Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Perceptions Of Effective Web-Based Design For Secondary School Students: A Narrative Analysis Of Previously Collected Data, Michael K. Barbour

Education Faculty Publications

In this article, I present the findings of a study on the perception of course developers and electronic teachers on the characteristics of effective web-based design for secondary school students. Through interviews, the perceptions of these participants on the use of various web-based components, how to incorporate sound instructional strategies into the web-based material, and the effectiveness of both the asynchronous web-based content and the synchronous delivery of that content are investigated in a virtual high school context.

Academic Remediation Of Non-Disability, Middle School Students, Merilee Ann Redberg

All Graduate Projects

Strategies were developed to address perceived teacher practitioner concerns regarding three areas considered to be negatively impacting student academic performance and three skills perceived to be crucial to student academic success. The six categories addressed were identified through the author's development and implementation of a survey used among middle school teachers.

Handbook Containing Basic Requirements Of The Implementation And Management Of Parent Partnered Programs, Gregory Wayne Lovercamp

All Graduate Projects

This project provides school districts with background and resources to implement an alternative school program that involves parent partnership at a high level. Though resembling homeschooling, families involved in these programs in Washington State are emolled as public school students in the sponsoring district. Some homeschoolers tend to view these programs with a wary eye, while participants have found what they consider to be a godsend that enables them to educate their children the way they want with resources made available by the local school district. Applicable requirements are delineated and sample documents to meet those requirements are included.

A Service Learning Model: Meeting Ncate Standards Through Educational Technology, Maria Lizano-Dimare

Education Faculty Publications

Service learning can be described as learning experiences that serve the needs of a specific community and enable students to draw meaningful connections between theory and practice. Through service learning, students observe and model the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others. It is important that education programs are built upon NCATE standards in order to ensure quality. This service learning model is based on an undergraduate level educational technology course. Through their participation in Introduction to Computers in Education, future teachers gain practical experience in a school-based environment that prepares them in the use of educational technology for …

Beginning Reading Instruction In Massachusetts Public Schools: Research, Policy, And Teachers' Knowledge And Beliefs, Shayne B. Piasta

Fenwick Scholar Program

Research on reading acquisition and instruction has identified the incorporation of an explicit, systematic code-based approach into a comprehensive reading curriculum as most successful in teaching beginning readers, including those who are reading disabled (e.g., Adams, 1990; National Reading Panel, 2000; Pressley, 2002; Rayner, Foorman, Perfetti, Pesetsky, & Seidenberg, 2001). Yet, 70% of 4th grade students nationwide and 60% of such students in Massachusetts are not reading at proficient levels (National Assessment of Educational Progress, 2003), statistics which raise questions about how well the research is translated into educational policies and classroom practices. Over the course of my Fenwick year, …

An Archaeology Of Pain, Dennis Michael Gruber

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations (1964–2006)

Pain is a discursive construct of science and medicine. Through the discourses of biopower and technoscience pain is used to construct and maintain the social body. Biopower and technoscience are discursive practices that are enveloped within the disciplines of Western society. Specifically, the disciplines of education, science, and medicine use biopower and technoscience to normalize the body and construct binaries which create the abnormal. The cyborg is a discursive practice used to implode the binaries of the disciplines which maintain the social body. Through the implosion of binaries, the binary of mind/body is no longer plausible in the explanation of …

Comparison Of Grade Point Average Of Honor Senior Students And College Of Liberal Arts Senior Students At A Florida University, Iwasan D. Kejawa

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

Attrition rates in theHonor College program division of Florida Atlantic University have risen in recent years. It has been determined that even though a higher high school grade point average is required for admission into the honor program of the university, many applicants to the program were under-prepared to asumme the workload demanded of the students by the Honor College. The requirements for admission into the honor program of the Florida Atlantic University is an overall high school grade point average of 3.5 and a score of 1000 points on the SAT examination while the requirement into the College of …

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative: Teacher, Student, And School Perspectives, Mid-Year Evaluation Report, David L. Silvernail Phd, Walter J. Harris Phd, Dawn M.M. Lane, Janet C. Fairman Phd, Paula B. Gravelle, Lori Smith, Katherine I. Sargent, Walter Mcintire

Education Technology

This report presents some early evaluation evidence on the effectiveness and impact of the implementation of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). The goal of the Year One evaluation, which is being conducted by the Maine Education Policy Research Institute (MEPRI), is to provide policymakers and practitioners with information that will assist them in determining whether or not, and to what degree, the vision and goals of the MLTI are being achieved. The Year One design is focusing primarily on the students who entered seventh grade in September 2002, and their teachers and schools.

