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Improving Grade 6 Reading Comprehension Skills At Dvorak Academy By Implementing A Reading Program, Leonard B. Moore

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation describes a reading literature-based program to increase reading achievement of Grade 6 students at Dvorak Academy, public school, located in Chicago, Illinois. Based on the skills analysis report of Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) reading scores from 1999 through 2001, 64% of Grade 6 students averaged below the national 50th percentile.

Possible causes for the problem included (a) inappropriate reading instructional methods, (b) lack of student motivation in reading the required number of recreational reading books, and (c) lack of teacher preparation in teaching reading.

The goal of this applied dissertation was to improve reading by …

The Role Of Rural School Superintendents On The Diffusion Of Distance Education In South Dakota, Calderone L. Calderone

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The Digital Dakota Network (DDN) is a state-wide technology network that was built to connect all state school systems in South Dakota. With its Internet and video conferencing hardware and software, the Digital Dakota Network provides a technology rich learning environment for South Dakota’s K-12 students.

This applied dissertation was designed to provide information about the perceived role of school superintendents in the diffusion of distance education. The Digital Dakota Network project was started in 1996 by former South Dakota Governor William Janklow. The network project was completed in three phases. The phases were the installation of the state-wide network …

Development Of A Needs-Driven Theory-Based Model For Medication-Taking Education With Plans For Implementation And Evaluation, Jana M. Bajcar

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The medication-taking education needs of individual patients on long-term medications are not being adequately met by traditional medication-taking education provided by health care providers. The aim of this study is to develop a model for an approach to medication-taking education that can be used by health care providers for patients on long-term medications. The goal is to develop an approach that is based on patients’ perspectives of their medication-taking education needs and that is also grounded in relevant health and education theories.

The present research study is a qualitative study of the medication-taking education needs of 10 well-educated individuals who …

Development Of A 42-Volt Power Systems Training Manual, Mark L. Quarto

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The 42-volt power system will comprise the next generation standard for automotive electrical system. The problem is that there is limited technician awareness, knowledge, and training materials to provide the technician with adequate skills to diagnose and repair 42-volt power electrical systems.

The research questions addressed automotive technician awareness, preparedness, and knowledge of 42-volt power systems and the appropriate valid content and model for developing a 42-volt power system training manual. The procedures included analysis of literature, collaborating with formative and summative committees that produced established criteria, valid content, and training manual design model.

The substance of the results for …

Effects Of Computer-Assisted Instruction On Kindergarten Students’ Concept Age Gains, Denise Hutchinson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this study was to determine whether kindergarten students in instructional technology classrooms have a greater concept age gain than students in traditional kindergarten classrooms at John F. Kennedy Elementary School. The 4 kindergarten classrooms to which students were randomly assigned are the subjects of this study. The 2 instructional technology kindergarten classrooms incorporated three computers into the required centers to be completed daily by each student. The 2 traditional kindergarten classroom used the same daily center plans; however, the 3 computers in each of these classrooms were used for free exploration and play after the other centers …

The Impact Of Technology Workshops And Technology Integration In An Elementary School, Jill L. Carr

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Effects of technology workshops on the implementation and integration of technology in the elementary level course curriculum was studied. The technology facilitator, who is also a member of the elementary school faculty, participated in the study as the implementer and writer. Participants completed a presurvey that measured their prior knowledge, skills, current attitudes, and expectations regarding the infusion of technology into their course curriculum. All teachers participated in a series of small group workshops given by this writer in their workplace at a time convenient to all participants.

Implementing and restructuring technology training development into an effective staff development plan …

Engineering And Adapting Eating Environments For Students With Autism, Loretta Boggs Griffin

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to identify, select, and evaluate available options for engineering and adapting the eating environments for students with autism at Metro School located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Teachers in the autistic program were concerned about behavior disruptions when students ate in the cafeteria. The noise level, excessive movement, overcrowded conditions, limited space for seating in the cafeteria, and the wait time in serving lines were conditions identified by teachers of the autistic that appeared to frustrate and overstimulate some of the students, thereby intensifying behaviors. The behaviors included being self-abusiveness, exhibiting self-stimulation, throwing food, displaying poor …

A Strategic Approach To Promote Ninth-Grade Academic Success, Beverly W. Glover

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation, conducted February 2000 through April 2001, describes an approach to increasing student motivation that promoted 9th-grade academic success in an inner-city high school of a Southeastern Georgia community. The targeted population was freshman students in a very large, diverse, multicultural environment. The students ranged from the very highest affluent socioeconomic group to the lowest poverty group.

