Education Commons^™

Assessing The Effects Of Exposure To Multicultural Learning On A School Population With Limited Diversity, Lynda Anderson-Towns

Theses and Dissertations

This Master's project was designed to assess the effects of infusing various multicultural activities in a rural school with limited diversity. It focused on integrating monthly multicultural activities into the curriculum of first grade students to increase their sensitivity and appreciation of diversity.

The study utilized qualitative data gathered through surveys, interviews and observations completed at Dennis Township Elementary School. The first grade students were exposed to a series of multicultural activities which included storytelling, mini-lessons and cultural presentation throughout a six month time span. Students' attitudes toward diversity were measured by pre-test and post-test surveys preceding and subsequent to …

The Role Of A School Business Administrator: Perspectives Of A Role Incumbent And His Role Set, Stephen J. Lynch

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared the perceptions held by a school business administrator for his position with the perceptions of his principal role set.

Interviews were held with the school business administrator and 17 members of his role set to determine perceptions of the role expectations and actual role performance. For each question on the role set interview instrument, frequency distributions were constructed and then converted into relative frequency distributions expressed as percentages.

The interview data was used to compare role expectation and role performance as perceived by the role incumbent; to compare role expectations and role performance as perceived by the …

Has Technology In The Elementary Classroom Caused Instruction To Improve?, Denise Mcdermott

Theses and Dissertations

This study described and evaluated the extent to which technology has improved instruction, and thus improved student learning, in elementary schools in Deptford Township, a K-12 district. The study included all K-6 grade teachers. A 31-item survey was completed by 85% of elementary school teachers. Percentages of answers were mathematically calculated and lists of software programs and student systems for computer use were compiled. The majority of elementary teachers described their level of expertise regarding technology as "able to manage as long as everything runs correctly". The results reveal a high dissatisfaction with the type and amount of technology training …

Assessing The Level Of Effective Communication In Schools, Amiot P. Michel

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the level of communication which exists in the elementary schools in the Millville School District. Miliville is currently in the process of developing Lakeside Middle School. Lakeside Middle School will be composed of staff members from the three K-7 elementary schools and the current 5th and 6th grade students in the six elementary schools.

Surveys were developed to assess the effectiveness of the communication systems currently existing in the six schools. Surveys were then distributed to the six elementary school principals, future staff members, and the parents of the 5th and 6th …

A Model For Instructional Change: An Approach In Inquiry-Based Science Education, Kimberly Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this study to describe the effectiveness of a change model on schools implementing an inquiry-based science program. Findings indicated that a model incorporating input from all of the stakeholders in the learning community and offering training and continuous support realized the most sustained and successful implementation. The model used included training upon request, turnkey trainers, parent meetings, teacher input on instruction, principal meetings, and opportunities to revise the program within the school year. Teachers, parents, and principals were surveyed and interviewed throughout the implementation. This data determined the focus of the training and support. The study was …

Reform: In Search Of A Rationale, Ada R. Barlatt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of the Core Curriculum Content Standards at Pleasantville. The district, a special needs (Abbott district), receives 85% of its funding from the state, therefore, must provide all children with a "Thorough and Efficient" education.

Two separate groups of students were studied. One group represented the current students in grade 10 and the second group represented the current students in grade 9. Also included in the study were teachers, counselors, administrators and employers.

The overall approach in this study was to use several methods to investigate the effects on a local …

An Evaluation Of The Klark's Kids Program For At-Risk Students, Joann Dekatch-Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to observe and assess the effectiveness of the Klark's Kids program for at-risk students in Grades 7 and 8 in the Pittsgrove Township Middle School Annex by using an action research design.

