Education Commons^™

Transition Planning And Post-Secondary Achievement, Antonia L. Thompson

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

To solve this problem, the following questions related to the study were selected: 1. What are the components of the individualized Transition Plan? 2. What pre-exit programs, services and activities are available to the mildly disabled? 3. What are the post-secondary services, programs, and activities of the mildly disabled? 4. What influences post-secondary participation and outcomes?

Gender Bias In Selection For Honors Mathematics At Kempsville Middle School, William P. Mcbride

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The following objectives were established to guide the conduct of this research study: 1. To identify the percentage of females enrolled in the general population of the seventh and eighth grades at Kempsville Middle School; 2. To identify the percentage of females enrolled in the seventh and eighth grade honors mathematics courses at Kempsville Middle School; 3. To determine if a significant difference exists between the percentages determine in objectives one and two above; 4. To interview the personnel involved with the honors mathematics selection process and to review it for gender impartiality.

A Study To Determine The Effectiveness Of A Seven Bell School Day To A Block Schedule School Day Using Grade Point Averages As A Predictor, Traci Allgor

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a seven bell school day in a semester keyboarding class as compared to a block schedule school day semester keyboarding class, using grade point average as a predictor.

A Study To Determine The Effectiveness Of Diversity Training In The Workplace And What Kind Of Daily Impact Do These Results Have On Workers At Old Dominion University, Tatrece R. Dunlap

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

To answer the research problem, the researcher sought to answer the following questions: 1. Are the diversity training seminars that are conducted at Old Dominion offered on a voluntary basis? 2. Are issues of diversity better dealt with as a result of training? 3. Are employees encouraged to attend and actively participate in the diversity training seminars? 4. Based on employee feedback, is the program beneficial to employees? 5. As a result of training sessions, is there more of an awareness of prejudice and bias in the workplace?

A Study Of Typing Speed And Accuracy Development Using Computer-Based And Typewriter-Based Instruction In A Public High School, Dale Mcpherson

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

To evaluate the effect of computer-based versus typewriter-based instruction on keyboarding speed, the following hypotheses were proposed: 1. Students acquire keyboarding speed more quickly using computer-based instruction than using typewriter-based instruction; 2. Students in computer-based keyboarding classes will demonstrate a lower error rate than students in typewriter-based keyboarding classes.

A Model For Assessing The Quality Of Learning In Distance Education, George C. Lassetter Iii

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The factors contributing to the quality of learning in distance education were investigated. These factors were used to develop an empirically based model for the assessment of the quality of learning in distance education. The affective, cognitive, and conative domains of learning and the ethical domain of distance education were defined and used as the theoretical foundation for a search of distance education studies and evaluations that identified over 150 variables that potentially affected quality of learning. A Delphi technique was used to validate the variables and construct a survey instrument. Surveys were distributed to 3 groups totaling 523 students …

Effects Of Direct Reading Instruction On Literacy Achievement In Urban, Literature Based Classrooms, Steven M. Scarcelli

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This research examined two similar groups of first grade students and two different approaches to reading instruction within a whole language/literature based curriculum. The sample population for this research was drawn from four randomly assigned first grade classes attending an elementary school with urban characteristics. Teacher selection was based on results from the Theoretical Orientation to Reading Profile. Teachers in the experimental group implemented an approach that utilized a daily format for reading instruction developed by Dr. Patricia Cunningham. This approach involved strategies including phonics, writing, teacher directed, and self selected reading instruction. Teachers in the control group used the …

Teacher Roles For The Twenty-First Century, James C. Onderdonk Jr.

