Education Commons^™

A Study On Teacher Change To Developmentally Appropriate Practice In The Primary Grades Of An Urban Elementary School, Kerry Sullivan Lambert

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this research was to study the process of change from traditional teaching practices to developmentally appropriate practices (DAP), following training. The population for this study consists of kindergarten and first grade teachers, in urban elementary school comprised of student at-risk for school failure. Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies were utilized. The quantitative measures provide evidence of the degree of change made by teachers and render a context for the qualitative findings. The variables of DAP were measured pre- and post-training to determine change in teaching practices that occurred after training. Two observation instruments were utilized to measure …

Sleep Patterns And The Behavior Of Children In The Second-, Third-, And Fourth-Grades In Urban Public Schools, Yolanda Cardelli Hampel

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This investigation examined the relationship between nocturnal sleep patterns and behaviors in the classroom of seventy-four girls and fifty-nine boys from second-, third-, and fourth-grades attending five urban public schools in Norfolk, Virginia.

The dependent variables were the classroom behavior that was subdivided into five personality areas for objective assessment of the student's adjustment areas labeled self, social, school, home, and physical. The objective assessment was observed and documented on a seventy-eight item questionnaire by their primary classroom teachers who were familiar with the subjects behavior. The parents observed and recorded data on a sleep log listing independent variables such …

Teaching Third Grade Math : A Learning Experience, Emily Terte

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This study was based on my experience as a new teacher, teaching math to a group of third graders. The purpose was to examine my methods of planning and teaching in order to better understand how I was learning and changing my views on teaching math. I gathered information by reading educational theorists, observing the children in my group, recording anecdotes and writing about my planning process. I gained inspiration from readings of Piaget's and other cognitive theorists, I gained insights from the ways my children responded to my lessons and I discovered that using manipulatives, examples that the children …

The Role Of A Chairperson Of A Michigan Accreditation Program Visitation Team, Ione M. Condit

Masters Theses

This project report describes the functions and responsibilities of an accreditation team leader before, during and after a three-day, on-site visit to validate an elementary school's self-study findings. The elementary school accreditation process for both host school and visitation team is described.

The evolution of the Michigan Accreditation Program as conceived by the Michigan State Legislature and current obstacles to the planned implementation in the Michigan elementary schools are review.

Characteristics Of Families And Home Environments That Facilitate The Successful Adaptation Of Children Into A Formal School Environment, Janice Elich Monroe

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this study was to determine what characteristics of families are most likely to enhance the development of social capital in young urban school children and to determine which of these characteristics or combination of characteristics contribute to a child's ability to adapt positively to a formal school environment. This purpose was accomplished through the design and implementation of an ex post facto study utilizing qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The sample for this study included 33 second grade students from four target schools in the Norfolk Public School System who were identified as disadvantaged and as either …

A Phonics And Whole Language Synthesis, Anne I. Allsworth

All Graduate Projects

The debate among phonics instruction and the whole language approach and the research supporting a balanced approach were examined. High utility phonics generalizations were identified from the literature. Those high utility phonics generalizations that were appropriate for the primary grades were applied to the vocabulary of a set of whole language readers. Lessons and activities were developed to integrate phonics instruction with the whole language materials for first grade students. Implications for further research and teacher training were discussed.

Increasing Reading Fluency In Students With Reading Difficulty, Kathryn Balabanis Peabody

All Graduate Projects

Four methods designed to increase reading fluency were employed in a primary level Special Education resource room. The methods were implemented in accordance with the theory and research regarding reading fluency. Each of the four methods effectively increased the students' ability to read fluently. However, the implementation of these methods varied in cost and time.

A Guide For Creating A School-Wide Advocacy Program, Theresa Dawn Chickering

All Graduate Projects

This project introduces a philosophy and rationale for creating and developing a positive adult influence on elementary school students. Research clearly illustrates the desirable impact a caring adult relationship can have on a child. The study addresses the importance of, development of, and reasons why a school should implement a structured student/adult focused plan. The roles of the advocate and child centered activities are explored.

A Handbook For The Intervention Specialist At Meadows Elementary School: Four Program Components, Donald D. Garrick

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a handbook detailing four important components of the intervention specialist's program at Meadows Elementary School in the North Thurston School District, Lacey, Washington. The development of a handbook was useful due to the fact that since 1988, three different individuals had served as the intervention specialist. Such rapid turnover caused disruptions m services to Meadows students, especially those who were at-risk. The four components were Meadows' Hosts and Hostesses, Intramurals, Conflict Managers and Meadows' Helpers. Each program utilized students interacting positively with other students as a means to improve the whole school …

Bridging The Gap Between Generations: An Intergenerational Handbook For An Elementary School And Senior Citizens, Karla Jane Hansen

All Graduate Projects

Intergenerational programs are designed to bridge the generation gap and encourage the development of positive attitudes between the young and the old. T.hrough implementing intergenerational programs in the schools of today, students gain an understanding of the aging process, seniors in the community participate in a life satisfying activity, and school and community relations increase. To facilitate the implementation of intergenerational programs in the schools, a handbook was developed which outlines the process and procedures for a successful program.

