Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

The Impact Of Mindfulness On Student Success, Casey D. Nightingale

All Master's Theses

As schools are adopting the whole child approach, it is important to examine how the approach impacts academic success. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a school-based mindfulness curriculum on student reading scores and classroom engagement. Using a multiple baseline design, this study examined the rate of improvement in reading scores and academic engagement in elementary students receiving a mindfulness curriculum. The curriculum was introduced in addition to the regular curriculum in 15-minute lessons twice a week. Rate of improvement was examined utilizing curriculum-based measures, while student engagement was evaluated through classroom observation methods. This …

Residential Solar In Washington State, Sam Pfeifer

All Master's Theses

Electricity generated through residential solar provides a low carbon source of electricity. However, diffusion of residential solar remains low across the United States. Growing this diffusion takes an understanding of localized uptake trends, which can focus policy and business efforts to help increase residential solar market penetration. This is the first research to investigate residential solar uptake in Washington State and to examine environmental education as a potential driver of residential solar uptake. Through a snapshot analysis which considers environmental, economic, education, and cultural variables the present research fills this gap. Triangulated results include mapping of variables, ordinary-least squares multiple …

Just World Beliefs, Identity Development, And Social Justice Advocacy Of Counselor Trainees, Sara Rundlett

All Master's Theses

This was the first study exploring the relationship between the belief in a just world, identity development, and social justice advocacy (SJA). A mixed methods design was conducted using a nationwide sample of ninety-seven counselor-in-training participants. Hypotheses included positive correlation between identity development and SJA, negative correlation between belief in a just world and SJA, and negative correlation between belief in a just world and identity development. Results were not significant but provided implications for future research and counselor training programs.

The Migration Of People: A Model Application Exploring Washington State History, Jamie Nicole Hartman

All Graduate Projects

One of the things that makes Washington State a culturally competent and perceptive place to live is its deep history and appreciation of the migration of its' people. This project is designed to serve as a model and resource for upper elementary school teachers that are seeking to integrate the migration of people into their Washington State History curriculum. A sample inquiry-based curriculum for upper elementary school students "The Migration of People" is offered as a depiction of exceptional classroom practice. Student roles, activities, and assessment methods are portrayed, along with thier connection to core curriculum content and the Washington …

Media And Teaching About The Middle East, Khodi Kaviani

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of Education and Professional Studies

This qualitative study was conducted in 2006-2007 and found that teachers relied on a variety of readily available media to stay informed about the Middle East and used some of them in their teaching. Teachers tried to explain to their students that every Middle Eastern Muslim is not a terrorist and Iraq was not behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The guiding questions were: (1) What are the sources of news that teachers use to teach about the Middle East? (2) How do teachers use the media to teach about the Middle East in the post 9/11 schools? Semi-structured interviews were …

Strategies For Improving Instruction & Services To English Language Learners In The High School Library Media Center, Eileen Ray

All Graduate Projects

One of the biggest challenges facing librarians in schools today is working with students who are just learning the English language. An extensive body of literature and research related to school library media centers and English Language Learners was reviewed to address this challenge. On the basis of this research, a handbook was created to help fill the gap between the instruction librarians receive in library methodology courses and the reality in which librarians work every day. The handbook includes eight strategies addressing four areas of need: information literacy instruction, the promotion ofliteracy, the development of technological skills and the …

Using Pop Culture And Media Together With Effective Literacy Instruction: A Teacher's Tool Kit For Selah H.S. Read Write Class, Stephanie Marie Sevigny

All Graduate Projects

A toolkit has been created to assist secondary teachers in using popular culture and the media in conjunction with explicit comprehension strategy instruction in the classroom in an effort to improve struggling students' comprehension. The toolkit consists of an introduction, examples and suggestions for using popular culture and media in the classroom, examples and guidelines for strategic comprehension instruction. CutTent literature and research regarding the use of popular culture and media in the classroom and effective comprehension strategy instruction were reviewed.

Third Grade Library Power!, Kristen Joan Scott

All Graduate Projects

The process of curriculum design for a third grade information literacy skills unit was studied. Studies supporting the connection between a quality school library program and increased student achievement were examined for positive characteristics to be implemented into a third grade library program. State standards in reading, technology, and information skills were analyzed for integration into the design. The result is a third grade information literacy skills curriculum design for implementation into a library program. Implications for future third grade library curriculum improvements are discussed.

