Educational Administration and Supervision Commons^™

An Evaluation Of Southern Illinois Teachers' Perceptions Regarding The Impact Of Block Scheduling On Student Enrollment, Student Grade Point Averages, And The Number Of Discipline Referrals, Jacqueline L. Mccann

Masters Theses

Several southern Illinois high schools began to adopt the block schedule format in the 1990s. This schedule alternative was a change from the traditional schedule of six or seven classes per day. The effects of the implementation of this schedule had not been evaluated. This study fulfilled that need.

The study, which took place in the spring of 1997, surveyed teachers' perceptions in the four southern Illinois high schools using a block schedule. These high schools were Benton High School, Eldorado High School, Mt. Vernon Township High School, and Pinckneyville High School, all located south of Interstate 64. Responses to …

Ready Or Not? A Qualitative Study Of The Perceived Effects Of Training On A Residence Hall Director's Job Satisfaction, Confidence Level, And Social Connectedness, Linda R. Kenyon

Masters Theses

The purpose of this qualitative study was to demonstrate the need for quality training in the Residence Life setting at Eastern Illinois University. The study was also intended to assess the effects of training on a new Residence Hall Director's (RHD) job satisfaction, social connectedness, and confidence level. Personal interviews were conducted with two different groups of new staff members who participated in the Residence Hall Director training program at Eastern Illinois University.

The 1995 cohort of interviewees (n=5) participated in the Fall, 1995 RHD training program. Interviews were designed to elicit feedback from trainees about their perception of the …

Retention Of Quality Teachers In Small School Districts, Donald E. Smith

Masters Theses

The retention of quality teachers in small school districts is a challenge for superintendents. The continual loss of quality teachers can be damaging to the overall success of the small district. In order to avert the loss, superintendents need to be made aware of strategies that will assist in retaining quality teachers. The purposes of this study were to determine the frequency of quality teachers leaving small school districts and then to identify strategies that superintendents felt were useful in averting the loss.

The study was conducted during the summer of 1997. Superintendents of unit school districts with 1000 students …

The Comparison Of The Academic And Behavioral Characteristics Of Children With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury And Children With Learning Disabilities, Leah R. Pace

Masters Theses

This study investigated the differences of academic and behavioral characteristics of children with a suggested history of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and children with learning disabilities (LD). Parents were given a survey which asked about their child's history of any blow or hit to the head. Teachers were also given a survey which included a rating scale for specific academic and behavioral characteristics. Results indicated that the MTBI group was not different from the LD group. However, there was a significant difference between those children who had a blow or hit to the head that resulted in a loss …

A Resource Document For The Development Of An Alternative Education Program For Disruptive Youth, Deborah Claunch

Masters Theses

This qualitative study developed a model for an alternative education program for disruptive students in grades 6 through 8 in Franklin and Williamson Counties in Southern Illinois. It was facilitated by the issuance of grant funds to the Regional Offices of Education by the Illinois State Board of Education under the Safe Schools Act of 1995.

The desire of the researcher was to develop a program that would lead to changes in behaviors, promote academic achievement, and return students to the regular school environment with fewer incidents of misbehavior. The outcomes of this qualitative study resulted in a comprehensive resource …

An Evaluation Of The Reading Recovery Program At Hawthorn School In Salem, Illinois, Glen A. Bryant

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Assessment And Development Of A Plan For Handling Allegations Of Sexual Harassment, James I. Smith

Masters Theses

Sexual harassment exists not only in the workplace but also in the nation's schools. School districts and administrators have a legal responsibility and liability to deal with allegations of sexual harassment.

The purpose of this study was to develop a step-by-step grievance procedure to resolve complaints of student-student and student-employee sexual harassment in which students are the alleged victims for Centralia High School District 200 in Centralia, Illinois. To obtain data for the development of this plan, a survey was taken of the student population at Centralia High School to determine student perceptions of the following:

1. Have they been …

A Student Survey Of The Effectiveness Of Alternative Schools In Hamilton-Jefferson Counties, Illinois, Bryan Cross

Masters Theses

The main purpose of this study was to survey students who were enrolled in the Hamilton-Jefferson Counties Alternative Schools in Mt. Vernon and McLeansboro, Illinois, to determine the effectiveness of the alternative schools from the students' perspectives. This information should serve as an aid to decision makers in determining if changes were needed in the alternative schools.