The subject sample included thirty-three identifiable at-risk students in September 1998. Of this group, only five or six students attended due to the voluntary nature of the program. Forty-two new students were identified in the month of October. Of the eighteen who attended, only twelve to fifteen students came on a regular basis. Evaluation procedures included grades, standardized test scores, grade point …

Assessing The Effect Of Increased Student Accountability And Parental Involvement On Student Attendance At Middle Township High School, Gladys Lauriello

Theses and Dissertations

The study examined what effect increasing student accountability through a series of pre-set consequences enforced on a "zero tolerance" basis, coupled with increased parent involvement through prompt communication regarding all student absences and tardy arrivals, would have on attendance. The study was held at Middle Township High School in southern New Jersey, a semi-rural school of grades 9-12 with a student population of approximately 1,000, most of whom drive or ride a school bus. The data was assembled during the first semester of the 1998-99 school year. The study, which measured attendance, both lateness and absence, through surveys and statistical …

Middle School Discipline: In Need Of Solutions, Robin L. Moore-Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract available.

Collaborative Teaching Relationships And The Inclusion Of Sixth Grade Students, Richard C. Panas

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate the effectiveness of implementing inclusion within a collaborative teaching framework in the sixth grade using an action research design. Based on the parameters set forth in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), the schedule to determine if a student's goals and objectives are being met is measured quarterly by report card. Ultimately, whether or not a student achieves the minimum level of proficiency as outlined in the IEP for social studies, science, mathematics, and language arts serves as the benchmark for determining whether or not the student's placement is appropriate. …

World Language Program In Elementary Schools, Claire S. Whittaker

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to discover and evaluate the effectiveness of a World Language Program on the elementary students of St. James Regional School using a schoolwide action research design. This study's result were formulated into an evaluation to parents, teachers, and administrations on the progress of a FLES Language Program.

This project took place at a small Catholic elementary school consisting of the students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. This school is small and located in an economically depressed area. There is little exposure to foreign language in the community and none has been taught in the …

Combination Of Heterogeneous And Homogeneous Grouping To Achieve Better Reading And Math Scores, Diane R. Cioffi-Longo

Theses and Dissertations

This report described the process used, for an elementary school with a student population of approximately 587 students, to investigate the existing reading and math programs offered to students. The preliminary research indicated a need for an extended staff development program, and the implementation of advanced methodologies. The conclusions of the project, as a whole, provided data which emphasizes the need for growth in reading and math pedagogy awareness with the district of Glassboro.

Purposed preliminary investigation strategies included; (a) interviews with reading and math teachers, regular homeroom teachers, and teachers in other academic disciplines; (b) a review of documents …

Alternative Assessment, Katy Cosgrove

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to change the way teachers assess students in the mathematics classroom. The teachers worked to find alternative assessment activities that gave students the opportunity to solve problems related to real-life application, allowing for a greater understanding of topics. The alternative assessment program involved many members of the mathematics department at Gateway Regional High School. Teachers were surveyed about alternative assessment before and after they used alternative assessment in the classroom. The conclusions of the study accomplished the goal of making teachers aware of alternative assessment and how it can be implemented into the classroom …

The Impact Of A Peer Mediation Program On The Reduction Of Suspensions Caused By Violence, Donna L. Covely

Theses and Dissertations

This study determined the effectiveness of the peer mediation program at Deptford Township High School, grades 9 through 12, in reducing student discipline problems. Furthermore, the study determined that peer mediation prevented further disputes and/or resolved current misunderstandings, that the disputants were able to resolve their differences constructively, and that mediation prevented disputes from developing into more serious matters. It determined that peer mediation helped to reduce student violence, lowered suspension rates, required less administrative time spent on discipline, and provided a more peaceful school environment.

There was no sample for this study. Any at-risk student in grades 9 through …

Encouraging Positive Behavior At The Elementary School Level, Maureen Czbas

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to develop a behavior management program that addressed ways to eliminate infractions that interfered with the students' learning process. This addition to the curriculum did not eliminate the district's discipline policy but instilled in the student body an awareness of social expectations. It was hoped that the awareness gave students the opportunity to acquire the behaviors that were socially acceptable in school and in society.