Implementation Of An Accelerated School's Project Model, Vipi Hansen Dorland

All Graduate Projects

The essential elements of an Accelerated School Project were described . This included the population to be served, the typical models of teaching and administering education for this population, the elements of the Accelerated School's Project Model, and the model for implementing the project in an elementary school. A journal of activities undertaken by John Muir Elementary in the Seattle School District as it implemented the Accelerated School's Project was included.

Direct Instruction, Strategic Reading And Third Grade Reading Comprehension, Patricia N. Guy

All Graduate Projects

A review of current research concernmg reading comprehension revealed a perspective of reading as a constructive, interactive process. A strategic approach to reading comprehension is compatible with this view. It was concluded from the review of literature that comprehension monitoring strategies could be taught with direct instruction. A set of comprehension instructional materials was developed which integrated direct instructional methods and research based reading strategies into the district adopted basal reading program. Conclusions are discussed and recommendations made.

An Inservice Program For The Training Of Instructional Paraprofessionals And Classroom Teachers, Debra Renee Helm

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop an inservice program to increase the job related skills of paraprofessional classroom assistants and the human management and supervision skills of the classroom teachers with whom they work. To accomplish this purpose, the inservice training needs of class-size paraprofessionals and the classroom teachers were studied. An inservice training program was developed and implemented with twelve class-size paraprofessionals and twelve supervising teachers from selected elementary schools in the Auburn School District. The results of the program showed that the increased use of paraprofessionals in instructional roles creates significant need for inservice training for …

An Assessment Of The Impact Of Resource Room Placement On Elementary Student Self-Esteem, Michael F. Hopkins

All Graduate Projects

An assessment, in the form of an interview, was conducted to measure the effects of resource room placement and full-time classroom integration on special education student self-esteem. Sixty students in the Wenatchee School District participated in the project during the 1990-1991 school year. The results of the project indicated that the placement of special education students in a full-time integration program does not insure a greater enhancement of their total self-concept; although it may be of benefit to certain areas in their self-esteem. The project included conclusions and recommendations.

Using Children's Literature To Teach Reading Comprehension And Written Language Skills To Elementary Students, Simona Sue Frank

All Graduate Projects

Literature-based instructional strategies for teaching reading comprehension and written language skills were studied. Evidence from the review of literature indicates that trade books motivate students to develop: critical thinking, comprehension, expanded vocabulary, knowledge of grammatical and literary devices along with enrichment of written language skills. Children's literature has proved to be an excellent vehicle for combining reading, writing and literature. Implications for literature-based instruction are discussed.

An Administrative Handbook For The Position Of Elementary Educational Assistant, David H. Bush

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a handbook to aid Elementary Educational Assistants, in the Kent, Washington, School District, in the performance of their duties. The handbook was designed with two main purposes in mind: 1) to provide a single reference tool which will allow the new Educational Assistant more autonomy in the performance of his or her duties; and 2) to provide an organizational tool which will allow for individual differences between buildings and their administrators. The handbook includes sections dealing with such topics as budget, evaluation, discipline, and communications. It also includes copies of the forms …

An Exploration Of The Results Of Class Continuance From Kindergarten Through The First Grade, Georgann Marie Howie

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this study is the comparison of two different ways of grouping primary-level children and their teachers across grade levels. The two ways compared are the "class continuance" model, which is the maintenance of a structured same-age "family of learners" through the primary years, and the traditional practice of reassigning children and teachers to new classroom groups each year. Areas of comparison are the children's social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Nineteen children who remained with the same teacher during their kindergarten year and first grade were compared with 19 other children who were regrouped after finishing their kindergarten …

Student Motivation Augmentation Through Staff Development, Debra J. Lyons-Farley

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop an inservice trainers/ manual to guide the delivery of a teacher training session on student motivation theory and practical classroom application techniques for K-12 teachers in the West Valley School District, Yakima, WA. To accomplish this purpose, research and literature on student motivation, staff development and primarily the works of Dr. Madeline Hunter and Dr. William Glasser, in relation to student motivation, were reviewed. The manual was developed to become a part of the program of effective teaching strategies which positively affect student achievement currently offered ln the district.

Attitudes Toward Reading Held By Second Grade Students When Instructed In First And Second Grades Using The Basal Approach And The Whole Language Approach, Anne L. Kepner

All Graduate Projects

The attitudes toward reading held by second grade students when instructed using the basal approach and the whole language approach were studied. Forty surveys given to students at the end of their second grade year were analyzed. The results showed support for the hypothesis that students, taught reading by the whole language approach in first and second grades will have a more positive attitude toward reading than students taught reading by the traditional basal approach in the first and second grades.

Literature-Based Social Studies Learning Activities For First Grade Students In The Selah School District, Selah, Washington, Bonnie D. Isom

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop literaturebased social studies learning activities to be used with first grade students in the Selah School District. To accomplish this purpose, literature-based social studies learning activities for first grade students were gathered and developed for inclusion in a teacher resource packet. Appropriately used, children's literature can enhance learning in social studies and lead to increased teacher effectiveness.

