Education Commons^™

A Preferred Vision For Leading The Secondary School : A Reflective Essay, Chad David Wolf

Graduate Research Papers

As I reflected on past experiences in my life, I found myself in a position of leadership. Interestingly, one ofmy earliest leadership experiences happened around the age of ten. The neighborhood I grew up in had several families with children. It was natural back then for us to play outside most of our free time. As children, it was not unusual for us to have times when no one could make a decision on what we would do that day. On many occasions, I found myself being selected to make the decision for the group. My childhood years were the …

A Vision Of Elementary School Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Julia Lynne Zastrow

Graduate Research Papers

The smell of coffee and crayons has always warmed my heart. Coming home from kindergarten, I couldn't wait to join my mother and her perennial cup of coffee at our dining room table for a ritual of coloring and catching up. While I labored away with my Crayolas, my mother would ask me about my day at school, and we would talk together about the sound that a cardinal makes, or the color of our oak tree in the front yard. Through these conversations my mother fostered a joy of learning and sharing that would grow with me into adulthood, …

What I Believe About Educational Leadership: A Reflective Essay, Janet Young

Graduate Research Papers

Education, in my opinion, is one of the most honorable professions a person can experience. Each teacher or principal involved with educating children is someone that makes a difference in the lives of children and influences them as they become adults. It is amazing to think about the profound impact each educator has on others. No other occupation has such a responsibility. I believe that all children can learn, and I have had a passion for making that a reality since my childhood. I know that I can help children reach their potential. Parents must know that we cherish their …

The Needs Of The Adult Learner : Typical Characteristics And How It Impacts The Training Process, Joleen W. Siebert

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review was conducted to gain a better understanding of the relationship between the characteristics of the adult learner, and the impact of those characteristics in implementation and training situations in a business environment. The review introduced this researcher to numerous theories, resources, and strategies proven to improve business training activities or programs.

The amount of available research provides evidence that business recognizes quality training must be provided to derive optimum results from training programs for their employees. It also confirms that understanding typical adult learner characteristics will enhance the learning situation when both the course designers and the …

A Case Study Of Organizational Change At Riverview Early Childhood Center, Jaclyn Yetmar

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the need for change in an organization and the obstacles which must be overcome. The reasons for change were discussed in regard to Riverview Early Childhood Center of Webster City, Iowa. Guidelines were presented for change agents to use in accomplishing change within an organization. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for organizations in facilitating change from within.

Counseling Couples In Domestic Violence, Krista L. Strauser

Graduate Research Papers

Domestic violence is a widespread problem that is being passed down from generation to generation. Counselors have been debating for years as to how to effectively treat couples with domestic violence issues. The nature of couples counseling is debated against the ethical issues, safety issues, and appropriateness of counseling domestically violent couples. Challenges for counselors are discussed along with rules of how and when to conduct couples counseling with domestically violent couples.

A Vision For Administering An Elementary School, Karen L. Thorpe

Graduate Research Papers

My philosophy of educational leadership has developed from the experiences I have had over the course of my lifetime. It began with the values taught to me by my parents and has continued to build to the present. My parents provided a caring and secure family life for my four siblings and me. Neither my mother nor my father had the benefit of much formal education. Neither was able to graduate from high school because they had the obligation to contribute income to their families during the depression. Perhaps the hardships they lived through were the basis of the values …

Limitado Empoderamiento Del Currículum De La Educación De Adultos Por Parte De Los Docentes, Onavis Cabrera

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

El propósito de esta investigación estuvo centrado en obtener las informaciones pertinentes para contribuir a explicar las causas socioeducativas del limitado empoderamiento por parte de los educadores que trabajan en la educación de adultos. En su fase de implementación se llevó a cabo en seis centros educativos del Distrito 10-04, de la Regional de Educación Santo Domingo I, ubicado en el municipio de Santo Domingo Oriental. Dicho estudio se efectuó durante un año y tres meses (enero 2003-abril 2004). La cantidad y calidad de la información obtenida permitió alcanzar los objetivos y comprobar las hipótesis de trabajo.

Sus resultaron lograron …

Development Of A Retention Plan For African American Male Students At Midlands Technical College With A Plan For Implementation And Evaluation, Wanda Fernandopulle

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Procedures for this development study included a review of the literature, establishment of criteria, formative committee review of criteria, summative committee validation of criteria, data collection, statistical analysis of survey and interview results, review of committee feedback, and a distribution of findings and recommendations to committee members.

