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Case Study Of Public School 370 And Implementation Of An Education Program For Disabled 18- To 21-Year-Old Detainees, Dawn A.J. Downing

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation describes an alternative public high school for adjudicated youth. This report discusses the legal and social issues that justify the need for the implementation of an education program for 18- to 21-year-olds detained in the Baltimore City Detention Center. Analysis of internal and external data sources indicated the need for this case study.

The focus of this study was creating a learning community where educational staff and security staff work together to provide an appropriate education for adjudicated students. The relationship between educators and correctional staff can be an uneasy one when the security and education staffs …

Addressing The Response And Responsibility Of The Education System To The Social Concerns Of At-Risk Students In American Schools: An Evaluative Study Of A Partnership Intervention Program, Ina Dorman

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The social problems of students and society in general have changed dramatically over the past 2 decades, and school leaders are now challenged with how to address these changes effectively while preserving the integrity and purpose of an institution of learning.

This study identified the social, environmental, and behavioral issues facing students in a large, urban school district with a population of over 250,000 students. This qualitative analysis examined the data and risk factors that impact the academic achievement of students and the response by the organization leaders to respond adequately to the challenges.

The school district is situated in …

The Negative Impact Of Middle School Mathematics Achievement On Classical High School, William G. Frost

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ version of high stakes assessment testing that has moved to the forefront of education reform over the past decade. True accountability for students and principals is present only at the high school level because students must pass the English language arts and mathematics sections of Grade 10 MCAS to qualify for a diploma.

Archival MCAS data over 4 years of testing reveals 2 inescapable conclusions. First, regardless of level (Grades 4, 8, and 10 are MCAS benchmark years), students have performed significantly better in English language arts than mathematics, …

Development Of A Career Planning And Placement Model With A Plan For Implementation And Evaluation, Thwanda L. Davidson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide a suggested comprehensive career planning counseling and effective placement services for students at Anderson College with a plan for implementation and evaluation. This development project enabled the researcher to review several components of Career Services models for inclusion in the design appropriate for the students.

The college has not provided comprehensive career planning counseling and effective placement services. A number of students are unemployed, dissatisfied, and frustrated, or at least the ones calling the college are having difficulty finding employment. The researcher conducted an investigation to identify significant information pertaining to the intent …

Development And Evaluation Of A Leadership Skills Curriculum For The Committee To Aid Abused Women In Northern Nevada, Susan Joy Edwards

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem under investigation was that the Committee to Aid Abused Women (CAAW) recognizes that the organization does not adequately prepare clients to enter the competitive job arena. The purpose of the project was threefold. First, the project presented a leadership program specific to the needs of female domestic violence survivors. Second, the project offered the program to CAAW clients. Third, the project evaluated the perceived effectiveness by the women who attended the program entitled “Leading to Empower.”

Three research questions were addressed in this study. First, what does the review of the research reveal about effective, applied leadership skills? …

Hands And Hearts For Children: A Family/School/Community Partnership Initiative, Charla C. Evans

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation describes the efforts of a rural, Appalachian elementary school to improve the level of collaboration for family and community involvement through the application of a systemic and systematic planning process for partnership development. An analysis of available data and survey reports indicated that the school had a history of poor family involvement and negative perception in the community.

The author implemented a plan based on Lueder’s (1998) Self-Renewing Partnership Model over the 2001-2002 school year. The implementation provided for staff, family, and community training jointly and individually. It established a building action team for improvement composed of …

Promoting Social Emotional Intelligence In Elementary School Children, Beryl Irene Bailey

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide educators with a curriculum embedded program to prevent, curtail, or reverse the negative trajectory of poor social emotional development of elementary students. Third-grade students failed to demonstrate social emotional intelligence. They lacked discipline. They exhibited difficulty staying on task and working cooperatively with peers, repeatedly interrupted instruction, used negative language, did not return homework, and were often referred to the office for disciplinary action.

In a 5-week training session, teachers learned how to implement the writer’s Sowing SEEDS (Social Emotional and Educational Development of Students) Curriculum. This literacy-based program contained children’s literature aligned …

The Creation Of A Diagnostic Reading Program Designed To Meet The Developmental Needs Of Primary Grade Readers, Thomas A. Baruffi

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Over a 5-year period from 1995-1996 to 1999-2000, an average of 18% of the students entering fifth grade in the Linwood Public School system were reading below grade level. This statistic clearly indicates that reading difficulties must be addressed early in the process of reading acquisition. With the understanding that learning to read is a developmental process, classroom teachers were challenged to obtain and utilize the diagnostic skills necessary to meet the individual educational needs of their students by identifying their learning strengths and weaknesses.

