Education Commons^™

Pieces To The Puzzle, Ann L. Cracco

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Because low-income, first-generation, and disabled individuals have limited access to postsecondary education, Congress established TRIO, a series of programs designed to provide access to college for this targeted population. One initiative suggested to aid in retention and graduation for these TRIO students was mentoring. This study examined the perceived benefits of faculty mentoring for first-generation TRIO students to facilitate retention and graduation rates at a Midwestern Community College. Three faculty members and three TRIO students were interviewed to determine their perception of the benefits of faculty mentoring. The results were consistent with the literature that students who have access to …

The Educational And Psychological Experiences Of Children Orphaned By Aids In Western Kenya, Grace Jepkemboi

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of teachers and caregivers concerning the psychological and educational experiences of children orphaned by AIDS in Western Kenya. On the basis of qualitative inquiry, the design of the study focused on phenomenology inquiry. Audio-taped interviews were used as the primary source to gather data for this study. The questions that guided the study were "What are the psychological characteristics of children orphaned by AIDS in Kenya?" "What are the educational experiences of children orphaned by AIDS?" and "What strategies do the teachers and caregivers at the orphanages use to help …

Teaching Reading Using Informational Texts In Third Grade Classrooms: A Case Study In An Urban School District, Dimple J. Martin

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of these multiple descriptive case studies was to describe and analyze the perspectives of three third grade classroom teachers and two third grade reading coaches regarding the use of informational texts and their influence on reading instruction. The research design involved interviews, and observations using a sample composed of three third grade classroom teachers and two third grade reading coaches in five urban, public elementary schools in the Southeastern United States. The aim of this research was to portray a vivid description of the reading episodes in third grade classrooms. The key findings from the study were that …

Mirror, Mirror: A Phenomenological Study Of The Role Of Reflection In Teaching In Elementary School, Amy Ferguson Morgan

All ETDs from UAB

In this era of increasing accountability in education, teachers are being asked to move away from the role of intuitive guide to being a more deliberate reflective practitioner. The need exists to understand the experience of reflection and its meaning from the perspective of practicing teachers. Existing studies describe an effective teacher as one who reflects upon her/his teaching. However, they do not illuminate the perspective of teachers to assist other teachers in knowing how to reflect effectively. Guided by works of Dewey (1909/1933) and Schon (1983, 1987), this phenomenological study explored the reflective experiences of practicing teachers in order …

An Investigation Of The Impact On Student Achievement Of The Mobile Math Initiative In Three High Poverty Schools In A Single School District, Jeanne D. Payne

All ETDs from UAB

Teachers must increase effectiveness of teaching to prepare quantitatively literate students. The study’s purpose was to determine the effectiveness of the Mobile Math Initiative (MMI) in three high poverty schools. Changes in achievement of 89 students over 3 years were examined using the Stanford 10 (SAT 10) Procedures and Problem Solving subtests and the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) Math subtest. Independent variables were (a) ethnic background, (b) gender, (c) socioeconomic status, (d) level of English proficiency, (e) level of special education needed, and (f) school student attended. Data were analyzed with the SPSS (Version 15.0) software using factorial …

Development And Initial Validation Of A Self-Efficacy Scale For Use With Registered Dietitians Working With Overweight Youth, Christopher M. Reinold

All ETDs from UAB

This study developed and validated the Youth-Directed Obesity Counseling Self-efficacy (Y-DOCS) Scale to evaluate the self-efficacy of registered dietitians (RDs) working with childhood overweight. The specific purpose of this study was to create an evaluation instrument that can measure the effectiveness of continuing education (CE) that provides behavioral counseling training. Two research questions guided this investigation into measuring the self-efficacy of RD’s: (a) Is the Y-DOCS scale for dietitians a reliable instrument for assessing self-efficacy among dietitians who receive training? (b) Is the Y-DOCS scale for dietitians a valid instrument for assessing self-efficacy among dietitians who receive training? The population …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Impact Of National Board For Professional Teaching Standards On Early Childhood Teachers, Lesley E. Sheek