The MEPRI evaluation team has focused …

Democratic Classrooms: A Handbook For Development, Shawn M. Turner

All Graduate Projects

The characteristics and principles of a democratic classroom was investigated; a description of related theories is provided, including those of John Dewey and Paulo Freire. A handbook of activities was created to provide a resource for teachers who desire to create a more democratic classroom. The handbook includes questionnaires, assignments and activities, information about class meetings and ways to explore personality types, among other things.

Teachers' And Students' Perceptions Of Seventh- And Eighth-Grade Science Education In A Selected Seventh-Day Adventist Union Conference, Marcel Andre Sargeant

Dissertations

Problem. Science education has long been a great concern in the United States, where less than one-third of the students perform at or above the proficient level. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of the science program in a selected Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist school system. Specifically, this study investigated the perceptions of teachers and students regarding the extent to which the science program meets the criteria of the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st century and to what extent these criteria are related to academic performance as indicated by …

It’S Time To Upgrade: Tests And Administration Procedures For The New Millennium, Michael Russell

Essays in Education

Increasing use of computers in schools has led to a mis-alignment between the way some students develop skill and knowledge and how they are tested. This paper reviews past research that demonstrates that paper-based tests that require students to produce written responses underestimate the achievement of students who are accustomed to writing on computer. The paper then explores how learning that occurs through other instructional uses of computers is not adequately captured by current testing practices. The paper argues that new approaches should be explored to better measure student learning.

Integrating Expeditionary Learning Philosophy And Principles Into The Middle School Social Studies Curriculum, Paul Andrew George

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a handbook of activities for eighth grade social studies teachers that are based on expeditionary principles, philosophy and pedagogical practices. A review of the literature focused on the academic and social implications of integrating expeditionary philosophy and practices into an academic enviornment. A model learning expedition was provided accompanied by various forms of assessment strategies and methods.

A Curricular Design For Integrating Writing With Science: A Benchmark Handbook Approach, Marci Jayne Gano

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to create an integrated science and writing benchmark handbook. Review of the literature, Washington State Academic Learning Requirements for science and writing, published scie.nce lessons, and teacher's guides were utilized. Classroom teachers, district and school science and writing goals were consulted in the creation of this project. The activities presented in all five units were designed to provide hands-on experience in both science and writing. Possible assessment options are also provided.

Centers For Promoting Emergent Literacy In The Primary Grades, Elizabeth Greaves

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design classroom Literacy Centers incorporating the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements that promote emergent literacy skills in primary level children. Using Literacy Centers to enhance a child's ability to read, write, listen, and communicate is the focus of this project. The centers are intended to be a hands-on and authentic method of learning for young children. The review of relevant literature shows that this option provides positive experiences in a primary level classroom. Adaptable center plans are included as well as management and assessment suggestions.

Messages For Girls: Looking At The Representation Of Women's Short Fiction In American Literature High School Anthologies, Aurelia Ramage Tippett

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations (1964–2006)

The purpose of this qualitative study was to answer the question "What messages about the image of womanhood are available to adolescent females in female-authored short fiction that appears in a variety of American literature textbooks used since 1965, a few years preceding racial integration and widespread coverage of the women's movement in rural Georgia, through 2000?"

Five American literature anthologies that were used in the Laurens County Georgia School System for instruction in the required American literature course since 1965 were collected. Short fiction written by women was identified and then the researcher identified those women writers whose short …

The Effects Of Educational Development Plans Motivation To Learn, And Attitudes And Behaviors Toward Learning Among Eighth Graders, Mary Alice Schultz-Krajenta

Dissertations

Educational Development Plans (EDP) have been utilized by school students to structure their curricular programs to meet their high school educational outcomes and to align their curriculum with their desired adult roles. The focus of this study was to examine the effects of EDPs on motivation, attitudes and behaviors towards learning.

