Digital Commons Network^™

Improving Math Scores At Hutto Middle School, Marvin V. Thomas

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to determine if the Pre-Algebra Interactive Computer-Aided Natural Learning Education System (I CAN Learn Education Systems, 1999) could improve 8th-grade students’ performance in math on the Stanford Nine Achievement Test and Criterion Referenced Competency Test. Students are encouraged to become lifelong learners through a self-paced learning environment.

The writer implemented this system to deliver interactive multimedia curricula, enabling each student to learn at his or her own pace. Instruction was delivered to each student through a television-quality video, which is an integral part of every I CAN Learn (I CAN Learn Education Systems, 1999) lesson. …

Improving Reading Instruction And Student Achievement In Fourth Grade, Manuel C. Barreiro

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

A disproportionate number of students in Grade 4 that attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary School scored at Levels I and II on the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) Reading sub-test. To increase the number of students scoring at or above Level III, the issue of teacher preparation in the area of reading instruction and the improvement of students’ reading skills were identified as factors that can impact student achievement as measured by the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT).

The purpose of this applied dissertation was to identify and implement successful teacher training and preparation programs, to review and revise current …

Evaluating The Effective Use Of Technology In Education, Kathy A. Dunne

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

There appears to be a consensus among educators that teaching with new technologies requires new methods of evaluation. Although there is a body of research investigating the effects of computer-assisted instruction on student learning with largely favorable results, few studies have examined the efficacy of technology in integrated classrooms. This study was designed to determine if teachers at Advanced Technologies Academy improved their management, instruction, and student learning with the use of technology.

Using survey research methodology, the study sample, consisting of 25 teachers, provided information on their perceptions regarding technology integration and instructional effectiveness, student benefits, utilization of technological …

Improving The Representation Of Minority School Age Children In Gifted Education Programs Through A Multifaceted Referral And Evaluation Process, Magali Balado

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to improve the problem that teachers were unable to meet the needs of academically talented minority children. The major goals for this applied dissertation were to increase the representation of academically minority children in gifted programs, provide training to teachers in the area of identifying gifted characteristics, and to develop a multifaceted process for the referral and evaluation of academically talented minority children.

The writer developed training materials to provide in-service and training to teachers, school staff personnel, counselors, and psychologists in the areas of observing and assessing gifted characteristics in academically talented minority children. …

Will A New Math Program Improve Burnsville Elementary School Third Grade Student Achievement?, Debra B. Brewer

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation implemented a curriculum change in math for third graders in a rural elementary school with a student population of 530. An analysis of the end of grade testing over the past two years indicated that the third graders at this school scored 11.5 Normal Curve Equivalent (NCEs) below the other third graders in the school district.

The intervention implemented the Saxon Math Program, along with an appropriate professional development program designed to strength the math program and to increase third grade students’ math skill development. The intervention focused on training the third grade teachers to use the …

Improving The Nclex Passage Rate And Lowering The Attrition Rate For A Texas Community College Nursing Program, Bonnie Higgins

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to seek ways to improve the NCLEX-RN passage rate and to lower the attrition rate in a community college nursing program. The program had a significant problem because of the decrease in passage rate of the NCLEX-RN by graduating students and an increase in student attrition. Expost facto data were collected from 213 former nursing student records to compare the independent variables of preadmission test scores, academic prerequisites grades, demographic traits, HESI exit exam scores, and grades in the Nursing Skills Course to the completion of the nursing program and passage of the NCLEX-RN. A …

Improving Second-Grade Students’ Language Arts Achievement Scores, Thomas W. O'Neill Ii

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to determine whether or not changes in curriculum, teacher selected activities, and grouping techniques have an impact on standardized test scores. Second-grade teaching techniques were limited to teacher driven activities including worksheets and lectures. Teachers were not familiar with student-centered instruction such as cooperative learning or center-based instruction. Teachers of second grade believed the reading series at their grade level was outdated and that there was a need to purchase a current curriculum that included the use of phonics in conjunction with the whole-language approach. Teachers in kindergarten, first, and third grades agreed to change …

Development And Implementation Of A Compliance Plan For A School Magnet Program In East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Parish School System, Clayton M. Wilcox

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This study presented information which indicated that there was a need to improve the non-Black enrollment in the programs within a school magnet program in East Baton Rouge Louisiana Parish School System. An analysis of data indicated that of the 22 magnet programs studied, only one had achieved the non-Black enrollment stated in the Consent Decree (desegregation plan).

