Educational Administration and Supervision Commons^™

The Superintendent's Role In Collective Bargaining In Small School Districts, Deborah Lynn Philpot

Masters Theses

This study was designed to research and statistically assess factors associated with the role of the superintendents in small school districts in the collective bargaining process. All superintendents of districts in Illinois that house either Pre-K through 12 or K through 12 enrollments of 400 to 1,000 located geographically south of Interstate 80 were surveyed. Of 140 superintendents issued surveys, there were 115 responses received. Two of the 115 responses were eliminated because their enrollment had increased to over 1,000. Thus, 113 school districts, or 80.7% out of 140, represented the sample. The survey sought demographic information and attitudinal statements …

Middle School Tutoring Practices In Illinois, Kim Lin Johnston

Masters Theses

Districts must provide successful cost-effective programs for students who are failing. One method that has proven both cost effective and successful is tutoring by staff, community volunteers, and students. The study investigated the tutoring practices in 45 schools and large unit districts in Illinois. As implemented, neither peer nor cross-age tutoring followed a predictable pattern. Results indicated that the most comon type of tutoring was after-school with remedial activities focusing on math and reading and taught by certified staff. The study described some of the design and administrative features that shape the programs, discussed possible implications for minority constituencies, and …

Investigation Of The Process Of Transition To Middle School Concepts In Illinois Lead Middle Schools, Janice L. Alka

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to analyze the implementation process of middle level practices in selected Illinois middle schools. The result of the study will be of assistance to middle school staff members attempting to make the transition to middle level practices.

The researcher found theorists have agreed that middle level schools, regardless of their location, should consist of grades 6-8. The schools needed to open as middle schools or change slowly to middle school practices. The first steps in the transition process should include teachers attending conferences, workshops, or inservices on middle school practices. The research showed that …

An Investigation Into The Retention Policies Regarding Special Needs Students, Ronald Dean Graham

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the retention of special needs students in the Sangamon Area Special Education District (SASED) in Illinois. All of the principals of grades K-8 and the special education coordinators that work in those districts in SASED were surveyed. Inconsistencies in SASED's current practices led the author to explore possible alternatives in helping the Multidisciplinary Conferences (MDC) result in better decisions concerning the retention of special needs students. The results of the surveys were analyzed to develop a policy for all the districts to follow. This study focused on two objectives: 1. To determine …

Developing A Technology Plan Within The Small Rural School District, Patricia A. Fulkerson

Masters Theses

Technology in education is currently a topic of much interest and study due to the fact that the future demands a work force capable of functioning in the Information Age. This study was designed to help small rural school districts formulate a technology plan which would enable them to procure the necessary technological components and resources essential to incorporating technology into the learning environment. A survey was conducted of the superintendents in Edwards, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White counties in Southern Illinois. This survey endeavored to determine the components of a technology plan. Major findings were sought …

The Local Use Of Igap Science Test Scores In High School Program Evaluation, Garry Krutsinger

Masters Theses

This study examined the use of various objective test data, including IGAP Science test scores, by school personnel in the process of local science program evaluation. Three hundred and twenty-four public Illinois High Schools, all Illinois high schools with enrollments of 500 or less, were surveyed. Principals were asked to identify objective test score data used in local science program evaluation, to characterize the nature of the local evaluation process, and to identify local personnel involved in the evaluation process. All respondents identified sources of objective test score data used in local science program evaluation. The IGAP Science test score …

Corporal Punishment Superintendent And Principal Perceptions, Mary Ellen Grimes

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Investigation Of Elementary Parental Involvement Programs And Their Relationship To School Effectiveness, Susan G. Noggle

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Survey Of Bus Discipline Behaviors, Management Techniques, And Policies Within Illinois Educational Service Center #11, Jean M. Chrostoski

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to research the scope and degree to which school bus discipline was a problem for school districts in the Illinois Educational Service Center #11, and to determine if there were any consistencies in the school policies, procedures and behavioral management plans used by these districts. Since there has been little written research regarding the issue, this study was a method of providing data regarding bus discipline, and synthesizing this data to compile a school bus resource manual for school personnel.

Data were collected from 28 school districts representing 177 administrators, special education coordinators and/or …

An Analysis Of And Revision Of The Board Policy Manual Of Red Hill Community Unit #10, Dennis W. Kimmel

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was to analyze current board policy manuals in school districts surrounding Red Hill Community Unit School District #10 in Illinois and to revise and update the board policy manual of Red Hill Community Unit School District #10. This field experience was significant because the author believes a current board policy manual that is organized helps insure the efficient operation of a local school district in the state of Illinois. The job of school governance today is difficult and principles for school governance are essential.

The development of policy statements is a practice that must …

An Investigation Of Affirmative Action Policies And Practices Of Recruiting, Hiring, Mentoring And Retention Of African American Teachers And Administrators, U. S. Davidson Jr.

