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2020

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Full-Text Articles in Education

The Negative Effects Of Growing Up In Poverty On Brain Development And What Teachers Can Do To Level The Playing Field, Jamie L. Leaf Jan 2020

The Negative Effects Of Growing Up In Poverty On Brain Development And What Teachers Can Do To Level The Playing Field, Jamie L. Leaf

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This literature review was conducted to answer two questions. What are the negative effects of growing up in poverty on brain development and how can teachers level the playing field? The following chapters highlight the areas of the brain most effected by poverty, the functions of those specific areas, along with the negative side effects that come with having underdeveloped portions of the brain. Some of the negative side effects include impulsivity, lack of decision-making, weakened working memory, and difficulty with reading comprehension. Subsequently, there will be specific interventions that can aid in bridging the gap between low-income and middle- …


Cooperative Learning, Kathleen (Trini) M. Marcouiller Jan 2020

Cooperative Learning, Kathleen (Trini) M. Marcouiller

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Cooperative learning is an instructional method in which small groups of students work collaboratively to solve a problem or complete a task. This instructional method has been used with all grade-levels, across all subject areas, and in classrooms throughout our country and the world. Numerous studies have been conducted that have investigated the effectiveness of cooperative learning on various age-groups, in diverse settings, and with students with and without disabilities. This literature review examines the impact of cooperative learning on the academic achievement and social development of students. It explores research on methods and components of cooperative learning to determine …


How And Why Students Are Motivated To Read In The Upper Elementary Grades, Emily Anderson Jan 2020

How And Why Students Are Motivated To Read In The Upper Elementary Grades, Emily Anderson

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Research indicates that students in the upper elementary grades students show a decline in their motivation to read. Students that struggle in reading have less motivation than those that are more successful while it has been found that boys are also less motivated to read than girls. These are important years in a child’s development and it’s key that educators and parents support and encourage their students to find a deep love of reading. Giving students opportunities and exposure to text that links with activities and experiences they have in their life can help influence their motivation to read. Providing …


Teacher Evaluation: Methods Most Effective In Promoting Teacher Growth And Student Success, Jaclynn Bock Jan 2020

Teacher Evaluation: Methods Most Effective In Promoting Teacher Growth And Student Success, Jaclynn Bock

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This study investigates the effectiveness of teacher evaluation used across the United States and how evaluation tools can also improve the skills and development of educators. The literature review analyzes three forms of evaluation, including summative, formative, and emergent practices. Specific topics addressed in the research include the following: standards-based evaluation, Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching (2011), Robert J. Marzano’s Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model (2012), professional learning communities, collaboration among colleagues, walkthrough observations, and merit pay. The effective forms of evaluation identified by research include the summative and formative practices, with the possibility of all forms being effective when multiple …


Impacts Play Has On The Social, Emotional, And Academic Development Of Children, Alexandra R. Brinda Jan 2020

Impacts Play Has On The Social, Emotional, And Academic Development Of Children, Alexandra R. Brinda

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This thesis focuses on understanding the impacts play has on the development of social, emotional, and academic development of children. The foundation of play first starting in kindergarten classrooms, was meant to engage children in meaningful activities that lead to development of the whole child. Over time there was a shift to increase academic readiness and rigor in school. This led to less play-based learning opportunities in classrooms. Play-based learning provides opportunities for children to explore, discover, and have enhanced learning, socially, emotionally, and academically. Educators are the ones to create these opportunities for children. Teacher’s need effective strategies to …


Sankofa For Students: Literature As The Impetus For Empathy And Social Justice, Kathryn Anne Carlson Jan 2020

Sankofa For Students: Literature As The Impetus For Empathy And Social Justice, Kathryn Anne Carlson

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This thesis analyzes empirical educational data and research-based best practices with the goal of synthesizing and implementing literature instruction to garner cultural empathy and to make strides toward social justice in a high school setting. The author suggests there are significant academic and social-emotional benefits to cultural discourse, verifying the efficacy of targeted instruction. Empathy, while often viewed as a fixed component of human personality, can develop and grow if paired with culturally-responsive practices, meaningful and diverse texts, and small and large group discourse. Additionally, growing cultural diversity and racial tensions make the study and application of culturally-responsive instruction imperative …