The new program engaged the total educational family of staff, students, parents, and administrators. It was built on structure and harmony, allowing for flexibility of classroom instruction. The program, …

The Overall Effectiveness Of A Peer Mediation Program At Millville Senior High School And The Development Of A Peer Mediation/Advisory Program For A Middle School, Kyriakos M. Evrenoglou

Theses and Dissertations

The first purpose of the study was to describe and evaluate the effectiveness of a peer mediation student assistance program. The means to accomplish the purpose of the study was to investigate the overall attendance, verbal, and physical interpersonal conflict among tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students at Millville Senior High School during the 1995-1996 and 1997-1998 school calendar years. A quantitative ex post facto design was employed. In addition, a subcommittee of stakeholders was developed to collaboratively develop a plan that would extend the goals and potential benefits associated with peer mediation programs in the future Lakeside Middle School …

Evaluating The Impact Of Block Scheduling, John Joseph Hourani

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and describe the effectiveness of a 4x4 semester block schedule with respect to academic achievement, discipline, attendance and the school climate of Penns Grove High School. A longitudinal trend study design was utilized to compare statistics from the school's first two years under the block schedule to the school's final two years of the traditional schedule. Such statistics include the frequency of students obtaining A's, F's, and honor roll status, as well as monthly attendance rates, and discipline referral counts. Additionally, a modified action research design is used to examine the new …

Case Study On Mainland Regional High School's Pilot Program On Block Scheduling, Matthew A. Jamison

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to discover and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of block scheduling at Mainland Regional High School. The major focal point of this case study was the perceptions on block scheduling of teachers, students, and parents.

This study blends the richness of qualitative research with the range of quantitative research. Approximately 180 sophomore students participated in the pilot program. Four teachers volunteered to teach the classes in the pilot program. The students completed a pre and post survey. At the conclusion of the first semester, random students were chosen to be interviewed. All the …

An Interdisciplinary Approach To Integrated Curriculum, Lynda Kozicz Leahey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of the interdisciplinary approach to teaching mathematics and science, specifically Geometry and Biology. The study used an action research design in which two teachers participated in a planned interdisciplinary activity that involved 160 high school students. The site of this study was a high school located in a middle-class, rural-suburban community. Data was gathered using a concept map to measure the amount of conceptual understanding students have of the relationship between Geometry and Biology. Data of those students who were enrolled in both Geometry and Biology were compared to those …

An Impact Study Of The Positive Benefits Of A Technology Course On Students' Critical Thinking Skills, Jerry J. Marinacci

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the positive benefits to students enrolled in the new Applied Technology course offered at Bridgeton High School. The intern wishes to determine if the course has enhanced students' ability in critical skills such as: communicating, teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking.

The study will focus on students' ability to define and solve real world problems as presented in a high school technology laboratory. The design of the study was based on qualitative research of students' ability to identify criteria, develop possible solutions and solve problems of a technical nature based on pre-test …

Improving Student Bus Behavior In An Elementary School Through The Use Of Video Cameras And An Incentive Program, Mary L. Steinhauer-Kula

Theses and Dissertations

This report focuses on two strategies used to improve student behavior on school buses at Silver Run School, an elementary school in Millville, New Jersey. The purpose of this comparative study was to determine whether or not the use of video cameras on school buses and the implementation of the "Best Bus" program, a behavior incentive program, leads to improved student behavior as measured by fewer discipline referrals. Two consecutive school years, 1997-1998 and 1998-1999, were studied. In the 1997-1998 school year, neither strategy was utilized, while both were implemented in the 1998-1999 school year. In addition to the quantitative …

Resolving Conflict Through Peer Mediation, Scott A. Heino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to develop and conduct a peer mediation program in the upper elementary grades at the Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School in order to reduce conflict among students and increase the students' ability to resolve conflicts. An action research methodology was implemented to support a school environment conducive to learning with minimum instances of conflict.

The site of the study is the Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School in Haddonfield, NJ. The population of the study involves all upper elementary students at the school. The population of the study includes 25 staff members as well as the 180 …

An Internship In School Business Administration In The Camden City Public Schools, Camden, New Jersey, 1998-1999, Donna M. Houston

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the implementation of a computerized food service system would improve the present financial and management conditions of the district's food service department, by eliminating costly mistakes that repeatedly requires the district to repay monies to the government.

