Education Commons^™

Helping Children Overcome Reading Difficulties Using Response To Intervention, Corinne M. Sannino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine if Argryis and Schon's (1974) Theory-of-Action framework could be used as a viable professional development tool to improve teachers' professional practices when providing Tier II literacy interventions within the context of a Response to Intervention (RTI) program in an elementary school. This multicase study sought to understand more deeply the espoused beliefs and theories-in-use of four elementary literacy interventionists' when delivering intensive literacy interventions to students not reading on grade level within the context of the RTI program by using semi-structured interviews, collection of student work, and classroom observations. Discrepancies were …

Effects Of Reciprocal Teaching In Guided Reading With Third Grade Students With Specific Poor Comprehension, Sharon R. Mclaren

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects that using the reciprocal teaching intervention method had on third grade students with specific poor comprehension skills within a guided reading setting. The study included ten third grade students - five boys and five girls. While all the students read fluently, they were identified with poor reading comprehension skills. The researcher conducted the reading groups with both the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group received the reciprocal teaching intervention. The control group received the standard guided reading lessons. Results from the study show that reciprocal teaching can improve third graders reading comprehension …

Writing Fiction During Writing Workshop In First Grade, Maureen Kelly Rowan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine how first graders respond to and perform within the writing workshop model. The workshop model is used during the writing of fiction pieces. One goal of this study was to determine how the students would respond to choosing their own topics. A second goal of this study was to determine if students would be successful in composing fiction pieces through the use of this model. The third goal of this study was to determine if there would be gender differences within the choice of topic. The findings showed that the students were …

Effects Of A Scripted And Intense Reading Intervention Program On The Reading Comprehension Of Fifth Grade Students With Learning Disabilities, Tracy Slater

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the use of intensive reading intervention programs in a fifth inclusion classroom setting. This has been a topic that is frequently discussed and how support for the special need students with comprehension deficits can be increased. These students deserve a fair, equal, and individualized learning plan in a classroom that accepts all children. Studies show how successful using intensive reading programs close the reading comprehension gaps with our exceptional students.

The purpose of this study is to show how using the intensive reading intervention program is crucial in the classrooms to support the special needs students. …

The Effects Of A Leveled Literacy Intervention (Lli) On Elementary-Age Students Reading Below Grade Level, Jennifer Majewski

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate students who were having reading and writing difficulties and who were also below grade level by using Fountas and Pinnell's Leveled Literacy Intervention as a supplemental program to show that change occurs after treatment. I found that there was a third of the students who were seven years old were below grade level in their reading. I am hopeful that with using the LLI program as a supplemental to their regular reading program, the students will improve their reading performance levels. The method that is the most appropriate is the two group, …

Peer Tutoring For Vocabulary For Students With Disabilities, Martin P. Kavanagh

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects of peer tutoring on the vocabulary acquisition of students with disabilities in a middle school setting. This study included twelve 8th grade students in co-taught classes. The participants included two Hispanic students, six Caucasian students, and 4 African American students. All participating students are 13 or 14 years of age. The 12 students in this study are classified as learning disabled, multiply disabled, or autistic.

Participating students worked in pairs for twelve weeks. The participants are from three separate classes, each class containing four participating students. Each class also included non-disabled students, who received instruction …

The Effectiveness Of Close Reading Strategies On The Expository Text Comprehension Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Michelle Giambrone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of close reading using Achieve3000 on the text comprehension and use of text evidence by students with learning disabilities in grades 4-5. In addition, student satisfaction with close reading was evaluated for social validity. Two fourth grade students and one fifth grade student, both female, participated in the study. Two students were classified with specific learning disability, and one was classified as communication impaired. A single-subject methodology with an ABAB design was used. During the Baseline phase, students independently read the expository text. They answered comprehension questions, and wrote their …

Effect Of Mnemonics On The Vocabulary Acquisition And Retention Of High School Students With Learning Disabilities, Erin L. Whitescarver

