Education Commons^™

Career Counseling: How To Help School Counselors Analyze And Strengthen Their Program, Kevin Scott Squire

Masters Projects

Abstract

The American School Counseling Association lays out three main domains of focus for school counselors: academic, social-emotional, and career developments. This project explores research related to the theory and background of career counseling and the current state of career counseling services being offered and shows data that supports my claim that career counseling services are often the smallest percentage of time dedication of the three domains. The implementation of the project will include helping school counselors analyze their current career counseling services offered to students, time spent creating and providing these services, and providing resources to improve their career …

Boosting Confidence In Kindergarten Writing: How To Assist Kindergarten Emergent Writers Through Developmentally Appropriate Practices In Phonics And Writing, Amy Martin

Masters Projects

For a kindergarten student, writing can be exhausting and difficult. For a kindergarten student, writing can also be imaginative and fun. Kindergarten students have a lot of stories to tell and words to write, they just need tools in their toolbox in order to do so. Writing, especially in the younger grade levels, often takes a back seat to other subjects. Unfortunately, this leaves many words unwritten, skills unpracticed, and minds unimaginative. This project aims to create a resource for teachers to use within their designated writing time specifically focusing on developmentally appropriate practices and pulling from the intertwined skillset …

Building Climate And Culture With Stakeholders Through Restorative Discipline Practices, Venessa A. Bulk

Masters Projects

Exclusionary discipline has become a punitive-based response to frequent negative student behaviors. Exclusionary discipline is linked to lower academic achievement and lower personal achievement of students compared to those of their counterparts who are not experiencing exclusionary discipline (Gerlinger et al., 2021; Skiba et al. 2014) Integrating restorative practices into the school setting will work to decrease the amount of student delinquencies and increase student academic performance, social-emotional intelligence, and positive student engagement between peers and staff members. Key components for this program will be a professional development program for all school personnel as well as integration of preventative and …

Grammar Instruction Embedded Within Writing Instruction In The Secondary Ela Classroom, Erika Scheu-Millek

Masters Projects

Available research indicates that American students are underperforming in the area of writing. Grammar is the foundation of the English language, so it follows that an understanding of the language system is inherent in the act of writing. Grammar instruction, however, has been largely absent from American ELA classrooms for the past half century. This project examines the research which supports grammar instruction as part of the writing process and synthesizes the most promising research findings into a writing unit for 11th and 12th grade students. This unit includes a genre-based framework for instruction, directed writing, sentence combining, and instructional …

Parental Involvement And Student Success, Sally Demolen

Masters Projects

Research has revealed important information about the importance of parental involvement within the school setting, yet Brimley Area School has not developed nor implemented any components of the MiFamily: Michigan Family Engagement Framework. This project explores the history of parental involvement, and the benefits students inherit such as academically, socially, and emotionally. An effective parent-to-school relationship must acknowledge the differing dynamics of families within the district and develop a plan that is cohesive to the needs of all families. Such a plan needs to stretch beyond traditional parental involvement and intentionally target needs that are affiliated with correct grade levels. …

Combatting Teacher Attrition Through The Use Of Mentorship Programs, Logan Vallie

Masters Projects

Research has revealed important information regarding the recurring problem of teacher attrition throughout the field of education and solutions to combat the ongoing problem. This project explores the reasons that teachers are leaving the field early before retirement and subsequently, the development of mentorship programs in an effort to eradicate the problem. It has been concluded that mentorships are beneficial to the growth and retention of quality teachers, but current programs are lacking in some areas, leading to ineffective implementation of these programs. The proposed elements to the correct implementation of a quality program include best practices being instituted, specifically …

Great Lakes Great Books: Making Classroom Connections, Lynette Suckow

Michigan Reading Journal

Use stories from the Great Lakes Great Books list to connect readers to the classroom curriculum.

Steam Pride: Biographies & Autobiographies Written And/Or Illustrated By Black Americans, Jonella Mongo Ph.D.

