Education Commons^™

Improving Basic Literacy Skills Of Juvenile Delinquents Through Relevant Experiences, Louis A. Manzella

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum aimed to improve the basic literacy skills of juvenile delinquents in the county jail by using relevant experiences as the basis of learning. Two corollary aims were to increase the number of high school diplomas generated through the General Education Development Test (GED), and prepare students to function in the outside world.

Students shared relevant experiences with other students. From this discussion a vocabulary list was generated that was used for reading and spelling. Students then wrote out on paper what they had shared with the group and submitted it to the writer for review and correction. Students …

Beyond Drill And Practice: Process Writing In A One Computer Second Grade Classroom Through A Variety Of Writing Activities, Lillian C. Weisberg

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum aimed at increasing children’s abilities to use the computer through word processing activities. Most of the activities involved the children working in cooperative groups. Another objective of the practicum activities was to incorporate the computer into the language arts area. The third objective was to effectively use a single computer beyond drill and practice with the entire class.

Activities involved writing narratives and friendly letters which were done on an individual basis. Other activities included writing global reports as well as creative stories, which were done in groups of two and three. The children evaluated each of the …

Improving In-School Staffing And Multidisciplinary Team Effectiveness In The High School Setting, Thomas G. Sarnecki

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to improve the operation of the in-school staffing team at the high school level. Three adjunct aims were to increase the awareness and role responsibilities of multidisciplinary team members, to improve the decision making process by greater participation of team members, and to improve the referral process for students in need of special education programs.

An in-service workshop was developed for the in-school staffing team members to make them more aware of their responsibilities with the team decision making process. A handbook describing their role expectations was distributed to them at the second in-service workshop. This …

Enriching And Increasing Kindergarteners Knowledge, Ability To Understand, Recite, Write, And Appreciate Poetry Integrated Across A Standardized Curriculum, Erlene B. Nelson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to improve kindergartener’s understanding, enjoyment of, and ability to compose poetry integrated across the curriculum in order to enhance their cognition and reading skills. It was also designed to impart the value of teaching poetry to young children. Parents were involved in the process.

The writer developed a poetry supplement integrated across the curriculum for use by teachers and a history of rhyme and poetry for use by teachers and parents, administered surveys to parents and children, administered pre and posttests to kindergarten pupils, organized daily experiences for the children’s classroom poetry exposure and opportunities for …

A Multifaceted Program To Improve Self-Esteem And Social Skills While Reducing Anxiety In Emotionally Handicapped Middle School Students, Lynn Poirier

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The goal of the practicum was to increase self-esteem, lower anxiety, and improve social skills in 13 emotionally handicapped (EH) middle school boys. A fourth objective was to improve parent’s knowledge and skills as to how they could improve their children’s self-esteem via parenting classes.

A multifaceted program for realizing these objectives consisted of social skills training, Budzynski’s Relaxation Training Program, a self-esteem improvement program, and parenting education classes. The eight-month multifaceted program was evaluated by means of post-tests using Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory (CSI), the Coopersmith/Gilbert Behavioral Academic Self-Esteen (BASE), the Spielberger et al. Children' State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Gresham …

The Development And Implementation Of A Parent Outreach Program To Increase School Involvement Of Fourth Grade Parents, Theresa A. Weitock

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum aimed to increase parental involvement in the elementary school. It also attempted to provide workshops for the parents to help them realize the valuable role they play in their children’s education.

Six Parent-Teacher-Child workshops were designed to teach parents and children how to work together: Modeling technique as well as “hands on” activities were all part of the Parent Outreach Program. Sign in sheets for parents, teachers and children were provided and data was collected after each session. Checklists, Questionnaires and Surveys developed by this author were used. Feedback information was also collected.

Outcomes of this practicum were …

Increasing Positive Experiences For At Risk Preschoolers Through Coaching Of Parent Interactions, Mary H. Jennings

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was a three-month project designed to improve positive experiences of "at-risk" preschoolers through coaching of parent interactions. The goal was to provide parents with tools to assist them in enriching the home environment of their preschool children.

Parents of preschool children from Chapter I schools were invited to participate in this twelve-week practicum which met weekly for two and one-half hours at an identified school. The population came from a large urban school district where many young parents were involved.

Twelve parent improvement sessions were held with each session dealing with a different aspect of parenting; physical, social/emotional …

Increasing Teachers’ Competence In Observing, Assessing And Reporting Children’S Play In Education Settings, Jennifer F. Hardacre

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to develop learning experiences for teachers which would improve their ability to be credibly accountable for children’s progress in play-oriented educational programs. The primary objective was to increase teachers’ competence with regard to knowledge about play and skill in assessing and reporting it. Additional goals were to increase teachers' confidence about running a play-oriented, developmentally appropriate program, in justifying and explaining such a program to critics, and in enhancing the play of children in the program, and to design learning experiences which would effectively meet the needs of practitioners.

