Education Commons^™

Effects Of A Nontraditional Multi-Age Learning Environment On Academic And Social-Emotional Learning: A Case Study, Nicole Black

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this study was: how are struggling, elementary-aged students’ academic and social-emotional learning impacted by a nontraditional, multi-age learning environment? Topics explored in the review of the literature include struggling learners, academic performance, social-emotional learning, and learning environments. The case study was based on a pilot program, in which 22 students with academic and social-emotional needs were co-taught by three teachers in a multi-age, grades 2-4 environment. To answer the research question, qualitative and quantitative academic and social-emotional data was collected over a nine-week period. Individual goals were set for and with students in the areas …

Social Presence Theory: Creating Engaging And Strong Online Learning Communities At The K-12 Level, Abigail Amundson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Social presence theory is “the degree to which a person is perceived as a real person in mediated communication” (Gunawardena, 1995). Enhancing student’s perception of social presence increases instructional effectiveness and learning in an online learning environment. To increase perceived social presence, teachers must use techniques and interaction skills to build an online classroom community. There is not a lot of research on social presence theory in K-12 online learning environments so the purpose of this study was to find tools and strategies that create a strong online learning environments and to find if there is a relation between social …

The Texts Matter: Essential Text Characteristics For Comprehension Intervention In The Intermediate Grades, Tia Clasen

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Results on state and national reading assessments indicate that students in the U.S. overall, and in Minnesota specifically, continue to struggle to comprehend expository texts; only one-third of fourth graders meeting grade level proficiency on state assessments designed to analyze reading achievement. Further, a significant gap persists for fourth grade students based on race, language, and socioeconomic status. Contemporaneously, technology continues to advance rapidly, demanding increased literacy skills and a better understanding of comprehension intervention. This research study aims to identify essential text characteristics of expository texts that will eventually be included in an online, automated reading strategy tutor providing …

Tilting The Floor: Uncovering Leadership Factors Teachers And Principals Attribute To Math Growth Rate In Two Title I Schools, Stephanie Hiatt

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study investigated the two highest math growth rates at two Title I schools in a mid-size, Midwestern school district. This research focused on the leadership factors that may have attributed to the math growth rate. Open-ended interviews, structured interviews, surveys, focus groups, and document analysis were used to collect data. This study uncovered the leadership factors teachers and principals attributed to the math growth rate. The focus of this study was on leadership decisions made before and after students walked into and out of the classroom that have an effect on math achievement. This study also explored …

On The Importance Of Deliberate Writing Instruction In Fourth Grade Classrooms, Joshua Baumgartner

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question that was at the heart of the study was: How can fourth grade educators increase student motivation to write and strengthen students’ writing skills using the workshop model? Central topics addressed in the Review of the Literature included the Common Core State Standards for writing, concerns and issues facing today’s teachers of writing, and a variety of possible solutions to these issues. A group of 14 fourth grade students were the focus of the study in which a workshop-based writing unit from the Units of Study curriculum was taught, with particular attention paid to the growth of …

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy And Student Motivation: An Applied Study Of Their Relationship In Fourth Grade English Learners, Joy Mcclain

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this paper is: How are feelings of motivation observed in and

reported by English learners when they are educated in culturally relevant ways? Using Ladson- Billings’ definition of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Ryan and Deci’s self-determination theory

of motivation, and Gonzalez’ definition of culture as lived experience, the author conducts classroom research with fourth grade English learners in an urban setting in the American Midwest. Student surveys, teacher observations, and field notes are used for the duration of two co-taught lessons that can be classified as being culturally relevant. One lesson introduces the metaphor to students …

Involvement In Extracurricular Activities And Overall High School Experience: Academics, School Belonging, And Career/College Readiness, Mike Richards

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this project was to find out if there is a connection between extra-curricular (EC) activities and high school belonging, academics, and college/career readiness that makes school a more positive experience overall. The primary focus of this project was on finding if there is a positive impact on involvement in EC activities with regard to school belonging and college/career readiness along with higher achieving academics. An online survey was administered to the student body and there were individual interviews conducted. Along with analyzing literature, the researcher looks into his background of EC activities and how it …

Leveraging Writing Routines To Increase Achievement Of English Learners In Science, Monica Grubb

