Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration Commons^™

Community Service Plan, Joseph Depalma

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to see if a school-wide discipline program with positive rewards and consequences is a need for the Happy Dale Elementary School. The study will consist of a case study design that would include all staff members, certified and non-certified to take part. The group will meet as a study team to develop a Community Service Plan in which students who do not follow school rules will have to give back to the school community by participating in school community service.

Students in grades three through five will participate in the program. The student body …

New Egypt High School's Single Lunch: "It's Common Sense", Joseph Dipietro

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to determine if hosting an open campus single lunch at New Egypt High School would positively affect the cultural climate of the entire school. The single lunch project involved the entire school community. As the administrative intern I served as the project coordinator, as well as a lunch monitor.

To determine the project's effectiveness, students and staff members were randomly selected to provide feedback on separate questionnaires. The intern also held informal interviews with cafeteria workers and the school custodian to better understand their perceptions of the project.

Staff members perceived the single lunch policies and …

The Behavioral Effects Of Placing Emotionally Disturbed Students In An Alternative School Day Setting, Allen Randall Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to examine the effects on student behaviors, of taking emotionally disturbed students out of the regular high school and placing them in an alternative afternoon (1PM - 5PM) program. The researcher attempted to determine whether removing the students from the regular population and placing them in a self-contained setting would improve their behaviors. The subjects of the study were all high school aged students attending a regional high school in southern New Jersey. Each of the students was classified as either emotionally disturbed or multiply handicapped. Prior to being placed in this program, the students had …

The Effects Of Authentic Assessment In Elementary School Science, Timothy L. Trow

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of authentic assessments on Bells Elementary School students' understanding of science concepts. In this study the Washington Township Public Schools' Elementary School Science Committee created open-ended authentic assessments to enhance the district's science curriculum. The subjects of the study were of various ethnic and economic backgrounds. They were heterogeneously grouped members of self-contained fourth grade classrooms. Surveys of the classroom teachers at Bells Elementary School found that the teachers believed their instruction had changed as a result of the new assessments. They also felt that students were better able to …

Implementing A Bully Prevention Program At The Sixth Grade Level, Janis E. Gansert

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine bully-victim behaviors and intervention strategies using case study research design in order to develop and implement a bully prevention program. Participants in this study were limited to students, parents, and teachers on one of three sixth grade teams. A program was presented including a survey for students to determine the level of bullying, questionnaires for students and teachers to evaluate program effectiveness, and interviews with teachers, the guidance counselor, and the assistant principal. Survey data was analyzed by tabulating responses and determining percentages of students experiencing bullying. Student questionnaire data was analyzed …

Implementing A Teacher Mentor Program, Nan L. Holland

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to develop a mentor program for novice teachers that will ease the inevitable anxiety that occurs during the first year and increase the retention rate of new teachers to the profession and at Camden High School. The intern monitored this program as its coordinator and conducted mentor training through regular workshops.

Management decisions related to mentoring influenced the quality of instruction and learning of both mentors and novices. Camden High School transmitted the school culture to novice teachers in a well-developed program. Through interviews, surveys, classroom visitations, reflective journals, and personal contact with a …

New Teachers And Old Pay Structures: An Analysis Of How Teacher Pay Influences Job Acceptance Of First-Year Teachers, Chance W. Lewis

Essays in Education

This study identified whether compensation packages were a factor in first-year teacher’s decisions to accept a teaching position in the states of Colorado and Louisiana. This study involved (a) identifying the components of a school district’s compensation package that were factors in the job acceptance decisions as indicated by respondents and (b) indicating other factors besides compensation that played a major role in job acceptance decisions.

The study surveyed a sample of 12 school districts in Colorado and Louisiana during the 2000-2001 academic school year. It included first-year teachers in the 12 approved school districts that had no previous teaching …

Journaling In The Secondary Mathematics Classroom: An Introduction, Defense, And Resource, Emily K. Falgier

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors Program.

Filling A Need: Administrative Practices In Mason County, Wv One-Room Schools From 1935-1950, Douglas A. Sturgeon

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how administrative practices were carried out in Mason County, West Virginia’s one-room schools from 1935-1950. These practices were examined using Gulick and Urwick’s (1936) seven functions of the administrator and school-community relations as the framework. Twelve persons were interviewed for this study over the span of three months. Eleven of these persons were former one-room school teachers in Mason County. Of these eleven former teachers, two became central office administrators overseeing one-room schools. The twelfth person was a community leader in Mason County who attended a one-room school. The results of …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Dan J. Conner

Graduate Research Papers

In Supervision and Evaluation of Instruction, we constructed a top ten list of desirable leadership behaviors: 1. Open door policy 2. Empathetic 3. Confident 4. Reassuring 5. Knowledgeable 6. Energetic 7. Consistent 8. Patient 9. Humorous 10. Optimistic. I believe that all of these are vital links to aspire toward, however, knowledge is the one attribute I needed to focus on.