The writer administered a needs assessment to …

Using Midi: A Staff Development Program Designed To Increase Teacher Awareness Of The Technological Applications Of Musical Instrument Digital Interface In The Classroom, Charles G. Neese

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to increase teacher awareness of the technological applications of musical instrument digital interface in the classroom (MIDI). The primary goal was to assist music teachers in becoming more informed about MIDI to enable them to effectively select the appropriate hardware and software for their instructional settings.

Based on a survey completed by music teachers in the school district, the writer implemented a practicum which involved contacting software developers to acquire current versions of MIDI compatible software, and designing five training sessions in which teachers could develop skills while previewing the software programs. The topics included: (a) …

Group Counseling Of Selected Middle School Female Children Of Divorce To Address Divorce Issues And To Improve Self-Esteem, Donna J. Long

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to discuss divorce issues in a group counseling setting with young adolescent children of divorce to improve their basic knowledge of divorce issues and their self-esteem. The absence of such a program in the school setting resulted in a demand for individual counseling time which the counselor with a ratio of 1/700 students was unable to provide. The literature review strongly supported a need for group counseling to provide a safe environment for young adolescents to discuss divorce issues.

The writer's goal was to improve the self-esteem of selected young female children of divorce. In addressing …

Improving Elementary Teachers’ Comfort And Skill With Instructional Technology Through School-Based Training, Elizabeth C. Brennan

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum aims to increase elementary teachers' comfort and skill in the use of computer related technology for the purpose of establishing effective integration of instructional technology. Other ancillary goals included potentially improved instructional effectiveness through the development of an alternative mode of computer application and an increase of interactive rather than passive modes of instruction.

Processes of effective strategic, long-range planning and comprehensive training in staff development, comprise the twelve-week implementation phase. Designed to allow for site-based management and shared decision-making in the process of determining computer applications, the instructional staff formulated goals, objectives, and action plans for the …

A Program Designed To Improve The Self-Esteem Of Second Through Fifth Grade Students At Tangelo Park Elementary, Roy G. Brooks

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this MARP was to design a program to improve the self-esteem of second through fifth grade students an elementary school In Orlando, Florida. Analysis of the students’ scores on self-concept assessment rating scale revealed that 31 percent of the students scored below average on the assessment instrument. Analysis of problem symptoms through formal and informal methods revealed that the students’ self-esteem development was negatively impacted by low teacher expectations. Inadequate instruction time devoted to affective skills, and lack of self-esteem development instructional materials. Teachers were presented with strategies, methods, and materials on how to approach self-esteem development …

Developing A Procedure For Assisting Families With Early Childhood Referral Using Strategic, Community-Based Planning, Sharon M. Cadiz

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum addressed the problem of limited access of community families to early childhood services and information. Negative outcomes for both families and young children were attributed to difficulties in locating services and in providing for the developmental needs of children between birth and age five. These children were at risk for (a) being in substandard care, (b) being abused, neglected or subjected to heightened family stress, and (c) school failure. The primary aim of the practicum was to assist families in negotiating services related to the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of young children using a community-based referral …

A Multifaceted Approach To Increasing Eighth Grade Student Achievement In The Tells Test, Joseph R. Buzanowski

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report describes a multifaceted program developed to increase eighth grade student achievement in the Pennsylvania TELLS test. A progressive student decline had occurred in reading and mathematics. Compiled data indicated that coverage of assigned objectives, curriculum articulation, teacher acceptance of responsibility for adjusting student instructional programs and lack of commitment shared by the administration, staff, students and community were deficient.

During the Intervention activities include incorporation of all State directed objectives into the reading mathematics curriculums linked to an extensive articulation process under observation of targeted instructors with concentrations on goal setting: a staff development program that centered on …

Improving Aids Awareness Through A Staff Development Program For Teachers In An Elementary School Setting, Gladys M. Cormier

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was aimed to improve AIDS awareness through a staff development program for teachers in an elementary school setting. Two broad aims were to increase teacher knowledge regarding the transmission of AIDS and to teach them how to protect themselves and others with regards to this disease.