Emerging Practices In K-6 Multimedia Methods Of Instruction In The Bethel School District, Gelnn E. Malone

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess and describB the conditions and practices in the Bethel School District's elementary schools with regard to the use of a multimedia approach to instruction. A sample of the 260 classroom teachers, 13 principals, and 13 learning resource center specialists in the Bethel School District's 13 elementary schools (K-6) were surveyed using questionnaires covering the implementation of multimedia methods of instruction. The results showed current multimedia methods of instruction are rare in the elementary classrooms of the Bethel School District because of a lack of technological inservice and current multimedia hardware.

Developing In-Class Activities To Support First-Second Grade Literature Instruction, Trina Danette Miller

All Graduate Projects

Literature-based activities were developed in the curriculum areas of Social Studies and Mathematics to be used with the district's adopted literature book program. A district survey indicated a strong interest in these two curriculum areas. This project will provide teachers with activities that support literature instruction in a learning center environment. The activities also help students to self-select a book of interest and to become actively involved in learning center activities that support the books of choice, plus increase their interest and comprehension.

Teaching Comprehension By Incorporating Story Grammar Into A Drta Lesson Format, Sharon Kay Neal

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a teaching procedure which should improve primarylevel reading comprehension. This procedure combines a framework of story grammar as a guide for implementing the Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) lesson format. Literature is reviewed which illustrates the effectiveness of story grammar when used to teach comprehension, and describes the effectiveness of DRTA to promote active comprehension. By combining both story grammar and DRTA, a procedure is developed and ten example lessons are produced.

The Reading And Writing Connection, Leona G. Morton

All Graduate Projects

Many children are graduating from school lacking skills in writing. This project reviews the literature in order to establish a theoretical justification for improving writing through reading. Using materials from the classroom and library, activities are presented that emphasize writing as well as reading. Some writing activities will be presented before reading and some writing activities will be presented after reading. Thus each activity will reflect the reading/writing connection, and create a basis from which writing should improve.

Activities For Teaching Letter Identification, A. Kristin Seibel

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to compile and design research based letter identification activities. Emphasis was placed on the highly confusable letters "b-d", "p-q", and "n-u". The activities were for use in the first grade curriculum. Learning objectives were stated for each activity. The activities, utilizing a variety of materials, were chosen and designed for hands-on application. Needed materials were listed, directions and patterns for construction were included, directions for use were provided, and classroom management was suggested. Use of the activities was divided into three parts: whole group introduction, guided practice, and small group activities.

Cedar River Mini-School, Judy Anne Rene

All Graduate Projects

A mini-school was set up in Cedar River Elementary School in Maple Valley, Washington. The mini-school will keep the same students and teachers together for a three-year period of time. There will be a fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classroom, each with its own teacher. Research suggests that students in small schools perceive a closer, warmer relationship with their teachers, fellow students and other adults and a stronger connection with the school. This project presents a justification for and a description of the mini-school. The only conclusions reached come from the development of the mini-school, not in an evaluation of …

A Comparison Of Research On The Efficacy Of Workbooks/Worksheets And The Practices Of Primary Teachers, Carol Louise Sippola

All Graduate Projects

Primary grade teachers were surveyed regarding their beliefs and practices in the use of basal reader workbooks and worksheets. These beliefs and practices were compared to theory and research evidence on the use and efficacy of basal reader workbooks and worksheets. Eighty returned questionnaires revealed that participants found workbooks worksheets useful and believed in their contribution to reading achievement. However, only 17% of reading instructional time was spent completing workbooks and worksheets.

Corss-Age Tutoring Program, Velma Jean Thompson

All Graduate Projects

This master's project provided a teachers~ handbook to assist in establishing a cross-age tutoring program. In addition to a philosophy statement and a review of the literature, this project also .provided forms for implementing the program and materials for training the tutors. This manual was prepared for use in an elementary school setting and contains a step-by-step approach to establish a cross-age tutoring program.

Hispanic Cultural Activities In The Social Studies Curriculum For Grades 4-5, Janell Ann Ramos

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to integrate Hispanic cultural activities into a Social Studies curriculum using student learning objectives for grades four and five. Six cultural activities were designed and implemented. An informal evaluation of the activities as they related to areas of multicultural education was included. This project demonstrated that Hispanic cultural activities could be successfully integrated into an otherwise monocultural environment, and through this integration positive changes in attitudes and behaviors of all students could be achieved.

The Implementation Of Naturalistic Evaluation Of Reading Comprehension: A Descriptive Study Of First Graders In A Chapter 1 Reading Program, Beth Ann Hardy Nordmeyer

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to document the implementation of naturalistic evaluations of reading comprehension, specifically, the comprehension abilities of first-grade students in a Chapter 1 reading program. There were five major questions which guided the study: (a) How will naturalistic evaluations assess students' reading comprehension abilities in a Chapter 1 classroom? (b) What problems does a Chapter 1 teacher encounter when implementing naturalistic forms of evaluation? (c) Given special consideration to time and management, how can naturalistic devices be used in a Chapter 1 reading program? ( d) How will a Chapter 1 teacher be able to use …