Education Commons^™

A Preferred Vision For Leading Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Paul Flynn

Graduate Research Papers

I believe leadership is a tenuous position. Exemplary educational leaders need to be honest, forthright, consistent, fair, and caring. A failure in any of these traits often results in the loss of faith in the leader. People will not follow a leader they no longer have faith in. In addition to these traits, a good leader must be a tireless worker. Keeping the vision alive and -functioning must be a continual process, and if the principal is not willing to work at it, neither will others. Leadership involves creating an atmosphere and an environment where people are willing to adapt …

My Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Angela J. Fowler

Graduate Research Papers

I believe the most profound experiences have been watching my mentor in her administrative style and comparing that to the style of my current and past administrators. Somewhere along the way I have taken elements from each one of their administrative styles, and shaped it into a style of my own. I believe I will be an excellent leader, largely due to the tremendous experiences along the way. I am excited to think about the successes and challenges I will encounter as I guide leadership capacity, and shape the culture of the people I lead.

This paper will be a …

The Impact Of A Word-Study Spelling Curriculum On Spelling Instruction And Student Spelling Achievement, Jan Baker

Graduate Research Papers

Word study uses direct instruction at the appropriate developmental level, hands-on activities, the study of orthographic structure, and a philosophy of problem-solving in a positive atmosphere. Pre- and post assessment data suggest that this is an effective instructional approach for improving student spelling achievement.

Using Young Adult Literature : A Classic Way To Teach English, Matt B. Pries

Graduate Research Papers

Students are reading less, and enjoying reading less. Sticking to the same curriculum year after year in the hope that student attitude will suddenly change, that there will be an awakening in the classroom, and students will read the classics with enthusiasm cannot be done. It is a false hope. But there can be an awakening.

Using young adult literature in the high school English classroom is the solution. It will give new hope to teachers that as students come to enjoy reading, they will be more apt to, not only read more, but eventually come to read the classics. …

Is Inclusion Working At One Middle School In Iowa?, Brett Alan Fischels

Graduate Research Papers

This study investigated how the inclusive special education program was operating at Thompson Middle School in Southeast Iowa. Three conclusions were found. First, a majority of the teachers interviewed felt inclusive education was having a positive impact on all students. Second, most of interviewees felt the administrators needed to provide more resources to insure success. Finally, the more years teaching experience an educator possessed, the less they viewed inclusive education as having a positive impact. Recommendations are made to address these conclusions.

Grandparents In Education Project, Kim Renee Freund

Graduate Research Papers

The research strongly suggests that family involvement in education is vital to a child's academic achievement (Epstein, 1987; Zill, 1996). The Grandparent in Education Project goes beyond the parents and into the previous generation of grandparents. In many families grandparents have played a key role in children's lives. Today the numbers of grandparents that help raise or are full-time guardians to children are on the rise (Bafile, 1999). It is a logical connection to include them in today's educational environment.

Another important component is technology and the current role it plays in society. Digital media is continuing to influence communication …

Literacy Instruction In First Grade Classrooms : Teachers Trained In Reading Recovery In Comparison With Teachers Who Have Not Been Trained, Trisha Fuelling

Graduate Research Papers

This investigation attempts to demonstrate the importance of having trained Reading Recovery teachers in first grade classrooms. Reading education has always been a vital part of curricula in school districts across America. Successful reading requires numerous basic processes, such as the identification of letters, the mapping of letters onto sounds, word decoding, the recognition of words, and the use of syntax and semantic cues. Several areas of learning such as emergent literacy also facilitate the process of reading. Reading involves recognition of visual patterns-groups of words, word parts, clusters of letters and single letters. Reading also involves knowledge of the …

Parents Join The Club : Inviting Parents And Children To Participate In A Family Book Club, Kimberly Gansen

Graduate Research Papers

A fifth grade elementary teacher who regularly uses book clubs as a part of her reading program offers the parents of her students the opportunity to learn about and participate in a book club with their children. The parents of the teacher's 24 students were invited to attend an informational meeting to learn how book clubs function in their child's classroom and to discover the value of discussion in developing and promoting reading comprehension. Eight parents and their children joined the Family Book Club. They all read In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Betty Bao Lord …

Mentoring : A Key To First Year Survival, Shannon Hartman

Graduate Research Papers

My research will be directed to answer the following questions: What push/pull factors draw new teachers away from the teaching profession? What strategies can be employed to increase teacher retention? To what degree is a mentoring program effective in teacher retention? What characteristics establish the effectiveness of a mentoring program?

"Speling It Rite Eevn Aftr The Test" : What Students Can Tell Us, Jennifer L. Heckmann

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes a teacher inservice designed to aid teachers in implementing a developmental spelling program in an elementary setting. Developmentally appropriate instruction in spelling takes into account a student's existing knowledge of words. Such a program consists of understanding each student's level of knowledge, selecting word lists to meet the students' needs; providing explicit instruction about spelling patterns, and continually assessing students' spelling progress through authentic, written work

The questions this project will address include: (a) Why should a developmental spelling program be implemented, (b) what research supports a developmental approach to spelling instruction, (c) what are the potential …

Writing In The Kindergarten Classroom : It Can Be Done!, Stephanie Kartman

Graduate Research Papers

When discussing early writing Vicki Spandel (2001) brings up the following very important point: "We need to notice the little things (not just the big milestones) and put them to work to encourage our young writers, who are often doing much more than they get credit for'' (p. 321 ).