Twelve (12) workshops designed to develop essential skills and to impart information on the transmission and personal risk factors involved with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome/Human Immunodeficiency virus were held during the implementation phase of this practicum. New information regarding the AIDS virus was incorporated into every workshop when information occurred. AIDS related …

Expanding The School Psychologist’S Role To Serve Regular Education Students Through Child-Centered, School-Based Consultation, James W. Cole

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum presented a plan to expand school psychology services for regular education students at the elementary ana middle school levels. In order to have an effective delivery system of school psychology services for all students, school psychologists needed to be school-based and given time to provide consultation services to teachers, administrators, and parents. The goals were to broaden school psychology services and make others aware of the consultant role which may be provided by the school psychologist at their school.

The writer's objectives to resolve the problem were to increase the time spent by school psychologists in support of …

Encouraging Child Care Workers To Implement Music Activities In The Early Childhood Classroom Through An Audio Cassette Training Program, R Jill Edelson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This Practicum was designed to encourage child care workers to implement music activities in the early childhood classroom by providing an audio cassette training program. The primary goal was to provide in-service teacher training in the field of music and its related activities to child care workers, regardless of their musical background, during a time of the day conducted to learning and listening, nap time. The writer created and produced three audio tape cassettes with accompanying booklets, Music All Through the Day, Not Just for 20 Minutes on Friday, Music and the Early Childhood Curriculum, and Music with an Element. …

Develop And Implement A Peace Education Curriculum For Elementary School Students Through A Planned Program Of Instruction, Dale L Hudson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to provide K-6 grade children with peace making tools. The curriculum was piloted in a public school for one year. The goal was to teach children how to make peace with themselves and with others.

The writer used a combination of strategies in the curriculum to meet the needs of the children; provided self-esteem lessons; utilized conflict resolution techniques, including new approach to group consultation; utilized parent participation/moral education lessons designed to involve the family; and emphasized social skills training.

The results of the practicum were encouraging. Analysis of the data revealed that the children showed …

Design And Implement A Parent Education Program To Assist Kindergarten Parents In Becoming Active Participants In Their Child’S Education, Mary P. Dickerson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this practicum was to design and implement a parent education program that would assist parents of entering and established kindergarten children to become actively involved in their child’s education. The primary goal was to help children achieve the skills necessary for a successful kindergarten year. This goal was to be carried out through parent involvement, both in the classroom, at parent workshops and in the home. The writer administered a survey form to both parents and teachers to ascertain the need and interest of a parent program and to determine the most desirable time for a parent …

Home/School Collaboration In Effecting Positive Behavioral Change In Repeat Offenders In The Middle School, Marguerite F. Gibbons

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report deals with the development of a program of home/school strategies for middle school students. A high suspension rate, use of corporal punishment and other exclusionary procedures were utilized with a continued high rate of disruptive behavior. In addition, many parents revealed a sincere desire for assistance in managing their child, stating they had few or no techniques for positive behavior control.

Analysis of the data revealed a core group of students who were repeaters of disruptive behavior, despite detention, suspensions and other exclusionary tactics. Four solution strategies included a parent training program, with teaching seminars and written materials …

Resource-Based Learning: A Strategy For Rejuvenating Canadian History At The Intermediate School Level, Philip Cull

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to rejuvenate an Intermediate level Canadian history course. The primary goal was to provide students and teachers with resource materials that would be interesting, informative, and challenging. A second aim was to provide teachers with the techniques of resource-based learning so that these resources could be a catalyst for attitude changes and increase academic performance in Canadian history students.

The writer introduced new resource materials for the Canadian history course, administered pre- and post- questionnaires to students and teachers, conducted resource-based learning workshops, and monitored changes in students' attitude and academic performances before and after the …

Developing Self-Motivated, Empowered Middle School Students: A Practical Solution Strategy, Madeline S. Friedman

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to address the problem that teachers at the writer’s school had in finding specific teaching strategies that would help students become empowered and self-motivated in terms of their academic efforts and achievement. The teachers wanted the techniques to be directly integrated with the presentation of academic content, rather than separate from that content.

The writer developed a booklet of 13 strategies; presented a workshop to introduce the strategies: met regularly with the six participating teachers during implementation; recorded meeting results; developed a pre/post checklist of intrinsically motivated behaviors in students; and administered pre- and post-measurements to …

Development And Implementation Of An At-Risk Program To Aid Targeted Middle School Students With Self Esteem And Academic Performance, Diane A. Kallmann

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum addressed the problems of at-risk students with poor social and academic skills. Students lacked learning strategies and displayed poor social skills resulting in student drop out. The literature reviewed stressed a multi-level approach to the problem concentrating on the improvement of academic performance, attitude and self-confidence.