A development methodology was used to answer 5 research questions: (a) What does the literature reveal about intervention approaches associated with retention for African American male college students? (b) What content should be included in the African American male retention plan as identified by summative and formative committee members? (c) What is the …

Implementing A Site-Based New Teacher Induction Program: Support, Train, Assist, And Retain (Star), Gina Flynn-Carmack

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to implement a site-based teacher induction program at Chamberlain High School in order to increase job satisfaction, improve performance, and encourage retention in education among beginning teachers. The report describes a plan that was developed and implemented by the writer. The program contained 4 strategies designed to foster professional growth and personal support of beginning teachers: developing weekly learning communities, assigning a mentor to each beginning teacher, increasing administrator involvement, and maintaining frequent contact with a retired teacher to offer emotional support.

The writer measured both the success of each component of the STAR Teacher …

Factors Impacting Reading Achievement: Where’S The Accountability?, Theresa Ann Liggett Smotherman

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Although the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education developed scales that measured variables of assessments, the state of Missouri failed to identify probable causes for the below level results. The purpose of this applied dissertation was to systematically inquire into detail factors which might have an effect on the teaching and learning process. These factors could explain the below level assessment results. The reading discipline was chosen from the Communication Arts component of the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). This was the state’s testing instrument. Reading was a necessary skill in all tested areas and a criterion that gauged academic achievement; …

The Functions Of An Administrative Intern: A New Position Dissertation, De Ann Mccormick Ramey

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation describes the writer’s first 12 months as the administrative intern at Gulf Shores Middle School (GSMS). The purposes of this dissertation were to (a) determine the procedures, conditions, and atmosphere of the school when the position was accepted; (b) determine which procedures were working effectively and which required overhaul, replacement, or removal; and (c) determine administrative priorities for the following school year.

A point of concern about the new position was that the writer had been a classroom teacher at GSMS for 9 years and had built a strong camaraderie with fellow teachers. The move from peer …

Increasing Elementary School Teachers’ Understanding And Use Of Metacognitive Reading Strategies, James T. Noftle

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to address the lack of understanding and use of metacognitive reading strategies at the elementary school level. Information about the importance of metacognitive reading strategies was provided at teacher workshops and meetings. Preintervention questionnaires revealed that teacher preparation programs often fail to provide preservice teachers with opportunities to learn about metacognition as it relates to literacy instruction. As a result, many elementary school teachers fail to provide students with opportunities to monitor their thinking. The 4th-grade teachers who volunteered to participate in this study were not modeling metacognitive reading strategies to facilitate optimal learning, and …

A Proactive Approach To Middle School Discipline: An Eighth Grade Social Studies Class, Terry Mcmullen

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Students were frequently removed from class or school for discipline, with the consequence that they would fall behind or fail. This applied dissertation was designed to improve the way educators address school discipline. Removal of students from class or school would be less frequently used, resulting in better student performance.

The writer implemented six proactive strategies to reduce the rate of students being removed from class or school for discipline (a) A structured classroom discipline plan and log to keep all stakeholders aware of the students disciplinary status, (b) A Conflict Resolution class pertaining to violence and anger management, (c) …

Reducing Peer Victimization At A Southeastern Middle School By Utilizing An Anti-Peer Victimization Curriculum And Student Leader Peer Support, Arlene M. Mcdermott

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to decrease the high levels of peer victimization at a suburban middle school. Many students attending the institution were actively engaging in negative aggressive behavior such as bullying, teasing and isolating peers. They did not understand what types of behaviors constituted peer harassment or the affects it had on the aggressor, victim and general school climate. In addition, student leaders were not aware that they could act individually or as a collective body to help aid in its prevention.

The writer developed an Anti-Peer Victimization Curriculum that included a series of lessons, activities and strategies …

Utilizing Arts-Related Activities In Accordance With Multiple Intelligence Theories To Increase Third Grade Gifted And Talented Students’ Interest In Language Arts Instruction, Kevin Kovacs

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to investigate the effects of arts-related activities on the interest levels and achievement of third grade gifted students. An important consideration for the improvement of gifted education is the necessity for educators to understand the nature and needs of the gifted learner, including their uneven social and emotional development. In spite of the gifted and talented child’s advanced intellectual development, an asynchronous social and emotional development may sometimes result in lower than expected academic performance. The discrepancy between a high measure of intelligence and low levels of academic achievement may be due to common characteristics …

Motivators For Enrolling Children In Preschool And Child Care Programs: A Difference Between Latino And Non-Latino Parents, Barbara Andre

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The goals of this study were to answer the following questions: 1. Is there a difference in the reasons why parents enroll children in daycare and preschool programs between Latino and non-Latino parents? 2. Is program cost a primary factor for both groups of parents? 3. Do both groups put equal emphasis on the development of social skills as a reason for enrollment? 4. Do both groups use friends and relatives for childcare more than they use daycare and preschool programs? 5. Is there a difference in value placed upon educating children at an early age between Latino and non-Latino …

Performance Comparison Of Trade Readjustment Act And Traditional Students Of Wytheville Community College, Jeffrey B. Fields

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine how Trade Readjustment Act (TRA) students' academic performance of grade point average compared to traditional students in academic programs at Wytheville Community College. To solve this problem, the following hypothesis was established: 1. Trade Readjustment Act students earned higher grade point averages than traditional students at Wytheville Community College.

