Education Commons^™

A Study Of The Level Of Integration Of Common Core State Standards In West Virginia Teacher Preparation Programs, Georgia Nicole Thornton

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examined the level of integration of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) within the population of 164 teacher preparation faculty members in 18 initial teacher preparation programs in West Virginia. A three part researcher developed survey was mailed to each dean/director for distribution to the initial teacher professional education faculty. Deans/directors were also given the option of participating in a follow up interview and were asked a series of questions based on a researcher developed interview protocol.

In general, initial teacher professional education faculty members described their level of integration of CCSS as between some and significant integration. …

Understanding Employment Preparedness Needs For College Students With Asperger's Disorder, Rebecca S. Hansen

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

About 1 in 68 children has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder and nearly half of those individuals have average to above average intelligence. A significant number of those individuals are currently earning college degrees. Regardless of the escalating prevalence rates of individuals with Asperger’s Disorder who have the intellectual capacity to obtain a college degree, there has been little attention on how to identify and provide the types of specialized supports these college graduates require as they prepare for finding and maintaining meaningful employment. The ways in which colleges are preparing students for employment must be examined to include …

Campus Climates Experienced By United States Military Veterans, Michael Jessee Adkins

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to learn how military veterans experienced higher education campus climates. A recent West Virginia law requires state-operated colleges to become veteran friendly and this study examined the perceptions of veterans who attended college before and after the passage of the law. Six veterans participated in a series of in-depth interviews regarding their personal experiences with attention given to factors that enabled and/or constrained their academic progress. The interviews were electronically recorded using audio media and standard conventions of informed consent were followed. Interview transcripts were produced, coded, analyzed to identify common themes, and interpreted …

Are There Whiter Shades Of Pale In Marketing The Ivory Tower? An Examination Of Differentiation In Institutional Public Service Announcements Through Content Analysis, Elizabeth Anne Wolfe

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study explored the public service announcements (PSAs) produced by institutions of higher education that competed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s 2013-14 postseason football bowl games. Utilizing content analysis and survey results, the researcher examined the level of content distinction between and within institutional groups based on athletic conference, Carnegie classification, total student enrollment, and primary target audience. The researcher also investigated the role the PSAs played in marketing campaigns conducted by the institutions and the additional marketing strategies used in those campaigns. The analysis showed limited distinction between institutional groups and little to no distinction within groups. Further, …

Levels Of A College-Going Culture In Selected West Virginia High Schools As Perceived By Teachers And Counselors, Keri Ferro

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examined the level of school college-going culture as perceived by teachers and counselors in selected West Virginia high schools. This study also investigated the differences in the level of implementation of a school’s college-going culture based on selected independent variables. Finally, the study investigated the relationship between the level of college going culture and the school college enrollment rate as reported by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. A quantitative research design was used to study a population of high school teachers and counselors from 36 West Virginia high schools. The high schools with 18 highest and …

Perspectives On Organization Of The Marketing Function In Higher Education, Susan Tams

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The current study was initiated to assess the organization of the marketing function in institutions of higher education and to measure the perceptions of higher education marketing officials about various aspects of marketing. The study is a modified replication of a study by Michael W. Mulnix (1996) and employed the questions developed by Mulnix to measure perceptions of current practitioners. Several demographic questions were added about the respondents and their institutions. An updated study is useful because of three categories of change in higher education since 1996: a) changes in the way higher education conducts its operations; b) changes in …

Parent Perceptions Of Parent-School Partnership Efforts For Students With Disabilities, Jessica Chadwick

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The study examined parent-school partnership efforts, as reported and perceived by parents of students with disabilities in a Mid-Atlantic State. Due to the high correlation between parent involvement and academic success, these qualitative comments were deemed vital to ongoing special education improvement in the state. The study utilized the State Education Agency parent survey data which was collected in accordance with the State Performance Plan / Annual Performance Report requirements under Section 616 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004. Survey responses from parents of students with disabilities were aggregated and analyzed for local education agencies. These comments …

A Study Of Professional Learning Communities: Characteristics Of Implementation And Perceived Effectiveness In Improvement Schools In West Virginia, Kristy Ann East