Michigan Reading Journal

While there are thousands of nonfiction children’s books published annually, only a handful are biographies or autobiographies about Black Americans in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts or mathematics as well as written and/or illustrated by a member of the group. This article highlights biographies and autobiographies that include the stories of many well-known plus less-known individuals who have made impressive contributions to our nation and the world in STEAM fields. Books that showcase people from the past along with contemporary persons across various occupations, careers, and positions. Literature to learn from and celebrate diverse perspectives as teachers, parents, …

Celebrating Multilingual Learners With Bilingual Children's Literature, Andrea Starr Karpf, Kathleen Hinman

Michigan Reading Journal

Research on bilingual books suggests that all children in a classroom benefit from the windows and mirrors that bilingual books provide. This article presents relevant research on the placement and use of bilingual books in classroom libraries, and offers an annotated bibliography of many high quality examples.

Using Way-In And Stay-In Scientific Picturebooks To Learn About Science And Scientists, William P. Bintz

Michigan Reading Journal

The power and potential of literature to learn science has long been recognized by both science and literacy specialists. Literature is often a child's first introduction to science and the first encounter with the concept of science and the role of scientists. The problem is that much science literature focuses mostly on the scientist or the science. This article responds to the imbalanced portrayal between science and scientist in children’s literature. It also discusses the value of scientific picturebook biography to teach science, introduces the notion of Way-In and Stay-In texts, and provides examples of both types of texts along …

Breaking Barriers In The Post Pandemic Classroom: Integrating Social And Emotional Learning Through Persona Poetry, Lindsay Diem

Michigan Reading Journal

This article will examine how post covid fatigue has impacted many students in the middle school classroom and how the integration of the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) framework through curriculum can be beneficial for engagement. It will also review strategies teachers can use with students that are struggling to make meaningful connections with traditional curriculum. It will also briefly highlight a newly piloted Persona unit in the Language Arts classroom and provide resources teachers can use to teach this unit.

Interdisciplinary Read Alouds: Building Background Knowledge To Support Learning Across Science And Social Studies, Lyndsey Bensel

Michigan Reading Journal

Science and social studies instruction at the elementary level has diminished in quantity and quality as a result of increasing pressure to maximize English language arts achievement. Research establishes a strong connection between background knowledge gained through content area learning and the ability to comprehend expository texts. Deprioritizing science and social studies instruction limits opportunities to explore disciplinary literacy practices which serve as the foundation for acquiring knowledge in different disciplines. This paper explores interdisciplinary read aloud lessons as an introduction of disciplinary literacy skills to elementary students. Interdisciplinary read aloud lessons can also support students in acquiring background knowledge …

Exploring Postsecondary Opportunities In Grand Valley State University Charter Schools, Kiel Mcqueen, Jakob Panzer, Grand Valley State University

Charter School Research Reports

High school students participating in postsecondary opportunities – dual enrollment (DE), Early Middle College (EMC), Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) – are more likely to graduate, enroll at a postsecondary institution, and receive an associate degree within six years of finishing high school (Berger et al., 2014). Students participating in postsecondary programs have also been shown to have higher grade point averages as college freshmen and graduate from two- and four-year institutions at higher rates than comparable peers (Jones, 2014). Locally, participating in DE or EMC programs is correlated with higher four-year graduation rates and college degree attainment (Michigan …

University Libraries Personnel Policy Committee (Ulppc) Response To The Ulfa - Racism Impact Statement, Annie Bélanger, Patrick J. Roth, Emily Frigo, Gayle Schaub, Kim L. Ranger

Library Reports and Communication

No abstract provided.

Eliminating The Gap: Proposed Implementation Methodology For Phonemic Awareness And Phonics Professional Development, Amanda May Brunette

Masters Projects

Teachers have the opportunity to improve students’ early literacy success by becoming more proficient in phonemic awareness (PA) and phonics instruction through Professional Development. While some studies show that teachers struggle with PA and phonics concepts, application of implementation best practices could provide teachers with the instructional guidance and support needed to help students achieve the best early literacy outcomes.

This project explores the unique challenges of phonics instruction and the best practices in professional development implementation that can bridge the gap between what the curriculum learning goals and teachers’ practical instruction actions. The project identifies a framework for the …

Resources For Inclusivity In High School U.S. History Classrooms, Lauren A. Read

Masters Projects

Throughout the country at this time, Social Studies curriculum has come under scrutiny, especially in areas that try to promote a diverse/inclusive or multicultural curriculum. These efforts have been met with a large amount of resistance from community members and stakeholders in many school districts. The research however has shown that by having a diverse and inclusive historical curriculum, students from all demographics benefit and have increased levels of empathy towards marginalized groups of students. Within this type of curriculum students are able to analyze and understand a multicultural history, especially when diverse or missing narratives are included that can …