The Success Rate Of Military Students In The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Preparation Class, Margaret A. Russo

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

To determine the solution to this problem, the following hypothesis was established: 1. Military students who had taken the two week, 54-hour ASVAB Preparation Class had a better rate of success than those who exceeded the two week 54-hour class and finished using the self-paced format.

Determination Of Why Students Enrolled In Bluefield Regional Medical Center School Of Medical Technology Cannot Receive Government Financial Assistance, James E. Gibberson

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The goals established to guide this study were as follows: 1. Determine why students cannot receive government financial assistance while performing their clinical training at Bluefield Regional Medical Center Laboratory; 2. Determine other means in which students may obtain financial assistance in order to pay for their clinical education at Bluefield Regional Medical Center; 3. Determine how can the institutions, Bluefield Regional Medical Center, Bluefield State College and Bluefield College, work together to form a system of financial assistance for students if government financial assistance is not available.

Collaborative Strategies That Would Minimize Interruption In Work Output In A Human Resources Development Department During An Acquisition, Crystal E. Lilly

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to identify collaborative strategies that would minimize interruption in work output in a Human Resources Development department during an acquisition.

The Types Of Computer Technology Skills Needed By Graduates Of The Information Systems Technology Program, Thomas Czerwinski

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

To guide the solution to this problem, the following research goals were established: 1. The researcher will identify computer skills required of entry-level technicians at Canon I.T.S.; 2. The researcher will identify the types of computer technology courses offered in the IST program at Paul D. Camp Community College; 3. The researcher will align the Canon competency needs with Paul D. Camp Community College Information Systems Technology courses.

Marketing Supported Employment Programs And The Relationship To Employment Opportunities, Sara L. Mcinturff

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the marketing of the Job Link Program to business members of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and its relationship to employment opportunities for adults with significant disabilities.

The Effects Of Reading Readiness And Student Achievement In The Primary Grades Through The Use Of Phonemic Awareness, Curtis A. S. Campbell

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of the study was to determine the effects that reading readiness, such as phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge, concept of word, and letter-sound knowledge, and the relationship it has on student achievement on the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) Test on a kindergarten class at Deep Creek Central Elementary School in Chesapeake.

Impact Of Kindergarten Format On First-Grade Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening Assessments, Gail W. Ricks

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

To solve this problem, the following hypothesis was developed: 1. Students that attended full-day kindergarten programs will outperform those students that attend half-day kindergarten on the fall first-grade Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS).

The Development And Validation Of A Mentoring Program For The Cook County School District, Torrance D. Choates

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The problem under investigation was the current mentoring program in the Cook County School District in Georgia. The mentoring program was not providing support and guidance to student teachers, beginning teachers, and colleagues in establishing peer-coaching relationships. At present, mentorship is left up to each school-based administrator. The concern was that there was not enough consistency in relation to a true systemwide mentoring program in the Cook County School District. Within the project, 7 questions were addressed: (a) status of mentor and teacher induction program within Cook County School District, (b) attrition rates for new teachers in the district, (c) …

The Equipment Needs Of The Standards For Technological Literacy, Julian B. Duffey

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

These goals were analyzed to produce a standard equipment list for CATTS to recommend for implementation in participating states. It sought to: 1. Determine the equipment needs for elementary education programs implementing the Standards for Technological Literacy; 2. Determine the equipment needs for middle school education programs implementing the Standards for Technological Literacy; 3. Determine the equipment needs for high school education programs implementing the Standard for Technological Literacy.

Implementation Of Standards Of Technological Literacy, Scott A. Sonier

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

This descriptive research was driven by the following questions: 1) What is the level of overall implementation of the Standards for Technological Literacy? 2) What is the level of implementation for each of the Standards for Technological Literacy? 3) In what time frame do respondents expect their programs will have the Standards of Technological Literacy fully implemented? 4) Is there formal assessment supporting the Standards for Technological Literacy?

The Relationship Between Pals Scores And Classroom Performance, Robin Jordan

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

To guide this problem, the following hypotheses were established: 1. Students who earn a superior score on the PALS test will perform better on phonics assessments; 2. A majority of students who receive a failing grade on phonics assessments will meet or exceed the PALS benchmark score.

Do Distance Learning Students Taking Business And Technology Courses At Olympic College Achieve The Same Grade Point Averages As On-Campus Students In The Same Courses, Steven J. Ericson

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

To guide this problem, the following hypothesis was established: 1. There will be no significant difference in the GPAs of online and on-campus students in the same Business and Technology courses at Olympic College.