Education Commons^™

Perceptions Of Elementary School Support Staff Of Their Role In Supporting The School Mission Statement, Matthew Dean

Dissertations

School district mission statements are intended to be unifying declarations that set a tone and direction for organizations and provide a unifying motivator for the individuals who serve those organizations (Rey, 2017). School district mission statements should be created and articulated in a manner that can be understood and followed by certified administrators and teachers, as well as classified personnel such as district support staff (Lynch, 2016). Without adequate articulation, school district mission statements can fall short of providing guidance and motivation to every employee in the district (Rey, 2017). This qualitative study was initiated to gain the perceptions of …

Adding It Up: The Effects Of Math Curriculum On Third And Fourth Grade Act Aspire Math Scores In Arkansas, Rebecca Cook

Theses and Dissertations from 2020

Over the last 62 years, mathematics reform has occurred due to a political push after results from a major survey or report were released stating that the United States scored lower than other countries. With each reform effort, teaching methods were changed to match the new initiative. Math curriculum was a key point in each of these reform efforts. In 2015, Arkansas adopted ACT Aspire as the statewide assessment, and in 2017 Arkansas adopted Arkansas State Standards. Although Arkansas adopted ACT Aspire and Arkansas State Standards, Arkansas does not require school districts to adopt a curriculum. The purpose of this …

A Comparison Of Complex Thinking Required By The Elementary New Jersey Student Learning Standards And Past New Jersey Curriculum Standards, Gerald Fitzhugh Ii

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Academic learning standards define the necessary skills and knowledge that students need to master in order to become college and career ready. The best 21st century learning standards are those that provide the opportunity to develop complex thinking skills including creativity, strategic thinking, and critical thinking. The learning standards that provide an insight into complex thinking are identified as critical thinking, creativity in practice, and strategic thinking. This dissertation’s intent was to examine the language of complex thinking of the newly adopted New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) in Grades 4 & 5 Mathematics as compared to the language of …

A Case Study Of The Implementation Of Co-Teaching In A Steam Elementary Magnet School In A Midwestern State, Ashley Lane Cooper

Dissertations

Although research is limited on the effectiveness of co-teaching as a service delivery model for students with disabilities, through observation, many educators have reported positive outcomes with co-teaching (Beninghof, 2011). This case study was designed to examine the implementation of co-teaching in an elementary magnet school in a Midwestern school district driven by science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) and with a strong emphasis on personalized learning. General education teachers, special education teachers, and administrators were interviewed three times during the initial implementation school year. In addition, journaling was documented by three of the participants, and co-teaching fidelity checks …

Factors That Influence K-8 Educators In Regard To Teacher Retention, Jerold C. Osbourn

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to contribute to the understanding of teacher retention by researching factors that influence veteran teachers to remain in Missouri’s K-8 school districts. School districts all across the nation face the daunting task of improving student achievement in the face of teacher shortages, especially in rural areas and in hard-to-staff content fields such as math and science (Carver-Thomas & Darling-Hammond, 2017; Harrington, 2017). Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the researcher sought to articulate the core perceptions of superintendents and veteran teachers that lead to longevity and retention in the K-8 school environment and to identify the …

Improving Teacher Comfort Levels And Self-Efficacy With Technology Integration And Application Of Technology Into The Elementary Education Curriculum Through The Tech Buddy Program, Susan Christine Adams

Dissertations

Professional Development for technology integration into the elementary curriculum has been a costly and frequently ineffective endeavor. The idea for the Tech Buddy model came from this frustration. Teaming a teacher who had high comfort and self-efficacy levels with technology, however who still had much to learn, together with a teacher who was willing to learn, but had low comfort and self-efficacy levels seemed natural. The study consisted of 13 educators and one Administrative Intern from the school of study. The study paired a mentor who had a high level of comfort and self efficacy with ICT integration with a …

The Perceptions Of Elementary Stem Schools In Missouri, Kelli Michelle Alumbaugh

Dissertations

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, or STEM, is an area that is currently growing in popularity with educators (Becker & Park, 2011). A qualitative study consisting of interviews was conducted and data were gathered from three leaders in professional STEM organizations, four principals from elementary STEM schools, and six teachers from elementary STEM schools to gain their perceptions of elementary STEM schools in Missouri. The perceptions of leaders in professional STEM organizations regarding STEM education were consistently all positive, and each leader was a proponent of STEM education at the elementary level. The perceptions of principals and teachers were …