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers’ perceptions of levels of implementation and levels of effectiveness in improving student learning of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in low-performing schools in West Virginia. This study also sought to determine differences in levels of implementation and effectiveness for five selected independent variables and examined the relationship between levels of implementation and levels of effectiveness. The study also sought to ascertain administrator and school improvement specialist perceptions of how PLCs affect their schools. Finally, this study described teachers’ suggestions to enhance their PLC experience and identified challenges that hindered the implementation of …

A Longitudinal Study Of States' Idea Part B School-Family Partnership Data, Channing Daniels

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In 2005, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandated that the percent of parents who report that schools facilitated parental involvement as a means of improving services and results for children with disabilities be reported to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The purpose of this study was to analyze the variability in methodologies used by 20 different states over eight years. The findings indicated the gap between the higher and lower performing states were due primarily to the metric and standard chosen. States choosing measures and standards other than those recommended by National Center for Special Education …

Effects Of Teacher Prompting Techniques On The Writing Performance Of Fourth And Fifth Graders, Mindy S. Allenger

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study was a quantitative research investigation to determine the effects of teacher prompting techniques on the writing performance of 137 fourth and fifth graders from two parochial schools in West Virginia. Over a two-week period from March, 2014, to April, 2014, researchers collected writing samples with three typologies of prompting; no prompting, general prompting, and content specific prompting. The major outcome variables included were the numbers of words, number of sentences, and average sentence length, and writing ease and complexity level using the Flesch Kincaid Readability and The Flesch Reading Ease. Data analysis was accomplished by applying several types …

Trends In Intellectual Disability Identification In West Virginia, Margaret M. Stephens

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of Intellectual Disability (ID) in each of West Virginia’s Local Educational Agencies (LEAs). Publicly available enrollment and disability counts were aggregated and used to calculate an administrative prevalence rate for each LEA annually, from 2004 to 2013. Prevalence was examined within and between LEAs, as well as between regions. The results indicate a decrease in the administrative prevalence of ID in 50 of 55 LEAs over the 10 years examined. Rates within LEAs varied between years. Additionally, school-based prevalence varied between RESAs, with RESA I and RESA VIII exhibiting the …

Policymakers' Perceptions On The Application Of Research Evidence In The Policymaking Process Within West Virginia's Higher Education System, Christopher Treadway

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this descriptive, mixed-method study was to explore the role that research evidence plays in policy-related decision-making within West Virginia’s higher education system, policymakers’ perceptions on the reliability and usefulness of various sources of information, and their insights related to factors that facilitate and/or impede the use of research evidence. Using data obtained through an internet-based questionnaire administered to more than 100 higher education policymakers, the study resulted in several notable findings, many of which reinforced similar findings uncovered in the review of the literature.

Most researchers agree that the results of high-quality research can be a tremendous …

The Influence Of The Maternal Infant Health Outreach Program On Child Development: Through The Eyes Of Moms And Home Visitors, Debra L. Lockwood

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

MIHOW, the Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker Program, is a parent-to-parent home visitation program that aims to enhance early childhood development in economically disadvantaged and geographically isolated families with children from birth to three. This qualitative case study conducted in two rural Appalachian counties examined the perceptions and experiences of moms and home visitors regarding the influence MIHOW has on child development. Findings were interpreted in relation to extant literature on the prevention of developmental delays. Five themes emerged from the data. The first theme related to the developmental checklists and screening materials and moms’ understanding of how the checklists …

Knowledge Of Health Literacy Among Athletic Trainers, Janet Marie Rorrer

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to evaluate athletic trainers’ current knowledge levels of health literacy and health literacy intervention techniques. This study was conducted using a mixed-method; non-experimental, descriptive research design which included a researcher-generated quantitative survey and 18 ethnographic interviews. Quantitative surveys were distributed electronically, via Survey Monkey, by the athletic training Board of Certification to 5453 certified athletic trainers from West Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Also, interview participants (9 male; 9 female) were randomly selected and included three athletic trainers from each of the six states, three employment settings (Clinic, College, and High School), …

Interdisciplinary Studies Integration From The Faculty Point Of View: A Case Study, Kay Donahue Lawson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of the case study was to examine the perceptions of university faculty regarding the impact that integrating interdisciplinarity into the undergraduate curriculum had on their work in curriculum development and teaching; specifically, as it related to the navigation away from their discipline specializations, and through completion of professional development, creation of new courses (First-Year Seminar), and teaching FYS. Because they serve roles in the development and delivery of the curriculum that are integral to the institution and its culture, faculty perceptions about the process of change and the establishment of interdisciplinarity in the undergraduate curriculum are significant. A …

