Education Commons^™

The Effect Of Cooperative Learning On The Mathematical Achievement Of Fifth Grade Students, Stefanie A. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of cooperative learning on mathematical academic achievement in fifth grade students. The design of this research also studied the extent cooperative learning has on reducing mathematics anxiety and generating mathematical interest. The sample involved one group of students (n = 21), which were drawn from a class of ten and eleven year old students. This study utilized a pretest - posttest, one group design. The subjects were exposed to two treatments, traditional instructional methods and cooperative learning instructional methods. A mean difference comparison found a significant difference in the …

The Effects Of Word Study: A Developmental And Discovery Based Approach To Spelling, Jessica Wright

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this academic investigation was to find the effect of Word Study on the spelling abilities of third grade students; and to determine if the change in spelling abilities is greater in those third graders who receive the treatment of guided on-level instruction and interactive word activities than those third grade students who participated in a traditional spelling program. Orthographic knowledge of the treatment and control groups were measured through a series of pretests and then posttested after treatment was received. The treatment involved a variety of interactive activities that were discovery based. The positive change in the …

Transition From School To Adult Life: What Have We Done To Support Students With Disabilities?, Ann Theresa Adams

Theses and Dissertations

As a legal component of an individual's IEP, a transition plan essentially should represent and include activities to prepare individuals with disabilities for postgraduate experiences. Activities should be individualized and relevant to each individual intended post school environments. Though a legal requirement, much research reports negatively on transition planning implementation. Some negative findings listed in research are as follows: lack of collaboration among individuals involved in the transition process; lack of student involvement in planning; ineffective design of students' goals and objectives; lack of linking students with adult agency providers for post graduate support services, and overall negative post school …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Peer Mediation Program In An Elementary School Setting, Theresa M. Davidson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the effectiveness of a peer mediation program on students with behavioral problems and conflicts using an action research design. Further, it informed teachers, administrators, parents, and the guidance department as to the progress of the program.

All students at Mennies Elementary School in Vineland had, if needed, the opportunity to be involved in the conflict resolution program. The participants in the program were in traditional, bilingual, and special education classes. All stakeholders served as the primary data-gathering instruments in the research. To determine if peer mediation improved the climate in …

Designing, Implementing, And Determining The Effectiveness Of A Peer Coaching Program, Catherine Russo

Theses and Dissertations

Professional development is an important part of teaching, and there are a multitude of opportunities for teachers to attend workshops and seminars on a host of topics. The purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness of peer coaching as a valuable professional development activity for teachers. A group of twelve volunteer participants visited their partners' classrooms and provided feedback on aspects of teaching pre-determined by the teachers themselves. Participants received guidelines for deciding on a focus area during a pre-conference, recording data, and providing feedback at a post-conference. Each participant provided feedback concerning each visit and responded to …

Teachers' Perspectives On Grade Retention: Is It Effective?, Joseph Terch Iv

Theses and Dissertations

Grade retention has been a problem since the mid-19th century when the concept of individual grades replaced the one room schoolhouse. Extensive research was reported on grade retention, its effect, and impact on the referral of students with learning disabilities, parent and teacher perspectives. The research findings on retention are inconclusive and questionable. The purposes of this study are (a) to evaluate the teacher attitudes towards grade retention, and (b) to compare the differences of teacher attitudes at elementary, middle and high school levels. A survey was developed and approximately 150 were distributed to teachers. Of these 150, 120 were …

The Effect Of Social Skills Training For Elementary Students With Learning Disabilities, Patricia M. Swenson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the social skills program "Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child" for elementary children with learning disabilities. Two first grade and two second grade students participated in the study. All students were classified as specific learning disabled and were included in the general education classroom with instructional support from a resource room. The intervention consisted of 12 sessions, using the "Skillstreaming" program 20 minutes per day, four days a week for 3 weeks, and weekly follow-up of review for 4 weeks with a total of 7 weeks.

