to provide assistance to famil.es involved in the transition process.

Meetings and questionnaires were used as a means of assessing parent's needs. Based on responses, an Inservice was held in which information requested by parents was provided. A new policy was developed for use by social workers: this policy was designed to ensure that families received consistent, ongoing …

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 Writing Skills Using Portfolio Assessment With 10th Grade Regular Students, Elaine L. Harrington

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The situation needing improvement was that 55% of tenth grade students were not demonstrating competence on the writing portion of the State required HSCT (High School Competency Test). This practicum's four main objectives were: (1) increasing the percentage of students who would successfully pass the writing portion of the HSCT test. (2) the expansion of peer groups to improve student writing skills and motivation for completing assignments. (3) achieving the goal of having portfolio assessment accepted by the administration as an alternative means of assessment. (4) the reduction of test anxiety by over 55% of the students. Additional aims were …

Improving Student Teachers’ Strategies For Asking A Range Of Both High And Low Level Questions Through Video Evaluations, Pollidia Hougham

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum aimed to improve student teachers' strategies for asking a variety of questions through the use of video evaluations. The three corollary aims were to improve student teachers strategies for asking both low and high level questions, to improve student teachers' techniques when asking questions, and to improve student teachers' abilities to ask questions. which would encourage higher level thinking.

Trained observers and college coordinators used an observation form which recognized the levels, types and techniques of questions that senior student Leachers were utilizing. Feedback was provided to the senior student teachers. Data was collected after each observation made …

Increasing The Number Of Emotionally Disabled Students In Mainstream Classes In Elementary And Middle Schools Through A Teacher-Student Cooperative Model, Jacques P. Jamner

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to increase the number of emotionally disabled students placed in the mainstream in selected elementary and middle schools. Strategies included the use of behavior management and social skills training of both regular and special education teachers, social skills training of students, peer tutoring, and an incentive program for both the students and their teachers. Students received 45 minutes of social skills training each week for 36 weeks. The special education teachers consulted with the regular education teachers to assist them with the mainstreaming process and maintenance.

This practicum had six objectives: (1) to increase the training …

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 Intermediate Grade Level English-As-A-Second Language Students’ Attitudes Toward Recreational Reading, Debra E. Kaminsky

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to address the problem of the need for improving the intermediate grade level ESL students' attitudes towards recreational reading. The students were not choosing to read during the periods of time provided for individual activity choices within the ESL classroom, and they were not choosing recreational reading as an activity at howe when they had extra time available. The goal of the practicum was to improve the intermediate grade level ESL students' attitudes towards recreational reading so that they would share their enthusiasm and interests in pleasure reading, as well as devote more time to recreational …

Evaluating Student Learning In Language Arts In The Primary Grades Through Whole Language Assessment Techniques, Diana Deshazo Hyde

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum sought to measure and document real learning in natural circumstances through the use of whole language assessment techniques: Observation checklists on which skills for the language arts (writing, spelling, reading) were listed; the skills of students were measured using descriptor words such as stable, evident, and not evident. In this way, a student’s progress along the road of literacy development was plotted in a positive way.

A reading behavior form was also included. This classified students into one of three learning groups, according to the answers given to a list of seven questions; emphasis was on behavior and …

Increasing Enrollment Of Preschool Children With Special Needs In Regular Daycare Programs Through A Peer-Coaching, Systems Change Approach, Sharon Hope Irwin

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to increase enrollment of preschool children with special needs in seven regular daycare centres. When the practicum was initiated, no children with special needs were enrolled in these centres. Corollary aims were to improve the attitudes of daycare directors and staffs towards integration; to increase parental and community awareness of integration; to keep governmental daycare staff aware of the program in progress; and to introduce concepts of "appreciating differences" to non-handicapped preschool children.

Five out-of-centre and two in-centre workshops were held: (wo with directors-only; the others with key staff. As the actual intervention began, it quickly …

Implementing A Collaborative Consultation Model For Learning Disabled And At-Risk Students In Grade 9, Ester Zager Levine

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was uncertain in an effort to Improve the education of learning disabled and at-risk ninth grade students in regents level courses. The goal of this collaborative consultation was to implement the Resource Teacher Consultant Model by having individual teachers work collaboratively with a resource room teacher. The project was expected to, and did impact on two groups of students (six learning disabled and five at-risk youngsters) in tour different classrooms. Improved teaching and learning was accomplished through analysis of teaching style and learner needs and creation of strategies to meet those needs.

In addition to meeting all of …

An Informational Networking And Referral Efficacy Project On Attention Disorders, Add And Adhd: A Design To Advance Student Adjustment In The School Setting, Janice Masters

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The practicum addressed the need to educate school staff and professionals on attention disorders and develop a state-of-the-art referral process system. Untreated students with attention disorders exhibited poor study habits, academic failure, unacceptable behavior. and were subsequent high-at risk of completing high school The implications of untreated moderate-to-severe ADD/ADHD are that the taxpayers cannot afford the high com of failure.

The project was designed and developed by the writer to help students suspected with attention disorders. ADD ADHD, to become identified hy school staff and professionals who referred them for a multimodal assessment. It aimed at helping such students who …

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 …

Increasing Critical Thinking Skills Of The Fourth-Grade Student Through Problem Solving Activities, Beth Rice

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to incorporate critical thinking skills instruction and practice into fourth-grade curriculum to increase fourth-grade students’ ability to recognize and apply crucial thinking strategies to appropriate situations. This program concentrated on the increasing of six critical thinking skills: classification, sequence identification, inference, analogies, deductive reasoning, and math problem solving.

The writer developed a series of multi-objective worksheets that provided practice in each skill on a daily basis. The problem solving workbook, a supplement to the basal math text, provided daily problem solving activities. The writer administered pre and pos tests for both critical thinking skills and math …

Improving The Keyboarding Composition Skills Of Secondary Business Education Students Through A Structured Approach, Gay E. Parker

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to improve the student's manual keyboarding composition skill. Traditionally, students learn to keyboard from material that is already typed or handwritten and seldom have opportunities to learn the advanced skill of composition keyboarding. Inherent in learning this skill are other requisite skills of well written composition, accurate punctuation and grammar, and fastidious proofreading.

This writer developed a program to integrate these skills in a structured, progressive plan. To develop the manual skill, the students were dictated questions requiring one letter responses, progressing to full-paragraph responses as demonstrated each day in a 5 minute warm-up journal writing. …

The Development Of A Model Faculty Training Program To Promote The Integration Of Technology Into The Curriculum, Judy C. Lever

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum identified and implemented a series of technology training strategies to provide faculty with the ability to improve the integration of technology into the curriculum. The practicum objectives included an increase in faculty computer literacy, an increase in the awareness of technology applications, an increase in the awareness of technology and the creation of a replicable model.

The practicum implemented these strategies in two diverse training environments and evaluated their effectiveness in each. During the implementation phase of this practicum. a selection of individual, group and campus training strategies were selected and tested in both environments. Faculty needs were …