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mnemonic devices on the acquisition and retention of social studies vocabulary by high school students with learning disabilities. Six students, four male and two female, from a pull-out U.S. history I resource class participated in the study. The research was conducted using a single-subject ABAB design. During baseline, students were evaluated on their acquisition of vocabulary taught using traditional methods. During intervention, students were evaluated on their retention of vocabulary taught using teacher created mnemonic devices. Results show that the use of mnemonic devices increased the acquisition and retention …

The Effects Of Computer Assisted Instruction For Students With Learning Disabilities In A Self-Contained Social Studies Setting, Ryan V. Keane

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to assess the effects of the Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) program, Achieve3000, with students with disabilities. The focus of the study was to: (a) assess the effects of the program on the students' text-based reading comprehension, (b) critical thinking comprehension, and (c) how satisfied students were with the program. Seven students, two females and five males, participated in the study. All of the students receive special education services through an Individualized Education Program. A single subject ABAB design was utilized. In the baseline phase participants were asked to read expository text, presented to them on paper, …

Effects Of Quizlet On Vocabulary Mastery, Suzanne C. Baptist

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to answer three research questions: Do 11th grade students in an inclusion class (students with and without disabilities) that use Quizlet to master vocabulary words outperform students taught with a more traditional approach on vocabulary quizzes? Do the results differ for students with disabilities compared to typically developing students? And, Do students enjoy and benefit from completing the Quizlet treatment for mastering vocabulary? In a two group, counterbalanced design, students in each group received a different treatment. Group 1 used index cards and group 2 used Quizlet as a treatment for learning and mastering vocabulary; the groups …

Utilizing The Marriage Of Image And Text To Improve Narrative Writing In Urban Elementary Students, Sharon Sullivan-Rubin

Theses and Dissertations

Using action research with qualitative data collection methods, this study documents the leadership of the researcher's implementation of a collaborative arts integrative teaching model in the literacy and art classrooms of an urban elementary school for grades three, four, and five. Understanding by Design (UbD) (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005) was used as the unifying theoretical framework by which a constructivist pedagogical methodology was developed. Pedagogical techniques and methods used were adopted from Writing for Understanding (WU) (Hawkins, et al., 2008) with the Painted Essay (Leddy, 1999), Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) (Housen, 2000-2001, 2001-2002), and new media technology. Digital photographic techniques, …

Increasing Writing Skills For Students With Significant Multiple Disabilities, Heather Lyne Mcdermott

Theses and Dissertations

Students with severe disabilities struggle greatly in the area of writing. The purpose of this study is to discover how implementing a writing program created for students with disabilities can increase students' letter writing ability. The study used a single subject, repeated measures crossover design using 2 kindergarten aged students during a public school Extended School Year Program. Students were given the Sensible Pencil Pretest, 3 weeks of writing instruction and the same Sensible Pencil test after instruction. This 5-week model showed that students grew in their writing ability at different rates, but all in a positive manner. It was …

How Cultural Responsiveness Informs The Development Of And Decision-Making About K-12 Ela Curricula: A Mixed Methods Approach, Christa Tamanas Wade

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore how cultural responsiveness informed the development of and decision-making about K-12 English Language Arts curricula in New Jersey. Through the use of a survey and interviews, twelve curriculum supervisors offered an array of insight regarding their professional agency, curriculum processes, and factors that influence the areas associated with the program of study. Findings revealed that although supervisors do not have autonomy in the curriculum development process, they do have greater agency when it comes to selecting supplemental instructional resources and classroom supports. Another key theme was how a district's demographics …

Using A Shared Vocabulary To Teach Key Qualities Of Good Writing In A Fourth Grade Classroom, Kristi Schoppe

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to investigate what happens when teachers replace traditional grammar instruction methods with small group guided instruction focused on a set of vocabulary terms used in writing. The vocabulary terms represent the key qualities of writing; the terms for teachers and students is word choice, ideas, conventions, organization, voice, sentence fluency, role, audience, format, and topic. This study aims to learn more about this topic by investigating how using a shared vocabulary during writing instruction in a fourth grade classroom will engage students longer to improve their writing through the writing process.