Narrowing The Achievement Gap By Increasing Student Opportunities In An Outdoor Project-Based Learning Environment, Britney Christensen

Masters Projects

The nation’s lack of student achievement on standardized tests is a result of the insufficient number of opportunities a student has to interact with their environment. Research indicates racial and economic disparities limit the number of chances these groups have to build the wide range of background knowledge needed to support the academic demands in the classroom. As a result, their performances show a widening of the achievement gap. Therefore, this project speaks to perspectives centered around constructivism as a way to explain how students acquire knowledge over time. The author contends that reading diverse texts, writing for different purposes, …

Facilitating Sense Of Belonging For Collectivist International Students: Intervention Strategy Utilizing Peer Support, Taylor Marie Wieringa

Masters Projects

International student populations have persisted in higher education with limited support. Research regarding international student experiences from collectivist home countries have found that mentorship programs could be helpful in assisting with transition and overcoming culture shock, yet few current intervention strategies go beyond international student orientation. This project explores relevant literature regarding barriers unique to students from collectivist home countries as they adjust to the individualist culture of American colleges and universities. With these barriers in mind, this project also explores peer mentorship as an intervention strategy to engage international collectivist students and assist in feeling that they belong on …

Improving The Mental Health Of International Students In Higher Education With Holistic Self-Improvement Practices, Layth Almallah

Masters Projects

International students make up a large portion of students in the U.S. on an annual basis. Research has shown that international students face acculturative stress at high rates and struggle with mental health. International students have high rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, while also feeling homesick when away from home. This project provides intervention group-based strategies that are focused on individual self-improvement. The research shows that meditation, journaling, exercise, sleep, and understanding one's spirituality all have a positive impact on mental health. In focusing on these different self-improvement habits, international students may be able to use them in their …

Building Student-Athlete Resilience On And Off The Field, Hannah Beatus

Masters Projects

Literature continues to demonstrate that student-athletes have a difficult time understanding how the skills they acquire as a student-athlete are transferrable to a non-sport environment. Student-athletes are exposed to messages about resilience early on in their athletic careers yet lack the understanding of how these skills are applicable to life outside of athletics. This project examines the aforementioned problem through an ecological systems theory lens. A workshop series designed to bring together student-athletes and coaches addresses this knowledge gap. It is hoped that by bringing together student-athletes and coaches that the development of resilience can be understood through a more …

Ways To Increase Retention Rates Among American Indian/Alaskan Native Students At Community Colleges, Sarah R. Wheeler

Masters Projects

American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) pursue higher education disproportionately compared to other populations. Literature indicates that a sense of belonging significantly impacts AI/AN students' persistence rates at community colleges. Sense of belonging and support from community colleges and families directly influence student success in higher education. AI/AN students are grounded in their community and have desires to build their cultural capital. Obtaining a degree will strengthen their community and, ultimately, their nation. It is essential for AI/AN students and parents to feel equipped with resources and ways community colleges support marginalized students. Creating a student and parent orientation, access to a …

Addressing Sexual Assault And Supporting Survivors’ Mental Health And Academic Performance Through Peer Advocate Support, Elizabeth G. Clark

Masters Projects

Sexual assault has been a concern on college campuses that has only been increasing, primarily affecting first-year women. The shame and trauma that survivors of sexual assault often experience can have a drastic impact on their mental health and academic performance. While institutions have some support resources for students victimized by sexual assault, they are underutilized. This project explains the negative consequences experienced by sexual assault survivors and what needs to be addressed by campus resources. To adequately support survivors of sexual assault and work towards changing campus culture, college campuses need to expand their support resources based in trauma-informed …

Using Photography In Transition Programs For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder., Doralynn Runyon

Masters Projects

Transition programs on college campuses lack social-emotional and communication intervention methods to help students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) succeed. Social-emotional and communication challenges are believed to be lifelong, and the most difficult deficit to overcome for individuals with ASD (Wilson et al., 2021). Brown (2017) stated that support which includes help with executive function tasks and social-emotional relationships are crucial, which are areas overlooked when creating intervention programs on college campuses. This photography intervention will focus on college students diagnosed with ASD using photography as a means of alternate communication. Photography will augment and increase their communications skills giving …