The 78 students in the survey were asked to respond to survey questions designed to provide information regarding what effect enrollment in an alternative school had on their attendance, behavior, academic success, citizenship, and self-esteem.

An analysis of the survey results indicated that …

Parental Opinions About Full Day Kindergarten, David R. Carey

Masters Theses

This study focused on the opinions that parents of kindergarten children in Community Unit School District #1 in Charleston, Illinois, have about full day kindergarten and its perceived impact on their children. The Charleston district does not offer full day kindergarten. The study was conducted during the month of February, 1996. It examined whether or not parents of current kindergarten students in Charleston, Illinois would have taken advantage of the opportunity to send their children to full day kindergarten had it been made available. Parents were asked to answer more detailed questions to determine why they answered the way they …

Developing A Student Code Of Conduct For North Clay Jr. High School, Don Carlyle

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to develop a student code of conduct for students in the North Clay Junior High School in Louisville, Illinois. At the time of the study the author was the principal of the North Clay Elementary I Junior High School. The North Clay Junior High School had a student discipline policy called the General Guidelines For Discipline developed by the author. The author constructed a survey instrument to assess the effectiveness of the North Clay Junior High School's General Guidelines For Discipline.

The survey was completed by teachers, students, and parents. The building principal and …

A Study Of Secondary School Principals' Perceptions Regarding The Practice Of Special Education Discipline In The State Of Illinois, Debra Linnae Green

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions and observations of principals at the senior high school level in Illinois concerning the methods and procedures currently used in the discipline of students identified as learning disabled, socially and emotionally disabled, and educationally mentally handicapped students.

Many different methods of discipline have been introduced and recommended by educational experts in the special education field.

Suspension and expulsion procedures have been used for many years by public school principals in order to achieve disciplinary control of students with and without disabilities. Even in cases where suspension or expulsion was warranted …

A Study Of School District Compliance Efforts With The Americans With Disabilities Act In Illinois Schools, Roger L. Eddy

Masters Theses

The problem of compliance with state and federal statutes while maintaining a healthy financial picture in a school district has long been a challenge for the educational community. The passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is an example of legislation which has caused school districts to evaluate their educational program as it relates to accessibility, opportunity and accommodations of people with special needs. Indeed, this statutory compliance also challenges school districts to comply while maintaining a sound financial basis. The constraints of funding has made the ADA an even greater challenge than some statutes.

This study was conducted …

The Effectiveness Of Peer Mediation In Westville C.U.S.D. #2, Dennis A. Watson

Masters Theses

During the past several years concerns about student behavior and school discipline have figured prominently in various public opinion polls. Many approaches and methodologies have been used in an unsuccessful effort to remedy the problem. These methodologies include "zero tolerance", codes of conduct, contracts and assertive discipline. Peer mediation is a relatively new concept that has not been significantly researched in rural areas.

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of peer mediation programs at McMillan Grade School and Westville Junior High School in Westville, Illinois. A survey of twenty-six certified teachers at both of the schools …

The Investigation Of Procurement Programs Of School Districts In The Effingham Area, Fran Thoele

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate procurement practices in school districts within a fifty-mile radius of Effingham, Illinois. This investigation was conducted to determine if seeking competitive quotes for cafeteria, janitorial, athletic/PE, teacher, and transportation supplies could be cost effective. The review of literature and research presented compelling arguments for finding ways to save money on these routine supplies. The survey instrument was the basis for seeking respondents' perceptions of the procurement practices currently being utilized. Twenty-nine participants returned valid surveys for a 55% return rate. The findings of this study will be used to develop a plan …