A multiple baseline design …

An Exploratory Study To Determine Procedures For Implementation And Evaluation Of Pupil Assistance Committees, Joyce E. Klemic

Theses and Dissertations

Literature related to Pupil Assistance Committees indicates they were established to increase the capacity of regular education to serve pupils with learning and behavior problems without labeling them as handicapped. New Jersey mandates the establishment of Intervention and Referral Services which are "a coordinated system in each building for the planning and delivery of intervention and referral services designed to assist students who are experiencing learning, behavior and health difficulties and to assist staff who have difficulties in addressing students' learning, behavior or health needs." (N.J.A.C. 6A: 16-7.1)

The purpose of this study was to identify an effective model of …

Effective Vocabulary Development For Secondary Students In Weekly Small-Group Sessions, Susan L. Lange

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quasi-experimental one group study was to (a) ascertain the vocabulary acquisition of low-achieving language students in grades 9-11 (n = 14), and (b) to determine if implementation of a program of explicit instruction would lead to a significant improvement of the volume of knowledge of a controlled list of vocabulary words. Results revealed that all participants showed positive change in the number of vocabulary items answered correctly from initial pretest to final posttest (M = +15 items), with an average 97% improvement. The time to acquire one new vocabulary word was approximately 10.6 minutes. Implications for …

The Effects Of Writing Process Instruction On Student Compositions, Kelly K. Letcher

Theses and Dissertations

Writing instruction has undergone many changes throughout the years. In the 1970's, instruction involved repetitive grammar drills. During the 1980's, instruction moved completely away from these drills and instead focused on creative writing. Currently, writing instruction seems to incorporate both philosophies, often times, through implementation of the writing process.

This study was designed to accomplish three purposes: first to clearly delineate and describe each stage of the process, second, to provide procedural suggestions for its implementation, and third, to document the effectiveness of such an approach on student writing.

The subjects of this study were 42 third and fourth grade …

Effects Of A Metacognitive Think-Aloud Strategy Used To Improve Reading Comprehension In A Group Of Third Graders, Megan C. Scully

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effectiveness of a metacognitive think-aloud strategy used to improve reading comprehension in a group of third grade students. Fourteen general education students were pre-tested using an individual reading inventory to determine baseline independent, instructional, and frustration reading levels. Explicit and systematic instruction in the strategy, as well as hands-on practice with each component of the strategy, lasted for twelve consecutive weeks. Subjects were then post-tested with different forms of the initial reading inventory. Comparisons of pre-test and post-test scores indicate an average of one year's growth in the independent, instructional, and frustration reading levels for all …

A Study To Determine How Many Person Hours Are Expended By Learning Consultants And School Psychologists To Complete An Evaluation From Initial Referral To Final Placement, Maria Mercedes Styron

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted in order to determine the number of hours that are necessary to complete an initial evaluation by a Learning Consultant and a School Psychologist. Surveys were distributed to a random sample of Learning Consultants and School Psychologists in South Jersey. The survey consisted of eighteen areas which are a part of an initial evaluation. Participants were asked to report the amount of time spent on each area in minutes. Fifty questionnaires were mailed out and 33 were returned. Of the completed questionnaires 15 were from School Psychologists and 18 were from Learning Consultants . Twenty six …

The Comparison Of Two Rhythm Syllable Systems On The Meter Recognition Abilities Of Second And Third Grade Students, Richard D. Beckman Ii

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of rhythm syllable systems in developing students' aural discrimination abilities. The problem was to examine the effect of rhythm syllable systems on students' abilities to aurally identify the meter of rhythm patterns. A secondary problem was to examine the interaction effects of music aptitude and rhythm syllable systems.

The sample for this study included 107 students in second and third grade general music classes. Classes remained intact and were randomly assigned to the control group, the time-based syllable group, and the function-based syllable group.

Subjects were administered the Intermediate Measures …

School-Based Management: Leadership Hand In Hand, Terrence O'Connor Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study, conducted in order to determine the effectiveness of the school-based management team, occurred at the Reeds Road Elementary School. An action research design, using both surveys and interviews, assisted in obtaining the data necessary to make an appropriate determination of the initiative's effectiveness in providing staff with more say in school affairs, as well as positively affecting the school's climate. Twenty-two staff members, chosen randomly to best represent all areas of the school's staff population, completed surveys regarding the school-based management team. In addition, six different staff members were also chosen randomly to participate in an interview process. …

Evaluation In-Service Program For Professional Development, Aida Colon

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if an in-service would help the staff gain knowledge and experience in dealing and interacting with different languages and cultures that are represented in the school.