Using Wordless Picture Books To Develop Oral Language Skills With Kindergarten Students, Jennifer M. Natale

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to study the oral language development of the average kindergartner, through the use of wordless picture books, as he or she is provided with practice in which to build oral language. The specific aim is to implore whether the addition of oral language activities using wordless picture books, into the regular kindergarten program, will enable students to better express themselves orally through storytelling, as well as to transfer that skill into orally dictating a written story. This study is significant in that, as academic demands increase in the kindergarten classroom, it appears that students …

Utilizing Series Books As A Vehicle To Cultivate Motivation And Reading Development In Literature Circles, Heather E. Guerci

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to document the changes in student achievement, motivation, and engagement. The specific aim is to see what happens when series books are discussed in literature circles. Engagement during literature circles, growth in reading level, and behaviors exhibited during the literature circle discussions are analyzed. The focus group of students demonstrated changes in their reading preferences and level of motivation to read texts. Implications for utilizing series books in literature circles are discussed.

The Effectiveness Of Rotated Centers During A Reading Block For Students With Learning Disabilities, Stacey B. Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

Selecting the most efficient reading program for students with special learning disabilities has become a challenge in schools today. Currently the programs that are being produced today are either in a traditional or conventional format, which are typically designed for mainstream and general education students. Neither platform gives much thought to students with learning disabilities. The traditional and conventional reading framework is block teaching for sixty minutes. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of modifying a traditional or conventional reading framework by incorporating reading stations for students with special learning disabilities. This study was conducted over …

Using A Culturally Responsive Approach To Shared Reading, Elizabeth A. Procida

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to investigate and document changes in the motivation and engagement of basic skills students. The specific goal was to determine whether or not the replacement of purchased traditional intervention texts with authentic multicultural texts affected motivation in a basic skills classroom.

The intervention group of students during enrichment period demonstrated motivation to read and enhanced the way they saw themselves as readers. There was a renewed interest in literacy when experienced as an active activity. The implications discussed were for a culturally responsive shared reading environment.

An Exploratory Research On Aesthetic Reading Of A Multicultural Novel In A Book Club Setting Amongst Fifth Grade Students, Kasey Leigh Stevens

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to see if the use of a multicultural novel in a book club setting would produce aesthetic reading. The specific aim was to see if this would happen to fifth graders in an after school program club. Conversation recordings, pre and post surveys about aesthetic reading, reader's notebooks, and the teacher's journal have been analyzed. The focus group demonstrated growth in making aesthetic responses. The implications for using the components in a classroom are discussed.

Fourth Grade Students' Use Of Active Reading Strategies During Independent Daily Reading Time, Stephanie Bradfield

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine how fourth grade students implement active reading strategies during independent reading time. Data was recorded over a one-month period and tracked through student response journals, individual reading conferences, and teacher anecdotal notes. Throughout the study, student responses developed to include discussion of strategy use and metacognition. Student stamina and comprehension was supported through the practice. The structure of the independent practice helped students' to build their skills of strategy implementation and metacognition to monitor their independent reading.

What Happens When Multi-Disabled Students Are Presented With Functional Sight Words In The Real World Opposed To The Classroom?, Jennifer Nicole Roselli

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to document how students with learning disabilities use vocabulary outside of the classroom and more specifically the importance of functional sight word recognition. This study will support how functional reading instruction can benefit students with learning disabilities by promoting independence. It will also recognize the importance of choosing instruction to best prepare students for their futures outside of school.

Close Reading Strategies Applied By English Language Learners When Reading Challenging Content Area Texts, Laura Barry

Theses and Dissertations

The study introduced high school English Language Learners to close reading strategies to use when reading difficult content area texts, with a particular focus on discussion, prior knowledge, vocabulary, and self-generating questions. The students participated in multiple measures to see if they developed metacognitive awareness in employing the strategies. Findings revealed that the students adapted quickly to using the strategies with teacher support, and that they began to internalize them. Implications for teacher research are discussed.