This project was built upon the idea that teachers would support writing through various instructional methods such as interactive, shared, and direct writing instruction. These activities are meant to supplement the Marion Independent School District kindergarten curriculum.

The Effects Of Homogeneous Grouping Practices On Talented And Gifted Students, Angela Kurt-Sconsa

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review was to examine research findings about the effects of homogeneous grouping practices on gifted students. As school budgets have been cut, many gifted programs across the country have been impacted. Also, as tracking has become a political faux pas, many gifted programs have been eliminated.

The following are recommendations for education policy makers: realize that one teacher cannot do it all in a classroom with a wide range of abilities; know that content, in addition to grouping, is a main factor in students' advancement; remain flexible with grouping and programming; and try to overcome …

Reading Motivation Of Middle School Students, Sandra K. Leinen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review was to examine the motivation factors that influence middle school students' reading motivation. The literature review addresses the issue of declining reading motivation of middle school students as they progress through the grade levels. This review deals with four main areas: motivation, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and self-efficacy. Literary resources were gathered and results of a reading survey completed by students at AHST Middle School were included. Information from both sources were reviewed and analyzed. The results of the literature review and the Avoca-Hancock-Shelby-Tennant (AHST) Middle School database indicate ways to increase middle school …

Integrating Technology Into Literature Circles, Carrie A. Lutkenhaus

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to develop a series of in-services that train middle school literature teachers in the integration of technology into literature circles. A staff development workshop was created to coincide with the Fort Dodge Community School District reading improvement goal. The audience for this staff development workshop will include eight fifth and sixth grade teachers from Fair Oaks Middle School. A review of the literature concerning literature circles and the integration of technology confirmed that the integration of technology into literature circles would have a positive effect on the literature classroom. Literature circles and the integration …

The Sounds Of Silence : Music Education And Academic Achievement, Donny Brazile

Graduate Research Papers

This research began with the author's firsthand experience with regard to the value of music education. Very few deny the benefits of music education and its connection to academic achievement. In a recent poll administered by the Gallup Organization, 95 percent of Americans believe music to be a cornerstone of a quality education, and over 75 percent of those polled suggested that music education should be mandated by the schools. However, far too many music education programs are being cut, or are in grave danger of being cut, from the curriculum nationwide. Research clearly shows the importance of music education: …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Todd M. Coulter

Graduate Research Papers

The key to leadership is confidence: not only in yourself, but those around you to get the job done to your satisfaction. Good leaders surround themselves with good people to whom they can delegate responsibility to and trust that it will be done satisfactorily. Leaders must not only bask in the glow of success, but also bathe in the spotlight of failure, readily admitting fault when necessary.

A quality leader possesses good motivational skills and is adept at "handling" people. In my experiences, good leaders remain calm under pressure and are constantly striving to improve not only themselves, but also …

A Vision Of Leadership For Secondary School : A Reflective Essay, Bret A. Jones

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership requires a vision. A clear picture of what you want to accomplish. It's teaching those around you how they can better themselves as well as the people they are working with. It's developing, organizing, and monitoring a plan so the vision can be carried out. It's knowing that you cannot reach the vision alone and drawing from the people around you. Using all the resources your school and community have to offer. Leadership is modeling desired behaviors and showing others you care. Leadership is making tough decisions , and leading change when needed. Leadership is not what you think, …

A Vision Of Elementary School Leadership : A Reflective Research Paper, Dawn R. Embretson

Graduate Research Papers

I want to help children feel that sense of belonging, self-worth, and pride that comes from learning. My task as an administrator will be to put the necessary pieces in place to make sure that happens. One strand woven throughout all my experiences is the importance of building and sustaining relationships.

Two key beliefs I will discuss in the following pages include: 1. The keys to helping our students find success is in the effectiveness of our teachers. 2. An administrator is responsible for creating a nurturing school environment, which enables him/her to lead students, families and staff toward a …

Cooperative Learning And Reading Strategies On The Secondary Level, Kathryn Magner Panoch

Graduate Research Papers

In order for students to become skilled readers, they need to become effective readers, which means rereading, drawing inferences, and relating new knowledge to existing knowledge (Tovani, 2000). Skilled readers know the purpose for which they are reading, and they are directly involved in their reading. This project demonstrates how to successfully incorporate cooperative learning and reading strategies into the classroom at the secondary level.

A Case Study Of Organizational Change At Riverview Early Childhood Center, Jaclyn Yetmar

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the need for change in an organization and the obstacles which must be overcome. The reasons for change were discussed in regard to Riverview Early Childhood Center of Webster City, Iowa. Guidelines were presented for change agents to use in accomplishing change within an organization. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for organizations in facilitating change from within.