Our society is ever shifting and we will always be in the catch-up mode. Schools have long been a pillar of strength in communities. School is where you grow up, mature, and develop an identity. This is not going …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Ryan J. Lewis

Graduate Research Papers

Quality administrative leadership is a major component of the successful education of our future. Leaders have the responsibility to identify trends and patterns to plan for the future. "With these demographic changes inevitably come cultural changes that we must confront and accommodate" (James, 1997, p. 22). The traditional methods of instruction and leadership no longer meet the needs society has placed upon the educational system. There are three questions that leaders must be able to answer: (a) What is in our future?, (b) What skills will we need?, (c) What do we need to get there? These three questions allow …

Personal Professional Vision For Administrative Practice : A Reflective Essay, Lisa Lueken

Graduate Research Papers

It is important for every future administrator to think about and reflect upon their values and beliefs regarding educational leadership. By identifying these ideas early in their education, one can better learn how to put them into administrative practice. Without this set of beliefs, a future administrator may find it difficult to evolve into an effective leader.

In order to attain this growth, I will utilize the six Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) and the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) and their respective indicators for knowledge, disposition, and performance. The standards for visionary, instructional, organizational, collaborative, ethical, and …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Maria Trese Cashman

Graduate Research Papers

Monroe (1997) said, "School should not reflect what society is, but rather school should model what society should be" (p. 193). This statement summarizes my reasons for becoming an administrator. Iowa's public schools are some of the finest learning institutions in the nation. These same schools, however, frequently reflect the negative characteristics of society. Lack of respect, segregation of students, and elitist attitudes are prevalent characteristics of today's society and today's schools. I want to be a leader who will make the necessary changes to maintain our high academic standards for all students and make our schools a welcoming place …

Defining Preparation And Professional Development For The Future., Richard Andrews, Margaret Grogan

Education Faculty Articles and Research

This paper reports on the current thinking about the position of principal and superintendent in America's schools. The positions of school principal and district superintendent have been undergoing changes in definition and scope over the last century and a half. As America undergoes significant societal transformation, the definition of these two positions has to evolve to meet the complex demands the country puts on its schools. The history of the development of the principalship and superintendency is given to provide context for the challenges aspiring education leaders will face in the new millennium. A noted systemic problem in higher education …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Cindy Roerig

Graduate Research Papers

I believe in visionary, instructional, organizational, collaborative, ethical, and political leadership in administrating a school community. I know all students can achieve quality education if the right accommodations are developed for each learning situation. Administrators need to promote educational excellence for all stakeholders. As an administrator, I will promote and advocate for a school community where all students will learn and achieve lifelong knowledge and skills so they can become future leaders in our society. I believe educators must be held accountable for every student to reach their maximum potential in achieving academic and social success. As a principal, my …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Andrew B. Ferguson

Graduate Research Papers

The task of an effective administrative leader is to be a visionary who will organize the school environment in order to maximize learning and success for all students. It is not an easy task to undertake, but success can be achieved when the school leader involves stakeholders in the decision making process and treats others fairly and with respect.

Above all, an effective school administrator recognizes that he or she is a role model and that everyone from students, staff, parents, and community members take the cue from the principal. It is a position that can be very influential and …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kimberly K. Blakesley

Graduate Research Papers

The most vital role an administrator can play is that of aiding teachers to enable students to learn. This will be done through giving and coaching unselfishly. The need of an educator in any position is to pass on the key that will enable students to renew their faith and confidence in their own abilities. Once the student finds or accepts this key and uses it, they will unlock the golden door to learning--then the rest is up to them. The constant repetition of learning will be absorbed by that other mind of theirs, the subconscious, and eventually will be …

Philosophical Perspective On Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Parrish Copeland

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership calls for creating a compelling vision of the future and developing farsighted strategies for producing the changes needed to achieve that vision. To be compelling for followers, the vision needs to be one they can relate to, understand, and share. Leadership focuses on getting everyone lined up in the same direction. Visionary leaders concern themselves with communicating their vision and developing a shared culture and set of core values. This can lead to an ambitious, desired future for the organization or team. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by facilitating the …

Visions And Beliefs For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Janet M. Rohmiller

Graduate Research Papers

As I strive to become a strong elementary school leader, my emerging philosophy of leadership reinforces my firm belief that all children can learn. It is based on five key responsibilities: Effective leaders possess a strong knowledge base; model ethical and moral behavior; work collaboratively with all stakeholders; provide a safe environment conducive to learning; and ensure a sound education for all children. Rooted in research, study, personal experience, and reflection, these beliefs establish the foundation for my vision of leading others toward education for all.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Greg Fisher

Graduate Research Papers

An effective administrator has a passion for assisting children in their educational growth. Administrators strive for a quality, equitable and applicable education for all children. Leadership is developed from the core values held by the individual. Values that are essential for a distinguished leader are integrity and honesty. Respected administrators have established positive working relationships with all members of the learning community, and they challenge each individual to achieve their fullest potential.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kimberly S. Kazmierczak

Graduate Research Papers

Administration is a journey of discovery. This reflective paper is the testament discovery for one administrator who is not the same person as she was one year ago. The anniversary of acceptance to take a position in administration has passed and has found this administrator with newly found confidence, knowledge and purpose to constantly improve and never cease to learn.