This writer's goals were: (a) to significantly increase self-confidence; (b) to sensitize faculty and administration to the problems of the at-risk student; (c) to increase the academic performance of the targeted students; and (d) to improve the attitude of the students toward school. In addressing these four goals, the writer Implemented a …

The Implementation Of An Alternative School Setting For High Risk Handicapped Adjudicated Juveniles Aged Nine To Sixteen Years, Linda D. Lacoste

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to provide an alternative setting for those 9 to 16-year-old handicapped, adjudicated youths who, because of anti-social acts, behavioral/emotional problems, learning disabilities, attendance problems, and other reasons, were excluded from the mainstreamed setting. Host school administrators and teachers ^/ere not prepared to effectively manage these concerns, therefore, the _ school system often had no recourse but to refer these high-risk students to City Court and the Juvenile Judge. The literature Indicated that there had been a sharp Increase In arrest rates beginning at the Junior high school age; It appeared that younger children were committing more …

Implementation Of An Intergenerational Program To Reduce Staff Turnover And Increase Qualified Personnel In Preschool Programs, Fran Orenstein

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this practicum was to offer intergenerational programming as an alternative solution to the problem of high job turnover, low staff retention, and lack of qualified personnel to fill vacancies in preschool programs.

One county was chosen as the focus for the program and three seminars were designed to introduce the concept to preschool administrators and to motivate and educate older adults to the idea of working or volunteering as child care workers. Community agencies and resources were identified as co-sponsors for the project. Brochures and flyers were sent out through these agencies to child care administrators and …

Development And Implementation Of Activities Designed To Target Uninvolved Parents And Increase Home And School Interaction Of Disadvantaged Families, Henry Robert Leidner

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was aimed at increasing parents’ participation in their children’s academic learning through training. Two corollary aims were to increase demonstration of Community/school interaction and to encourage attendance of the parents in the workshops or home instruction.

A pre-assessment questionnaire was used to determine family needs and interests. Several workshops were developed. A take-home computer program was used during the twelve-week period to bridge the classroom instruction with the parent involvement at home. Software was directly correlated with the individual child's learning level. Reporting of time spent by parents working with their children on school-related activities was done by …

Improving The Process Of Interviewing Prospective Elementary Teachers Of Gifted By Using A Target Selection Based Interview Packet, Mary Ann Ratliff

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to (I) identify beliefs, attributes and competencies of successful teachers of gifted (2) increase in administrators an awareness of beliefs, attributes and competencies of successful teachers of the gifted and (3) develop and field test an interview packet that combines the identified beliefs, attributes and competencies of successful teachers of the gifted with the target selection technique of questioning interviewees.

The quality of education for gifted students is directly related to specific skills of the teacher of gifted. The successful teacher of the gifted possess a unique set of beliefs, attributes and competencies. Specific behaviors of …

Fostering Literacy In Young Children Through Teacher And Parent Involvement, Wendi Feldman Siegel

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to foster literacy in young children. The primary objectives were for teachers and parents to regularly create experiences with literature for their children.

The writer administered a survey to determine the extent to which parents read to their children, brought them to the library, and limited the amount of their television viewing. Further, children were surveyed to determine the popularity of the reading corner in each classroom. A plan was implemented that empowered teachers to create an extensive literature-based curriculum within the school. Parents regularly received information concerning these activities as well as the importance of …

A Countywide Program For Expanding Speech-Language Services In The Elementary Schools, Brenda Teas

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum addressed the need to expand and to change the speech-language pathology service delivery system within the county due to the severe shortages of speech-language pathologists and numbers of students going unserved. A review of the literature reveals that shortages are common nationwide and that schools must look for strategies other than short-term recruitment efforts to deal with the problem.

The writer planned training sessions on six alternative service delivery strategies. Training was provided for the lead speech pathologist and special education directors from the 24 school districts in the county. The six strategies were: job-sharing, multilevel service, use …

Improving Writing Skills Of Hispanic High School Students Enrolled In Tesol: Meeting The Challenge Through The Use Of Critical Thinking, Error Reduction, And Teacher Feedback, Daniel Devries Iii

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum aimed to improve writing of Hispanic high school students and decrease the number of assignment errors over a twelve week time period. Readings selected for each task dealt with high-interest topic relevant to student needs. Explanation of readings was followed by group discussion of key points.

The cognitive taxonomy of Benjamin Bloom was adapted to each reading. Students answered questions related to readings from each level of the taxonomy. Corrective feedback followed as error patterns in writing were jointly examined. As students progressed in writing ability, assignments grew in length. Critical thinking was employed as pupils were able …