The Study Of Effective Tier Ii Reading Interventions For Primary Grade Students, Sheila Cox-Hines

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine effective reading interventions for primary grade students, utilizing the Response to Intervention (RtI) model. The purpose of RtI is to enhance the quality of education for children, if appropriate levels of academic instruction are present (Hanover Research, 2015). The research questions were posed to garner perspectives of the Intervention Team (IT) leaders as to Tier II interventions that aided students who indicated difficulty with reading, and the duration of the intervention, prior to achieving progress toward the specified goal. Additionally, research questions were stated to determine which Tier II reading intervention yielded …

Teacher Evaluation And Student Achievement In Elementary Education, Eric L. Allen

Dissertations

Historically, the state of Missouri has utilized the Performance-Based Teacher Evaluation (PBTE) system developed by Dr. Jerry Valentine from the University of Missouri (Valentine & Harting, 1986). The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 mandated more rigorous accountability standards for state education systems (Moe, 2014). The 2012 revisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provided to Missouri by the U.S. Department of Education relieved the original mandates of the NCLB Act (MODESE, 2015a). However, added were provisions for teacher and administrator accountability which required evaluation of research-based principles of effective instruction (MODESE 2015a). In this study, …

Case Study On The Efficacy Of An Elementary Steam Laboratory School, Mary Paula Armknecht

Dissertations

A case study was conducted of an elementary STEAM laboratory program in a Midwest Missouri school district, which was unique to the area, and involved risk-taking by the school officials. The delivery model for instruction in the program was inquiry-based learning with a STEAM focus. The planning of the program involved the community, as well as district personnel. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the program at the end of the first year to determine if the goals of the planning committee had been met and if the perceptions of the stakeholders were in favor …

A Case Study Of A Teacher-Student Mentor Adoption Program At The Elementary Level, Timothy Shane Benson

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if positive teacher-to-student relationships impacted student academic performance. This case study involved examination of the results of data collected from 43 students who participated in a mentor adoption program initiated with the intent to enhance positive teacher-to-student relationships for the 2013- 2014 school year. Archival data of students who participated in the mentor adoption program were compared to data from a stratified group of students who did not participate in the mentor adoption program. Data from English language arts (ELA) and mathematics (MA) Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) scale scores, attendance rate, and …

The Impact Of Poverty On Elementary Academic Achievement In One Rural Elementary School In Missouri, Seth Allen Huddleston

Dissertations

The impact of poverty on one rural elementary school’s student achievement was measured based on formative and summative assessment data. Student assessment data were examined to determine if strong relationships can be linked between students living in poverty and academic achievement. Additionally, parental perceptions were addressed as to whether or not parents are engaged in their child’s education, and if so, does this engagement impact student achievement. The topic was chosen for the relevancy of determining students’ instructional needs and how best to move the elementary in a positive direction academically. The socio-economic levels of families in the area studied …

Effects Of Criteria-Referenced Formative Assessment On Achievement In Music, Christopher Valle

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of criteria-referenced formative assessment on music achievement. Archival data from 1,173 students who participated in the first two years of the Arts Achieve project were used to examine the overall and school level effects of criteria-referenced formative assessment on music achievement, as well as its effect on content knowledge, listening, and performance achievement tasks. The relationships between sources of feedback from formative assessment – self, peer, teacher – and music achievement were also investigated. Unbiased causal treatment effects were derived after employing propensity score analysis to minimize selection bias and …

Assessment & Evaluation In Physical Education: Making It Work For Students & Teachers, Brigitte S. Webster

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Physical Education must assume a stronger role in elementary schools. Rising childhood obesity, exceptional family dynamics, and increases in screen time are factors in students' sedentary lifestyles. As a result, curriculum delivery and assessment and evaluation techniques have come under examination. This thesis evaluates the Feedback in Physical Education Tool (FPE Tool), designed for teachers to use when evaluating students in Physical Education. Increasing communication and supporting the development of self-regulated learners were the primary aims of the research. Three elementary educators (Gr. 4, 5 & 6) and sixty-nine students in a mid-sized, urban elementary school volunteered to use the …