Student Motivation And Achievement In Second Language Learning, Nathan D. Laseter Jan 2020

Student Motivation And Achievement In Second Language Learning, Nathan D. Laseter

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There are many variables that affect students’ motivation to learn another language. Studies have found a variety of methods and theories used to measure and explain students’ motivation to learn another language. These measurements also show the effects that motivation can have on achievement in the language learning classroom. The theories that have gained the most attention and recognition include the socio-educational model, the motivational self-system, and self-determination theory. Each theory sheds light on the different factors that have an effect on second-language learners’ motivation to learn a language, while also providing extensive quantitative and qualitative research supporting each theory.


The Effects Of Inclusion For Teachers, Special Education, And General Education Students In General Education Classrooms, Rachel O'Neill Jan 2020

The Effects Of Inclusion For Teachers, Special Education, And General Education Students In General Education Classrooms, Rachel O'Neill

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With the current special education policies in place in the United States, solutions must be found in order to equitably meet the academic, social and emotional needs for all types of students found in a classroom. One of the most practiced solutions found in schools today, is the inclusion of special education students in mainstream classrooms. Inclusion can provide many benefits to teachers, general education and special education students when executed properly. When not executed properly, inclusion can cause undue stress to both teachers and students. This literature review will examine the effects of inclusion on teachers, special education, and …


Only You Can Prevent Burnout?: Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction Among Special Education Teachers, Alicia Michelle Alexander Jan 2020

Only You Can Prevent Burnout?: Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction Among Special Education Teachers, Alicia Michelle Alexander

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Special education teacher (SET) burnout is a complex problem impacting teacher health, student outcomes, and job satisfaction. This review examined burnout literature with special education teachers as participants in US studies between 1973-2020. Studies reviewed support SET burnout as an interaction between personal and occupational variables. Overall, it is likely that each burnout component is influenced by a different set of internal and external factors. The most supported factors for SET burnout were perception, role conflict, role ambiguity, and administrator support. Possible treatments should address the underlying factors of SET burnout rather than its symptoms. Future research should inform the …


Adding Movement To Enhance Learning In Special Education, Jennifer S. Ammermann Jan 2020

Adding Movement To Enhance Learning In Special Education, Jennifer S. Ammermann

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Academic achievements, standardized tests, and school accountability have resulted in children spending more time with seatwork and less time in recess and physical education. Recent brain research shows that cognitive skills develop with motor skills and cannot be isolated; children need instruction and practice with both skills. Schools and classrooms are providing more opportunities for movement with physical activity breaks during instructional times. Students with learning disabilities often have persistent primary reflexes that do not develop into postural reflexes, which are necessary school readiness skills such as attention, balance, and coordination. The purpose of this research is to review literature …


Differences In Teachers’ Self-Reported Levels Of Gratitude Between High-Poverty And Low-Poverty Schools, Theresa Marie Anderson Jan 2020

Differences In Teachers’ Self-Reported Levels Of Gratitude Between High-Poverty And Low-Poverty Schools, Theresa Marie Anderson

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Teacher turnover is a major issue in the U.S. education system because teachers are leaving the profession at astounding rates (Castro, Quinn, Fuller, & Barnes, 2018; Garcia & Weiss, 2019). Teacher turnover disproportionately impacts schools with higher numbers of students from predominantly low socioeconomic status backgrounds (Castro et al., 2018; Garcia & Weiss, 2019). Exploring gratitude, a positive psychology practice, may provide insight into attrition and teachers’ well-being. The intent of this study was to explore the potential contribution gratitude may have as a tool to help teachers develop resilience in light of the complex and dynamic issues in education. …


Interventions And Community Models That Lead To Successful Long-Term Meaningful Competitive Integrated Employment For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Literature Review, Eileen Annette Baker Jan 2020

Interventions And Community Models That Lead To Successful Long-Term Meaningful Competitive Integrated Employment For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Literature Review, Eileen Annette Baker

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This paper examines interventions and community models that lead to successful long-term, meaningful integrated employment for individuals with ASD. The literature review outlines the barriers to successful employment experienced by individuals with ASD, followed by strategies for success. The author suggests that promising research-based programs and interventions should be further examined through longitudinal studies and then implemented in secondary, post-secondary, and worksites. The current paucity of research addressing interventions and programs focused on adolescents and adults with ASD, combined with the high rate of unemployment and underemployment in adults with ASD, creates a necessity that sufficient studies be commenced.


