Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration Commons^™

Block Scheduling: From Possibility To Reality?, Frederic M. Muse

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines teacher practices and student learning as perceived by teachers within public high schools that have implemented block scheduling. Comparisons are made between the possibilities advanced by block scheduling advocates and the actual results as interpreted from the data gathered. Comparisons are made between teaching and learning with the traditional schedule and the manner in which it takes place with block scheduling. Open-ended questionnaires were developed for use with voluntary participants who had worked with traditional scheduling and now taught with some form of block scheduling. Participants recorded observations based solely upon personal perceptions of experiences with students …

An Examination Of Ronald Edmonds' Effective Schools Theory Applied To Various Grades In Two Demographically Different Oklahoma City Elementary Schools, Faluv Tunley

McCabe Thesis Collection

Effective schools research has been a key to the improvement of education for many urban school children, especially in large cities such as New York City and Chicago, Illinois. This research has revealed many different ideologies on helping a child learn, helping teachers teach, and giving administrators the tools to handle their schools more efficiently. Effective schools research also addresses parents and their involvement in the school system. One researcher who constantly pushed Effective Schools research is Dr. Ronald R. Edmonds. Edmonds, along with many other researchers helped to restructure the urban area schools in New York City and Michigan …

The Relationship Of Experience, Education, And Tennessee Career Ladder Status To Teachers' Perceptions Of Staff Development Needs In Block Scheduled Programs, Rita S. Mullins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem related to this study was to develop a clearer understanding of the staff development needs of high school classroom teachers implementing block scheduled programs. The purpose of this study was to determine if teachers' perceptions of staff development needs differed when teaching experience, education (highest degree earned), and Tennessee Career Ladder status were considered. Four levels of each independent variable were analyzed by six categories of perceptions, the dependent variables. The categories were: (a) Planning, (b) Knowledge, (c) Satisfaction with staff development, (d) Adult learning strategies, (e) Level of involvement, and (f) Impact on student testing and grades. …

Stages Of Implementation Of Block Scheduling: Perceptions Of School Climate In High Schools In The First Tennessee Regional District, Chele L. Dugger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A descriptive study was conducted to identify teachers' and principals' perceptions of school climate in four stages of a change to block scheduling: Initiation, the first year of Implementation, the second year of Implementation, and the third year of Implementation or Institutionalization. Data were collected from 442 teachers and principals in nine high schools in the First Tennessee Regional District in a stratified purposeful random sample using the Organizational Health Index (OHI), a 44-item survey, and a demographic information sheet. The survey has seven dimensions: Institutional Integrity, Initiating Structure, Consideration, Principal Influence, Resource Support, Morale, and Academic Support. These dimensions …

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 …

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 …

Need For The Professional Development The Head Teachers Of Secondary Schools In Pakistan, Muhammad Memon

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.

Perceptions Of Administrators And Teachers Regarding The Relevancy And Frequency Of Occurrence Of Program Characteristics Of Alternative High School Programs In North Carolina, Deborah D. Wiseman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to (1) determine which characteristics of alternative schools exist in North Carolina public alternative high schools for at-risk/potential dropouts, (2) determine the degree to which North Carolina alternative school administrators and teachers perceive each characteristic as important, (3) determine if there was a significant difference between administrators' and teachers' perceptions regarding the frequency of occurrence of program characteristics to alternative high school's, (4) determine if there was a significant difference between administrators' and teachers' perceptions regarding the relevancy of program characteristics to alternative high schools, and (5) determine if there was a significant …

The Woman High School Principal In Tennessee: A Qualitative Study, Doris W. Vanhuss

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to give an indepth and insightful description of the personal and professional worlds of the women high school principals of grades 9-12 in Tennessee in 1993. Specific areas which were addressed in the study included: (1) personal background information, (2) career paths and goals, (3) personal influences upon the women (4) possible barriers, (5) the role(s) of the woman high school principal, and (6) job demands. The data were gathered through a demographic questionnaire and the process of the long interview with open-ended questions with all seventeen of the women high school principals …

Perceptions And Hiring Practices Of Tennessee Superintendents And Directors Of Schools Relating To The Desired Technological Skills Of High School Principals, J. M. Reed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to reveal what technological skills are inquired about by superintendents/directors of schools in the state of Tennessee when hiring high school principals. The study further reveals perceptions that superintendents/directors of schools have for the desirability of high school principals to possess technological skills and their perceptions of how capable current high school principals are for possessing those skills. The study was based on a total population of 139 school superintendents in the state of Tennessee. Surveys were mailed in early Nov, 1995. One hundred-two surveys were completed and returned. Findings were divided into two …

An Overview Of The Development Of Primary Education In Pakistan, Muhammad Memon

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.