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Two research questions were investigated in this case study: How are 5th grade ELs’ performances on an objective portion of a science quiz on erosion and deposition affected after discussing concepts with a teacher and writing about these concepts? How are 5th grade ELs’ written explanations of erosion and deposition and use of genre-specific language structures affected after conferencing with a teacher about these concepts? Science literacy is for all, but many ELs struggle to learn science content. The literature points to academic language of science and its hierarchical knowledge structures as barriers to learning. Best practices to support ELs …

Communicating Student Achievement Through Standards-Based Assessment And Grading, Elizabeth Hennen

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this project was: which method of grading is the most effective way to communicate a student's progress and growth through the course of a school year to students, parents, and future teachers? The motivating factor for this project was one teacher’s concern regarding the traditional grading system and the correlation between the grades given to students and what they were actually learning and retaining. This capstone details positives and negatives when implementing standards-based assessment and grading practices. This project was influenced heavily by the work of Dr. Robert Marzano and Rick Wormeli, although differing in …

How Can Fluency Instruction Using Readers' Theater And Paired Reading Impact Reading Comprehension In The Third Grade Classroom?, Angela Koski

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this capstone was, how can fluency instruction using readers’ theater and paired reading impact reading comprehension in the third grade classroom? It documents one teacher’s experience of implementing Readers’ Theater and Paired Reading in an attempt to increase fluency which can impact comprehension. The project integrates whole group, small group, and partner activities with a third grade class. The author details her review of best practices in reading instruction, implementation of Readers’ Theater and Paired Reading for fluency instruction, and the results seen from adding explicit fluency instruction. She describes the successes seen in teacher …

Effective Note-Taking Strategies In The High School Math Classroom, Michael Swenson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this action was, how can I implement effective note-taking strategies to improve my students’ performance on assessments? It details how one teacher implements Cornell notes and Foldables over the course of one trimester in two different Algebra 2 classes. A mixed methods approach was used to better understand effects of each strategy on three unit exams, three vocabulary quizzes, student surveys, and six student interviews. He describes the effects of each strategy on student achievement and concludes that: 1) Cornell notes and Foldables did improve student achievement on unit exams with Cornell notes showing higher …

Barriers To Individuals Of Entering The Field Of Education, Jamie Williford

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Institutional racism is prevalent in our society. It is the researcher’s belief that we must acknowledge the effects of racism in order to address the needs of individuals of color. The schools in our nation are an important place to start. The goal of this research is to create a list of barriers to individuals of color entering the field of education. Mixed methods research data collection and literature review aid in solving the research question: What are the barriers to individuals of color entering the field of education? A significant race gap has been noted by the researcher and …

A Case Study Of A Charter School That Is Beating The Odds Of The Achievement Gap, David Green

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this project was, what one charter school was doing to excel at narrowing the achievement gap. In this study, the author examines the systems in place at a charter school that enrolls predominantly, low-income, African-American students. The surrounding district where this charter school is located shares similar student demographics, however, based on the state’s standardized test scores and proficiency and growth scores, the district is struggling to narrow the achievement gap. This study shows that this charter school is beating the odds, and showing significant gains in narrowing the achievement gap. A thorough review of …

How Integrating Digital Formative Assessment Impacts The Learning Of Sixth-Grade Science Students, Sara E. Potter

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in the project was, How integrating digital formative assessment impacts the learning of sixth-grade science students? The motivating factor for this capstone was the increased use of electronic devices in the classroom. In this study, qualitative and quantitative data was collected using student surveys and summative assessment results of a science unit after using either traditional or traditional and digital formative assessments. In one year, exclusively traditional formative assessment was implemented, and in the other, both traditional and digital formative assessments were used. It was found that whether traditional formative assessment or a combination of traditional …

Fourth Grade Curriculum To Increase Literacy Achievement In Ell Students, Shannon Baker

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This curriculum project answered the question: How can I make the Units of Study more accessible to English Language Learners by incorporating balanced literacy techniques? The author incorporated ideas from best practices in literacy, and combined them with best practices for ELL students to create a curriculum unit. The unit is comprised of ten lessons. It includes graphic organizers and best practice ideas for ELL students. In this paper the author describes the research involved in creating this unit. She also discusses limitations, implications, and ideas for future research.