The staff was given an in-service, part of which placed them in different situations and required them to think and react to how they felt in that situation. There was a group of twenty students from different languages and cultures. The students spoke on how they felt being in a country where they did not understand the new culture and language. There was also a question …

Using Background Music To Reduce Off-Task Behaviors Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Lesa Deshield Givens

Theses and Dissertations

Many children with learning disabilities (LD) frequently exhibit attention and motivational problems as well as impulsive and physically aggressive behaviors (Hoy & Gregg, 1994). Thus, learning, for these students, is a great challenge and for teachers, providing effective instruction is a great challenge too. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of background music on the classroom behavior of students with learning disabilities. A sample of 7 students with learning disabilities from grades 4 and 5 participated in this study. They received instruction in the language arts and math in two (2) special education resource classrooms. A …

The Effects Of The Development And Implementation Of The School Sanctuary Program On Safety And The Climate Of Safety At Egg Harbor Township High School, Theodore Pugliese

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the effectiveness of the school sanctuary program on safety and the climate of safety at Egg Harbor Township High School (EHTHS), Using a case-study design, 56 teachers were first surveyed to provide a description of the climate of safety in the high school. It was found that, on average, the staff felt physically, psychologically, socially, and morally safe. Teachers also used the word safe to describe the overall climate of safety at school. Furthermore, this data would be used as a baseline for further comparisons and was to help the …

Building A Community For Learning By Creating A School Management Team At Rittenberg Middle School, John P. Griffith

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the formation of a School Management Team (SMT) at the Rittenberg Middle School in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, would foster positive academic change in the subject of eighth grade mathematics. The creation of the SMT was part of a comprehensive whole school reform. The instrument used by Rittenberg Middle School to measure student achievement was called Edutest. Edutest is a comprehensive, online assessment software that provides immediate results of student performance. Results from the Edutest provide confirmation that work done by the School Management Team did facilitate improvement in mathematics …

Evaluating The Effectiveness And Use Of The Peer Mediation Program In The Galloway Township Middle School, Susan Kerrigan

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and use of the peer mediation program in the Galloway Township Middle School in order to improve the program and increase its use.

Data was gathered using four separate research instruments. These instruments included a survey, monitoring the Peer Mediation Reports and interviews with the building administrators and the schools peer mediators. These methods were used to obtain the students' and staff members' perceptions of the process regarding its use and ways to improve the program.

It was concluded that peer mediation is used and supported by the teachers and administrators, however, …

A Comparison Study On Self-Esteem Of Students With Learning Disabilities In Different Educational Placements, Kara A. Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the self-esteem of students with learning disabilities who were being placed in different settings, such as inclusive classrooms, self-contained classrooms, and resource rooms. Students who were classified and eligible for special education under the category of specific learning disabilities participated in this study. Three groups of 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade students with a total of 82 students were surveyed. The survey consisted of ten statements related to the students' perceptions of themselves. The surveys were administered individually to the three groups of students. …

A Study In The Effectiveness Of The Three To Get Ready Program In Promoting Language Learning, Megan Crank

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to: examine the effectiveness of a trimotoric approach using the Three to Get Ready program; to assist preschool children with disabilities to understand basic concepts and increase verbalization skills. Four students between the ages of 3 and 4 ½ years old participated in this study. They were identified as preschool disabled by school district personnel using state eligibility standards, according to the state administration code (2001). All participating children had IEP objectives in expressive language and communication. They attended a public school in Southern New Jersey and were enrolled in the class for children …

Diversity In Education: Changing Faces, Angela Rose-Bounds

Theses and Dissertations

As America becomes more and more diverse, public schools are forced to adapt to the changing faces in education. The purpose of this study was to promote culturally responsive teaching and analyze programs that impact non-Asian minority students in a suburban school district. The intern used observations, surveys, and interviews to study programs at the Charles W. Lewis Middle School in Blackwood, New Jersey. The research began by examining the school's culture and then went on to form committees and groups to promote diversity throughout the building. During this research, the intern determined that non-Asian minority students were disproportionately represented …

An Exploratory Investigation Of The Value Selected Academics Place On Faculty Internship Programs, James M. Summers

Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this exploratory investigation were to (a) ascertain the level of importance or value Rowan University Engineering and Business faculty members (n = 51) place on faculty internships and (b) determine the preference these faculty members have toward faculty internships or traditional sabbaticals. A t-test for Equal Means indicated the two groups held similar views with respect to the perceived value faculty internships have on professional growth and improved scholarship and teaching. One exception was the effect faculty internships have on career requirements. While both groups generally understood the value of faculty internships, participants would opt for a …

B.A.B.E.S. Implementation And Its Relationship To Locus Of Control And Self-Concept, Dana M. Collins

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the administration of the B.A.B.E.S. Program and locus of control as well as awareness of self-concept of 2^nd grade students. A total of 161 students were given pre- and post-tests composed of questions geared to understand each child's locus of control and awareness of self-concept before and after the implementation of the B.A.B.E.S. Program. A paired-samples t-test was administered to determine the correlation between the pre-test scores and the post-test scores. Analysis determined that the administration of the B.A.B.E.S. Program did not internalize locus of control nor did …

The Effectiveness And Value Of A Character Education Program Administered To A Group Of Second And Third Grade Students With Learning Disabilities, Adriana Germano

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness and value of a character education program when administered over a six-month period to a convenience sample of second and third grade students eligible for special education. The subjects for this study attend Parkview Elementary School in Stratford, New Jersey, and are a part of the resource program there. This study can help determine whether or not a character education curriculum will lead to improved decision-making in morals and ethics. The design of the program is individual to the researcher, but each of the following nine character traits are covered: …

The Relationship Between Parental Anxiety, Depression And Distress And Their Child's Social Competency, Behavior And Emotional Regulation In A Children's Partial Hospital Program, Melisa Maria Laspada

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effect female caretaker psychopathology had on their child's treatment gains in the Children's Intensive Emotional Behavioral Day Program of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The sample consisted of 31 children and 31 female caretakers. The female caretakers' symptoms of psychopathology were measured by using the SCL-90-R Checklist and the children's behaviors were measured by using the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale. The results of this study were termed important since the number of children with behavioral and emotional problems is increasing and the treatment being provided seems to be lacking. It was hoped that the study would …

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of The Wilson Fundations Program When Applied To A Group Of Children With Mild To Moderate Special Needs, Annette J. Sessa

Theses and Dissertations

A program that has addressed the needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities is the Wilson Reading Fundations Program for K-3. The targeted goal of the Wilson Language Training is to help students become fluent, accurate readers. It is a phonology, phonics, and spelling program that includes the basic components of the Wilson Reading System where emphasis is placed on systematic phonics and the study of word structure. Instruction is cumulative and scaffolds all presented skills.

The Wilson Fundations Program was administered to a small group of four children in grade 2, with mild to moderate learning disabilities. This …

The Effect Of Daily "Sustained Silent Reading" In Improving Fluency, Word Recognition, And Reading Comprehension Skills For Mild Cognitive Impaired Students, Elizabeth Kandabarow

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) when used daily with Mild Cognitive Impaired students. The purpose of the study was to measure strengths, deficits, and gains in fluency, word recognition, and reading comprehension abilities through pre and post-test procedures. Seven intermediate level students between the reading levels of two and three participated in this study. The experimental group consisted of four students, and the control group consisted of three students. The treatment group participated in Sustained Silent Reading (SSR). Forms A and B of the Jerry John's Basic Reading Inventory were administered to the students. Form …

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of Saxon Phonics On Phonemic Awareness, Dawnmarie Bach

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a structured, systematic phonics program such as the Saxon Phonics 1 program in improving the phonemic awareness of first grade students. The effectiveness of this program was measured by a pre and post assessment using The Test of Phonological Awareness (TOPA).

The subjects for this study consisted of two groups of first grade students (ages six and seven). Group one consisted of twelve students: seven girls and five boys. Group two consisted of nine students: six girls and three boys. Teachers that are experienced in the use of the …

A Retrospective Analysis Of Factors Contributing To Successful Inclusive Placements, Erin L. Tibetts

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine variables that are associated with successful placement of children with disabilities into regular education classroom settings. Subjects were children with varying disabilities that were placed in regular education classrooms in a single elementary school building. In each setting, in-class support was provided by a special education teacher. Data was gathered by an examination of records including grades and child study team information. Also, teachers were interviewed to provide their perceptions of elements that are necessary for success in the regular classrooms. Teachers also expressed their overall impressions of the in-class support model …