Factors That Contribute To High School Senior African American Male Students’ Academic Success, John Jeffrey Baker Jan 2020

Factors That Contribute To High School Senior African American Male Students’ Academic Success, John Jeffrey Baker

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There are many studies that examine the negative academic factors that hold African American male students back from being academically successful students. This research changes the narrative because it examines the positive factors that help African American male students become academically successful in school. These students are the future role models of the African American community, and their footsteps could possibly show other African American male students how to become stronger students. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore factors that contribute to high school senior African American male students’ academic success. The participants were African American senior …


Perspectives On The Quality Of The Student-Teacher Relationship Between Students With A Disability And Typically Developing Students And Developmental Outcomes, Hannah Rae Bast Jan 2020

Perspectives On The Quality Of The Student-Teacher Relationship Between Students With A Disability And Typically Developing Students And Developmental Outcomes, Hannah Rae Bast

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Little research has compared the student-teacher relationship between students with a disability and students with typical development. More specifically, the quality of the relationship between the student and the teacher. Measuring the amount of conflict, closeness, and how dependent the student is on their teacher within that relationship. Most relationships were viewed as negative by the teacher for students with a disability while most relationships with typically developing students were viewed as positive. These relationships showed less conflict, dependency, and higher levels of closeness. Developmental outcomes are examined in the present research in the areas of academic performance, behavior, and …


Professional Studies Programs: Impacts And Implications For College And Career Preparation, Kathryn M. Benson Jan 2020

Professional Studies Programs: Impacts And Implications For College And Career Preparation, Kathryn M. Benson

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This review of literature examines the effects of professional studies programs and industry relationships on students’ college and career preparation. High schools can no longer place students on an academic or vocational track, as 21st century students need to be prepared for both postsecondary education and entrance to the workforce. The opportunities for observation and experiential learning provided through such programs can offer students a variety of benefits, including immediate impacts to their high school career, clarification of career goals, postsecondary preparation, development of employability skills, and improved employment prospects. However, the extent to which these benefits are experienced varies …


Self-Assessment And Academic Intrinsic Motivation, Rachel A. Bengtson Jan 2020

Self-Assessment And Academic Intrinsic Motivation, Rachel A. Bengtson

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This paper examines if self-assessment increases student academic intrinsic motivation. Self-assessment is a tool for students to gain valuable skills to become more critical of their academic work, decreasing their dependence on the teacher. By decreasing teacher dependence and increasing student responsibility it can be reasoned that their motivation to do well would improve. It is imperative to do what educators can to reduce the level of apathy in our students. Teachers can do this by creating a mastery goal climate in their classrooms, forming meaningful relationships with their students, teaching skills that help with self-assessment, use contrasting cases when …


Understanding Youth Firesetting Behaviors, Jeremy John Berger Jan 2020

Understanding Youth Firesetting Behaviors, Jeremy John Berger

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Each year, youth firesetting and fireplay incidents cause millions of dollars in damages, hundreds of injuries and an average of eighty deaths in the United States. Schools are of particular interest as the majority of fires started in education occupancies are a result of an intentional act. Children start fires for a variety of reasons, younger children often engage in fireplay behaviors because they are curious about fire or because they are emulating the behaviors of adults. Adolescents engage in firesetting for a variety of reasons including peer pressure, thrill seeking, criminal intentions or because they are undergoing a crisis. …


Identifying The Best Practices For The Twice Exceptional Learner, Edison Boelter Jan 2020

Identifying The Best Practices For The Twice Exceptional Learner, Edison Boelter

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The objective of this thesis is to find the best research-based practices available for the twice exceptional learner. Twice exceptional learners are a growing percentage of the population in the academic community, and yet educators are greatly unprepared to work with these students. Through literary reviewed studies and research, it became possible to identify useful information as to how to educate and prepare teachers to work with twice exceptional learners. These literature reviewed studies and research demonstrated that twice exceptional students need a person-centered approach that is also able to meet their unique social and emotional needs. These literature reviewed …