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this study was to explore the professional experience of Nationally Board certified teachers as they planned for and taught students after attaining National Board certification. A qualitative, phenomenological methodology (Bogdan & Biklin, 1998; Meloy, 1994; Moustakas, 1994) was used in this study. For this study 10 early childhood generalist and middle childhood generalist Alabama Nationally Board certified teachers were interviewed. Using a three-interview process (Seidman, 1998), narrative information was gathered. Transcripts from each interview were analyzed and coded according to the emerging themes. Six major themes emerged from the interviews with the participants: teaching experiences, National Board …

A Perception Of Parents, Teachers, And Community Leaders Regarding A School District's Strategic Plan As Related To The Use Of Assessment Data, Zanetta Andrea Simmons

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this study was to find out if school personnel and community stakeholders were using assessment data from the strategic plan to help meet the No Child Left Behind mandates for achieving Adequate Yearly Progress. This study examined the perceptions of ten public school stakeholders. Information for this study was gathered by interviewing and analyzing qualitative data of ten purposely-selected subjects from the faculty, central office personnel, community leaders, and parents who were involved in the strategic planning process and helped with the development of various plans that had an influence on student learning outcomes. The constant comparative …

The Scales Are Still Unbalanced:A Phenomenological Study Of Parental Involvement Of Lower Socioeconomic Students Attending School In An Affluent Southeastern Educational Community, Debra Walker Smith

All ETDs from UAB

With the pressures of No Child Left Behind, and many schools being identified as failing, parents are willing to make major sacrifices in order to provide what they believe is a quality education. The research addressed what it meant for twelve low socioeconomic parents to be involved in their children’s education in an affluent educational environment. The researcher defined low socioeconomics as students participating in the National School Lunch Program, as this was one of the identifiers used to determine this subgroup for the State Department of Education’s Adequate Yearly Progress. A phenomenological study was conducted to answer the following …

A Study Of Perceived Stress, Anxiety, Somatic Symptoms, And Spirituality In Practitioners Of The Martial Art Aikido, Howell E. Tapley

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between physical, mental and spiritual health. An additional purpose was to determine if the practice of aikido was associated with measurable levels of somatic symptoms, perceived stress, anxiety and spirituality. Measurement instruments included Cohen’s 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Spielberger’s 20-item Trait Anxiety Inventory (TAI), the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and the 16-item Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale (DSES). A cross-sectional research design was utilized in this study to test the following hypotheses: 1) After controlling for demographic variables, daily spiritual experience will explain variability in perceived stress, anxiety and somatic symptoms, …

Writing To Change The World In An Inner-City Kindergarten Classroom, Toni Taylor

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this qualitative study was to document the evolution of critical literacy and transformational writing in an inner-city kindergarten classroom in a mid-sized city located in the southeastern United States. This research involved 19 kindergarten students who were investigated in the naturalistic setting of routine instruction. Social issue texts were read aloud to students. After discussions of the texts, students responded to literature by creating exhibits, establishing a lost and found service for the school, helping peers and family cope with death, and partnering with the community nursing home. Throughout the study, audio tapes of student’s conversations and …

An Investigation Of Characteristics Exhibited By Alabama Public Schools Designated As Alert, Caution, And Clear: A Comparative Study, Cynthia L. Toles

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this study was to examine the principals’ perceptions of instruc-tional practices that contributed to schools remaining academically clear or being placed on academic alert, caution, or clear. A review of the literature revealed that no empirical study had been conducted that focused on factors in school’s culture, curriculum, and personnel that would make school improvement a continuing process rather than a one-time event. There is a great deal of commentary among educational professionals con-cerning accountability. There is wide agreement that accountability drives instructions. The design of the study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. The pri-mary method …

Influence Of A Sacs Review Of One Previously Unaccredited, Urban Middle School: A Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis, Carole Elaine Braden Tull

All ETDs from UAB

The need for data-driven education and proof of accountability has become apparent since the reform movement in American education that began with A Nation at Risk (National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983). Accreditation identifies schools as quality institutions, yet little K-12 research is available pertaining to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). In this longitudinal study, quantitative and qualitative methods were used to explore the impact of an initial SACS review on an urban, Title I middle school. The target school gained full SACS membership in May 2004. For the next three years the researcher gathered Stanford …

Evaluating Transformative Spirituality In An Organizational Leadership Program At A Christian University, Elizabeth D. Rios