Low performance was evident on standardized measures of student progress upon their entering 9th grade. A lack of motivation for successful learning was evident. The students in this study were in need of extensive help to succeed academically and reach their …

Teaching Fifth Grade Students With Learning Problems To Self-Regulate Writing Utilizing Mnemonics, Mary Angela Gioscia

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide students with learning disabilities the opportunity to improve their writing skills. Students were expected to organize information and utilize correct spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure in order to write independently on grade level. This was not happening. For years the writer witnessed the struggle that students with learning disabilities had encountered with written language. Graphic organizers, writing programs, and modifications made to the curricula did not solve the problem of fifth-grade students with learning disabilities to demonstrate grade level writing.

In her research the writer discovered the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) model of …

Bridging The Gap In Writing In High Poverty Schools, Alexis N. Gordon

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes an intervention to improve writing scores of the 180 third and fifth grade students in six high poverty schools. These schools received Title I service in grades three and five. The Delaware State Testing Program (DSTP) identified these schools as schools in school improvement for 2000-2001, under review for 2001- 2002 or both. There was a 35% difference within these schools between the students described as high poverty and those who were not who met the writing standard.

The planned solution strategy was the development of a comprehensive writing program. Two Title I Itinerant Writing Teachers coordinated …

Chalkboard To Smart Board: Improving Computer Competence Among Ellington Middle School Teachers, Barbara J. Ripa

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation report describes a program designed to improve teacher computer competence in Ellington, a rural town in Connecticut. Scores on a state-designed computer competence tool indicated that middle school teachers lacked computer skills. Further investigation indicated an infrequent use of school computers and a lack of knowledge about computer applications and peripherals.

It was apparent that the low level of teacher computer competence could be attributed to several causes: (a) teachers lacked knowledge regarding appropriate computer applications for their classrooms; (b) teachers lacked skill in using computers, various applications, and peripherals such as scanners and Smart Boards; (c) …

Reducing Fighting And Bullying Among Second And Third Grade Students Through Instruction In Peace Education, Cecil W. Scott

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to reduce fighting and bullying among second and third grade students. The behavioral plans used by individual teachers were ineffective. Students were exhibiting deviant behaviors in the form of fighting, bullying, using profanity and name-calling. Children were being placed in time out, and many were internally and externally suspended for antisocial behaviors. Teachers could not help students resolve conflicts using peaceful methods.

The writer developed a Peace Education curriculum to be used by teachers to reduce deviant behaviors in students. They used daily peace and conflict resolution strategies in their classrooms that assisted children to …

Intervention Plan To Reduce Truancy Of Seventh-, Eighth-, And Ninth-Grade Students, Mike Stiefel

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation describes the attendance problems of students at Wellborn High School. Wellborn High School is 1 of 7 high schools in the Calhoun County School District. Located in a community with a high poverty rate and limited employment opportunities, the school has the highest percentage of truancy of 7th-, 8th-, and 9th-grade students in the district. Many parents of this community do not value education; therefore, they are indifferent to enforcing the attendance policy of the school district.

A review of selected literature was conducted to identify causes of truancy. After identification of many characteristics of truancy and …

Developing Block Schedule Instructional Methods In A Learning Organization At Theodore High School, Tammy D. Dennis

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide a developmental model of staff development for Theodore High School. Currently, the school employs the block scheduling format, and has failed to provide teacher with training in instructional methods most appropriate for the restructured curriculum. It was initially discovered that several teachers did not know how to use various instructional methods better suited for block scheduling. This project explores using a teacher mentorship program as a part of staff development to increase the use of instructional methods in the block scheduling curriculum format. The teachers will be trained in various block scheduling methods …

Improving Reading Instruction Through Staff Development At Putnam County Elementary School, Kirk D. Mallette

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem addressed was low reading achievement for Grade 2 students at Putnam County Elementary School. Reading comprehension and vocabulary skills were not being demonstrated by Grade 2 students to a satisfactory level according to the test data. Teachers in the school expressed frustration about how to help students achieve higher levels. One variable that impacts reading achievement is teacher instruction. This study addresses that variable.