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the affirmative action policies and practices of recruiting, hiring, mentoring and retention of African American teachers and administrators throughout the State of Illinois. Since public elementary and secondary school systems provide numerous and varied jobs in virtually every community in the nation, it is assumed that if a quality education is to be attained, students must be exposed to the variety of cultural perspectives that represent the nation at large (American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, 1990).

This study examined policies and practices of districts throughout the State of Illinois inquiring …

Perceptions Of School Staff And Community Of Student Needs And Community Characteristics Which May Affect Student Learning, David I. Wilson

Masters Theses

This study was designed to assess the perceptions of the staff and community of Odin Elementary School and Odin High School of student needs and community characteristics which may affect student learning. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of school staff and community regarding student needs and community characteristics which may affect student learning.

The surveys for this study were designed by the researcher with information taken from materials issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Thirty-one elementary staff members and 25 high school staff members provided staff data. One hundred-thirty community members provided …

Teacher Employment Practices In Small High Schools In East Central Illinois, Fredrick P. Wheeler

Masters Theses

This project gathered information about the teacher employment practices recommended by the literature and research, used in small high schools in Illinois Educational Service Region 26, and used in Martinsville High School, Martinsville, Illinois. The literature identified nine basic areas in which to divide the selection process. It suggested that district personnel (a) make teacher employment a top priority commitment, (b) be familiar with the legal implications of teacher employment, (c) develop appropriate and specific criteria for the position, (d) make sure expectations are realistic, (e) choose recruiting sources carefully, (f) collect candidate information, (g) continuously refine and improve interviewing …

The Development Of A Plan To Prepare For The Quality Review Visit Under The Illinois Public School Recognition System, Michael L. Stivers

Masters Theses

This study examined the development of a School Improvement Plan for the Oblong School District in preparation for a Quality Review visit. The Illinois State Board of Education was mandated by legislation pasted in 1984 and 1992 to evaluate the School Improvement Plan of each school district in Illinois. The steps taken to properly prepare for the Quality Review visit were documented in the study. The recommendations detailed in the paper were developed at the completion of the Quality Review visit and reflect the suggestions of the Quality Review Team. The suggestions outlined in the study should make the process …

An Exemplary Early Childhood Program: Program Directors' Perspectives, Anita K. Pond

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was to develop exemplary guidelines for the implementation of an early childhood program. A survey of 78 early childhood programs in Southern Illinois was conducted. Participants surveyed were asked to respond to questions relating to the early childhood staff, screening and assessment procedures, the policy manual, meeting the needs of each child, parental involvement and the program director. In addition, a review of current literature associated with early childhood programs was presented. Included in the review of literature were books and articles related to the multiple components necessary to create an exemplary early childhood …

A Teacher Induction Program For Small, Rural School Districts In Illinois, Michael H. Schmidt

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify elements commonly found in existing new teacher induction programs and incorporate those elements into an induction program that could be implemented almost exclusively by a single building level administrator. The information was obtained through an examination of existing literature and contacts with current practitioners who were involved in induction activities.

Survey instruments were provided for participating administrators and the new teachers in their buildings. The surveys identified elements of the existing program and the perceived importance of those elements from the perspectives of the administrator and the teacher.

The information collected from …

Field Study On Quality Review In Illinois, Melinda Brookens Ostergren

Masters Theses

The Illinois State Recognition Program, otherwise known as Quality Review, has stringent rules for documenting compliance with requirements regarding information on student demographics, outcomes, assessment standards, expectations, plans for improvement, and reporting that information to the public in a meaningful way. This field study provides new formats for the scoring rubric and auditors' Interpretive Key for the state rules and regulations which make them easier to understand. In addition, it offers model forms for record-keeping so that preparing for an audit visit can be done efficiently, but it offers no solutions to the complex problem of generating change by altering …

A Burkean Analysis Of The Rhetoric Of Sexual Harassment: An Examination Of The Polarization Of Attitudes Related To Consensual Relationships On Campus, Loretta Lovelace Wiman

Masters Theses

A history of sexual harassment traces the recognition and development of the issue as a social problem in the workplace and on college campuses. A review of research literature reveals both percentages of students involved and the effects on those students of academic or teacher/student sexual harassment. A brief overview of institutional policy statements shows that some colleges/universities have responded to the issue with a ban on all consensual amorous relationships between teachers and students; some ban such relationships only when a supervisory relationship also exists, and some do neither. Some policies include sanctions on those who violate bans; others …

The Relationship Between Involvement In Extracurricular Activities And Academic Achievement Of Students At Flora High School, Linda J. Spicer

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field study was to determine the effect of participation in extracurricular activities upon academic achievement. Senior students at Flora High School were asked to respond to several survey questions that provided information concerning their participation or lack of participation in extracurricular activities. In addition, they expressed opinions related to their own personal involvement in extracurricular activities. The cumulative grade point averages of participants and nonparticipants were also reported.

