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The Importance Of Teaching Social-Emotional Skills To Young Children, Stephanie Valdez Dec 2023

The Importance Of Teaching Social-Emotional Skills To Young Children, Stephanie Valdez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

My capstone project enhances the social-emotional skills of preschool children, which are fundamental for relationships, emotional management, and empathy. Children lacking these skills may struggle in learning, behavior, and socializing when they progress to elementary school. Studies have shown that social-emotional competence and cognitive competence are critical predictors of academic accomplishment (Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Student Benefits: Implications for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Core Elements, n.d.). Children in preschool who lack these skills may experience difficulties in learning, behavior, and socializing as they progress to elementary school (Amy Morin, 2019). A significant issue arises when children encounter obstacles …


Middle School Children's Leadership Development, Cottrell Ealey Dec 2023

Middle School Children's Leadership Development, Cottrell Ealey

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on the development of leadership skills development amongst a group of ethnic minority students at a middle school in an advisory class. Developing leadership abilities benefits students' personal development and impacts how they connect with their classmates. It teaches students the importance of looking out for one another inside and outside of the classroom, resolving their own social disputes as a role model, and encouraging them to participate in team sports and class activities. However, low-income ethnic minority students do not get many opportunities to develop leadership skills, compared to middle-class students. This may be due …


History Of Redlining: Students Of Color In American Public Schools, Jennifer M. Villafaña May 2023

History Of Redlining: Students Of Color In American Public Schools, Jennifer M. Villafaña

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This paper briefly speaks on the history of redlining in American neighborhoods, it touches on how this is still affecting demographic areas. Regarding health, resources, wealth, opportunities and education. Discussing graduation rates, degree statistic achievements and how future and current educators can bring light and change to the inequality of the educational gap.


Academy-Based Learning: The High School Education You Wish You Had, Desiree Gomez May 2023

Academy-Based Learning: The High School Education You Wish You Had, Desiree Gomez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on the impact of high school academies on student success. This is important because high school academies provide students with cross-curricular experiences related to a specific pathway or field they are interested. An evidence-based argument is offered that high school academies provide specialized programs catering to students' interests and career aspirations. These academies provide students with a comprehensive and challenging curriculum that enhances their academic performance and prepares them for college and career readiness. By focusing on a particular subject or field, students receive a high-quality education that fosters their skills and knowledge in a specific …


Academy-Based Learning: The High School Education You Wish You Had, Marion Ramos May 2023

Academy-Based Learning: The High School Education You Wish You Had, Marion Ramos

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on the impact of high school academies on student success. This is important because high school academies provide students with cross-curricular experiences related to a specific pathway or field they are interested in. An evidence-based argument is offered that high school academies provide specialized programs catering to students' interests and career aspirations. These academies provide students with a comprehensive and challenging curriculum that enhances their academic performance and prepares them for college and career readiness. By focusing on a particular subject or field, students receive a high-quality education that fosters their skills and knowledge in a …


Improving Workers’ Effectiveness When Working With Unhoused Individuals, Danika J. Bralek May 2023

Improving Workers’ Effectiveness When Working With Unhoused Individuals, Danika J. Bralek

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

When volunteering with individuals without housing, volunteers may not know what to expect or how to act when assisting this population. Without proper preparation, these volunteers may end up further marginalizing the population they are working with, putting themselves in danger, or failing to assist these human beings. When volunteers know more about how to assist these individuals in need, they can properly manage each client’s case and assist them in receiving proper aid. In order to address preparedness for volunteers working with these vulnerable populations, I have created an instructional video addressing proper rapport building, understanding needs and correct …


Increasing Science Curriculum In Preschool, Sandra Rogel May 2023

Increasing Science Curriculum In Preschool, Sandra Rogel

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Early preschool curriculum often needs more attention to science. When the science curriculum is missing from the preschool curriculum, children may not recognize early science concepts, develop little interest in scientific concepts, and lack sufficient skills for kindergarten readiness. When preschool children are exposed to a science curriculum, they begin to apply scientific concepts, acquire scientific language, and develop scientific thinking. Therefore, to address the insufficiency of science in the preschool curriculum, I developed a three-day lesson for 3 to 5-year-olds at MCOE Early Learning Program at Creekside in Salinas, California.


