Educational Administration and Supervision Commons^™

Administrative Perceptual Inquiry Into School Law Issues, Mary Heeren

Masters Theses

The courts and constitutional law have had a significant impact on public schools and public school administrators. The purpose of this study was to examine administrative perceptions of particular school law issues and concerns. Via a questionnaire, administrators from west central Illinois overwhelmingly stated that school law information was necessary for effective performance in their jobs. They also named the superintendent as the school official who needs to have the highest level of school law knowledge.

When questioned about various issues of school law, respondents indicated an extreme importance in six topics: due process and student suspension/expulsion, student rights, liability, …

Evaluation Of Member And Non-Member Professional Growth And Development Needs For The Illinois Principals Association, Lisa L. Stewart

Masters Theses

Professional associations have been one source of continued professional growth and development for practicing school administrators since 1857. In order to maintain their viability and credibility, these professional associations must provide quality programs and services to attract and maintain membership. The effectiveness of these professional associations is measured by how well they meet their members' needs.

Changes in the role of the public school principal have been initiated as a result of the educational reform movement of the 1980s. These changes have necessitated a reexamination of the role of the professional associations which serve this population. The Illinois Principals Association …

A Study Of Teachers' Perceptions Of Computer Usage And Staff Development Needs In Edwards County Cusd #1, Albion, Illinois, David R. Savage

Masters Theses

In recent years the integration of computer technology into the activities for students in public schools has become an important goal for educators throughout the nation. This study was designed to determine Edwards County Community Unit School District (CUSD) #1 teachers' perceptions regarding (a) use of computers at home and at school; (b) the extent that school personnel in buildings have established a technology plan; (c) availability of computer technology to students and themselves; and (d) the preferred time, method of training (e.g., workshops, one-on-one instruction, and college course), and incentives to attend computer staff development program.

The study took …

Investigation And Analysis Of Programs For Parental And Community Involvement In Rural And Small Town Southern Illinois K-8 Public School Districts, Angela Mills

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Of Block Scheduling In Illinois High Schools, Bruce Owen

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Perceptions Students Have About Transitioning From A Small Rural K-8 School District (Tamaroa) To A Larger Community High School (Pinckneyville) In Southern Illinois, Robert J. Hamerski

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field study was to ascertain the perceptions of former Tamaroa, Illinois, Grade School students regarding their transition to Pinckneyville High School. The research questions were:

1. How successful were former Tamaroa Grade School eighth graders at Pinckneyville High School as evidenced by perceived high school academic standing?

2. What are the perceptions of former Tamaroa Grade School students regarding issues related to the importance of completing high school?

3. What are the perceptions of former Tamaroa Grade School students attending Pinckneyville High School regarding adjustments needed to perform well academically in high school and graduating?

4. …

The New Illinois Charter School Law: A Study Of School District Superintendents' Knowledge And Inservice Desires, Larry Boyd

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the current knowledge of a random sampling of Illinois school district superintendents regarding the new Illinois Charter Schools Law. An additional purpose of this study was to ascertain the extent of the desire of a random sample of Illinois school district superintendents for inservice activities or further information about the same law.

A survey containing 12 charter school issues was developed by the author and was used to determine the extent of the knowledge and desire for further knowledge on the Illinois Charter Schools Law. A random sampling of 201 Illinois district …

Use Of The Internet Connection In Selected Illinois Schools, Dean Keller

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the practice of school districts connecting to the internet within the Southern Illinois Instructional Technology Association. The research questions for this study were: (a) Should an internet connection be initiated, continued, improved, or terminated? (b) To what extent is connecting to the internet cost effective for schools? (c) To what extent do increased program expenditures increase the use of the internet connection by staff and students? (d) To what extent does the program achieve its intended objectives?

The review of literature indicated that school districts can effectively use an internet connection as …

Analysis And Comparison Of Title I Programs In Rural School Districts In Central Illinois, Rebecca K. Kuhn

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare Title I programs in small, rural school districts in Central Illinois. The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, referred to as the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994, has been a significant factor in redesigning Title I programs. The new trend in Title I programming focuses on accountability for maximum student achievement rather than the traditional issues concerning fiscal record keeping and detailed documentation that money was used to supplement, rather than supplant, existing programs. The coordination of funding sources and programs is encouraged by the reauthorization to …

Perceptions Of Parents Of Elementary Students In Paris Union School District #95, Paris, Illinois, Regarding Curriculum Trends, Instructional Techniques, And Support Services, Lorraine A. Bailey

Masters Theses

The purpose of the field study was to ascertain the perceptions of parents of elementary students in grades K-5 in Paris Union School District #95, Paris, Illinois, regarding curriculum areas, instructional techniques, and support services. Addressing these areas was believed to be one important component in the process of determining the extent of the need for new or remodeled facilities at the elementary level in the district.

The researcher believed facilities of the future may be significantly different from their predecessors depending upon the nature and extent of curriculum changes. Before new facilities were proposed for Paris Union School District …

The Investigation Of Block-Eight Scheduling In Illinois High Schools, John E. Reif

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether principals believed that the implementation of block-eight scheduling in Illinois high schools had an impact on improved student achievement (specifically the A.C.T. and I.G.A.P. test scores), attendance, and discipline.

The results of this study should provide needed information to those school districts in Illinois that are contemplating the implementation or conversion to block-eight scheduling in their high schools.

The study involved a survey of principals of 160 high schools selected at random throughout Illinois. The school population of these districts ranged from 100 students to over 1,000 students. These school districts …

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 …