Models Of Excellence For African American Males At Richland Community College: A Field Study, Luegeanes Mcgee

Masters Theses

Purpose

The purpose of this field study was to investigate the problems that African American males encounter at Richland Community College, Decatur, Illinois. This investigator interviewed thirteen graduates, person-to-person, who graduated from Richland Community College between the years of 1993 through 1995. Twelve themes emerged from this study: academic counselor/communication/ involvement, prejudice/isolation, teacher/student reaction, student seating location, support group(s), role models, mentors, student involvement in college life, educational purpose, programs, and college requirements. Respondents also made recommendations for the success of African American males attending Richland Community College.

Methodology

Person-to-person interviews were utilized in studying this phenomenon because it is …

An Investigation Of Home Schooling In Illinois, Steve Morris

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effectiveness Of The Automatic Reinstatement Policy At Eastern Illinois University, Kristi Cobble

Masters Theses

The effectiveness of Eastern Illinois University's reinstatement policy was investigated in an attempt to determine what criteria were used to establish the current reinstatement policy and to further decide whether or not the criteria used have been accurate in predicting academic success for reinstated students at this institution. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the relationship, if any, between 14 variables and academic success following reinstatement: (1) quality point deficiency (QPD), (2) grade level at the time of dismissal, (3) race, (4) gender, (5) number of semesters in attendance prior to dismissal, (6) community college attendance during the absence from …

A Study Of Inclusion, Kelly L. Cook

Masters Theses

Attitudes of 79 educators toward inclusion were investigated in relation to specific job titles, years experience, and knowledge level. Knowledge level was determined by performance on an inclusion quiz. Questionnaires were completed by subjects to determine attitude. The results indicated that performance on the quiz was related to responses on some questions. Those with more knowledge appeared to be in favor of inclusion. This is consistent with past studies. Attitudes were similar across educational disciplines. Years of experience may have some impact on attitude if coupled with other variables. Further investigation of this topic is warranted as it continues to …

The Impact Of Prekindergarten Participation Upon Academic Placement, Mary Suddarth

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Prekindergarten Program for Children At Risk of Academic Failure had impact on a child's future academic placement. Current uncertainty regarding continued ISBE or federal funding of programs makes such a longitudinal study imperative. This study examined the 1995-1996 academic placement, including additional resources required, i.e., Title 1, speech, or learning disabled services, for 40 children who participated in the 1990-1991 Hamilton-Jefferson Counties Educational Service Region cooperative prekindergarten program in Jefferson County. Results indicated that all children reached expected placement, regardless of one …

An Evaluation Of The Behavior Disorders Classroom Program Of The Wabash And Ohio Valley Special Education District, Daniel J. Allen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative effectiveness and desirability of identified key components of the behavior disorders program delivered by the Wabash and Ohio Valley Special Education District in southeastern Illinois. Sixty-one school superintendents, building principals, and local coordinators of special education responded to a survey addressing key components of the behavior disorders program: technical assistance, timeliness of the Individualized Education Program process, thoroughness of the Individualized Education Program process, academic remediation, behavioral remediation, transition coordination, and followup services. The results revealed very little discrepancy between each of the groups of administrators according to their responses …

A Study Of Secondary School Principals' Perceptions Regarding Current Teacher Evaluation Procedures In Three Midwestern States, Beth A. Saiki-Olsen

Masters Theses

In recent years, new methods of evaluating teachers have been introduced and recommended by educational experts.

This study was conducted to determine the methods and procedures currently used in three midwestern states to evaluate secondary education teachers and to investigate secondary school principals' perceptions regarding those methods and procedures.

