Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration Commons^™

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 …

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 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 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 …

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 …

Retention Study: Development Of A Policy For South Central Community Unit School District #401, Steven W. Laur

Masters Theses

This field experience investigated the opinions of administrators and current educational practices in regard to student retention in K-8 school buildings located within the Illinois Educational Service Center #17. The investigation was accomplished by conducting a survey of building administrators in the region. The results of the survey indicated that a majority of the administrators responding to the survey do not agree with the practice of retaining students. The results also show that more boys than girls are retained and that only about half of the schools have written policies in regard to retention. Another fact that emerged was that …

Evaluations Of Superintendents In Central Illinois As Perceived By Presidents Of Boards Of Education, Ronald E. Black

Masters Theses

This study examined the perceptions board presidents had toward the processes, procedures, and methods used by their boards of education to evaluate their superintendents. Data were obtained from a survey sent to the board presidents of 66 school districts in Central Illinois. Eighty-five percent of the boards of education used a formal written process to evaluate their superintendents. Nearly 92% of the presidents reported satisfaction with this process. The most popular formal methods were evaluations by goals and objectives and checklists. The major reason cited by board presidents for holding evaluations was to identify areas in which their superintendents needed …

Superintendent Evaluations: Superintendent And Board President Perspectives, W. Robert O'Dell

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was to examine the formal evaluation process of superintendents from the perspective of superintendents and school board presidents. A survey of 72 public school district superintendents and board presidents in six counties in Southern Illinois was conducted. Those surveyed were asked to respond to questions concerning the evaluation instrument itself, the frequency and purpose of the evaluation, and criteria used to evaluate the superintendent.

In addition, a review of current literature associated with superintendent evaluations was presented. Included in the review were articles related to the importance of a good evaluation procedure to both …

Developing A Code Of Conduct Policy For Hoopeston-East Lynn High School, Mark C. Conolly

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field study was to develop a model code of conduct policy for Hoopeston-East Lynn High School in Hoopeston, Illinois. A survey instrument on school discipline was completed by teachers and students. Results of the survey helped identify discipline problems in the school. Information was obtained pertaining to types of discipline codes used in other schools. These included other school codes as well as prepared codes such as Assertive Discipline, Reality Therapy, and Teacher Effectiveness Training. A committee of faculty members and parents was established to review and discuss types of discipline codes. It was decided that …

Assessment Of Sex Equity In Athletics In Illinois Educational Service Center #13 Schools, Wayne C. Scarlett

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine sex equity compliance and sex equity achievement in athletic programs in grades 5-8 and 9-12 attendance centers in the eight county area served by Illinois Educational Service Center #13. Champaign, Douglas, Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee, Livingston, Piatt, and Vermilion Counties were included in the study. An 18 question survey instrument, keyed to the 1990 Illinois Sex Equity Rules, was sent to building administrators in all attendance centers in the eight county area that contained grades 5-8 and/or 9-12. The survey asked administrators to provide, by grade and gender, numerical information on student …

Adopting An Eight Period Day Schedule: An Analysis Of The Merits For Oakland Community Unit School District #5, Norman L. Tracy

Masters Theses

In coping with financial problems and changing demands on students' course selections, it has become increasingly more difficult to provide secondary school students with the best education possible. This seems to be especially true for the smaller school districts. Many small school districts have reduced their staffs to the "bare bones" due to budget cuts. Such reductions have often resulted in fewer course offerings and a reduced number of section offerings for required classes. When this problem was coupled with the Illinois Board of Higher Education's increased college entrance requirements that high school students must complete, the common result was …

School Consolidation In Perry County, Illinois, Ronald L. O'Daniell

Masters Theses

This is a study of factors relating to school consolidation in Perry County, Illinois. The factors explored in this study are student achievement, student information, per pupil expenditure, and community attitude. An assessment of the perceptions of school board members and superintendents regarding consolidation was conducted through a survey sent to each board member and superintendent in Perry County.

A thorough review of recent literature on consolidation was conducted. Administrators involved in previous consolidation efforts were interviewed. Analysis of the research identifies five specific concerns pertaining to consolidation in Perry County. The concerns are as follows: (a) the maintenance of …

An Evaluation Of Educational Indicators In Illinois' New Illinois Accountability Law, Leon Francis Gobczynski

Masters Theses

In the fall of 1992, P.L. 87-559 will change the way schools and districts in Illinois are evaluated for the purpose of recognition. This is commonly known as Illinois' new accountability law. This law shifts recognition from solely legal compliance to include school performance and school improvement.

Five educational indicators were chosen for Illinois' new accountability law by the State Legislature in conjunction with the Illinois State Board of Education. This research study measured administrators perceptions about the five educational indicators used in Illinois' new accountability law. In addition, ten national educational indicators were selected and administrators were requested to …

Effectiveness Of A Truancy Prevention Program In Education Service Regions 15 & 20, Michael W. Harris

Masters Theses

Truancy is a problem that many school districts must address on a daily basis. One method used to address this problem in Education Service Regions 15 & 20 in southeastern Illinois is a truancy prevention program. This program was presented to six randomly selected second grade classes. Each of these six classes was then paired with a similar second grade class in the same county. This second group of classes was the control group in which no truancy prevention program was presented. The six truancy prevention programs were presented in early September. Attendance rate data were collected for all twelve …

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 …

A Field Experience: The Paris High School Climate, Steven R. Sabens

Masters Theses

A comprehensive survey of the perceptions of students, teachers, and parents regarding the climate at Paris High School was conducted. This assessment was accomplished by conducting a random sample survey of students and parents, and a total survey of faculty.