Meaningful, Motivating Library Lessons That Matter To Students In Grade Four, Karen Louise-Bjorling Felch

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a meaningful, motivating library curriculum to increase student learning in literacy for students in grade four. Current literature and research on the roles of the teacher-librarian, information literacy instruction, reading advocacy, specifically literature guidance and appreciation, and motivation were explored. A yearlong library curriculum map was created addressing topics and methods found to be effective in the review of current research. The library curriculum was aligned with the Marysville School District Elementary Library Curriculum Guide for Grade Four, the Washington State Grade Level Expectations in Reading, the Washington State Essential Learnings in …

The Benefits Of Bibliotherapy: Textsets And Accompanying Guides For Students And Teachers, Angela Lee Maurina

All Graduate Projects

In this project, bibliotherapy (the use of literature in helping children cope with emotional problems or change) was investigated. Its history, with a specific focus on past and current uses in professional clinical and educational practice, was researched and outlined. In addition, a review of the psychological social and emotional needs and development of fourth through eighth graders ( early adolescence) was conducted. A summative argument supporting the use of bibliotherapy as a tool to meet the specific needs of early adolescents in the classroom setting was put forward. Limitations were noted. Upon completion of the research, an implementation guide …

"Make It Real": A Guide To Implementing And Connecting State Madated Classroom-Based Assessments With The National History Day Curriculum At The Middle School Level, Richard Reuther

All Graduate Projects

This manuscript is intended to provide a framework for teachers to use the National History Day curriculum as a qualifying classroom-based assessment which will be required for all Washington State gth Grade Social Studies classes in 2008. A review of the literature of National History Day as well as classroom-based assessments is included. A plan for a preliminary assessment of available resources is explored, as well as a sequential topic-bytopic plan for implementing National History Day. Possible variations of student-centered activities are included; student roles in the research process and self-assessment are discussed. Alignment with Washington State Essential Academic Learning …

A Media Literacy Curriculum For The Adolescent Learner, Chris Lopez

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a media literacy curriculum for teachers of young adolescents. Media literacy is a new, evolving field of study that teaches students to become critical consumers of today's media. Media have often been blamed for the ills of student learning, critical thinking, performance and/or behavior skills. In the review ofliterature, the author investigated media's impact on the adolescent learner, the need to teach media literacy, and recommended curriculum that would benefit the adolescent learner. The curriculum unit is designed to be a useful teaching tool for teachers of adolescent and preadolescent learners who …

Activities For Elementary Libraries To Integrate Nonfiction Reading, Cynthia L. Debock

All Graduate Projects

The focus ofthis project was to create activities that would encourage Kindergarten through Fourth grade elementary students in the use of nonfiction texts for personal enjoyment and information gathering. The project consists of activities designed to increase reading of nonfiction by the early elementary student. The activities are developed based upon a review of research that indicates improved reading comprehension of expository text among students who are taught to use interactive strategies. The activities include activation of prior knowledge through K-W-L, various graphic organizers, and DR-T A/DL-TA and providing a method for the reader to discover the structure or organizational …

A Model Staff Development Program In Technology Skills For Selected Secondary Schools, Suzanne Keil

All Graduate Projects

The relationship between staff professional development in technology that enhanced staff efficiencies were studied. A model staff development program in technology has been developed to make connections between teacher's readiness and their mastery of technology skills. Research has been obtained that indicated a direct correction between teachers' readiness in technology and their implementation of technology into the classroom. Secondary teachers must be taught using inservices, practice skills and given opportunities to share their experiences with colleagues. Administrators must take leadership in developing and supporting a quality technology training program that recognizes the staffs' individualized needs.

Extra-Curriculuar Leadership And Service Learning Program For Fifth Grade Students, Barbra Ann Muffett

All Graduate Projects

The design of leadership education for fifth grade students was studied. Through the review of literature it was found that leadership education should have a student-centered approach. Leadership education and service learning can be taught together because students can directly apply their leadership skills to an authentic situation. From the review of literature it was discovered that true service learning involves several key elements. The benefits of service learning, specifically for at-risk students are addressed.

Next Of Kin: A Compassionate Curriculum, Rachel Jacqueline Fouts-Carrico

All Graduate Projects

Free-living and captive chimpanzees are faced with a struggle to survive. Those chimpanzees that are free-living are faced with extinction through habitat destruction and poaching. Many of the chimpanzees living in captivity are faced with poor treatment, dehumanizing experiments and inhumane living condition. With limited curricula on chimpanzees and animal experimentation, the author was given the task to develop a curriculum focusing on these two subjects. The curriculum will be focused on middle level students (6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade) with activities informing, educating and enlightening the students on issues concerning freeliving and captive chimpanzees as well as all …

Teaching Intermediate Students Research And Critical Thinking Skills: Integrating Technology Into The Curriculum, Michelle Stach

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to create specific activities that teach students how to research material and use their critical thinking skills to present a product. The project implements an integrated approach with an emphasis on the intermediate grades. Throughout this project the students will be exploring a variety of ways to acquire the knowledge ofresearching quality information. This project concentrates on integrating technology into the social studies and science curriculum. The final product encompasses research and critical thinking skills into an intermediate curriculum.

Leadership Curriculum For The High School Student, Ruth Elaine Miller

All Graduate Projects

The need for a high school leadership curriculum for a small rural school district was studied. The review of literature showed that students should be provided the opportunity to learn leadership skills that focus on the individual, family, school and community. By working with peers and adults, leadership students will have the opportunity to work in real-life situations which address service-learning, character education, and school-to-work in aligmnent with the national and state standards.