Better Budtender Training, Vincent Mcdonald Castillo May 2023

Better Budtender Training, Vincent Mcdonald Castillo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

A survey conducted by the cannabis education program in the Monterey County Health Department (MCHD) concluded that around 57% of users in the county do not feel educated enough in the subject to form their own educated opinions about cannabis use (Cannabis Education Survey 2022). The MCHD decided to address this concern by collaborating with local dispensaries to provide an educational course in video form for budtenders. This video provides factual information on consumption methods, how differently they may affect people and the recommended time to wait before operating a vehicle. Following this education, consumers of cannabis will have reliable …


Benefits Of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy For In-Service Educators, Megan E. Roberts May 2023

Benefits Of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy For In-Service Educators, Megan E. Roberts

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

There is a plethora of different teaching styles, all grouped under an umbrella term of pedagogy. This capstone focuses on the advantages in specifically incorporating culturally responsive pedagogy into the classroom. This method of pedagogy provides an inclusive environment in which students are able share their culture, as well as personal experiences to add to the overall academic achievement. By straying away from traditional teaching styles, in service educators are able to create a space for students to embrace their unique differences and incorporate inclusivity into learning. This integral approach provides real life experiences that have a qualitative depth that …


Benefits Of Implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching In Latino Elementary Classrooms, Lisa Hernandez Dec 2022

Benefits Of Implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching In Latino Elementary Classrooms, Lisa Hernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The benefits of implementing culturally responsive teaching strategies into the elementary classroom empowers students intellectually, socially, emotionally, and politically by using cultural references to impart knowledge and skills. Culturally responsive educators see themselves as part of a community of learners and desire to learn collaboratively. This capstone investigates the relationship between culturally responsive teaching and its effect on predominantly Latino elementary school students’ learning. Teachers who use culturally responsive teaching strategies see culture as an asset which can be used to enhance academic and social achievement. This study not only defines, but also highlights effective teaching strategies that reflect a …


Impact Of Online Learning On Academic Success Of College Students, Natalie Carbonel Dec 2022

Impact Of Online Learning On Academic Success Of College Students, Natalie Carbonel

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Online learning has become more prominent in higher education institutions due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and has ultimately impacted the academic success of college students. The purpose of this capstone is to examine the impact of online learning on the academic success of college students. Through the use of literature review and a survey with 20 students at the community college and four-year colleges, the findings reveal that online learning has negatively impacted their attitude, motivation, self-efficacy and accessibility toward learning. This capstone concludes with suggestions on ways to improve their attitudes and acceptance of the adaptation of the …


Teaching Life Skills Communication To Students In Special Education, Sara Sang Dec 2022

Teaching Life Skills Communication To Students In Special Education, Sara Sang

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Effective communication for High School Students with disabilities are important for when they are in their teen years and post graduation. Communication helps these students gain better relationships and conversations for their future.


Nature-Based Education For Elementary Students With Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, Kayleigh Morrison May 2022

Nature-Based Education For Elementary Students With Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, Kayleigh Morrison

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

There are several advantages to including a nature-based curriculum and outdoor learning into state standards, and the consequences of students who do not have access to outside learning and activities can be severe. The term “Attention Restoration Theory” (ART) was coined by psychology professors Rachel and Stephen Kaplan in 1989 and claims that exposure to nature can improve mental fatigue and concentration. This senior capstone examines Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory and academic studies rooted in its philosophy as it applies to nature-based curriculum and outdoor learning. There are certain advantages for students who are exposed to a nature-based curriculum and …


The Impact Of One Can Impact The Majority: Benefits Of Social And Emotional Learning, Melissa Perez May 2022

The Impact Of One Can Impact The Majority: Benefits Of Social And Emotional Learning, Melissa Perez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For my 2022 senior Capstone Project, I chose to focus on looking at the benefits of implementing and teaching Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills to today’s students, their families and educators. Social and Emotional Learning involves teaching students: self awareness, self management, responsible decision making, social awareness and relationship skills. With these skill sets, communities that are composed of students, families and educators, can create beneficial impacts amongst each other as a butterfly effect. One teacher was interviewed on how they incorporate social and emotional learning into their classroom and what they think could be done to improve it. …


Increasing Access To Intervention Services At Rancho San Juan High School, Bernardo J. Lopez May 2022

Increasing Access To Intervention Services At Rancho San Juan High School, Bernardo J. Lopez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The United States is experiencing an increasing number of youth suffering from high levels of stress. This capstone project was implemented at Rancho San Juan High School (RSJHS). This newly built public high school is located in the far northside of Salinas, CA. The purpose of the capstone project was to support RSJHS’ Wellness Center to provide students with counseling services that can help them academically, emotionally, and socio-economically by addressing barriers of inefficiencies in access to services. Specifically, the project consisted of the development of a standardized intake process for the intervention specialist. A standardized intake form was created …


Increasing Social Awareness Skills In Kindergarten Students, Chloe Dennis May 2022