Achievement And Engagement With The Workshop Model In The High School Literature Classroom, Sara Stensaas

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this study is as follows: does the use of the workshop model improve engagement and achievement in an honors senior level literature classroom? This action research study sought to discover how two workshop treatment groups, Blau’s literature workshop and Tovani’s workshop model, compared to a control group in achievement on the target unit learning objectives and engagement change over the unit with high school honors-level senior students. Using pre- and post-treatment surveys, focus group discussion, and a unit test, this mixed-method research project looked for a parallel between increase engagement and achievement. Engagement measures under …

Supporting Students With Gifted-Talented Potential In High Need Schools: A Portraiture Study, Anna Zillnger Shepard

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this project is – how are students with Gifted-Talented potential supported in the inclusive classroom model when it is implemented in high need

public schools? The research was conducted and organized utilizing Sarah Lawrence- Lightfoot’s Portraiture qualitative research method, which includes the components of

Voice, Context, Emergent Themes, and Aesthetic Whole. Five teachers who served in high need K-6 public schools provided the data through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and read multiple times to determine five Emergent Themes in accordance with the research method. Those themes were: Identification, Testing/Evaluation, Support, Failure, and Success. …

Impact Of Mindset Interventions During Morning Meeting On Student Motivation And Classroom Community, Megan Schoaf

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The(research(question(addressed(is what impact do mindset interventions during Morning Meeting have on students’ motivation and building community in a kindergarten classroom? It studies the work of Carol Dweck and other researchers who have theorized that the human mindset can play a pivotal role in motivation to learn and persevere past challenges. It also examines the effects of teaching about the brain and how the brain can grow and change with effort and persistence. The author used a qualitative method of study using interviews, anecdotal notes, and classroom observations to obtain perspective of preliminary mindsets and mindsets at the end of the …

Student Reactions To Culturally Relevant Pedagogy Designed To Build Trust And Mutual Respect, Karrah O’Daniel

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

In a qualitative study of an inner-city, diverse classroom, this Capstone looks at the question: How do students describe their reaction to culturally relevant pedagogical strategies designed to build engagement, trust, and mutual respect in a culturally diverse classroom managed by their Caucasian teacher? The Capstone shares some personal stories of the researcher and looks at the existing research about the importance of relationship building, particularly within the realms of trust and mutual respect between students and teachers. This particular Capstone focuses deeply through the eyes of race and culture in the classroom, especially examining the realities of lack of …

The Impact Of Math Talks On Student Achievement In Kindergarten, Emily Payan

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The core goal of this study was to answer the question, How do daily math talks impact student achievement in kindergarten? Math talks were implemented daily in a Title I kindergarten classroom over a period of six weeks. The findings suggest that the use of math talks as an integral part of instruction positively impact student achievement. The average growth in the experimental group was an increase of 42% in the composite scores by the end of the study, compared to a 31% increase in the control group. The experimental group in this study started as a more emergent group …

How Family Advocates Home-Visiting In A Midwestern Urban Area Describe The Impact Of Family Stress On Children’S Learning And Success In School, Virginia Lucio

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine Seven Out of School Factors common among the poor that significantly affect the health and learning opportunities of children. In depth interviews were employed to allow six Family Advocates to answer interview questions regarding their experiences in witnessing the the seven factors. Findings suggest that many children possess one or more of the factors which are related to a host of poverty-induced physical, sociological, and psychological problems that children often bring to school, ranging from neurological damage and attention disorders to excessive absenteeism, linguistic underdevelopment, and oppositional behavior. Implications for future research …

Using Social Interaction To Elevate And Enrich Student Expressive Vocabulary In Writing, Elizabeth Swenson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

How does social interaction in vocabulary instruction impact students writing? This action research project explores the impact of using social interaction in vocabulary learning to increase the accurate usage of new vocabulary in student writing. This mixed-methods approach utilized pre and post surveys on student attitudes toward word learning, a vocabulary pre-assessment, four vocabulary unit assessments and analysis of student writing. Four different vocabulary instructional treatments were applied over the course of three vocabulary units. Findings suggest that utilizing discussion in word learning can have a positive impact on student writing and enjoyment in word learning.