Use Of Reflective Journal In An In-Service Teacher Education Programme: Some Implications For School Improvement, Shahid Siddiqui, Muhammad Memon

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

A considerable amount of research conducted in Europe and elsewhere except in Pakistan indicates that the in-service teacher education programmes facilitated in the implementation and institutionalization of change at school level geared towards the school improvement process (Dalin et.al, 1992). In the past, the in-service education programmes for teachers in Pakistan received little attention of the government since its focus was on the quantitative expansion rather than qualitative augmentation of education. The teachers who attended in-service education programmes found their experiences as a ‘luxury activity’. Most of them seemed to be interested in their traveling and daily allowances (T.A./D.A.) rather …

Multi-Grade Teaching As An Instructional Strategy: Problems And Prospects, Muhammad Memon

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.

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 …

Machiavellian Attitudes Acknowledged By Principals Of Tennessee Secondary Schools, George M. Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of Machiavellian attitudes acknowledged by secondary school principals as measured by the Mach V Attitude Inventory Scale. The data were collected from an ex post facto survey of 169 public and nonpublic secondary school principals, grades 9-12. Principals completed the Mach V scale and a 13-item demographic survey. Sixteen research questions were formulated to examine the relationship among the variables which produced seventeen null hypotheses. Of the seventeen null hypotheses, four were found to be significant and thirteen were nonsignificant. A review of the descriptive data indicated that the majority …

The Role Of Transformational Leadership In The Collaborative Development Of A Full Inclusion Program: An Action Research Study, Paul R. Hain

Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This dissertation is a critical action research study on full inclusion for students with learning disabilities. The study describes how full inclusion for 16 students with learning disabilities in three regular classes was implemented in an Illinois elementary school over a one year period. The purpose of this study is to describe how transformational leadership, collaborative decision-making and action research helped in the development of full inclusion.

Action research was the method used to 1) observe and collect data about the project, 2) to analyze what was happening, and 3) help guide the inclusion teaching team in taking actions …

Elementary Teacher Education In Pakistan: What Is Needed, Yatta Kanu, Muhammad Memon

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

No abstract provided.

Identification Of Tennessee Teacher And Principal Beliefs About National Standards And National Goals In Education, Shirley R. Ellis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the beliefs of Tennessee principals and teachers in relation to national standards and national goals. This was a descriptive study, which utilized a survey methodology. The population under study was limited to 232 principals and 268 teachers randomly selected from the 1992-1993 membership of the Tennessee Education Association. The instrument, developed by the researcher for this study, was the National Standards/National Goals Questionnaire. The 32 item instrument was designed to determine the level of belief of national goals and national standards. Descriptive statements were used to analyze the data gathered from the …

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 …

An Evaluation Of The 1990-1991 Hart County Preschool Program, Rhonda Bowman

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

In the 1990-91 school year. Kentucky's public schools received a mandate to begin a preschool program to aid children who were at risk of school failure. Children to be served were three-and four-year-olds qualifying for free lunch or having handicaps.

This study is an evaluation of the preschool program in Hart County Kentucky. Two concerns were identified. These concerns were: (1) identifying teacher and parental perceptions of the program and (2) measuring student academic gains. The results of the evaluation indicate that teachers and parents have a positive attitude about the preschool program. Students participating in the program showed greater …

A Field Experience: Teacher Orientation, Rena J. Talbert

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was three fold: 1) to determine the existence of formal teacher orientation programs, 2) the contents of the programs, and 3) the level of satisfaction by the principal(s) regarding the formal teacher orientation programs for newly employed teachers. A survey of the high schools in Educational Service Centers 15, 16, 17, and 18 was conducted.