Increasing Social Awareness Skills In Kindergarten Students, Chloe Dennis

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Social awareness is a key component of social-emotional learning and is often underrepresented in kindergarten curriculum. Students who struggle with social awareness are at a greater risk for antisocial behaviors, low academic performance, diminished self-efficacy, low motivation, and low adaptability. Jean Piagets’ cognitive-developmental theory places kindergarten-age students in the preoperational stage of development. At this stage, children are egocentric, exhibit centrated thought, and struggle to use perspective and empathic skills. Kindness, problem-solving, and maintaining positive relationships are all rooted in social awareness and require students to move away from egocentric thinking. I designed a three-part lesson on acts of kindness …


Impact Of Positive Classroom Environment On Elementary School Students’ Learning, Marisa Contrada May 2022

Impact Of Positive Classroom Environment On Elementary School Students’ Learning, Marisa Contrada

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

When students are asked if they like school or not, their answer is typically negative for the reason that they don’t feel comfortable in the classroom. Classroom environment is where their mindset could be changed. Classroom environment has not been a prominent topic of discussion. This senior capstone research report was designed to shed light on the importance of classroom environment. Through the use of literature review, classroom observations, teacher interviews, and anonymous student survey, positive classroom environment has a tremendous impact on students learning. This senior capstone examines the importance of classroom environment as well as strategies in creating …


Girls Support Group, Cindy Garcia Dec 2021

Girls Support Group, Cindy Garcia

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The purpose of this capstone project is to keep girls connected with other girls through zoom. Due to the pandemic, schools were closed and a lot of the girls became isolated from their peers as well as after school activities. The project addresses the main consequences of the shelter in place order which are social isolation, mental, and emotional health. The project promotes coping skills to help them stay connected and adapt to this new way of living. Adjusting to a new way of living can be hard for young girls affecting them both mentally and emotionally. This can have …


Increasing Bullying Prevention Curriculum In Elementary Schools, Alexis Doty May 2021

Increasing Bullying Prevention Curriculum In Elementary Schools, Alexis Doty

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Bullying prevention is often absent from elementary school curriculum. Many young elementary students may not know how to recognize and address bullying when it occurs, potentially causing early harm to their social and emotional development and their academic performance throughout their primary school years. To address the lack of bullying prevention and education, I created a three-day lesson on bullying and bullying intervention which I intend on presenting to a class of fifth graders at Las Animas Elementary School in Gilroy, California.


Implementing Lgbtq+ Curriculum In Early Education Classrooms, Mahri Walker May 2021

Implementing Lgbtq+ Curriculum In Early Education Classrooms, Mahri Walker

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many elementary schools have LGBTQ+ content missing from the curriculum, with gender identity and expression and diverse family structures notably absent. The issue that arises is children from LGBTQ+ families, or who may be LGBTQ+ themselves, do not feel represented in the curriculum. If children are provided with the knowledge of what it means to be LGBTQ+, then they are more likely to have a healthy relationship with themselves and their peers who may be included in that community. In order to address this issue, I created a three-day lesson for Kindergarten through first graders at San Lorenzo Valley Elementary …


Cultivating Growth Mindset With Adolescents, Daisy D. Yang Dec 2020

Cultivating Growth Mindset With Adolescents, Daisy D. Yang

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Some teens may believe that intelligence and other traits are fixed and unchangeable. As a result of having these fixed perspectives, adolescents may not be motivated to achieve academically and may give up in the face of challenge. Instead, teens can increase their confidence levels and motivation and adopt a growth mindset for their well-being. In order to address this issue, I created a two-day lesson for highschoolers at Rio Linda High School in Sacramento, California.


Increasing Students Sucess Through Creative Learning, Betsy Sanchez May 2020

Increasing Students Sucess Through Creative Learning, Betsy Sanchez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This research used Literature Review, including peer reviewed articles, and primary research to analyze the importance of infusing creative learning in the school curriculum. Creative learning provided an education milieu that helped students reach their potential. Some researchers professed that when children are exposed to activities that include creative learning, they had a better understanding while learning about the different genres. Research indicated that teachers should familiarize themselves with how students learned in order to engage in course work. To promote a creative learning environment, teachers must receive the training required and learn about ways in which arts integration increased …


Benefits Of The Waldorf Educational Model On Students' Academic Success, Tyler J. Curry May 2020

Benefits Of The Waldorf Educational Model On Students' Academic Success, Tyler J. Curry

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

As traditionally ran public schools have focused more on testing in the past few decades, alternative methods of education have been rising in relevance. One model of alternative education, the Waldorf method, has an emphasis on developmental stages and the arts in a way that has been shown to increase test scores and reduce behavioral problems in their students. This capstone project examines the academic benefits of the Waldorf model of education and whether their curriculum is equitable for all students in one of the schools in the Monterey Bay area.