What Effect Does Full Day Kindergarten Have On Student Achievement In Literacy?, Philip Lee Munkvold

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Kindergarten has undergone continuous change since its inception in 1837. Minnesota’s kindergarten program experienced a substantial transformation during the 2014-2015 academic year by offering full-day kindergarten at no cost. Students attending full-day kindergarten will receive twice the amount of instruction as years past, prompting a study on what effect this may have on student achievement. This capstone uses a combination of surveys, assessments, and interviews with to help answer the research question, What effect does full day kindergarten have on student achievement in literacy? Research concludes that full-day kindergarten has a positive impact on student achievement in literacy in kindergarten, …

The Effects On Reading Comprehension When Using Prompts In Book Clubs, Kelly Jo Bridge

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this Capstone is: What is the effect on reading comprehension when using talk prompts with second grade students in book clubs? The action research that was conducted involved two book clubs that were each made up of four second grade students. One of the groups used talk prompts to enhance the accountable talk in book clubs and the other group had a book club discussion without the use of talk prompts. Both groups took a pretest before the book club discussion and a posttest after the book club discussion. The data revealed that when second …

How Does Culturally Responsive Curriculum Impact African American Student’S Literacy Development In The Primary Grades?, Kaylan Louise Carlson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this capstone was: How does culturally responsive curriculum impact African American student’s literacy development in the primary grades? The work explores common classroom practice, culturally responsive teaching, multicultural education and the implications for a literacy curriculum that is culturally responsive. It documents an educator’s creation of a unit using the tenets of Understanding by Design (Wiggins & McTighe, 1998) and involving elements of culturally responsive teaching through multicultural education, in addition to resources and text sets. The lesson plans and resources were created for use in the primary level but may be altered for use …

Teaching Problem Solving In Mathematics: Cognitively Guided Instruction In Kindergarten, Christy Faith Wilson Eckenrode

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The study explores the effects of mathematical conversations, using Cognitively Guided Instruction practices (CGI), on the problem solving ability and academic language usage of kindergarten students. Four treatment groups of students were followed over a ten week period. Students were grouped by the number of minutes that they participated in mathematical conversations per week. Students in the group that had the most minutes per week of mathematical conversations grew by the greatest amount in both problem solving and academic language capacity. Students in the control group regressed in both problem solving and academic language. Students in the group the met …

How Does Learning About Affixes (Prefixes And Suffixes) Help English Language Learners (Ells) Understand The Meaning And Use Of Affixes?, Melissa Jean Cook

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this paper is: How does learning about affixes (prefixes and suffixes) through games and songs help English Language Learners (ELLs) understand the meaning and function of affixes? It documents one teacher’s teaching of common prefixes and suffixes to 3rd grade ELLs with the use of games and songs in the classroom to increase student learning and engagement. The data includes pretests, posttests and a survey. The findings of this study include, 1) some students were secure before the lessons in their knowledge of prefixes re- and mis- and suffix -er ; 2) the data was …

How Can Instructional Staff Be Effectively Introduced To A Standards-Based Grading Policy, Joseph Patrick Millard

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Standards-based grading is a style of grading developed over the last 30 years as a means for schools to create agreed upon standards for learning and grading (McMillan, 2000). While there may be school policies and philosophies motivating a teacher’s grading system, there is no universal method or standard for the assessment of American students. Grading practices may vary from school to school, subject to subject, and classroom to classroom. As a result, teachers’ grading policies have the potential to become subjective, based more on teacher experience and preference than a student’s mastery of a subject. Subjective grading is problematic …

The Emotional Effect Of Same Sex Grouping, Katherine Barwacz Heidrick

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this project was, how do gender roles affect the achievement of school-aged children? It documents one teachers research in her fifth grade classroom by creating a curriculum related challenge that students worked on in mixed gender groups and same gender groups. The author documents the details of the research literature review in order to analyze and validate the study. The action research portion included surveys that students responded to, asking them to reflect over their experience. In conclusion, the author describes both successes and struggles of working with mixed and same gender groups and concludes …

Exploring Attitudes Toward Teacher Led Parent Advocacy Models That Address Racial Education Inequity, Paula Yadel Cole

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The question addressed in this project is, “what are teachers and parents’ attitudes toward a teacher led parent advocacy model that addresses education inequity in Minnesota?” The premise of this work is that according to available research, current models for parent engagement in schools are not relevant to families of color. In depth interviews were conducted to understand how six families perceive the education system and how empowered they feel about leading their children towards higher education. The author also collected questionnaire responses to investigate how teachers feel about leading instruction at a potential parent leadership academy. The findings conclude …