In addition, a thorough review of literature and research associated with the need and benefits from a teacher orientation program was presented. Included in the review was the components of a mentor program.

An analysis of the survey results …

Methods Of Improving The Student Teaching Experience At The Elementary And Junior High School Levels As Identified By Cooperating Teachers, Student Teachers And First Year Teachers, Darrell L. Sy

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was to identify how the student teaching experience could be improved based upon recommendations by cooperating teachers, first year teachers and student teachers who completed a questionnaire. Each group was asked its opinions of the current status of the student teaching experience and how the process could be improved.

Cooperating teachers provided information relative to the special types of activities they conducted to better prepare student teachers for the profession. Current student teachers were asked to determine the teaching skills with which they needed the most assistance. First year teachers provided information that compared …

School Ka Sabaq: Literacy In A Girls Primary School In Rural Pakistan, Iffat Farah

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

This paper (which is part of a larger ethnographic study) describes literacy learning practices in the context of a girls' school in rural Pakistan. In this context, school ka sabaq is recognized as involving reading and writing activities, and behavior particular to the institution of the school. A description of the reading and writing activities as well as the division of time and space in the school shows that literacy activities are reflected in and determined by the context of the particular institution within which they are learned and practiced. The author also describes school-community relations and the community's goals …

Knowledge Of And Response To Copyright Law, School Copyright Policy, And Copyright-Related Issues: Survey Of Secondary School Principals And Librarians, Koleta B. Tilson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem of this study was that, with the impact of new media and delivery systems, principals and librarians must respond to copyright issues in order to remain informed about the copyright law and the legal use of media. The purpose of this study was to gather and evaluate educator response to issues related to copyright. The study was conducted with a sample of regionally accredited secondary schools in the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. A total of 1008 questionnaires were mailed to the principal and the librarian of …

The Development, Implementation, And Evaluation Of A Junior High School Study Skills Program For A Small Rural School, Donald Lawrence Burton Ii

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience project was to develop a junior high school study skills program for a small rural school. Upon completion of its development, the study skills program was pilot-tested in the Tower Hill Junior High School in Tower Hill, Illinois. After the background and possible significance of this field study is discussed, specific project objectives and research hypotheses are listed along with the appropriate operational definitions, assumptions and delimitations for this field experience. A representative review of the literature and research is given on the subject of study skills and study skills programs. Field experience activities …

An Analysis Of The Impacts Of The Illinois Board Of Higher Education' S Admission Requirements On Selected High Schools In East Central Illinois, Stephen C. Selle

Masters Theses

The Illinois Board of Higher Education in 1985 instituted mandatory subject admission requirements for all state universities beginning in the year 1990. Subsequent legislative action by the Illinois General Assembly has moved these requirements back to 1993. This field experience investigated the possible impacts of these requirements on rural schools of under 500 students in east central Illinois. A cover letter explaining the purpose of the study and a two page questionnaire were mailed to twenty- one schools. Sixteen schools in the counties of Vermillion, Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee, and Will responded and were the focus of the study. Enrollment patterns …

An Analysis Of Selected Initial Phase Iii Plans Developed From Iowa's Educational Excellence Program H.F. 499, Randall B. Clegg

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Phase III of Iowa's Educational Excellence Program has provided Iowa school districts with the unique opportunity to improve and enhance the quality and effectiveness of Iowa teachers through the development of performance-based and supplemental pay plans. With 50 million dollars in state funding Iowa school districts were in a unique position to develop and implement their own prescription for achieving educational excellence.

The purpose of this study was to conduct an analysis of initial performance-based supplemental pay plans developed by Iowa school districts. As a result of the analysis this study described the reform efforts initiated by local school districts …

Parental Perceptions Of School: An Analysis Of Contacts & Non-Contacts With Parents Of Sixth Graders At L.C. Curry Elementary School, Johnny Douglas

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Experimental and control groups were randomly selected in Johnny Douglas' sixth grade homeroom class to determine if contacts made to an experimental group of parents produced different perceptions of school as opposed to a control group of parents who received little or no contacts from the school. The experimental group of students' parents received a minimum of seven contacts from the school during the twenty day period of the study, while the control group received a minimum of three contacts in the same period.

A questionnaire sent to the parents at the conclusion of the experiment yielded three statements of …