Suicide Risk Assessment And Implications For Counselors, Shannon L. Beelner

Graduate Research Papers

Beginning counselors may not be thoroughly knowledgeable in the art of suicide assessment. It is the purpose of this paper to review the current statistics of suicidality, known risk factors of attempting and completing suicide, crisis intervention techniques, how to carefully conduct a mental status exam, models of suicide assessment, and implications for counselors. The models surveyed in this paper were Leenaar's (1994) five step model which is considered the most common model in crisis intervention, the second model comes from Frierson, Melikian, and Wadman (2002), and the third model is the Chronological Assessment of Suicide Events (CASE approach) by …

Bullying In Elementary School, Jennifer P. Dixon

Graduate Research Papers

The prevalence of bullying is very high among elementary students, and students are affected by bullying, whether or not they are the bully, victim, or bystander. When working with bullies and victims, it is important to be aware of the different types of bullying, as well as the various forms and characteristics of bullies and victims. The school staff and community can help prevent bullying by gaining knowledge about various aspects of bullying and making the school a safe environment.

Personality Type And Student Affairs Graduate Students, Meinholz J. Meinholz

Graduate Research Papers

The use of personality type information about student affairs graduate students is , interesting to speculate about. A graduate program could identify what populations of students it is attracting for enrollment. Such information could allow them to adjust their recruitment techniques in order to attract a more diverse student body. Understanding the personality types of students in the classroom would provide insight into the most effective instruction techniques. Personality type information could also be helpful for advisors to use in assisting students with selecting electives and practicum or internship experiences that complement their type. Graduate students could learn more about …

Snapshots Of Educational Experience And Leadership : A Reflective Essay On Core Beliefs And Critical Elements, Rick A. Miller

Graduate Research Papers

The best interest of the child is a foundation of all my beliefs and actions. As I reflect, I will be describing (as if taking an actual picture of the experience) snapshots in time related to my personal and professional growth as a person and educator.

In developing myself personally and professionally, I identified six critical elements of educational leadership including displaying effective communication skills, using assessment and problem-solving skills, modeling and supporting teaching and learning, collaborating by providing established structures and processes, having knowledge to influence stakeholders in political and legal systems, and being a reflective practitioner as a …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary And Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tim T. Moses.

Graduate Research Papers

As I think about the question of becoming an administrator, all sorts of things run through my mind. Things such as, am I really cut out to do this job ? Do I have what it takes to be an administrator? Will I fail or will I succeed? Will I have the support of my staff? Will I be able to perform the paper-pencil tasks of an administrator? Will I be able to handle the school's budget ? I mean the questions just go on and on. So, as I look at the driving forces behind my decision to become …

Improving Psychological Well-Being And Adjustment To Enhance Positive Aging, Monica J. Padilla

Graduate Research Papers

The elderly are the fastest growing population in the United States. With this increase in population comes the need for help in improving psychological well-being and enhancine adjustment. This paper explores three factors that may benefit the adjustment process for the elderly population. These factors are religion, social support, and intergenerational programs. The need for mental health counselors in this field will continue to increase as the population continues to grow older. In combination with counseling and the three factors of religion, social support and intergenerational programs, adjustment for the elderly can be optimistic.

Attachment Theory : How To Treat Attachment Disorders In Adults, Kristy L. Hrdlicka

Graduate Research Papers

Attachment is a bond formed between two individuals over a period of time, dealing with how they relate to one another through their interactions (Sable, 2000). In this paper, a review of the literature is discussed regarding how the attachments between individuals are formed and the four different patterns of attachment: Secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized. Following the review, practical interventions are also provided for counseling professionals to use when working with clients who have attachment disorders.

A Preferred Vision For Leading Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jeffrey A. Haverland

Graduate Research Papers

I believe there are four critical elements necessary for any administrator to be a successful leader of learning. The first critical element is the creation and maintenance of an exceptional school climate and culture where learning is approached with enthusiasm and wonder. Second, the administrator must maintain a direct connection to the learning environment, at all times, so that learning is seen as important and expected. Third, ethical leadership of the school community is foundational to the success of the school community, and the building administrators must always act with integrity. Finally, the administrator must develop, implement, and continually support …

School Counseling And Confidentiality, Amy R. Usher

Graduate Research Papers

School counselors are continually challenged with legal and ethical issues. According to Remley (2002), school counselors seem to face more legal and ethical issues than counselors who practice in other settings. Numerous situations or topics can be placed under the term legal issue or ethical issue, however, this author has chosen to concentrate on the legal and ethical issue of confidentiality in counseling. There seems to be much confusion among school counselors dealing with confidentiality issues. According to Mitchell, Disque, and Robertson (2002) "Research indicates that counselors struggle when faced with issues surrounding confidentiality rights of minors and rights of …

Writing As A New Component Of English As A Second Language Programs For Young Russian Children, Elena Voronina

Graduate Research Papers

This project is based on the fundamental idea that oral and written languages develop simultaneously and mutually support development of each other. Reading and writing are two language processes which are impossible to separate from each other, whether learning one's native language or a foreign language. However, in Russian English Foreign Language (EFL) programs this is not the case. The main focus for five and six year olds in these programs is oral communication, the ability to speak with your partner and comprehend what is being spoken. For young learners writing may facilitate language development. The language becomes not just …