The results indicated that the respondents of the Class of 1994 of Flora High School strongly felt that participation in extracurricular activities had an effect upon academic achievement. …

An Analysis Of The Practice Of Tracking Students In A Junior High/Middle School Setting, Veronda Cottle

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of The Payback Potential Of New Lighting Technology, James L. Cox

Masters Theses

Recent, energy saving improvements in lighting technology have been made involving the use of more efficient lamps, silver coated light reflectors, and electronic light ballasts. Research indicates that it is economically feasible to retrofit existing light fixtures to utilize the advantages of these developments. This process consists of the removal of all standard lamps and ballasts in each light fixture, the installation of a highly refined light reflector and the replacement of the existing lamps with brighter, more efficient ones. Standard magnetic ballasts are exchanged for more efficient electronic ballasts. Resulting is a light fixture that produces a comparable amount …

The Delivery Of Intermediate Educational Services In Illinois, Gary W. Tucker

Masters Theses

This study contained information concerning the four primary deliverers of intermediate educational services in Illinois - Education Service Regions, Education Service Centers, special education cooperatives and vocational education cooperatives. Administrators in Iroquois, Kankakee and Vermilion Counties were surveyed as to their knowledge, use of and satisfaction with the services provided by the above entities, and whether or not those deliverers of intermediate educational services should be consolidated and administered by one elected or appointed chief administrator.

The findings and conclusions indicated that Education Service Regions and the Education Service Center serving the above counties were providing effective services to constituent …

Criteria For Developing An Alternative Education Program For Pregnant And Parenting Young Women, Sharon S. White

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Survey Of Educational Support For Low-Income, At-Risk Middle School Students In Champaign-Urbana Public Schools, Evelyn Burnett Underwood

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The School Breakfast Program: A Study Of Variables In Its Implementation, Chris S. Long

Masters Theses

The major purpose of this study was to examine variables in implementing a school breakfast program in Shelbyville Community Unit School District 4, Shelbyville, Illinois. All students in grades kindergarten through eight are eligible to participate in the program.

A review of the literature indicates a link between nutrition and academic achievement as well as behavior and attitude toward learning. One in three school children either does not receive an adequate breakfast or receives no breakfast. Children who are hungry cannot learn. Federal subsidies that provide school lunches to the economically disadvantaged are also available for school breakfast programs. Few …

The Regular Education Initiative In Light Of Selected State And Federal Court Decisions, Frederick C. Kubicek

Masters Theses

This study begins with a general categorization of the various positions which comprise the ‘Regular Education Initiative.’ The first of these three categories, entitled the 'Little Change' model, calls for the least number of changes within the current delivery system of special education services. The second, the 'Extreme change' model, calls for the total dismantling of the present 'dual delivery' system. The third general heading is that of the 'Moderate change' model. This position calls for a substantial reduction in the number of students being served by 'pull out' programs. These three positions were then analyzed in light of twenty …

An Analysis Of Factors Associated With Advancement Of Selected High School Administrators In Illinois, Janice Mintel Jack

Masters Theses

This study was designed to research and statistically assess intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with advancement of secondary level administrators, comparing males with females. Administrators from randomly selected high schools in Illinois were surveyed. The survey sought demographic information and reactions to attitudinal statements measured on a Likert scale. An evaluation of demographic information revealed that as groups, men and women administrators are different. T-test analyses of intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with administrative advancement disclosed that no statistical significant differences exist between males and females. Based on this study, recommendations are made which may prove useful in further research …

Perceptions Of Superintendents, Principals, And Teachers Concerning The Effectiveness Of Mid-Illinois Educational Service Center #15, Donald R. Helm

Masters Theses

Educational Service Centers were established throughout Illinois by the State Board of Education as a result of the passage of Senate Bill 730 in 1985. The purpose of this field study was to determine the perceived effectiveness of programs and services provided by Mid-Illinois Educational Service Center #15 from superintendents', principals', and teachers' perspectives. Superintendents, principals, and randomly selected teachers in public school districts serviced by Educational Service Center #15 were given a questionnaire to determine their perceptions about the quality of the service they had received. Interviews with the director of Educational Service Center #15 and a review of …

A Field Experience: Dual-Building Vs. Single-Building Principals: How They Spend Their Time, Terry Diss

Masters Theses

This study focused on the amount of time principals spent on tasks related to instructional leadership. It was conducted between the months of January and May, 1989. The study examined differences in the amount of time that single-building principals spent on job-related tasks and the amount of time that dual-building principals spent on the same tasks. Tasks were categorized as either routine or related to instructional leadership. Data was obtained through the use of a survey which was mailed to principals selected from the east-central Illinois area. Principals were asked to estimate the amount of time they actually spent on …

A Study Of Thirty-Three Rural Southern Illinois Elementary School Districts' Medication Policies, Allen Bigley

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field study was to determine how thirty-three selected rural elementary (K-8) districts in Southern Illinois regulate the administration of medication to students in the absence of both the superintendent and school nurse. This was accomplished by sending a questionnaire to each of the school districts. A review of the literature and research was conducted to identify policies and procedures that should be included in all medication policies. Policies and procedures commonly found missing in many districts' medication policies were identified. Data received were analyzed through the use of tables to identify policies and procedures currently being …