Educational Administration and Supervision Commons^™

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 …

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 …

Maximizing School Safety By Minimizing Student Violence On And Near School Grounds, William J. Bryson

Masters Theses

This research applications project addresses the phenomenon of rising violence among the youth of the United States, and includes a discussion of how this trend impacts our schools, particularly both the perceived and real danger it creates for our schools' students and staff members. Also considered are three youth activities which have accompanied this phenomenon. These behaviors are drug abuse and trafficking, gang activity, and weapons carrying and use. A brief analysis is presented regarding the degree and nature of these activities' relationships to each other and to youth violence. Finally, a handbook for school administrators' use is included titled …

Identification Of Factors Leading To Successful Computer Implementation In Elementary Schools, Jeffrey A. Marsh

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to review existing research and write an article about factors that lead to greater computer usage in the elementary schools.; In completion of this study an exhaustive review of literature and research dealing with factors pertaining to successful elementary computer programs was conducted. From this review, a list of factors was created, and a survey developed. A phone survey was then completed for a group of 26 district computer coordinators. The surveys were then divided into schools with elementary computer models that computer coordinators ranked highly, and those which computer coordinators felt were lacking. …

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 …