Theses and Dissertations

In the field of Christian higher education, some educators are more concerned with marketing their programs to nontraditional students, the fastest growing segment of new enrollments. Although many view that as a blessing, the issues of mission and specifically spirituality are of concern to educators and administrators who want to avoid the secularization already impacting many fine schools in the country. At satellite locations, some educators perceive that the lack of structured practices and intentional procedures and the marketing of convenience-based structural models have watered down the offerings of Christian higher education. This applied dissertation evaluated whether spiritual development and …

Learning With Meaning: A Case Study Of The Use Of Engaging Instruction In A Suburban School District In The Southeastern United States, Esther Ruth Beenken

All ETDs from UAB

This qualitative case study was conducted to explore educators’ perceptions of the implementation of Engaging Instruction in a suburban school district in the Southeastern United States. It addresses gaps in the literature regarding Engaging Instruction and discusses current research. It highlights implementation, use of design qualities, innovative teaching, student empowerment, change, and the challenges of Engaging Instruction. The theoretical framework that guided this study included the research and the writing of Phillip Schlechty, Shaking up the Schoolhouse (2001) and Inventing Better Schools (1997). His theory of Engaging Instruction addresses student engagement with a student-oriented philosophy of teaching. This philosophy encourages …

Yearbook, 2007, Risd Archives, Center For Student Involvement (Csi)

RISD Yearbooks

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Roles Of The Paraeducator In Instruction, Robert L. Morgan

Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty Publications

With effective training and supervision, paraeducators become valuable team members who actively participate in monitoring and delivering instruction to learners in classrooms. First, this chapter examines the paraeducator's roles in instruction; second, it describes methods the paraeducator can use to deliver effective instruction; third, it warns of excessive prompting, or "taking over"; and fourth, it considers the paraeducator's role in lesson plans, instructional settings, management, groupings, and assessment of learning style.

Recruiting New Teachers: A Project To Promote Teaching Careers, Robert L. Morgan, Darcie L. Peterson, E. Horrocks

Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Family Literacy Nights : Factors For Success, Crystal Betts

Graduate Research Papers

Family Literacy Nights were developed and held at a K-4 elementary building in a medium-sized town in eastern Iowa, demonstrating an example of part of a family literacy program. Family Literacy Nights involved parents and students from the two first grade classrooms at this elementary school. Parents completed surveys and participated in interviews to share their reactions and feelings towards family literacy programs.

The included literature review explores parental involvement and family literacy programs. It looks at the effects of parent involvement on student achievement. The difference between parent involvement programs and family literacy programs is explored. Family literacy programs …

Advisory Programs : Organization And Implementation, Angela Ruth Black

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examined how to implement an advisory program into middle schools. This review looked at the pros and cons of advisory programs, and what needed to be considered before implementing an advisory program.

The topic of advisory programs was chosen after having discussions during my graduate program, as well as with work colleagues. During class discussions, advisory programs sounded like a wonderful concept. But when I went to work, my coworkers made advisory programs sound like a waste of time. I decided I needed to learn more about advisory programs, so I could make my own decision about …

Marvin S. Pittman: A Historical Inquiry Of His Life, Legacy And Leadership, Pamela Frost Altman

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation is an inquiry into the educational leadership style of Marvin Summers Pittman, April 12, 1882-February 27, 1954. Pittman was a transformational leader with a vision to set goals that sometimes appeared to be outside the box during his time as an educational leader. Pittman introduced new and innovative programs in education, including his zone plan for teacher training, and theories for the consolidation of schools. Pittman understood that education was the tool needed to give power back to the people, and to enable them to be productive citizens. Education was Pittman's tool to bring the poor farm boy …

School Psychology Shortage And Urban/Rural Differences, Melissa Marie Hickman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

There is a documented shortage of school psychologists. Various factors contribute to this shortage including: (a) attrition, (b) the public's lack of knowledge about the profession, and ( c) stressors on the job. A continued shortage could have negative implications for the profession as well as students and schools by lowering standards for credentialing school psychologists. This paper will review literature on several factors that may influence the shortage. Historical trends and demographics of school psychologists will also be addressed. In particular, research and speculations concerning differences between the practice of rural and urban school psychologists will be discussed.