With the goal of developing a reading program designed around the diagnostic process, All Students …

Teaching Innovative Preventive Strategies To Minority Students With Limited English Proficiency, Joyce Wright-Evans

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The major purpose of this applied dissertation was to address the issue of minority students with limited English proficiency not meeting the educational standards necessary to graduate from high school within 4years of entry. The relationship of achievement with self-determination is described in this report. The theoretical base for this study centered on the work of R. M. Ryan and E. L. Deci (2000) in the areas of motivation and self-determination, the self-determination theory. Moreover, the social cognitive career theory (R. Lent, S. W. Brown, & G. Hackett, 1996) provided a strong theoretical base in the areas of career and …

Measuring The Effectiveness Of A New Midterm Feedback Form On The Graduate Clinicians’ Ability To Discern Their Clinical Strengths And Weaknesses, Tambi L. Braun

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was an investigation of the impact of a New Midterm Feedback form on the graduate clinicians completing their first on campus clinical experience. Thirteen graduate clinicians and 12 clinical supervisors participated over an eight week period. The 13 graduate clinicians were instructed to complete a pretest/posttest measure rating their satisfaction with the feedback they were receiving from their clinical supervisors. The participating graduate clinicians and clinical supervisors also rated eight clinical skills, pretest and posttest, on the basis of a five-point rating scale.

The results of this investigation revealed that the clinical supervisors’ use of the New …

Evaluation Of The Utilization And Usefulness Of Chaos Theory In Human Services Education And Professional Practice At Western Washington University, Trula Morehead Nicholas

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The study evaluates the utilization and usefulness of chaos theory in human service education and professional practice. One purpose of this study was to determine if current and former students in the Human Services Department at Western Washington University use the concepts outlined in chaos theory in the delivery of human services. A second purpose was to discover if chaos theory is being incorporated into the curriculum of other human service education programs that grant four-year degrees.

Methodologies used in this study included the summative evaluation methodology, the development methodology, and the ex post facto research methodology. Surveys were sent …

Improving Reading Achievement By Integrating Technology In After School Instructional Programs, Timothy L. Cliby

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This research endeavor institutes change in an after school program for elementary students of an inner city elementary school. The program seeks to improve student performance on standardized English language testing, improve student motivation and attendance. The hypothesis that a prescriptive after school program, that utilizes Web based activities as an integrated component of instruction, will lead to improved student performance through increased motivation, instructional habits and attendance. Redesigning the program will establish an environment capable of sustaining student motivation and attendance resulting in sustained instructional engagement.

The instructional design is a transformation of traditional instructional practices for this program. …

Development Of An Applied Phd Degree Program In Hospitality Administration For Nova Southeastern University’S H. Wayne Huizenga School Of Business & Entrepreneurship, George Alexakis

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem was the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business & Entrepreneurship’s (SBE) programs needed a marketing edge. A PhD program was designed to fuel enrollments and improve budgetary figures. The purpose was to develop an applied hospitality administration PhD program for the SBE. The Research Questions were. (a) What are the needs of hospitality educators and administrators related to an applied PhD degree in hospitality administration? (b) What PhD program content best meets the needs of hospitality educators and administrators? (c) What is an appropriate strategy for implementing a PhD program in hospitality administration? (d) What is an appropriate …

Designing Student Teaching Experience To Reflect Best Practice, Joanne Ferrara

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes the strategies designed by a college to improve its student teaching experience for preservice teachers enrolled in field placement during the 2001-2002 school year.

The framework for the program was based on the work of L. Darling-Hammond (1999), the Holmes Group (1990), and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE; 2000), which suggested that teacher education programs build and sustain effective field-based experiences. This program sought to improve students’ performances by implementing field experiences containing these key elements: collaboration between a college field adviser and cooperating teachers, clearly defined goals, reflection, ongoing feedback, and observations …

Improving The Performance Of Transfer Students In Mathematics At Jericho Christian Academy, Joyce Y. Parker

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide mathematics enrichment activities for 7th-grade students who transfer to Jericho Christian Academy (JCA). The students who were continuously enrolled at JCA were outperforming the 7th-grade transfer students on daily performance and on the Stanford 9 Test. The transfer students were having difficulties adjusting to their new environment, expectations, and requirements. Attendance and behavioral referrals were higher for the transfer students than for the continuously enrolled students. The parents of the transfer students were not actively involved in their children’s education.