The intervention was a staff development training program to help Grade 2 teachers at Putnam County Elementary School learn to implement a balanced approach to literacy through guided reading and guided writing. The quasi-experimental …

Development, Implementation, And Evaluation Of A Strategic Planning Process For Flagler College, William T. Abare Jr

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The underlying problem for this project was that the planning process at Flagler College was more internally focused, did not take into account the external forces that could impact the institution, and did not address the strategic issues confronting the institution. The purpose of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a strategic planning process at Flagler.

There were five research questions. First, “What are the different approaches to strategic planning, including general principles that should guide the development and implementation of the planning process?” Second, “What is an appropriate strategic planning model or approach to strategic planning for …

A Second Chance For Struggling Students, Irene R. Fujii

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The focus on standards and the California high school exit exam has had an impact on all students, especially students who are already having a difficult time in school. For the past 3-year period, 1999 through 2002, students from a bay area continuation high school had a retention rate of less than 25% in career technical programs.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Skills Tutor Program (Achievement Technologies, 2000), a computerized instructional program, would assist continuation students to stay in school by helping them to enhance their academic performance and attitudes toward school.

The population for …

Improving The Reading Ability Of First Grade Students Through School And Home-Based Literacy Support, Tara Mack

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to improve the reading level of 1st-grade students. Several methods of evaluation were used to assess the problem. Assessment of reading skills, instructional techniques, and the lack of parental involvement with literacy provided substantial proof that the reading program should be enhanced.

The writer developed a program to incorporate different reading strategies for students to help increase reading scores. The writer facilitated guided reading workshops to help teachers provide a balanced literacy program. Newsletters, family reading nights, sight word kits, and a book-lending program were established to get the parents more involved. A buddy reading …

Improving School Attendance Of Special Education Students Through Tangible Rewards And Concrete Incentives, Lenell Q. Navarre

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide concrete incentives and tangible rewards for the special education students in a high school. Mediocre attendance is a serious problem in many schools with students identified as meeting the criteria for special education. It impacts the student, school, parents, and community. Research shows that poor attendance can be associated to behavioral problems, academic failure, and leading to dropout tendencies.

The writer developed a program that provided concrete incentives and tangible rewards. Planned solution strategies to improve attendance included (a) distributing concrete incentives to students, (b) distributing tangible rewards to students, (c) forming an …

Reward: An Incentive Program To Encourage Appropriate Behavior And Reduce Discipline Referrals, Clyde O. Harris

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to reduce discipline referrals and suspensions in a middle school of 450 students. Universities provided the majority of the current material in terms of books, periodicals, relevant abstracts, and up-to-date research articles. The Internet was a useful tool as well as Educational Resources Information Center searches to locate information that provided both the pros and cons of using incentives to modify behavior. The school media center had very limited resources. Teachers at the school were given strategies to be used in the classroom to help them manage the classroom better, provide incentives in a timely …

Political Agitation: Can A Political Mandate Be Used As A Catalyst For Creating A Learning Organization?, James W "Kip" Stevens

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation dealt with the efforts of the principal at Turner County Middle School to use state mandates as a catalyst for creating a learning community of teachers. The hypothesis was that the teachers’ anger at the politicians could be redirected by the principal into a unified vision of raising their students’ reading test scores on standardized tests. The principal sought to use inclusion, empowerment and co-operative peer led instruction for the mandated staff development course. The question was asked, “Can peer led staff development that has specific teacher and student outcomes outlined in advance increase student learning, resulting …

Improving The Behavior Of Primary School Students With Involvement From Students, Staff, And Families, Judith Spieth Justice

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide better behavior from primary-aged (grades kindergarten through grade 3) school students. Primary aged students were exhibiting disruptive behavior, and this research delved into the evidence, causes, and solutions for disruptive behavior. Disruptive behavior interrupted the learning environment and threatened the physical and emotional safety of the school. Students who behaved inappropriately often perceived themselves as "troublemakers" and established a pattern early in school years. Because it is easier to eliminate problem behaviors before they become a pattern, the writer sought to break the cycle of disruptive behavior in primary ages.

