Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Parenting The Transescent: An Education Program For Parents Of Middle School Students At Morgan Middle School, Michael P. Mccloskey

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a program to help parents become more effective in recognizing and responding to characteristics and behaviors of the transescent, with special emphasis on assisting parents with their child's transitions into the middle school and high school. To accomplish this task, current literature, research, and programs related to the parenting of the transescent were studied. Subsequently, a program was designed and developed for implementation at Morgan Middle School in the Ellensburg School District, Ellensburg, Washington.

The Design Of A Middle School Manual To Aid Core Teachers In The Development Of Integrated Curriculum Units, Irene M. Moren

All Graduate Projects

This project purports to design a manual for middle-school teachers to aid in the development of core-integrated curriculum units. The manual will serve as an ally to the knowledge in textbooks, technology bases, and other available printed and nonprinted library and classroom resources. It will illustrate specific ways to integrate core curriculum knowledge and activities. The manual is intended for use by school-based subject core teachers by providing a common field of knowledge on the development of integrated curriculum units for middle level grades. The manual will enable educators to develop integrated core curriculum units that utilize themes and knowledge …

Literature And Writing Connections With Mathematics In A First Grade Classroom, Linda Joan Sheeler Sorenson

All Graduate Projects

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standard #2, communication in mathematics, is addressed. The benefits of integrating writing and the use of children's literature in mathematics are studied. Writing strategies and an annotated bibliography of children's literature that address instruction of first grade mathematics outcomes prescribed by the Yakima (WA) School District are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.

Regrouping For Instruction In Reading: Effective Practices, Leslie Jane Rogers

All Graduate Projects

It is the intent of this project to create a handbook providing information about a plan for regrouping for instruction in reading at Long Beach Elementary School. It will be presented to parents, teachers and administrators at workshops concerning regrouping for instruction in reading. The handbook will provide practical applications of curricular adaptation and instructional techniques that may be used to facilitate improvement in reading for students. The policies and procedures described in the manual will provide the following information:

• Assessment

• Placement

• Transitions

• Pace and Skill Levels

• Curricular Adaptations

• Teacher Collaboration and Consultation

• …

Identifying Phonological Awareness ?Outcomes In A Personal Setting, Julie A. Taylor

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to create a procedures guide containing research-supported lessons that facilitate the acquisition of phonological awareness by students in a preschool or kindergarten classroom. An investigation of the related literature revealed aspects of phonological awareness that can be taught to preliterate children before the onset of formal training. The product of this investigation is a guide containing lessons and activities either extracted from or modeled after those field tested in many classrooms.

Multimedia Prereading Strategies, Mary J. Wise

All Graduate Projects

Prereading activities are important in enabling students to comprehend and enjoy the books they read. Teachers are always in need of good prereading activities, and the increasing popularity of computers offers opportunities to fill this need, however, technology is not keeping up with educators' needs in this area. While there is an overwhelming quantity of commercially produced computer software programs, they are invariably generic in nature. No software relating to prereading strategies appears to be available. A CD containing multimedia prereading activities was produced to accompany a selected list of elementary level trade books. The CD is intended to be …

An Interdisciplinary Water Quality Curriculum For Middle School Students, Barbara Michelle Cleveland

All Graduate Projects

An interdisciplinary curriculum correlating water quality with the disciplines of physical science and mathematics for 6th grade middle school students was developed. Literature examined indicates that the opportunity to explore key concepts and significant issues using an integrated approach provided greater opportunity to formulate meaningful connections between disciplines studied and that achievement was enhanced. The Learning units were developed for use at Wilson Middle School in Yakima, Washington.

A Look At The Middle Ages: Tying Together Social Studies And Language Arts, R. Eric Despain

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a thematic interdisciplinary unit. Fifteen social studies lessons are focused on the middle ages and tied together with the book, The Castle in the Attic. There is also a companion language arts unit for The Castle in the Attic. This project was developed to help sixth-grade students apply information taught in social studies to language arts and help them to see natural connections that occur in learning.

A Guide For Extending Nature Lessons At The Yakima Arboretum, Kathleen D. Brown

All Graduate Projects

The importance of providing a hands on natural environment curriculum was examined. Sources from 1938-1996 were found supporting the importance of such a curriculum. A search was conducted on the availability of a natural habitat curriculum that used a local resource. The search discovered the Yakima Arboretum had seven areas of interest along with a packet of brief lesson suggestions. These lessons were extended to include classroom activities that would provide students with background knowledge prior to a field trip to the Arboretum.

A School-To-Work Transition Curriculum For Out-Of-School Youth, Mateo Arteaga

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a School-to-Work transition curriculum to assist out-of-school youth in grades 6-12 formulate career pathways at Yakima Valley Opportunities Industrialization Center alternative schools, Yakima, Washington. To accomplish this goal, current research and literature on School-to-Work curriculum models, programs and certificate of mastery were reviewed. Additionally, selected materials were obtained from institutions across the United States with model School-to-Work curricula/programs in action.