Techniques were identified which were implemented to enhance the programs within a school magnet program to make them more inviting and attract more non-Black students. Techniques identified included: (a) identifying a staff member in each magnet designated as being accountable for recruiting, …

Pretraining Assessment To Improve Computer Skills Of Alternative Education School Teachers, Cheryl D. Smith-Brown

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to assess the computer skills of teachers at 5 alternative education schools so they could be grouped into sessions that would meet their ability level. Teachers at the alternative education schools used at least 5 educational software programs to enhance the curriculum at their schools; however, these teachers did not have the most basic computer skills and, therefore, experienced problems managing multiple educational software packages and the Microsoft Windows operating system. Although the district provided educational software training for teachers, the training was designed for participants with basic computer skills. Therefore, teachers who attended the …

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 …

Charting The Effects Of Brain Compatible Learning Strategies On Students With Specific Learning And Emotional Behavioral Disabilities, Mary Ann Slaughter

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide data on the usage of brain compatible strategies in the classroom and how it compounds academic achievement and the number of behavioral incidences. Students with specific learning disabilities were scoring below grade level in areas of reading on standardized tests and those with emotional and behavioral disabilities had a high incidence of discipline referrals along with poor academic performance. Students with specific learning disabilities have been identified with cognitive processing deficits that affect the reading and comprehension of the written word. Students with emotional and behavioral disabilities have been identified with behaviors that …

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 …

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 …

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) …

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

Using Online Spatial Visualization Activities In A Geometry Course For Preservice Elementary Teachers, Kathy Bauman Burgis

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Spatial visualization is critical in learning and using geometry and other mathematics, science, and various technologies. Many preservice teachers lacked the spatial visualization skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach a rich elementary mathematics curriculum. This applied dissertation was designed to improve preservice elementary teachers’ spatial visualization skills.

The author used online Java applets to deliver spatial visualization instruction in a geometry course for preservice elementary teachers. Data was collected from convenience samples formed from two intact classes. There were 27 students in the treatment group and 22 students in the control group. Participants worked independently, outside of class, using …

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 …

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 …

Providing A Curriculum In Kindergarten That Develops Reading Skills For Students Prior To Their Entrance Into First Grade, Linda J. Fouse

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes programs and activities to assure the development of reading readiness skills in kindergarten students in a suburban elementary school. Kindergarten students were entering 1st grade with little or no reading readiness proficiency. This was apparent by their lack of skills on the 1st-grade entrance survey test developed by the 1st-grade teachers. This report examines research on reading techniques and the effects of early training on reading success.

Strategies included in this report are (a) early phonological awareness, (b) using both whole-language and skill-based instruction through a computerized program, (c) use of centers in the classroom, (d) peer …

Development Of Strategies To Increase The Enrollment And Retention Of Female Engineering Honor Students At Purdue University With A Plan For Evaluation And Implementation, Gayle E. Hartleroad

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The Purdue University Schools of Engineering committee, charged with development of a new strategic plan, set a recruitment and retention goal to “. . . increase the percentage of women undergraduates in engineering to 30 percent” (Purdue University Schools of Engineering Compton Committee, 2002).

A ten-year decline in female enrollment at Purdue University’s Schools of Engineering became a topic of true concern, especially to the Freshman Engineering Honors Program. This enrollment decline is exceedingly problematic because the Schools of Engineering has had a reputation of graduating a nationally known, large population of female engineers. The previously noted goal of 30% …

Evaluation Of The Systematic Curriculum And Instructional Development Model For Curricula At The Broward Technical Centers, Tripat Pal Kaur

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this project was to conduct an evaluation of the utilization of the Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development (SCID) model. Current curriculum development models were researched, experiences of the technical centers were evaluated, elements for a curricula development model were researched, a pilot implementation was performed, and based on the pilot evaluation recommendations were made for the future adoption of the SCID model.

The methodologies that were utilized include the evaluation, development, and research methodologies. The procedures used to conduct the project were, (a) reviewing the literature, (b) appointing and meeting with formative and summative committees, (c) creating …

Adolescent Participation In School Nutrition Meal Benefit Programs: A Case Study, Janice P. Maddox

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation is a historical case study targeted at the segment of a high school population who are eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits but do not take advantage of these benefits. The population to be studied is those students who take advantage of the free or reduced price benefits to which they are entitled less than 50% of the days that school is in session. Frequency of eating counts will be compared for the past 11 years in order to discern if the target population participation has changed over the years by programs designed to increase …

The Development And Validation Of A Performance-Based Team Approach To New Teacher Induction At Woodbridge High School, Robert Zega

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to develop an effective new teacher induction program that would address the large number of discipline incidents referred to the administration by the new teachers at Woodbridge High School. The administrators were concerned that these excessive discipline incidents were an indication of a lack of class management strategies displayed by the new teachers. Initial comparisons of student discipline data supported the existence of this problem. The block schedule implemented at Woodbridge High School magnified these discipline problems.

The writer utilized development methodology to produce and validated a supplemental new teacher induction process that attended to …