Balch Internet Research And Analysis Tool Development Case Study, Charles V. Balch

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The Internet has become increasing popular as a vehicle to deliver surveys. An essential objective of research is to collect accurate data and there has been little work to insure that Internet survey systems are employing best practices as defined by academic and professional research to collect data. My dissertation reviews the current literature relating to best practices in Internet survey design and best practices in software design and development. I then document the development and deployment of an Open Source and publicly licensed Internet survey system that allows researchers to easily create, deploy, and analyze the results of Internet …

Using Time-Lapse And Stroboscopic Photography To Enhance Student Understanding Of Plant Growth, Structure, And Pollination: An Inquiry-Based Study, Louis John Schultz

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of allowing students to generate their own images in a science class as opposed to using pre-existing images. The participants in the study were 7th grade science students enrolled in a small, rural, Louisiana school. A mixed methods design was used so that call available data was collected and analyzed. The lessons used in the study were based on plant structure, growth, and propagation which fit into the mandated 7th grade science curriculum. The students were involved in the taking of still, time-lapse, and stroboscopic images throughout the study. Although an analysis …

Perceptions Of Traditional And Non-Traditional Students Enrolled In A Developmental Reading Course In A Community College Setting, Carolyn Elise Hitchens-Smith

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of developmental students enrolled in a developmental reading course in a community college setting. A reading course questionnaire and interest/attitude inventory was completed by the students. In addition, individual interview were conducted. Eight students participated in the study that addressed more fully the impact of the developmental reading course on their achievement. Research questions sought to explore developmental students’ past reading experiences, past reading experiences, and perceptions of the developmental reading course. Results of the study suggest that classroom instruction focusing on comprehension and vocabulary activities presented in a developmental …

"Feelin' Blue, Oh What To Do?": Coping With Negative Emotions, Jana L. Brinkman

Graduate Research Papers

Over the past five years I have had the opportunity to work with children and youth, ages birth to eighteen, in a variety of environments. The settings in which I have interacted with children include nonprofit agency environments, after school programs, church environments, parks and recreation programs, individual and small group counseling sessions, classroom guidance settings, and home environments. My own observations and experiences along with those of parents, school staff, university faculty, fellow undergraduate and graduate students, and co-workers have supported my conclusion that children from early childhood to high school youth struggle with knowing how to appropriately respond …

Reading Strategies For Struggling Readers In The Middle School, Kathleen Claeys

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review focuses on several strategies good readers use to understand and interpret different types of text, such as fiction, non-fiction, and expository. These strategies are ones that struggling readers are not aware of, or these readers do not have the knowledge and experience to utilize the strategies. Teachers need to provide direct instruction of these strategies, generate models of what they look like, demonstrate what the thought process is behind the strategies, and offer students practice in using them with the idea that students will add them to their repertoire of strategies and use them throughout the learning …

From Isolation To Integration : An In-Class Writing Model For Literacy Specialists, Sarah Nadine Dorsey

Graduate Research Papers

The article describes descriptive research about one Reading Recovery teacher's design and implementation of a nine week in-class writing model in a first grade classroom. The instructional model was implemented for 45 minutes daily for nine weeks and included mini-lessons, shared writing, writing about a read-aloud, independent writing, and opportunities for students to share their writing. Discussed are the theory and rationale, design, implementation, and findings resulting from the additional instruction.

The benefits of the short-term model include improvements in all students' writing, stronger connections between pull-out and in-class writing for Reading Recovery students, improved self-perceptions of writers, increased collaboration …

The What, The Why, And The How Of Using Repeated Readings Of Poetry To Increase Reading Fluency, Melissa Feldmann

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review concludes that repeated readings of poetry will increase student reading fluency. The use of repeated readings to increase fluency is a common classroom practice; its effectiveness has been firmly established. The daily use of poems for rereading purposes can enhance several literacy skills including fluent reading. Although there are limitations of the study, it can be concluded that when poems are read repeatedly in a variety of ways, students are able to read fluently while comprehending the text. The research that does exist clearly suggests that classroom teachers might use repeated readings of poetry to help students …

Using A Balanced Literacy Approach In Elementary Schools, Jennifer Lynn Freeman

Graduate Research Papers

One of the most significant educational topics currently facing teachers and administrators is literacy education. Teaching children to read and write is fundamental to a student's success in school: School districts, administrators, and teachers are faced with a tough challenge when developing a literacy curriculum. What will their method of instruction be? The great debate among literacy scholars and professionals is whether to teach using a phonics approach, whole language, or balanced literacy. This paper will explore the concept and benefits of using a balanced approach in literacy education.