How Do Students Structure Their Silent Reading When Situated In Inquiry Based Pedagogy?, Michelle Cohen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to document the engagement levels and classroom discussions students have after reading their independent reading novel. The specific aim was to see how students respond using their independent reading books when class discussions are centered around an essential question. Classroom reading behaviors, student-led classroom discussions, interviews, and exit tickets were analyzed. The students were engaged as active readers when reading their chosen silent reading book to find the answer to an essential question. After, the students engaged in meaningful conversations using their silent reading books as guides before some students offered personal responses while …

A Qualitative Study On The Effects Of Second Grade Students Forming Partnerships With Their Teacher And Peers To Set Reading Goals, Sandra L. Shevlin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study is for second grade students to form a partnership with their teacher and peers to set reading goals. One goal of the study is to examine how forming partnerships with peers and the teacher helps students better understand themselves as readers. Another goal is to investigate how the created partnerships motivate students to set reading goals independently. A variety of data was collected and analyzed, including notes, observations, student conversations, and charts reported in a teacher research journal, along with the pre and post assessment data, such as the Reading Attitude Survey, student written …

A Conceptual Study On Effective Independent Reading Practices To Foster An Enjoyment Of Reading, Diana Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this conceptual study was to analyze what factors impact students' engagement and motivation to read independently. Further, the study sought to determine effective modifications to independent reading for today's students. Because this study is conceptual in nature, an extensive review of the current qualitative and empirical literature on independent reading was conducted. From there, the data was coded inductively to generate new ideas about what independent reading should entail for students today. Some clear patterns emerged. First, student choice and autonomy were cited as important factors for fostering students' motivation and engagement with reading. Second, simply providing …

Reading, Thinking, Developing Responses: An Investigation Of Independent Reading In A First Grade Classroom, Heather Pence

Theses and Dissertations

What happens when first grade students engage in independent reading in which they are reading, thinking, and developing responses about texts at their independent reading level? The purpose of this study is to investigate what type of work and learning first grade students engage in during independent reading time. The focus will be on the type of thinking the students are engaging in and what strategies the students are utilizing while reading independently. This qualitative teacher research study consists of 12 first-grade students in the first-grade classroom during independent reading time of Reader's workshop. The data collected revealed students utilizing …

The Most Efficient And Effective Ways To Address New Literacies For The 21st Century Classroom, Catherine Elizabeth Mcgowan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to provide an extensive review of literature that focuses on the most efficient and effective ways to implement new literacies in the classroom. It focuses on how to maximize the impact of new literacies instruction on student learning through curriculum, and professional development and discusses the impact of new literacies on student motivation. The thesis provides information on how to define new literacies and discusses the impact they are having on the school environment and learning process. It discusses the importance of new literacies and why they should be integrated into today's classroom. The …

Improving Student Engagement And Acceptance Using Multicultural Texts, Bianca Rouse

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to investigate how students in a third-grade classroom engage in multicultural texts when reading about cultures other than their own. Furthermore, it will investigate how the use of multicultural texts will impact their understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures. Throughout the six-week study, students read and engaged in discussions after reading two multicultural texts. They participated in activities expressing their thoughts and beliefs related to the content read in class. The strategies used for this qualitative research study were questionnaires, observations, accountable talk discussions, artifact analysis, and interviews. Finally, after discussing and analyzing the …

How Choice In Daily Independent Reading Affects Book Talks With Peers, Deirdre Rae Glynn

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine any effects that daily choice independent reading had on peer book talks in regard to reading motivation and engagement. The specific aim was to see what happened in weekly peer book talks when students were given daily independent reading time with a book of their choosing. Motivation profiles, audio recording of student talk, anecdotal notes, and student interviews are all analyzed. The implications for implementing daily independent reading with a choice book and peer book talks are discussed.

Background Knowledge Conversations About Informational Text, Vanessa Gottesfeld

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to discover what happened when students are given opportunities to discuss their background knowledge before reading an informational text and to discuss how their background knowledge changed and grew after reading the text. The specific aim of this project was to find out how students interacted with each other during these structured and scaffolded conversations. Transcripts of student conversations, student artifacts, observations of conversations, and a teacher research journal were analyzed. The group of students studied demonstrated the ability to learn from each other, expand on each other's comments, and address misconceptions. The implications …