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This dissertation employs a case study methodology to examine the perceptions of discrete groups of educational stakeholders about the roles of teachers in two temporal conditions: the present and the future. The study proceeded in two steps: a series of structured interviews and a card sort. Members of nine different groups with varying perspectives on education were interviewed to validate the selection of teacher roles to be used in the card sort and to generate new roles to include in the study. Initially roles were identified through a literature review, brainstorming with practitioners and consulting colleagues. Interviews included both focused …

The Effects Of The Recommendations Of The Joint Legislative Audit And Review Commission On State Funding For The School Divisions Of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, And Virginia Beach, James T. Roberts

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) on State funding for the school divisions in the Virginia cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

The case study design provided the framework for the examination of the data. Records available from the Virginia State Department of Education, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, the Virginia Education Association (VEA), and the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission were reviewed to develop the research questions and the interview guides. Interviews were held with key persons in the …

Computer Networks And The Teaching Of English As A Second Language: How Networks Affect Second Language Acquisition, Kirstin J. Reed-Perez

English Theses & Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Urban Education Study: Implementing Problem-Solving Strategies In Mathematics As A Function Of Teacher's Learning Styles, Mary Lou Meinhold Fogarty

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This qualitative research was designed to ascertain the impact of teachers' learning styles on an active teaching program. Using grounded theory procedures, the researcher explored the second-year implementation of Moretti and associates' Problem Solver Program by 67 second- through fifth-grade teachers in order to gain information on the major research question: How effective are teachers with different learning styles in implementing problem-solving strategies in mathematics that require an active teaching style? Three Concerns Based Adoption Model (CBAM) instruments were used in this study. Two quantitative instruments were used: The Stages of Concern (CBAM) to determine the degree of program implementation …

The Effect Of Same-Sex Grouping Versus Mixed-Sex Grouping On Mathematics Achievement And Attitudes Of Academically Gifted Fourth And Fifth Grade Females In The Urban Classroom, Martha J. Tompkins

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Studies

Reports of the neglect of gifted students in America's schools and the inadequate mathematics involvement of females have made educators aware of a crisis in public education. Attitudes and opportunities are believed to be major influences in helping females become more involved with mathematics courses and careers. The research project examined the effect of same-sex groups versus mixed-sex groups on mathematics attitudes and achievement in fourth and fifth grade females in a mathematically gifted pilot program at a magnet center. The experimental study was analyzed with Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Regression Analysis, Post-Hoc tests, and …

The Effects Of Athletic Participation On Self-Concept, Daily School Attendance, And Grade Point Average Of Female Seventh-Grade Students In Urban Schools, David L. Olah

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This study examined the effects of athletic participation on self-concept, daily school attendance, and grade point average on 503 seventh grade students in urban middle schools. A 2 x 3 factorial MANOVA analyzed self-concept data to determine differences in self-concept associated with the levels of athletic participation with that of pre- and post-treatment test periods. Tukey's post hoc tests were incorporated when a significant F ratio was demonstrated (p< 0.05). Significant differences were noted in four areas of self-concept as defined by Piers-Harris (1984): (1) intellectual and school status (Tukey, p< 0.05), (2) physical appearance and attributes (Tukey, p< 0.05), (3) anxiety (Tukey, p< 0.05), and (4) popularity (Tukey, p< 0.05). No significant differences were noted in three areas of self-concept: (1) behavior, (2) happiness and satisfaction, and (3) self-concept total.

A 3 x 3 factorial ANOVA demonstrated statistical differences in daily school attendance between female students participating in interscholastic athletics with female students not participating in interscholastic athletics. Daily school attendance …

The Effects Of An Urban Middle School Dropout Prevention Program On The Academic Achievement, Attendance, Attitudes, And Conflict Resolution Skills Of At-Risk Student, Patricia Hawkins Fisher

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an urban middle school dropout prevention program on the academic achievement, attendance, attitudes toward self and school, and conflict resolution skills of potential dropout candidates. The study compared the differences in grade point averages and Iowa Test of Basic Skills scores, percentages of absences, self concept and motivation towards school scores, and the percentage of suspensions of subjects in three middle schools in Portsmouth, Virginia. A review of literature revealed that traditional dropout prevention efforts have addressed the dropout dilemma with varying degrees of success. More recent dropout initiatives …

Building A Consensus For The Development Of National Standards In History, Mary Vassilikou Bicouvaris

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This research project examines the process used by the National History Standards Project to build consensus for the development of national standards for teaching history in America's schools.