During the initial stage of the project, food service directors from various school districts in New Jersey were instructed to complete a survey to determine the effectiveness of using a computerized system. Data gathered from these districts indicated that the use of computers in school food service departments can greatly enhance the management and …

The Suburban Middle Class At Risk: A Profile Of Students Who Are Referred To The Office, Carole Joyce Pearson

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this study was to identify the at risk students at a suburban high school based on the frequency of referrals to the office, and to determine why these students continue to misbehave. A list of students called down to the office was provided daily. Using the Call Down List, names of students who were referred to the office most frequently were compiled. A random sample of 23 students frequently on the list was used to develop a profile of the nature of the misbehavior, and the administrative action taken; patterns of attendance, lateness, and academic standing …

Gender Bias And Women In Leadership, Rose Mary Judge

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a stronger equity plan to career major areas whose students have experienced inequity in a vocational program that perpetuates gender bias and harassment of female students. This particular sample involves twenty-two students who are in non-traditional career major areas.

Interviews involved the Building Principal, the Affirmative Action Officer, a Guidance Counselor, and two Career Major teachers. Surveys were used to collect data from students in non-traditional career majors. Questionnaires were given to all academic teachers. Data analysis consisted of using the information from the interviews, surveys, …

Promoting Staff Development At Midway School, Noreen C. Glading-Hill

Theses and Dissertations

Midway School loses forty percent of its teaching staff on a yearly basis. The purpose of this study was to identify specific factors and their relationship to the absence of a professional development program. The study was designed to answer the questions of how professional development affects the attitudes and outlook of teachers, and was staff development the most effective way of achieving positive attitudes or enthusiasm for the teaching profession.

The researcher used six teachers from three distinct groups, all with at least ten years in the teaching profession. All six teachers had experienced either traditional or individual forms …

Implementing A Peer Mediation Program To Reduce Discipline Problems In Pine Hill Schools, Pamela Bates Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of Peer Mediation, mentoring and counseling techniques on sixth grade males in order to improve behavior and reduce discipline problems. The population was a selected group of males from the sixth grade who had experienced significant disciplinary actions. The population was studied for approximately three marking periods while receiving a combined program of counseling with a male counselor, male mentoring and Peer Mediation. The sample size, although small, was totally representative of the socially unacceptable behavior population. The data gathering procedures consisted of individualized interviews with each participant determining the …

A Study Of The Educational Climate Of A Suburban Middle School And The Effects Administrative Decisions Have On That Climate, Joseph C. Beierschmitt

Theses and Dissertations

Statement of Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to discover the organizational climate of Collingswood Middle School by using a survey of the students and the staff to evaluate the institutional climate. The data was used to target specific behaviors to make institutional changes that would hopefully improve the climate of the school. The result of these changes were then evaluated with a second survey to determine the effectiveness of the organizational changes.

Description of Methodology:

The study for the assessment of the organizational climate involved surveying the views of the school's administration, the staff, and the students of …

Professional Development Through The Use Of Technology, Joan M. Geraci

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to introduce the Gloucester County Special Services School District educators to the concept of using technology for the purpose of professional development.

A descriptive research method was used in the study that included a Technology Survey of the Compensatory Education Teachers. Surveys were distributed prior to and following the inservice component of the study. The technology survey instrument utilized was developed by the Intern and pretested by administrators and educators in the district. The frequency of responses were recorded and calculated into percentages for purposes of data analysis.

After experiencing exposure to the Internet …

A Study Of The Shamong Township School District's Middle School Program At The Indian Mills Memorial School, Caroline Elizabeth Kerfoot

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the present middle school program at the Indian Mills Memorial School, and create a new program. The program was based on research that enumerated the best practices in exemplary middle schools and the needs and characteristics of young adolescents.

The sample was the 51 teachers of the IMMS, five administrators, parents, and one class each from fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.

The survey used was Middle Grades Assessment Program from the Center for Early Adolescence, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There were different surveys for students, parents, teachers, and …