Teachers Collaboration With Gear Up Extra College Readiness Resource For Students, Brenda Monroy May 2020

Teachers Collaboration With Gear Up Extra College Readiness Resource For Students, Brenda Monroy

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project was implemented for the Gear Up and college preparedness program located at the local Seaside High School. Gear Up serves 10th grade students at seaside high school. Most of the students served come from low-income families, from minority groups and are considered first generation college students. The problem addressed by the capstone is that too many Seaside High students are not applying for Community College, CSUs and UC’s. The project consisted of collaborating with Seaside High staff including teachers, administration and counselors to include college preparedness instruction as part of the existing curriculum to increase the number …


Expanding Kindergarteners’ Understanding Of Family Structure Regarding Same-Sex Parents, Emilia Sique Mar 2020

Expanding Kindergarteners’ Understanding Of Family Structure Regarding Same-Sex Parents, Emilia Sique

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

There is a lack of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) representation in elementary school curriculum. This deficit leads to a lack of understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, limited gender role diversity, and a predisposition to teasing and anti-gay bullying among children. Therefore, I created a two-day lesson for kindergarteners at Del Rey Woods Elementary in Seaside, California. Participants were evaluated before, during, and after the sessions. Results showed an increase in understanding and acknowledging LGBTQ+ families.


Benefits Of School Gardening On Low-Income Elementary School Students, Caitlynn Lange Dec 2019

Benefits Of School Gardening On Low-Income Elementary School Students, Caitlynn Lange

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The increase in obesity rates in America’s youth could be a reflection of undernourished school lunches, a decrease in physical activity, and the lack of knowledge of health and nutrition. Children who come from a low-income family are more likely to be affected by these circumstances. School gardening may be a way of replacing those impacts. This senior capstone research project examines the benefits of school gardening on low-income elementary school students when implementing as part of the curriculum in schools.


No Habla Español: Are Monolingual Teachers Getting The Support They Need?, Natalie Correa Dec 2019

No Habla Español: Are Monolingual Teachers Getting The Support They Need?, Natalie Correa

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For this Capstone Project, the researchers investigated how monolingual teachers view the support and resources they received to teach English Language Learners (ELL) and what they thought could be done to improve their teaching effectiveness. An evidence based argument is offered that monolingual teachers were not being provided with effective support and resources. More specifically, three themes emerged from an analysis of the data obtained from interviews of monolingual teachers and administrators. Based on the emergent themes, an action was undertaken to help monolingual teachers better address the needs of ELLs. This is an important issue for monolingual teachers because …


Creating A Meaningful Experience: On Service Learning And Teacher Preparedness, Telia Krown, Nhat-Dzu T. Bui Dec 2019

Creating A Meaningful Experience: On Service Learning And Teacher Preparedness, Telia Krown, Nhat-Dzu T. Bui

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone project is on the effectiveness of service learning and its role in teacher preparedness. This is an important issue for Liberal sStudies students, professors, and the community because in the Integrated Teacher Education Program, service learning is treated as preparation for teaching, and it can be seen that way for Traditional Pathway students as well. It is argued that while service learning works towards an admirable goal, there are obstacles and design decisions that keep it from being fully effective in preparing Liberal Studies students in becoming teachers. The three primary stakeholder perspectives chosen were …


Escapando Las Trampas: Teacher Preparation For Mexicanas, Monica Medrano Dec 2019

Escapando Las Trampas: Teacher Preparation For Mexicanas, Monica Medrano

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Developing Maestras face and overcome linguistic, academic and cultural forms of gatekeeping while trying to navigate through our current education system. For this Capstone Project, the impact that gatekeeping has on developing Maestras and how it affects their academic and professional aspirations was investigated. This is an important issue for developing Maestras, the University of Gringolandia as well as for the education system of Nepantla county. The success of developing Maestras Mexicanas closes the racial gap and directly impacts the student success rate within Nepantla county. The literature and data results analysis indicate that the gatekeeping practices that keep Mexicanas …


Impacts Of Growing Technology On Students' Reading And Writing Skills, Jacquelyn Ogborn Corpuz Dec 2019

Impacts Of Growing Technology On Students' Reading And Writing Skills, Jacquelyn Ogborn Corpuz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Technology has radically changed the ways in which students and teachers function within the classroom. The use of mobile technologies, specifically laptop computers and internet use, has transformed teacher instruction along with student expectations. Given that students have a high exposure to technology in the classroom, especially at the middle school level, this senior capstone examines the impact of growing technology on their reading and writing skills through the use of literature review, teacher interviews and survey, interviews with principals and superintendents, and online teacher survey. The result findings reveal that there are several positive impacts of technology integration on …