The study, which took place during the spring of 1996, included a survey of a random sample of 300 secondary school principals in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana through the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

One hundred and fifty-six principals responded to the survey which found that although principals agreed that …

Assertive And Alternative Discipline Methods Within 33 Rural Southern Illinois Elementary School Districts, Paula Jean Harlan

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Advantages And Limitations Of The Block 8 Schedule In Illinois High Schools, Philip L. Shelton

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Analysis Of The Educational Recognition Systems Of Five Midwestern States, Danny L. Garrett

Masters Theses

The Illinois Public Recognition System has implemented new procedures that address a new system of quality and equity in Illinois schools. As an Illinois educator, the researcher has conducted a study that compares the new Illinois Public Recognition System to similar systems in the states of Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky and Minnesota. All of the states have many components of evaluation that are very similar.

Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Missouri all rely on systems that combine school improvement and accreditation. The systems are basically in transitional phases that are designed to be a ongoing process to enhance student learning and …

The Effectiveness Of The East Richland High School Attendance Policy, George G. Toler

Masters Theses

An attendance policy was established at East Richland High School, East Richland Community Unit District #1, Olney, Illinois, prior to the 1991-92 school year. The intention of the policy was to counteract a trend of decreasing attendance rates. The purpose of this study was to provide information to the East Richland Community Unit Board of Education as to the effectiveness of the policy and to enable it to make a more informed decision as to whether or not to retain the policy. Information was gathered regarding test scores, course failures, honor rolls, and graduation rates. These results were compared to …

A Survey Of At-Risk Students Enrolled In Beck Area Vocational Center's Optional Education Program, Robert D. Knutson

Masters Theses

The main purpose of this field experience was to survey students who participated in Beck Area Vocational Center's Optional Education Program (OEP) in Red Bud, Illinois, to data needed to construct a profile of the typical at-risk youth within a 50-mile radius of Beck. This, in turn, would set the stage for the construction and implementation of an instrument that might be used to identify other potential at-risk youth at the high school level in the area.

The 71 students in the survey were asked to respond to survey questions that had been deemed successful in distinguishing dropouts from non-dropouts. …

An Investigation Into Procedures And Policies For Determining Student Residency, Joseph C. Rodocker

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to determine to what extent problems exist in determining whether students are eligible for tuition free education in districts and the policies and procedures that are currently in use in those districts. All school administrators face the prospect of deciding whether a student is eligible to attend their school tuition free. Districts must provide tuition-free education to resident students, either in a district school or in an appropriate placement for a handicapped student. The district administrators must make a determination of residency to meet its statutory obligation to charge tuition to non-resident students or to meet …

An Investigation Of Student Disciplinary Procedures Of Twelve Rural Jefferson County Districts After Implementation Of Illinois Law Banning Corporal Punishment, Brenda J. Lusby

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate and assess the effectiveness of the student disciplinary procedures in the twelve elementary K-8 rural school districts in Jefferson County, Illinois, since the Illinois legislative body banned the use of corporal punishment by P.A. 88-346 which became effective January 1, 1994. Discipline has been a major concern in the effectiveness of schools for quite some time and appeared as the number one concern of the public pertaining to our public schools in the 1994 Gallup Poll. Since corporal punishment has been banned, personnel in many schools are concerned about how effective their …

An Inclusion Program For A Small, Rural School District In Illinois, Victor R. White Iii

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was to identify elements found in existing inclusion programs and incorporate those elements into an inclusion program that could be implemented almost exclusively by a single administrator. The information was obtained through an examination of existing literature and contacts with other administrators.

Survey instruments were provided for participating administrators and teachers in their building. The surveys identified elements of the existing programs and the other elements perceived as important by administrators and teachers.

The information collected from the literature, administrators, and teachers led to the development of an eight-part inclusion program that could be …

Empowerment Versus Dependency Of Parents With Children In Special Education, Wendy J. Fisher

Masters Theses

This study attempted to determine whether parents of children receiving special education services are being empowered by the present special education system or growing dependent on it. A survey was constructed based upon the three criteria deemed necessary by social policy analyst Charles Murray to yield empowerment. The survey was administered by phone to 50 parents of children receiving special education services. Results indicated that primary source of income and expression of participation do not have an impact on degree of empowerment as measured by the Empowerment/Dependency Survey. Severity of handicap did not predict whether or not parents desired additional …