The writer developed …

A Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program At An Inner-City High School, Tyrone A. Blue

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

During the 1998-1999 through 2000-2001 school years, William M. Raines Senior High School (WMRSHS) experienced a gradual increase in the number of teenage pregnancies among the female population at the school. During the 1998-1999 school year, there were 91 (10.0%) pregnancies among 907 females; during the 1999-2000 school year, there were 97 (9.6%) pregnancies among 1,012 females; and, during the 2000-2001 school year, there were 102 (10.3%) pregnancies among 997 females in the student population. This represented a 12.1% increase in the number of teenage pregnancies among the student population at WMRSHS.

The strategy implemented to decrease the pregnancies at …

Increasing Enrollment At Community Christian School, Thomas R. Lamborn

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes a program to increase enrollment at Community Christian School (CCS). For the years 2000-2002, enrollment declined from a high of 243 to 200 students. As part of the problem, the faculty turnover was high, creating instability with the staff and concern on the part of parents. CCS had a faculty turnover rate of 48% and 45% for the same 2 years. Other possible causes included insufficient marketing of the school, weak instruction in the high school, low faculty salaries, and insufficient interaction between the administrators and the faculty.

A more definitive marketing plan was developed to be …

Development Of A Service-Learning Program For Scottsdale Community College, Carolyn O’Connor

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to develop a service-learning program for Scottsdale Community College (SCC) which is one of only two Maricopa Colleges that do not have a service-learning program.

Five research questions were addressed in this dissertation. Development and evaluation problem-solving methodologies were employed throughout this study. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs were used to guide the data collection, using a service learning questionnaire, faculty and agency surveys, interviews, and two case studies.

The research revealed that several factors must be in place prior to implementation in order to insure the success of the program. 1) Service-learning must …

"Buyer's Regret" No Longer: Drafting Effective Mac Clauses In A Post-Ibp Environment, Sherri L. Toub

Cardozo Law Review

No abstract provided.

Development And Pilot Testing Of An Experiential Learning Formative Assessment Instrument For Undergraduate Music Therapy Clinical Students, Sue Ann Shuttleworth

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this applied dissertation was to provide a method for evaluating and improving performance in music therapy pre-internship clinical training. Some students were not transferring relevant learning from one practicum context to another or to the internship. The study focused on developing a tool that would facilitate the student’s learning from experience. An Assessment of Experiential Learning in Music Therapy Clinical Training (AELMTCT), based on Kolb’s experiential learning cycle and a preexisting instrument (Dumas’ tool), was developed for assessment and teaching purposes.

Utilizing the development problem-solving methodology, criteria to evaluate an experiential learning assessment instrument were established by …

The Development Of An Entrepreneurship Certificate Program At Athens State University, Brenda Harper

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was to develop an Entrepreneurship Certificate Program at Athens State University. Awareness in the field of entrepreneurship has increasingly become an integral part of educational institutions’ accepted curriculums. However, Athens State University has no curriculum in place that provides, produces, and develops leadership in the area of entrepreneurship. Additionally, the strong economic growth in new and existing businesses the area has experienced has not kept pace with the demand from local businesses and industries to train the new work force terrain.

The writer examined the benefits of an entrepreneurship education as well as the essential elements of …

Increasing The Likelihood Of Reading Success In Kindergarten Students Through Early Literacy Intervention, Cindy R. Williams

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to increase the likelihood of literacy success in kindergartners through early intervention services provided by the primary level reading teacher. There had been no early literacy intervention services offered in the writer’s school district prior to the time that the dissertation project was implemented. The goals of the dissertation were to decrease the likelihood that a kindergartner would repeat kindergarten or require remedial reading services in first grade due to the intervention services they received in kindergarten.

The writer designed an intervention program through which 15 kindergarten children were targeted for daily small group instruction …

Meeting The Needs Of An Elementary School Community: Providing A Safe And Enriching Environment In An Afterschool Program, Darlene M. Moye

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this applied dissertation was to provide a high-quality afterschool program in an elementary school by providing a safe environment and enrichment activities. The afterschool program that previously existed at the elementary school was primarily day care and did not include enrichment activities. Parents, students, and program personnel were dissatisfied with the program and wanted a change.

To effect change, the writer implemented a school operated afterschool program using building-level staff for program personnel. The program included opportunities for children to complete homework with assistance and to participate in enrichment opportunities. Procedures were established to provide a safe …