Since the publication of A Nation At Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform by the National Commission of Excellence in Education in 1983, the American educational community has been in the grips of a reform movement. The aim of this movement is to examine where we have been and where we are going as a nation and to redefine what we believe in and what we believe is important to teach our …

The Impact Of Educational Interventions On Organizational Culture At An Urban Federal Agency, Janet Myrick Mckenzie

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

Organizational culture in traditional terms, encompasses the beliefs, mores, customs, behavioral norms and ways of doing business. The theoretical research and studies conducted by practitioners and scholars such as Max Weber, Mary Parker Follett, Frederick Taylor, Chester Barnard, Elton Mayo, Rensis Likert and Edgar Schein contribute much to the intellectual framework for studying today's complex and ever changing organizations.

This study on the "Impact of Educational Interventions on Organizational Culture" is an evaluation of a major educational initiative undertaken by an urban federal agency, namely the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Langley Research Center (NASA-LARC). The design of this educational …

The Routinization Of Innovations In An Urban School System, Thomas Mcanulty

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Management

The purpose of this study is to identify conditions which make the success of innovations in public education more likely, thus helping administrators make better use of scarce resources. Nine innovations in Norfolk Public Schools in Virginia were examined. These included an automated student information system, electronic mail, an alternative school for pregnant teens, and a special education parent center.

A multiple case study methodology was employed in conducting this research. Data was gathered from interviews conducted with administrators, practitioners and other key actors involved with each innovation. Additionally, site visits were made for each case, relevant documentation examined, and …

The Contribution Of Selected Cognitive And Noncognitive Variables To The Academic Success Of Medical Technology Students, Mildred Keels Fuller

Health Services Research Dissertations

The research problem for this study assessed the relationship of cognitive and noncognitive variables to the academic success of African-American versus Caucasian medical technology students attending traditionally black institutions versus majority institutions. Academic success was defined as cumulative grade point average, cumulative clinical practica grades, and graduation status. The cognitive variable was the preclinical cumulative grade point average, and the noncognitive variables were the noncognitive subscale scores.

Seventy-five senior medical technology students provided demographic data, and completed the Noncognitive Questionnaire (Tracey & Sedlacek, 1984) that assessed eight noncognitive dimensions: positive self-concept; realistic self-appraisal: understands and deals with racism; prefers long-range …

The Effect Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Education Program On Knowledge, Attitudes And Sexual Behavior Of Selected College Students, Arlene Jaine Jackson Montgomery

Health Services Research Dissertations

The problem studied in this investigation was whether a behaviorally focused Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Program affects the knowledge, sexual attitudes and sexual behavior of college students.

Three hundred and six first-and third-year college students were included in the study from one university located in Southeastern Virginia. The sample was predominately female, African-American and mainly between the ages of 16-22 years of age.

Freshmen students were presently enrolled in the institution's HIV/AIDS education program, which was a part of a required course. The class sessions consisted of a pretest prior to student's completing the reading assignment …

Specialized Accreditation And Academic Libraries, Stuart L. Frazer

Libraries Faculty & Staff Publications

Discussion of academic libraries and the accrediting process focuses on an evaluation and comparison of library guidelines from 17 specialized accrediting bodies with guidelines from regional accreditors. Input versus output measures are discussed, and suggestions for improving the library's participation in the process are offered.

A Study To Determine African-American Phds' Perspective On Factors Affecting Academic Achievement: Selected Case Studies, Faye Brock Wade

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

To answer the research problem the following questions were considered: 1. What are some of the intellectual, social, economic and family background characteristics of African-American PhD s? 2. What factors influenced their decision to attain an advanced degree? 3. What factors do they identify as positive contributors to their educational and professional development?