An Examination Of Student Performance In Reading/Language And Mathematics After Two Years Of Thinking Maps® Implementation In Three Tennessee Schools., Katharine Mabie Hickie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine what, if any, association exists between Thinking Maps^® instruction and student achievement in fifth grade students in Reading/Language and Mathematics as reported by the State NCE scores of the criterion referenced portion of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test in 3 Title I elementary schools in northeast Tennessee. The association was examined after 2 years of Thinking Maps^® implementation and instruction. Using a quantitative design, the quasiexperimental study included fifth grade students' State NCE scores from 2005 and the same students' State NCE scores from 2003. Scores obtained …

Proposal For An Elemenatry Science Curriculum Outline To Help K-4 Teachers Prepare Students To Take The 5th Grade Science Wasl, Cindy D. Williams

All Graduate Projects

With a statewide pilot of the 5th grade science Washington Assessment of Student Leaming (WASL) in the spring of 2003, all elementary schools were tiying to prepare their students to meet the standards. At this time, the only resources schools had for preparation was a glimpse of the first criterion-referenced assessment, the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs), Grade level Expectations (GLEs) and a "release booklet" of sample items distributed to 5th grade science teachers. Educators knew that the best curriculum built on the previous year's knowledge which spiraled throughout the curriculum. At this time there were no curriculums designed starting …

The Relationship Between Teacher Certification And The Use Of Developmentally Appropriate Practices In Kindergarten Classrooms In Northeast Tennessee., Tracey Marie Cook

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined two types of teacher certification. The certifications of elementary teachers and early childhood teachers were the focus of the study. The purpose of the study was to determine if a relationship existed between teacher certification (early childhood grades pre-kindergarten through fourth and elementary education grades one through eight) and the use of developmentally appropriate practices in kindergarten classrooms in northeast Tennessee.

The approach to the study was quantitative. Data were collected from teacher and classroom observations using the Early Childhood Rating Scale-Revised. Participants included kindergarten teachers in northeast Tennessee.

The researcher investigated the extent to which kindergarten …

Comparison Of East Asian And Western Culture In Teaching Mathematics: A Model Of Elementary School Mathematics Curriculum, Hui-Nuan Nuang

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to compare cross-cultural mathematics teaching in the elementary schools in East Asian and Western countries, particularly focused on Taiwan and the United States. Another purpose was to design and develop a common mathematics curriculum program for elementary schools to use in both environments. To accomplish this purpose, a review and comparison of current research and literature regarding current curriculum and teaching practice of mathematics in Taiwan and the United States was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.

A Model Disciplinary Policy And Procedures For Meridian Elementary School In The Kent School District, Kent, Washington, Sherilyn Marie Ulland

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a model disciplinary policy and procedures for Meridian Elementary School in the Kent school district, Kent, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review ofrelated literature was conducted. Additionally, related info1mation and materials from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.

Balanced Reading In An Intermediate Classroom, Rochelle Marie Cramer

All Graduate Projects

Research in the process of balancing the reading curriculum was read, evaluated and summarized. This research showed the need for further study in the areas of shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, and responding to literature; as combining these four components create a balanced reading program. In a balanced approach students receive skill and strategy instruction in addition to reading and responding to authentic literature. A yearlong balanced reading guide and ten sample supporting lessons were created for the intermediate grade teachers at Washington State Centennial Elementary in the Bethel School District.

A Process Model To Aid In The Development Of Integrated Thematic Curriculum Units, Jennifer Lynn Hamilton

All Graduate Projects

This project provides a detailed manual to assist elementary teachers in the design of successful integrated thematic curriculum units. The project reflects the most recent research related to learning theories of how the brain comprehends. The manual synthesizes current procedures for integrative thematic curriculum development into a manual which includes a rational for integrative curriculum, a step by step procedure for development of integrated thematic units, and an example of an integrated thematic unit.