Social & Personal Identity Empowerment Workshop: Increasing Sense Of Belonging For Gender And Sexually Diverse Students, Olivia N. Witsaman

Masters Projects

Current research has identified that gender and sexually diverse college students experience decreased sense of belonging and increased mental health conditions in the higher education landscape and beyond. Research acknowledges cisheteronormativity, the overarching oppressive, social structure as the catalyst for this pervasive problem. This project explores how higher education institutions, including Grand Valley State University, can address LGBTQIA2S+ mental health needs by improving campus climate through campus-wide education acknowledging the multitude of identities that exist. Through developing identity-centered programming, outreach, and resources, gender and sexually diverse students can experience enhanced sense of belonging. An effective social identity empowerment program must …

Improving Student-Athlete Mental Health Through Wellness Check-Ins, Emma Erin Strasberger

Masters Projects

Mental health is an urgent topic in higher education as many college students are feeling an overwhelming sense of stress, anxiety, and depression. A population of students that significantly struggles with their mental health but does not utilize campus mental health services are student-athletes. Many student-athletes have reported wanting to reach out for help with their mental health, but they do now want to due to the stigma that seeking help makes an individual appear weak. This project explores the recent research regarding access to mental health services among collegiate student-athletes and how removing those barriers can encourage this population …

A Framework For A Peer Mentorship Program To Promote Student-Athlete Success At Grand Rapids Community College, Brianna D. Greenough

Masters Projects

Research has shown community college student-athletes have a complex transition to their first year of college and there are many resources and programming available to support them. Navigating and learning how to adjust when entering college can be confusing and overwhelming, but the transition can be made easier with the help of an older student-athlete as a mentor. This unique population of students has differing needs from the general student population and requires some extra guidance to maintain their responsibilities. This project analyzed community college student-athletes’ needs, supportive resources, and peer mentoring programs. The desired subsequent outcome of this project …

Developing A Sense Of Belonging Among First-Year First-Generation College Students, Charlotte Rose Balkus

Masters Projects

The purpose of this project is to explore the barriers experienced by first-year first-generation college students, and what support services can be provided to mitigate the barriers. Through an intensive review of literature, sense of belonging is one of many barriers that first generation college students face. Being the first to do something can be uncomfortable and scary. The intentions of this project are to create a Living Learning Center that aids first-generation college students during their transition to college. This Living Learning Center will host a summer bridge program designed to lessen the struggles that first generation college students …

Fostering Persistence Of College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Transitional Orientation Programming At Gvsu, Emily Zeliasko

Masters Projects

Research has shown that students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) persist to degree completion at lower rates than neurotypical students. ASD can present unique challenges and strengths related to higher education for each student. This project discusses common experiences of students with ASD and related accommodations traditionally provided by higher education institutions. Recognizing the need for additional skill-building opportunities, this program builds upon the previously structured peer mentorship program implemented by the Disability Support Resource office at GVSU. In addition, this program provides parents and supporters with opportunities to also connect with the institution while learning best practices related to …

Corpus Expositum: Fat Studies As Critical Education Material For Student Affairs Professionals, Jenna J. Weatherwax

Masters Projects

As Fat Studies is an emerging field within higher education student affairs, research shows that the academic, social, and personal development of students who face fatphobia or discrimination is stunted (Brown, 2016; McHugh and Kasardo, 2012; Ramseyer Winter, 2017; Ropers-Huilman et al., 2016; Stevens, 2018; Wann, 2009). But, as colleges have historically and continuously ignored or erased the presence of fat students on their campuses, fat students are often left without support during their college experiences (Wann, 2009). Several factors impact fat college students and this project explores these factors, including the gendered aspect to fatphobia, the medicalization of fatness …

Queer And Trans* Students’ Experience With Gender-Inclusive Housing At Four-Year Public Institutions, Chad D. Novak

Masters Projects

Queer and trans* students can face many struggles within higher education, including individual and institutional discriminatory practices. Higher education’s housing and residence life can perpetuate a heteronormative environment through gender-segregated residence halls. Research indicates gender-inclusive housing can provide gender-appropriate accommodation for queer and trans* students. However, colleges and universities do not center the voices and experiences of queer and trans* students in creating and assessing gender-inclusive housing, creating additional logistical obstacles to accessing and retaining in housing and residence life. This project aims to mitigate logistical obstacles and struggles faced by queer and trans* students by creating a living-learning community …