Advising From A Constructive Developmental Perspective, Garrett J. Mcauliffe, Roger F. Strand

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

Advisors can enhance development by, first, identifying student's meaning-making assumptions and, second, challenging those assumptions while offering support as students struggle to increase the complexity of meaning making. Constructive developmental theory is offered as a useful framework from which to encourage greater student ownership of the educational planning process. Methods of assessing and enhancing development are suggested. Two cases that depict advising from the constructive developmental perspective are offered.

Linguistic Theory Applied To Teaching Practice: Looking Through Linguists' Eyes At An Urban Esl Classroom, Caroline Mary El-Kadi

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The quality of instruction in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs is of utmost concern to urban educators as more and more non-native speakers settle in urban areas and need better language skills to participate fully in American society. Training of ESL instructors is often difficult, given the limited resources of most programs. In ESL, a close study of classroom discourse has long been considered particularly useful, but undirected classroom observation is of limited use because what novices notice in the classroom is often inaccurate or irrelevant. Ways are needed to focus beginning teachers' observations. Over several decades, discourse analysts have devised methods …

The Considerations For Planning Marketing Education Courses In Virginia, Stephanie Gilmore

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The following questions need to be answered in order to solve the research problem: 1. Should business and marketing teachers collaborate to design an entrepreneurship course? 2. Should entrepreneurship be taught as a separate course in the marketing department? 3. Should Principles of Marketing be offered as a year-long course instead of a semester course? 4. Should students studying under the cooperative method of instruction complete basic employability skills?

A Study To Determine The Number Of Graduates Of The Technology Education Program At Old Dominion University That Have Incorporated The Revised Technology Education Materials And Concepts Into Their Public School Teaching, Michael V. Hall

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The research goals of this study were to determine: 1. What percentage of technology teachers in the Tidewater area believe the revised technology curriculum is a valuable tool in teaching technology education? 2. What percentages of middle school technology teachers in the Tidewater area have incorporated the revised Virginia approved Technology Curriculum? 3. What percentages of high schools technology teachers in the Tidewater area have incorporated the new Virginia approved Technology Curriculum? 4. To what extent were the 1990-1992 program completers of Old Dominion University's Technology Education program satisfied with the current direction of their teacher preparation program?

A Study To Determine The Percentage Of Old Dominion University Technology Education Graduates Who Are Still Involved In The Education Field, William L. Lucas Jr.

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

To guide this study the following questions were posed: 1. What are the reasons that technology education teachers remain in the teaching field? 2. What are the reasons that technology education teachers leave the teaching field? 3. What career paths are former technology education teachers pursuing? 4. What improvements can be made to retain Old Dominion University technology education students in the education field?

A Study To Determine The Feasibility Of Establishing A Dual Marketing/Business Education Teacher Certification Curriculum In Virginia Colleges And Universities, Joy D. Lalonde

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The following questions were established to guide this research: What should the requirements for teacher certification in marketing education be? What should the requirements for teacher certification in business education be? Can the two certification requirements be combined into one teacher education program?

A Study To Compare The Effectiveness Of Using Learning-Centered Instruction And Information-Centered Instruction, Stacy R. Page

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The hypothesis governing this research project was that adult learners who receive learner-centered instruction using role plays and job aids will learn better than adult learners who receive information-centered instruction.

A Study Comparing The Design And Engineering Problem-Solving Abilities Of Students That Have Received Varying Amounts Of Prior Mathematical Instruction, Eric M. Fischer

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to compare the problem solving abilities of students in grades nine through twelve that have completed either one, two, or three, thirty-six week courses in the subject area of mathematics in order to determine how much mathematical instruction is necessary as a prerequisite to the successful completion of instructional activities integral to the contemporary high school technology education curricula.

A Study To Determine The Educational And Employment Status Of Deep Creek High School Marketing Education Graduates, Donald B. Gresham

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The following goals were established to guide the research: 1. Determine the educational status of the program graduates; 2. Determine the employment status of the program graduates; 3. Determine if the Marketing Education program graduates are currently using most of the skills they learned while enrolled in the Marketing Education program.