This paper is a reflection of the cognitive and affective gains made by one administrator in her first year. It demonstrates what practical application while learning can do for the professional career of a future administrator. "A leader who plans, …

A Personal Professional Vision For Elementary Principalship : A Reflective Essay, Doreen A. Knuth

Graduate Research Papers

The business of running public schools to prepare our youngsters to be productive members of society is a very complex task. It is not enough to simply have a vision based on values and beliefs, but one must also possess the necessary skills to · transform that vision into reality. Dr. Lorraine Monroe, a successful leader in the field of educational leadership, sums this up by saying, "Most important is that the leader continue not only to believe in the dream and the need to pursue it but also to do the hard brain work of never doubting its importance," …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Steven E. Mielenhausen

Graduate Research Papers

The world has become a very complex and dynamic place. Students today.are required to make sense of a world that increases its base knowledge at an alarming rate. These students have a general idea of what lies ahead of them when they become adults, but cannot nail down what future employment might look like. Fortunately there are dedicated professionals who understand the importance of an educated, informed and resourceful public. Educational leaders must gather these dedicated professionals with a common vision.

A Perspective Of Educational Leadership In Secondary Schools, Dirk A. Halupnik

Graduate Research Papers

Throughout my experiences in the Master of Arts in Education program, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the values, beliefs, and knowledge that shape my vision on education and leadership. Through this reflection, I have come to a more complete understanding of what I value and how this effects my actions. In this reflective essay, I will discuss three areas: my values, beliefs, and philosophy, my thoughts on the purpose of school, and my personal vision of educational leadership.

A Vision For Administering Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kevin Litterer

Graduate Research Papers

I have experienced many things in two years as a high school principal. I have been yelled at by parents and praised by others. I have mourned the death of a board president, a teacher, and a little girl in the seventh grade. I have hired teachers who are making a difference in the lives of children every time they walk into the classroom, and I have dealt with the stress that comes with terminating a teacher. I have had the opportunity to address the community in an effort to persuade them to vote "yes" on a bond issue and …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, James Muench

Graduate Research Papers

The area of school administration has never been one for easy success. It has always been left wide open for criticism and debate from many different groups of people and community organizations. Since the beginning of this great nation, leaders have debated on the best methods and techniques of educating the children. School leaders have changed with the times just like other leaders in our society. Adjustment and change will always be an important aspect of the success of education.

A Reflective Essay About My Preparation For Education Administration, Stephen A. Reed

Graduate Research Papers

The power that schools have to positively impact students' lives and futures is amazing to me. Leading a staff, student body, and a community into positive relationships with one another can be a challenging task and service. Accomplishing this task can be rewarding. Schools exist to promote learning. Learning takes place throughout one's lifetime. The opportunity to lead a school is the opportunity to positively impact lives in the present, as well as the future.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jeffrey A. Pospisil

Graduate Research Papers

Successful leaders have three things in common. First and foremost is the ability to tum leadership upside down (Daft, 2001) and serve those whom are being led. Other styles may be effective at any given time, but the leaders that stick around are the ones that are able to serve. Second is the ability to make wise decisions based on experience and research, rather than wishy-washy decisions or passing the buck. Finally, a leader must have credibility. Credibility means that people know that the leader has principles and values that he/she really believes.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kathleen J. Gavin

Graduate Research Papers

Administration is a word cluttered with connotative and denotative thoughts for each individual. When attached to the word education, it brings on another layer of detail and philosophical purpose. Obviously those of us involved in education have laid down the first belief that is essential to our jobs. That being the desire and the motivation to mold and educate our nation's youth. We believe we will make a difference in children's lives. An important and positive impact toward the education of our youth should and will remain the focus for administrators, for without children, we would have no purpose. However, …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tami L. Mclean

Graduate Research Papers

I believe that the role of the principal is vital in creating the workplace and learning community necessary to prepare students for the future. The principal serves many roles including communicator and leader. I know that I possess the skills necessary to fulfill these roles and effectively move a district forward. My vision for the future is not to use a top-down approach in leading a school, but a broad-based participation approach. The school in which I work will strive to enhance leadership in all teachers, form a community of lifelong learners, and grow and reflect individually as professionals. I …