The Development And Design Of Activities To Support Performance Based And Integrated Math Instruction For Fifth Grade Students, Lelia L. Coghill

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop and design activities and materials to support performance based integrated mathematics instruction for fifth grade students in the concept areas of place value, decimals, percents, and fractions. The activities and materials were prepared in conjunction with other disciplines, namely reading, writing, art, science, and social studies. The intent was to make mathematics relevant to real life with stress on student performance as an indicator of knowledge, understanding, and application. The activities make use of performance based, integrated, and real life situations, and the materials include technology, field trips, gaming, manipulatives, recording sheets, …

A Resource Manual For Mainstreaming Students With Behavioral Disabilities In The Middle School, Matthew L. Cobb

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a resource manual to facilitate the use of effective components for mainstreamed or included Behavior Disabled (BD) students in the regular classroom. The manual will be used by Wapato Middle School, Wapato, Washington, to enhance the current mainstream/ inclusion program. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to BD student characteristics, legal issues, instructional strategies and policies were reviewed.

The 1995-96 School Improvement Plan For Holy Savior High School Tienchung, Taiwan, Jen-Hung Hsu

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to plan and develop a comprehensive high school curriculum for Holy Savior High School (HSHS) Tienchung, Taiwan, Republic of China (R.O.C.). To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to comprehensive high school curricular and instructional development, both academic and vocationaltechnical, were reviewed, and recent legal regulations and directives of the Taiwan Provincial Government were considered.

A Guide For Extending Nature Lessons At The Yakima Arboretum, Marilou Cori Kinder

All Graduate Projects

The importance of providing a hands on natural environment curriculum was examined. Sources from 1938-1996 were found supporting the importance of such a curriculum. A search was conducted on the availability of a natural habitat curriculum that used a local resource. The search discovered the Yakima Arboretum had seven areas of interest along with a packet of brief lesson suggestions. These lessons were extended to include classroom activities that would provide students with background knowledge prior to a field trip to the Arboretum.

Supporting Emergent Writing In Kindergarten, Lynne L. Dufault

All Graduate Projects

The development of emergent writing and the factors which support writing were studied. Five ways that teachers support emergent writing in the classroom were identified and used as the foundation for the developed activities in this project. The activities were designed by the author for use in kindergarten and can be adapted to fit other primary levels. Recommendations for supporting emergent writing in classrooms were given. iii

Read Aloud Program For Emergent Readers, Shari Ann Mars

All Graduate Projects

This project is based on the assumption that reading aloud at home has many educational benefits. Children can be introduced to books in a pleasant manner, which they will later associate with the continued experience of reading. If children enjoy reading, they will read more. If they read more, they will increase their reading skill. Reading aloud to children helps them become aware of how language works, new words are introduced, and the nature of storybook language is being encountered. Reading aloud at home with their parents can be the key to the child's later success in reading and learning …

At-Risk Fourth Grade Students: Teaching Strategies For Developing Effective Interpersonal And Intrapersonal Skills, Robert Paul Griffith

All Graduate Projects

A representative sample of social skills and teaching strategies was developed for use by classroom teachers of students at-risk in the fourth grade. A literature search was conducted regarding characteristics of students at-risk, effective strategies for teaching social skills, and effective social skills programs. The strategies developed can be used by elementary classroom teachers to help improve prosocial skills of students at-risk.

Wilderness Survival Basic Skills: A Model Seventh Grade Science Curriculum With Integrated Math Concepts, Layne B. Hutchins

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and implement a model 7th grade science program with integrated mathematics concepts using an outdoor survival theme. The developed program focused on mathematics and science topics related to exploration and survival in the wilderness and enjoyment of the outdoors in order to connect mathematics and science concepts with real life experiences. Current research and literature on integration and multiple intelligences, integration of mathematics and science as well existing outdoor programs was reviewed. Finally, section overviews, student learning objectives, learning activities and teaching strategies were adapted and developed.

Study Skills Handbook For Elementary Students Transitioning Into Middle School, Kristina Elise Riggs

All Graduate Projects

Students transitioning from elementary to middle school face a unique set of challenges. These students are coming from the comfort of having one teacher and one classroom, to the departmentalized setting of the middle school There they may have up to seven different teachers, classes and classrooms. This new situation forces them to call upon certain organizational skills which may be different from those utilized in past learning situations. The Study Skills Handbook was designed to aid students with this unique transition. It provides students with an overview of basic skills practicing teachers deemed important for success in their classroom. …

A Model Third Grade Science Curriculum For Use In A Magnet School, Tracy E. Schroder

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model third grade magnet school science curriculum that would give students an opportunity for hands-on, experiential learning. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on magnet schools, magnet science curricula, elementary science curricula, experiential learning and multiple intelligences were reviewed. Additionally, information and materials from selected magnet elementary schools around the Yakima Valley were obtained and analyzed. Finally, student learning objectives, performance criteria, learning activities, teaching strategies and instructional materials were adapted and developed.