Model Orientation Plan For Students Entering Sixth Grade In The Clover Park School District, Rosalynn Mckenna

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a model orientation plan for incoming sixth-grade students in the middle school setting for a smoother transition from elementary to middle school. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding middle-school transition programs was conducted. Additionally, materials were obtained on other transition programs. This orientation plan was designed to be implemented in the Clover Park School District, Lakewood, Washington.

The Master Parent: A Parent-Child Relationship Program For Parents Of Elementary School Students, Kimberly Ellen Miller

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a parent education program for parents of elementary school children. The project was created with an extensive literature review. Parent education coordinators from various schools, hospitals, and social service agencies were consulted in the development of this project. Systematic Training for Effective Parenting, a published program from American Guidance Services, was used as a conceptual framework for The Master Parent program. The program was developed to provide information and support to elementary school parents. A summary with conclusions and recommendations for future parent education programs is included.

A Case Study: Effects Of Tutoring On The Sight Word Vocabulary Of A Nonreader, Paul L. Coppin

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to provide remedial instruction in reading to a ten year old nonreading student enrolled in the Ellensburg School District and to develop a case study that outlined the diagnostic and remedial procedures used with the subject. The case study approach was chosen as a way to document the progress of a single student whose initial diagnosis was as a nonreader. Because the initial diagnosis indicated a need to establish a sight word vocabulary, early instructional methods focused on this area.

The Effects Of Sustained Silent Reading On The Attitudes Of Fourth Grade Students, Bernice Mcqueen-Bruce

All Graduate Projects

This project was conducted to determine whether sustained silent reading had a positive effect on the attitudes of fourth grade students. The Kear and McKenna Elementary Reading Attitude Survey was administered in a pretest, posttest format to three classes with one class designated as a control group. The results indicated no difference in attitude as a result of implementing a silent reading program.

Whole Language Based Strategies For Teaching Reading In The Content Areas, Ingrid Annemarie Spencer

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a thematic unit for use in a sixth grade classroom. The unit provides a whole language, integrated curriculum concentrating on ancient Greece. Fifteen lessons were developed for use with a social studies text to teach reading strategies to a class of sixth graders. The project includes a review of selected literature related to the topics of whole language instruction, thematic units, integration, and an explanation of how to utilize the project in a sixth grade classroom. A summary with conclusions and recommendations was included.

The Reading And Writing Connection: A Writer's Workshop Guide For Second Grade, Monica Louise Donovan

All Graduate Projects

The primary purpose of this project was to develop a writers' workshop curriculum guide for the second grade. The relationship between reading and writing was studied. Data was presented to support the reading and writing connection. By integrating reading and writing through the use of a directed guide, an effective educational curriculum for a writing workshop was developed. The research and results from writing samples received showed support that an integrated reading and writing program is advantageous. Implications for using a writers' workshop format are discussed.

Implementation Of An Accelerated School's Project Model, Vipi Hansen Dorland

All Graduate Projects

The essential elements of an Accelerated School Project were described . This included the population to be served, the typical models of teaching and administering education for this population, the elements of the Accelerated School's Project Model, and the model for implementing the project in an elementary school. A journal of activities undertaken by John Muir Elementary in the Seattle School District as it implemented the Accelerated School's Project was included.

Cedar River Mini-School, Judy Anne Rene

All Graduate Projects

A mini-school was set up in Cedar River Elementary School in Maple Valley, Washington. The mini-school will keep the same students and teachers together for a three-year period of time. There will be a fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classroom, each with its own teacher. Research suggests that students in small schools perceive a closer, warmer relationship with their teachers, fellow students and other adults and a stronger connection with the school. This project presents a justification for and a description of the mini-school. The only conclusions reached come from the development of the mini-school, not in an evaluation of …

Incorporating Cooperative Learning Teams And Whole Language In The First Grade, Mary Elizabeth Berdine

All Graduate Projects

The first purpose of this project was to review current literature regarding whole language and cooperative learning. The second purpose of this project was the development of whole language, cooperative learning strategies and accompanying application lessons for use at the first grade level. Ten cooperative learning strategies and application lessons were developed utilizing a whole language approach. The lessons were centered around children's literature and focused on reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities that were whole, purposeful, and meaningful.