The writer developed a 4-part intervention to address the areas of concern. The …

The Effects Of Parental Involvement On The Homework Of Fifth-Grade Students, Chiron White-Legree

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to help students achieve better homework grades. Previous attempts at getting students to return their homework assignments had been unsuccessful. Parents did not know what the homework assignments were. Parents needed more information on grade-level standards.

The writer developed a weekly report of student progress that was sent home each week with the students. The report was to be signed by a parent and returned to the school. Students used homework logbooks to record daily assignments to inform parents of their assignments. A homework rubric was developed for students to inform their parents of the …

Improving Student Behavior And Decreasing The Rate Of Violence-Based Suspensions Through The Use Of Peer Mediation, Anthony Threets

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to improve student behavior and provide a reduction in violence-based suspensions through the use of peer-mediation. Students at the secondary grade levels were being removed out of their regular classroom at an alarming rate because of their disruptive behavior. School administrators had few alternatives except to suspend or place these disruptive students in “In School Suspension”.

The writer implemented a peer-mediation program to provide another alternative to allow students involved in conflicts to remain in their regular classroom These students were given the opportunity to work through their own conflicts with the assistance of other …

An Early Intervention Program To Teach Readiness Skills To At–Risk Kindergarten Students, Marcell E. Hooks

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was implemented as a developmentally appropriate total language arts program to teach readiness skills to kindergarten children at risk of failure. Assessment data for the past 2 years showed literacy deficits among kindergarten students at Bouchet.

Possible causes for early reading difficulties included (a) insufficient teacher training on how to work with children who are low achievers; (b) insufficient parental involvement in the educational process; (c) lack of early literacy experiences, exposure, and skills; and (d) lack of opportunities for collaborative student learning.

The researcher conducted workshops for three kindergarten teachers, the teacher assistant, and parents on …

Teacher Mentoring And Teacher Attrition In A Rural Georgia School System, Brenda K. James

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Teacher attrition is a critical issue. The literature suggests that schools provide professional opportunities for master teachers to mentor new teachers through the use of well-designed induction or mentor programs. These opportunities develop teaching skills, improve teaching performance, and increase teacher retention.

This applied dissertation was designed to improve teacher retention at a high school located in a rural community in South Georgia. A mentoring program was developed and implemented at a high school. The program provided training to select mentors that included nonevaluative supervision, coaching, conflict resolution, collaborative problem solving, communication, and effective feedback strategies.

Mentor teachers and protégés …

An Intervention Reading Program To Increase Reading Skills In 18 Months From Cmt Proficient To Grade-Level Performance, Anthony J. Cordone

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This project addressed the creation of a reading intervention program at Bailey Middle School that improved the reading skills of the students identified by the Connecticut Master Test (CMT) as performing within the proficient level. Over the past 5 years, 60% of the Grade 6 and 49% of Grade 8 students consistently scored within the proficient level. This researcher created a program that, within 18 months, increased the reading skill needs of those students so that they improved or met the Grade 8 CMT goal levels.

This applied dissertation reviewed current programs, staffing requirements and skills, staff development, strategies, and …

Attachment Theory And The Secondary Student: Notes To Teachers, George H. Biggs

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide knowledge of attachment theory to secondary teachers in middle schools and high schools. Teachers were working with students who were displaying behaviors caused by student disruptive attachment to a primary caregiver. However, the teachers, not aware of attachment theory, misinterpreted the reason for the disruptive class behavior and associated the behavior with the behaviors of students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

The writer developed a series of monthly workshops that middle school teachers attended. The workshops focused on the following topics: attachment theory, children’s multiple foster placements, and the effects of multiple …

Developing A Support-Based Program To Decrease The Complaints Of Racial Profiling In The Miami-Dade Police Department, Richard E. Holton

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to focus on the problem that African American citizens are complaining about being stopped and detained unnecessarily by police officers and treated unfairly for no apparent reason in Miami-Dade County. National police organizations, special interest groups, and local citizens have defined this action as Racial Profiling or Driving While Black (DWB). The Miami-Dade County Commission adopted a resolution prohibiting racial profiling; however this problem continues to exist. Minorities have argued in town hall meetings and filed complaints, indicating that the criminal justice system has been insensitive to what appears to be a system that supports …