Analysis of the survey results identified five specific areas in the Paris High School climate needing improvement (a) school/community relations, (b) student support climate, (c) school image, (d) school problems, and (e) students identifying a purpose between what they are studying and their everyday lives. In addition, a thorough review of recent literature and research associated with effective schools and …

A Financial Study Of The Mt. Auburn School District, Robert H. Sample

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was to determine the financial condition of the Mt. Auburn Community Unit School District Number 5, Christian County, State of Illinois, from the 1986-87 school year through the 1990-91 school year. The financial condition of the district during 1991-92 school year was reviewed from July, 1991 through April, 1992. The education fund, operations, building, and maintenance fund, bond and interest fund, transportation fund, and retirement fund were all reviewed for stated time period. Tables were prepared for these major accounting funds to clarify the developing financial trend. Revenues received during 1986 through 1991 from …

Consolidation Study For Illinois Community Unit School Districts No. 10 And No. 20, Judith J. Phipps

Masters Theses

The main purpose of this field study was to examine factors related to school consolidation in Lawrence County, Illinois. Two unit school districts-Community Unit School District No. 10 and No. 20-have been in operation since 1972 in southeastern Illinois. Both districts have full recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education and North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

In 1991-92, approximately 2,800 students attended kindergarten through twelfth grade in Lawrence County. However, financial considerations were the primary concerns of the schools/ operations. Due to revenue losses in farmland reassessment, property taxes and general state aid, Lawrence County administrators examined …

Enhancing Cooperative Education Programs For Indian Valley Conference High Schools, William R. Estes Iii

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study is to examine the alternatives by which small rural schools in the Indian Valley Conference could offer a broader education base for their students through cooperative education programs. Data was collected by personal interviews from the principals of the thirteen Indian Valley Conference high schools. The study focused on four areas, a) the factors necessary for effective cooperative education programs, b) the advantages of cooperative education programs, c) the disadvantages of cooperative education programs,d) and the desire for increased participation in cooperative education programs.

The survey results, relative to the cooperative education program needs of …

A Comparison Of Attendance And Self-Esteem At Assumption High School, Connie Lee Falconer

Masters Theses

Nonattendance has historically been a problem for teachers and administrators. Only recently has the effect of self-esteem and attendance been the focus of serious research. This study was conducted at Assumption High School, Assumption Community School District #9, Assumption, Illinois. The study encompassed those students in grades 9 through 12 for attendance purposes in the school year 1990-1991. Those students who were added or dropped during the given school year were not included in the study. Since this research involved some of the factors of ten associated with nonattendance of high school students, all of the students continuously enrolled from …

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 …

Maintaining A High School Elective/Vocational Program With The Increase In College Entrance Requirements, Clyde W. Frankie

Masters Theses

This field experience examines how 21 selected Illinois unit district high schools have maintained their elective/vocational enrollments with the 1985 increase in college admission requirements. The 21 high schools identified had a student population between 700 and 1000. A questionnaire was sent to each school requesting information regarding their master schedule. Questions specifically requested data on number of class periods, length of class periods, number of graduation units, faculty teaching load, class maximums and minimums, and percent of college-bound students in respective schools. This data was analyzed through comparative data tables to identify potential solutions or trends high schools are …

Affirmative Action Policy And Procedures For Illinois Schools, Charles T. Kent Jr.

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the policy implementation process, and its implication for planned organizational change. A review of the literature reveals that school districts must utilize intensive recruitment campaigns to increase the hiring of minorities. The Superintendent Questionnaire was sent to the thirty-five Large Unit District Association (LUDA) throughout Illinois. Descriptive statistics, in the form of frequencies and percentages, were used to analyze responses to the questionnaire. The results and conclusions of this study gave rise to recommendations to superintendents, school boards and those with authority to hire should make a good faith effort in hiring …

Parental Attitudes And Opinions Of Central City School District #133, David Daum

Masters Theses

The accountability of the nation’s schools is an area of great public concern. A useful tool that a school district may use in becoming more accountable to the public is a parent opinion inventory. The inventory may serve as one step in the process of bridging the gap between public expectations of the school district and its actual performance. This study measured the opinions of fifty-seven parents about the performance of the Central City school district. The opinions were determined by a fifty-one item inventory issued to parents in grades kindergarten through grade eight. Recommendations, based upon inventory results, were …

A Woman Administrator: To Be Or Not To Be, Carole S. Coartney

Masters Theses

Every individual who is choosing a career or is contemplating a career change should research the field before making a final decision. This is especially consequential when considering an atypical occupation. A female educational administrator falls into this category. Since the majority of educational leaders are male, a woman administrator can expect to face many challenges associated with her gender.

The major purpose of this field experience was to gather information pertinent to a woman considering a career in educational administration. The specific objectives were five-fold: 1. To obtain a profile of the women administrators in downstate Illinois (south 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 …