Writing To Learn Writing, Dawn M. Williams

All Graduate Projects

The literature and research regarding writing to learn writing was explored. Data were presented to support teaching writing in a holistic process approach such as the Writing Workshop. Mini-lessons for use in sixth grade Writing Workshop were developed to use as models for additional lessons created by the author or others. Implications for using a Writing Workshop format were discussed.

Involving Parents Through Workshops To Promote Reading, Diane Kay Caldwell

All Graduate Projects

Three workshops were designed to assist parents in improving their children's reading development. These workshops focused on the significance of parents participating in their children's reading. The importance of reading aloud and techniques on how to do so were discussed. Specific activities parents could use to promote their children's reading, and the detrimental effects of television on developing minds were also described. The workshops were designed for parents of fourth grade children.

Whole Language Based Strategies For Teaching Reading In The Content Areas, Ingrid Annemarie Spencer

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a thematic unit for use in a sixth grade classroom. The unit provides a whole language, integrated curriculum concentrating on ancient Greece. Fifteen lessons were developed for use with a social studies text to teach reading strategies to a class of sixth graders. The project includes a review of selected literature related to the topics of whole language instruction, thematic units, integration, and an explanation of how to utilize the project in a sixth grade classroom. A summary with conclusions and recommendations was included.

Student Lessons To Enhance Reading Comprehension In The Social Studies Content Area, Dianne Marie Daily

All Graduate Projects

This project consists of lessons designed to increase reading comprehension of fifth grade students in the social studies content area. The lessons are developed based upon a review of research which indicates improved reading comprehension of expository text among students who are taught to use comprehension enhancing strategies. The activities include vocabulary development, text structure awareness, advance organizer usage, and study and reading guide strategy lessons. Additionally, a teacher's guide accompanies the lessons. These lessons are created specifically for use with the Civil War Unit entitled, "A Nation Divided," as found in Macmillan/Mcgraw-Hill's 5th grade social studies text entitled, United …

A Vocationally Approved Peformance-Based Technical Drawing Curriculum, Kevin Hughes

All Graduate Projects

The essential parts of a Vocationally Approved Performance-Based Technical Drawing Cuniculurn were developed and based on components of the Washington State Commission on Student Leaming, the Carl D. Perkins Applied Technology Education Act of 1990, the State of Washington Districtwide Plan For Vocational Education, the Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS report) and the recent change from Industrial Arts philosophies to Technology Education philosophies. The grades 9-12 cuniculurn included manual and computer aided Architectural and Mechanical Drafting skills which are used widely in the Drafting fields. 11l

Positive Alternatives: A K-12 Model Program To Counteract Gangs And Youth Violence, Kathleen J. Heaton-Bailey

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a K-12 inservice, prevention, and intervention model to counteract gangs and youth violence. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding gangs and youth violence was conducted and related materials from selected inservice, prevention, and intervention programs was reviewed and assessed. The model was designed for implementation in the Highline School District and other Washington State school districts.

Teachnig Musicianship In High School Band Within The Four-Period Day Format, Rebecca Kay Mccoy

All Graduate Projects

New innovations in scheduling at the secondary level in many high schools have resulted in "block scheduling", whereby, students meet in classes for a longer time period than the norm (50-55 minutes). In the area of performing arts, this expanded schedule presents new opportunities for the inclusion of musicianship skills. This study will provide guidelines and resources for strengthening the musicianship of students currently participating in block scheduling within their performance classes. The exercises and lessons included will reflect the guidelines of the National Standards for the Arts.

Parent Involvement In The Education Of Their Children With Special Needs, Cindy Ann Cole

All Graduate Projects

The intent of this project is to develop an information packet teachers may use to encourage and enhance parental involvement, in ways that are suited for each child's and parent's needs. Analysis of literature, relevant to parents of children with special needs, has been used to draw conclusions and recommendations regarding appropriate techniques teachers may use to encourage parent involvement in their child's education. The packet includes the following: 1) a questionnaire to assess parents' preferred method of involvement; 2) a parent involvement evaluation form; 3) telephone numbers of support services and resources for parents; 4) recommended activities to help …

Prereading And Postreading Activities For Children's Multicultural Trade Books, Sandra Gail Beardsley

All Graduate Projects

A review of literature was completed to support the need for, and value of, using multicultural literature within the elementary classroom. The criteria for selecting multicultural literature was also reviewed. The project consisted of a booklist and prereading and postreading activities for twenty-five multicultural trade books. The purpose of the project was to heighten student's awareness of the multicultural community in which they live and appreciation of cultures throughout the world. The strategies and activities developed for these books were based on the whole language philosophy. The twenty-five trade books were divided into four themes: 1. Grandparents, 2. Folktales and …

A Secondary Education Model Of An Applied Learning Health Occupations Program, Andrea Lee Chapman

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop an applied learning health occupations program model that encompassed interagency collaboration and partnership. The formal partnership in this project was established with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and the Bethel School District. Initially the model was designed for implementation in the Bethel School District and eventually other school districts in the State of Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding the future workforce, applied learning and partnerships between schools, business and the community was conducted and related materials from inservice programs and conferences was reviewed and assessed.