Development Of A Comprehensive Mathematics Anxiety Intervention Program For Missouri Southern State College With A Plan For Implementation And Evaluation, Laura Schooler Adkins

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to develop a comprehensive mathematics anxiety intervention program for the preservice elementary education teachers at Missouri Southern State College (MSSC). The problem addressed was the need at MSSC for a mathematics anxiety intervention program to help hundreds of students experience increased academic and career success as a direct outcome of the intervention program.

The purpose of the project was to develop a comprehensive intervention program to prevent, reduce, or eliminate mathematics anxiety among the preservice elementary education teachers at MSSC. Three research questions provided the focus for the study: (1) How can mathematics anxiety be …

Examining And Influencing The School Climate And Culture Of A Medium–Sized Magnet And Choice Technical High School, Gary W. Mccutcheon

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to examine the current climate and culture at a medium-sized high school and to influence that climate positively. The current climate was evaluated using multiple data collection instruments including the venerable National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) School Climate Survey (C. Halderson, E. A. Kelley, J. W. Keefe, & P. S. Berge, 1989), a district-created Whole School Effectiveness Survey, and a qualitative school-created survey that allowed parental input. The strong reliability and validity of the NASSP School Climate Survey is well documented with descending levels of confidence placed in the Whole School Effectiveness Survey …

Meeting The Psychological Needs Of School-Aged Native Students In An Extreme Geographic Region, Deborah Diette Wilson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to meet the psychological needs of a unique Native population through a continuum of services and the utilization of technological platforms. The host community has experienced significant historical events including the exclusion in full participation education and the provision of educational curricula by individuals lacking the cultural competency base to provide appropriate educational experiences sensitive to Native learning styles. Psychological services were dictated by Federal and State mandates and consisted solely of educational and ability testing for the purpose of special education eligibility determination. As a result, school-aged Native students experienced significant social and emotional …

Identifying And Analyzing The Learning Styles Of Mba Students In The College Of Business And Management At Cardinal Stritch University To Improve Attrition, Kim M. Herzer

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem identified in this study is the gap that exists between graduating MBA students’ learning styles beginning at Cardinal Stritch University (CSU) and the current instructional strategies and curriculum design utilized by MBA faculty. In order to ascertain MBA students’ learning evidence, learning styles of MBA students must be taken into account. The purposes of this study were to identify and analyze beginning and graduating MBA students’ learning styles and apply that knowledge to enhance learning and teaching in the College of Business and Management (CBM) to improve attrition at CSU.

There were four research questions for this study. …

An Analysis Of The Majority Report “Responsible Parenthood” And Its Recommendations On Abortion, Sterilization And Contraception, Richard J. Fehring

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

This paper will focus on the majority report (titled “Responsible Parenthood”) of the 1966 Papal Birth Control Commission and its recommendations on abortion, sterilization, and contraception.(1) The analysis is made with the hindsight and perspective of thirty-seven years of scientific data on fertility, family planning, and family life. The analysis presented here does not concern the whole document but rather focuses on what are called the “objective criteria” that were provided in the document to help married couples make decisions on the use of contraception. While acknowledging the intellectual abilities and expertise of those who wrote the majority report, the …

Common Data Set, 2002-2003, Planning, Research, And Policy Analysis

Common Data Set (2001-present)

Common Data Set 2002-2003 for Illinois State University

The Development And Validation Of A Measure Of Identity Distress, Steven L. Berman, Marilyn J. Montgomery, William M. Kurtines

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

The most frequently used measures of identity development do not contain a scale to measure the distress that can sometimes be associated with the process. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Identity Distress Survey. The measure was found to have high internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Identity distress was related to the constructs of identity style and identity status. Identity distress was positively correlated with identity exploration and associated with the informational style and was negatively correlated with identity commitment. This measure could help identify those people who are having exceptional difficulties …

Rites Of Passage In Emerging Adulthood: Perspectives Of Young Mormoons, Larry J. Nelson

Faculty Publications

This study explores the role that culture, particularly religious rites of passage, may play in emerging adulthood by examining the demographics, criteria for adulthood, identity development, and risk behavior of Mormon emerging adults.