Social Skills Curriculum For Middle School Students At Risk, Eric Franz

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a social skills curriculum for an effective After School Program for students at risk. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to students at risk, motivational strategies, and alternative programs to assist them were reviewed. Additionally, on site visit to an actual program in the Yakima School District were conducted. At-risk students have a high potential for dropping out of school due to the lack of motivation and other factors. Students at risk live marginally outside of the socially excepted norm for adolescent youth. School systems need to have programs …

A Model Leadership Training Program For Small Business Entrepreneurs In Taiwan, Chi-Mei Mai

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model leadership training program for small business entrepreneurs in Taiwan. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding leadership development was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected model leadership training programs was obtained and analyzed.

A Model Training Program For Chinese Language Newspaper Journalists In Taiwan, Joan Chiung-Hua Tseng

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model training program for Chinese language newspaper journalists in Taiwan. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding newspaper journalist training programs and related material was conducted.

An Overview Of Bibliotherapy And Its Applications In The Elementary Classroom, Kerry Sue Abernathy

All Graduate Projects

Bibliotherapy has been used for many years as an aid to the healing process. The concept of using literature to promote mental health has been increasingly accepted as a valid therapeutic method in recent years. Bibliotherapy has, in the past, been used primarily with adults. This study will focus on recent developments to help children grow and develop a positive self-concept through literature. Book lists have been compiled from the many children's books available on the subjects of death and dying, illness, divorce, fears, handicaps, blended families, single parents, friendship, physical development, family relationships, attitudes and values, emotions and feelings, …

Exercises For Developing Student Leadership For The Middle School, Gene Robert Laes

All Master's Theses

This paper surveyed the training methods used to develop student leadership at Bremerton Junior High School, and presents exercises and activities adapted for use by Middle Schools for providing student leadership training.

Results of the study indicate that training methods at Bremerton Junior High were viewed by parents and teaching staff as providing positive learning experiences for the students. Students reported their experiences to be valuable in several key areas: communication, assertiveness, and gaining a better understanding of the key concept of leadership. Recommendations of the study would include permitting the students to take an active role in important school …

A Simulation Games Approach To Suppliment The Teaching Of Basic Economics Concepts In Elementary School, David L. Spies

All Graduate Projects

A year-long simulation game was created to facilitate the teaching of basic economics in a sixth and seventh grade middle school. The game could be adapted to implementation at lower grade levels. The students built two, table-top cities. They established a money system and were paid for positive behavior and effort. With their earned income and with loans from a bank, they purchased land, built homes, invested in business franchises, engaged in trade, and worked collectively to finance and build government projects and services. Discussion questions and evaluation tests were devloped, based upon the curriculum guidelines established by the Joint …

A Program For Teaching Media Research Skills To Sixth And Seventh Grade Students In The Eastmont Middle School, Sally Hawkins Cooper

All Graduate Projects

This paper presents a program for teaching media/research skills by integrating them with study assignments in curricular areas developed by classroom teachers. It is planned to be carried out in the Instructional Resource Center with both the classroom teacher and the librarian present. Evaluation is provided for student diagnosis and program improvement. Recommendations include the adoption of this program for the Eastmont Middle School.

A Curriculum For Death Education In The High School Family Life Program, Karrin J. Lewis

All Graduate Projects

The intent and purpose of this study was to develop curriculum, resources, evaluation and teacher preparation for a death education class, and to teach that curriculum as an elective, semester class for high school students at Washington High School in Tacoma, Washington, in order to demonstrate the feasibility of such a class becoming a regular part of the high school family life program.

A Proposed Classification Schedule For A Curriculum Materials Collection, Robert E. Jones

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a classification schedule which may be utilized to organize the printed materials found in a curriculum laboratory. The schedule is designed to provide the user with maximum ease of access to the materials contained in the collection and relieves the curriculum librarian of many of the clerical routines common to the processing of new materials. The summary ir.cludcs general recommendations for the application of the schedule and suggestions relating to the organization and administration of the entire collection of printed curriculum materials.

A Plan For Flexibly Scheduled Use Of The Terminal Park Elementary School Library, Carole Bowen Kirkpatrick

All Master's Theses

This thesis will show how flexibly scheduled use of the school library by teachers and children can be effective even.with inadequate facilities and personnel. It will also show how library experiences can be made purposeful, practical, interesting, and enjoyable for the children. The program is especially designed for use at Terminal Park Elementary School in Auburn, Washington, but can be easily adapted by any school having a full-time librarian.

A Proposed Improvement In The Enumclaw Senior High School Instructional Materials Center, Carroll Patrick Gorg

Graduate Student Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to develop an instructional materials center for Enumclaw Senior High School which will centralize all instructional materials, serve to improve the learning environment, and be adaptable to trends in education such as individual study.

Development Of Economic Principles For The Secondary Schools: A Review Of The Literature, Charles John Guntley Jr.

Graduate Student Research Papers

It was the purpose of this study to (1) ascertain how and what was currently being studied in the area of economics in the public schools, (2) survey some of the methods suggested as fulfilling the need for economic education, and (3) attempt to compare the efficacy of teaching economics as a separate discipline and as an integral part of other social studies courses.