What Are The Dimensions Of Character Education The Should Be Developed At The Secondary Level?, Dawn Jorgenson Brommer Jan 2020

What Are The Dimensions Of Character Education The Should Be Developed At The Secondary Level?, Dawn Jorgenson Brommer

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Character education, as defined by C.S. Lewis, (Pike, Nesfield, & Lickona, 2015) starts by developing the following positive character traits: caring relationships, wisdom, fortitude, courage, self-control, justice, forgiveness, gratitude, humility, integrity (honesty), hard work, curiosity, and hope. Character Education takes time and has to be worked at and cultivated so that every human being thrives through developing in the areas of intellectual, moral, civic and performance virtues. These four forms or categories of personal character define what it means to be a competent, ethical, engaged and effective adult member of society. Character education can be integrated alongside any standards-based curriculum. …


The Dyadic Relationship Of Student And Teacher Anxiety And The Process For Applying Mindfulness Based Practices In The Classroom, Michelle Joy Brunik Jan 2020

The Dyadic Relationship Of Student And Teacher Anxiety And The Process For Applying Mindfulness Based Practices In The Classroom, Michelle Joy Brunik

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Teachers and students are suffering from mental health problems. It’s prevalence places anxiety in front of other psychological disorders plaguing the education system. The growing body of research on mindfulness-based interventions is showing promising results for combating mental health problems. The dominant explanation for increased student anxiety is evaluation and environmental factors, whereas, workload, student behavior, employment conditions, and vicarious trauma are influencing the suffering of teachers. It has increasingly become an urgent topic of research, with many people concerned for the success of our education system, feeling disturbed by the rising trend, yet hopeful in the potential of mindfulness. …


How Does Work-Based Learning Help Prepare Students For Life After High School, Frank A. Cacich Jan 2020

How Does Work-Based Learning Help Prepare Students For Life After High School, Frank A. Cacich

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Work based learning is part of career and technical education that can help students to be better prepared for life after highschool. There are many different types of programs that make up a work based learning programming. These programs are for both Special Education students and general education students. Programming can encompass job shadowing, youth apprenticeships, clinical internships or practicums, and work experience programming. Another part of Work-Based Learning (WBL) is career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO). These are different student run organizations where youth can learn business, agriculture, health and other varying work based skills from professionals in the …


The Paramountcy Of Trauma Informed Classrooms, Jodi Elaine Carmeli Jan 2020

The Paramountcy Of Trauma Informed Classrooms, Jodi Elaine Carmeli

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Students impacted by trauma make up a substantial portion of the overall population. Yet, schools throughout the United States have failed to adequately meet the needs of trauma-impacted youth and the teachers who support them. As a result, many students who might have otherwise developed academically, socially, and emotionally are dropping out and becoming maladjusted, which has wide-ranging, lasting impacts on society overall. Additional resources and training must be provided to the educational community, especially in areas where trauma is prevalent. Healthcare professionals such as psychologists and therapists have proven to be essential partners who are able to contribute their …


Achievement Gap With Latino Males, Matthew S. Caruso Jan 2020

Achievement Gap With Latino Males, Matthew S. Caruso

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This literature review reviews the literature of 30 studies completed in the last twenty years that examine barriers for latinx youth, their parents, and their learning communities (student, parent, teacher, etc). The achievement gap for Latino males is growing in the U.S. while simultaneously the population of the Latinx community grows. Researchers are finding unique responses in the Latinx community in terms of perceived barriers by all learning communities (White, black, other…). Their uniqueness is they trend to higher and lower than the rest of sample data, or Latino males will have different responses than latina females, where non-Latino responses …


Effective Social Emotional Lessons And Strategies For Center Based Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disabilities, Kevin M. Collings Jan 2020

Effective Social Emotional Lessons And Strategies For Center Based Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disabilities, Kevin M. Collings

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Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a popular phrase in all aspects of the educational world of the last couple decades. Research shows the clear need for teaching students the skills they need to function socially and emotionally. This is becoming increasingly important with the rise of students diagnosed with Emotional Behavior Disorder (EBD). Educators are learning that traditional approaches modifying student behaviors, such as using punishments and rewards are not working for students with EBD. Solutions to best supporting students with EBD need to be teaching SEL skills, not trying to manipulate motivation. This thesis looks at research into …