The Quality Of Education Leadership Doctoral Dissertations In The United States: An Empirical Review, Jessica M. Hanna

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In the field of education, doctoral programs are expected to prepare the future leaders of the field. With the doctoral process being so unique, a necessary interaction between the student and faculty is essential in order for the student to develop an expert-level understanding of the field. Literature indicates, however, that doctoral programs in education are trending toward being offered as online programs, which is causing many researchers and leaders in the field to worry that the lack of traditional instruction and interaction will have a damaging effect on the quality of educational doctoral programs. This nationwide, cross-sectional exploratory study …

Esl Students' Language Anxiety In In-Class Oral Presentations, Yusi Chen

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This case study aims to explore connections between ESL students’ speaking-in-class anxiety and their presentation performance, factors causing oral anxiety during presentations, and strategies to regulate L2 students’ speaking anxiety in presentations. Findings of this research contribute to the investigation of speaking-in-class anxiety from non-English major L2 students. Three Chinese ESL students enrolled in the INTO program at Marshall University individually gave two presentations in speaking classes. Triangulated data sources were collected to delve into three research questions. The results suggest that L2 students’ anxiety forms mental blocks during presentations, but it has less influence on their presentation performance. Based …

Bullying Perceptions: Understanding Students With And Without Disabilities, Shellie B. Simpson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The study investigates perceptions about bullying for intermediate students with and without disabilities. A survey administered to each student assessed perceptions related to bullying and friendship. Interview questions related to specific instances of bullying encountered were also administered. The results indicate perception variations between students with and without disabilities. Students with disabilities reported victimization at a higher rate than students without disabilities, except for verbal bullying and relational bullying which were reported at an equal rate. Students without disabilities reported a higher rate of bullying instances by friends, while students with disabilities report a desire to have more friends. Since …

Attitudes Between Students With Disabilities And Typically Developing Students, Kristina Gore

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes between students with disabilities and typically developing children as well as factors that may influence them. Ten students participated in the study. Five of the students had disabilities, and the other five students were considered typically developing. All participants were interviewed by the researcher. Interview results showed that students with disabilities and typically developing children are isolated from each other in the school environment despite the efforts of inclusion. Although, most students reported generally positive attitudes, responses indicated that two student groups are not offered enough opportunities to interact for …

Does Music Affect Behavior In The Special Education Classroom?, Randall L. Crum

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

It is general knowledge that music affects our emotions; slow rhythmic music can make us sad and fact upbeat music can make us happy. Music is everywhere and it is a powerful outlet for people’s emotions. Music in the classroom can have many effects on students. It may relax them, motivate them, or even sooth them, helping to reduce frustration levels. Music enhances learning in the classroom and it has long been used to help memory skills in students such as learning the alphabet through song. Music helps stimulate creativity and reflection, and it also provides a welcoming entrance into …

Teacher Attitudes: An Analysis Of Middle School Teachers’ Attitudes Towards Inclusion, Jennifer K. Holley

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The demands for general education teachers to meet the diverse needs of their students has increased greatly over recent years. The attitudes of these teachers towards the practice of inclusion greatly influences the successful of inclusion itself. In this study the attitudes of teachers towards inclusion was investigated. Findings indicated that teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion are split. Teachers’ attitudes towards specific disabilities are clear. Findings indicate more teachers believe students with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, communication disorders and health impairments should be educated in a regular classroom where students with mental impairments (cognitive disabilities/developmental delay), behavioral …

Paraprofessionals' Experiences And Understandings Of The Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker Program (Mihow) In West Virginia, Amy Knell Carlson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

MIHOW, the Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker Program, is a parent-to-parent home visitation program that aims to enhance early childhood development and parent education in economically disadvantaged and geographically isolated families with children birth to three. This qualitative case study conducted in two rural Appalachian counties examined the perceptions and experiences of paraprofessionals who are trained and work as home visitors in the MIHOW Program. Findings were interpreted in relation to extant literature on the use of paraprofessionals in home visitation. Three themes emerged from the data. The first theme related to the use of a strength-based approach and how …