The Impact Of Extracurricular Activities And High School Students, Laurie K. Collings Jan 2020

The Impact Of Extracurricular Activities And High School Students, Laurie K. Collings

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Extracurricular activities have become very common in the day-to-day life of high school students, however, the reason for participating as well as the impacts may be different for each student. The purpose of this literature review is to understand the impacts of extracurricular activities on high school students and how participation in extracurricular activities impacts high school students’ academic performance and social-emotional learning. In addition, the literature review examines if the breadth and intensity of extracurricular activity participation can change those impacts for high school students. The research explores five main categories of activities and the impacts participating in the …


How Does The Use Of Technology In The Classroom Impact The Performance Of Students?, Elizabeth Ann Dargay Jan 2020

How Does The Use Of Technology In The Classroom Impact The Performance Of Students?, Elizabeth Ann Dargay

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Technology has been an expanding force in education, careers, and personal life for an abundant amount of time in the twentieth century. More and more people use email instead of writing old fashion, mailed letters and many times, ecards are the new greeting cards. I have chosen the topic of technology in the classroom because, as a teacher, I realize that technology is only growing stronger. I believe that technology can be incredibly beneficial to students but can also be just as distracting to them as well. This paper will address the following question: "How does the use of technology …


Teacher Burnout: Measuring, Contributing Factors, And Prevention, Lisa A. Dexter Jan 2020

Teacher Burnout: Measuring, Contributing Factors, And Prevention, Lisa A. Dexter

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One of the most stressful careers a person can chose to have is teaching. (Johnson et al., 2005; Travers, 2001). Teaching demands are high, and the emotional labor of teaching can leave teachers feeling emotionally exhausted, withdrawn, and worn down. Teachers who experience chronic levels of stress can be plagued with what is referred to as teacher burnout. While researchers have identified effective ways of measuring current levels and burnout, the research is just developing in identifying contributing factors and prevention strategies. Self-efficacy is a significant predictor of burnout as well as certain teaching environments. Researchers have identified effective prevention …


Effective Differentiation Strategies For The Secondary Social Studies Classroom, Emily C. Devroy Jan 2020

Effective Differentiation Strategies For The Secondary Social Studies Classroom, Emily C. Devroy

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The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 sought to improve academic achievement for every child in the United States, regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or background. Since NCLB, educators and researchers have given differentiation greater attention with the hope that it will provide effective strategies for ensuring that every child reaches their full potential. Differentiation, however, requires significant resources; many teachers report feeling overwhelmed when creating a differentiated classroom without proper administrative support and collaboration. This literature review seeks to answer the question of which differentiation strategies are most likely to increase student achievement by examining the research regarding …


Increasing English Language Learner And Immigrant Parent Involvement In The School To Improve Student Success, Rachel Joleen Droubie Jan 2020

Increasing English Language Learner And Immigrant Parent Involvement In The School To Improve Student Success, Rachel Joleen Droubie

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This literature review with application emphasis analyzes the components of parent involvement and its positive relationship to student success, with respect to the barriers that all parents experience and the supplemental barriers for immigrant parents or English Language Learner (ELL) parents. Further review examines strategies utilized by school staff to increase immigrant or ELL parent involvement and areas for further development of strategies. The suggestions and application material include rationale and explanation of a community resource reference sheet for parents, a Quick Facts information sheet and a Professional Development (PD) slideshow for teachers, and concepts for administrator considerations.


Principals’ Perceptions Of Factors Leading To Academic Improvement In Minnesota Elementary Schools, Sean D. Dubé Jan 2020

Principals’ Perceptions Of Factors Leading To Academic Improvement In Minnesota Elementary Schools, Sean D. Dubé

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The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the principals’ perceptions of factors leading to academic improvement in Title I elementary schools in Minnesota. Participants included eight Title I elementary principals who led their schools from 2016-2019 and significantly improved their students’ math and reading Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) scores during that time period. Interviews were coded through MaxQDA and synthesized to develop themes connected to school improvement. The data suggested seven total themes for perceived factors in school improvement: the principal’s focus and intentionality, the principal’s continuous improvement mindset, strategic use of academic data, a culture of …