To “Achieve” Or Not To “Achieve”, Jodi Nicole Sergent

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Reading levels can be assessed through lexile measures, which determine and calculate growth through goals set by Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). IEPs are based on specific Content Standard Objectives (CSOs) of each student set by national and state mandates. Objectives listed in each student’s IEP can be met through specialized instruction with the use of specific strategies in an effort to increase student learning. Achieve 3000 is a technology-based reading comprehension program that focuses on specific needs of students in order to provide reading material at each student’s reading level. Students have the opportunity to read the same material as …

The Relation Between Observations Of Students With Behavioral Disorders And Academic Success, John Ryan Simon

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Students classified as having emotional and behavior disorders are students who struggle with controlling their behavior and emotions. Students with behavior disorders have been integrated into classrooms, but often they are removed from the general education classroom because of inappropriate behaviors. This problem becomes perpetual and causes deficits in many academic subjects for students with EBD. Direct observations (DO) are often used to track behavior performance in the classroom and to determine eligibility. The purpose of this research is to determine if there is a relation between the number of direct observations of high school students with behavior disorders and …

Secondary Teachers’ Knowledge And Attitudes Toward Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports, Deanna M. Hiles

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Classroom management of student behavioral problems is a primary reason that teachers are leave the education field. As hard as teachers and students may try, some student behavior cannot be managed by discipline alone. One technique that has had a constructive impact on student behavior is Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The design of PBIS is to help teachers manage students with problem behaviors in the classroom. However, teachers’ attitudes toward PBIS and their knowledge of PBIS influence the effectiveness of its success or failure in the classroom.

Teachers' Attitudes Toward Technology, Grace Stover

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine teachers' attitudes toward technology in their classrooms. This study focused on iPads, tablets, smartphone, and Apple TVs. The questions in the survey were designed to investigate teachers' comfort level with using this technology, and to determine teachers' attitudes toward the use of this technology in their classrooms. The majority of the educators reported that the technology was up to date. Next, fifty percent of the educators felt that they were not provided with adequate training prior to the implementation of the technology into the classrooms. Therefore, continuing to provide adequate training to …

Labeling: Student Self-Esteem And The Stigma Of A Label, Amanda Kay Sowards

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Labels help to provide educational support to students who struggle academically, physically, emotionally and socially. The decision to use a label should be carefully considered due to the possibility of negative connotations regarding social relationships, personal preferences and the effects on self-esteem. The author discusses a study that examines the effects of labeling in regard to the impact on the self-esteem of students with disabilities and will scrutinizes if students with disabilities are negatively perceived by their peers. Current research of labeling, self-esteem and social disadvantage is discussed. Due to the overwhelming number of students being labeled and a lack …

Teachers Attitudes Toward Co-Teaching In Elementary Reading Classrooms, India Stone

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Co-teaching occurs when a special and general education teacher instructs a classroom of students with and without disabilities through modifications to the core curriculum. The author wrote this paper to evaluate teacher attitudes toward co-teaching in elementary reading classrooms. During co-teaching, educators face several disadvantages such as lack of professional development, absence of co-planning, disagreements among modifications within the curriculum, and confusion with co-teaching approaches. The research within this paper describes the attitudes, issues, and strategies that educators experience through inclusive, co-taught elementary classrooms within the reading curriculum.

Teacher Attitudes Of The Effectiveness Of Reading Comprehension Strategies And Interventions, Charles Hartley

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study surveyed the attitudes of secondary teachers in a semi-rural school district in West Virginia in an attempt to gain an understanding of how teachers in the district perceived the comprehension skills of their students and the effectiveness of reading comprehension strategies and interventions currently being employed by the district and by individual teachers. The researcher developed a survey that was distributed to all the secondary schools in the district. The survey consisted of Likert Scale questions and opened ended responses. The results of the survey indicated that the participants believe that overall the comprehension skills of students in …

Science For Visually Impaired Students And Accessible Technology, Lydia M. Moreland

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Blind and visually impaired students need appropriate methods and accessible technology in order to compete and advance in learning the science concepts. The study investigated the attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge of assistive technology used by science teachers of the visually impaired from a Mid-Atlantic state and how they are incorporated in the classroom. The participant response gives notice to what forms of assistive technology are used in frequency, and the training and comfort level to use the assistive technology. The open responses stated themes of teachers needing more training in visual impairment college programs to use assistive technology to increase …