A total of 342 eighth-grade students participated in this research which utilized a quantitative and a qualitative approach. The quantitative study used existing data obtained from a small Midwest school district. There were 151 students in the treatment group and 191 students in the control group. Scores from the …

Strategies For Reaching At-Risk Elementary Students For Teachers Grades K-5, Lisa T. Boyd

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to design and develop a handbook to assist elementary teachers meeting the needs of at-risk students. The strategies and ideas included in the handbook were selected on the bases of current research and literature. In addition, input was solicited from teachers, parents, and administrators for the Clover Park School District in the State of Washington.

Repeated Reading: Using Audiotaped Books And Activities To Help At-Risk Readers, Wendy S. Stover

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to determine whether repeated reading with an audio model would significantly supplement the literacy instruction of atrisk readers. Research related to reading practice, the relationship between fluency and reading development, and repeated reading was read, evaluated, and summarized. A positive relationship between repeated reading and reading growth (i.e., fluency and comprehension) was indicated from this review. The literature review provided a rational and guidelines for using repeated reading with at-risk readers. A manual containing a teacher's guide on repeated reading with an audio model and related literacy activities was created.

A Study Of The Impact Of Teacher Perceptions On The Implementation Of The Success For All Program In An Urban School District In New Jersey, Joseph Sinatra Fulmore Sr.

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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A Model Continuous Learning Progress Program Designed For K-6 Students In Easton School District #28, Sara J. Mccoy

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model continuous learning progress program, aligned with the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements designed specifically for elementary students, grades kindergarten through sixth grade in Easton School District 28, Easton, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature concerning serving students in nongraded continuous progress learning programs were reviewed, and assisted in the development of student profiles, student learning plans, learning continuums, and student assessment portfolios.

Counting Quality, John Strassburger

Publications

This is the fifth in a series of occasional papers about the challenges confronting students and what Ursinus is doing to help them enter adult life.

Strategies For Maintaining Positive Behavior Change Stemming From Functional Behavioral Assessment In Schools, Robert A. Gable, Jo M. Hendrickson

Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications

Nationwide, schools are struggling to prepare IEP teams and other school personnel to conduct functional behavioral assessment and develop positive behavioral intervention plans and supports. While there is a growing evidence that functional behavioral assessment is effective in identifying the reason(s) behind student misbehavior, less is known about producing positive, long-term changes that are both functionally and socially relevant. Drawing upon the available research, we explore an emerging technology for promoting maintenance and generalization of behavior change. We discuss various strategies and procedures and offer recommendations to IEP teams regarding maintaining positive changes in student behavior that stem from functional …

Infusing The Multiple Intelligences Into Fifth Grade Curriculum, Kelly Eugene Mattson

All Graduate Projects

Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences involves eight different ways to learn (linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, naturalistic, interpersonal and intrapersonal). These categories of intelligence, along with the guidelines of Washington State's Essential Academic Leaming Requirements, were applied to thirty lessons that were derived from the fifth grade curriculum at Tieton Middle School in Tieton, Washington. The lessons reflect the fields of reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies and health/fitness.

A Balanced Reading Program For The Primary Grades, Hope Kranz Mcdonald

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to create specific.activities that teach children various tools that assist in learning how to read. The project implements a balanced reading curriculum with an emphasis in kindergarten and first grade. Throughout this project the students will be exploring a variety of ways to acquire the knowledge of reading. The project concentrates on two philosophies of how to teach reading; phonemic awareness and whole language. The final product encompasses both philosophies and creates a curriculum that links the two into a balanced approach to reading.

An Individualized Spelling Program, Rashelle Noreen Pratz

All Graduate Projects

Spelling is a subject taught in school that is often in debate about the most effective way to teach it. There has been vast research about the correct way to teach spelling. Traditionally, spelling has been taught with word lists compiled of isolated words that students don't often use in everyday writing. Advocates for new ways to teach spelling suggest the use of high frequency words and words students will most often use in their writing experiences. This project report provides an individualized spelling program to fit the needs of each student, in which learning to spell plays a significant …

The Design And Development Of A Model Program That Integrates Arts, Social Studies And The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements For The Seventh Grade Students And Manson Secondary School, Kenneth L. Nelson

All Graduate Projects

Relatively little research was encountered which attempted to measure the effectiveness of an integrated curriculum over a more traditional course of studies. The results that were articulated seemed to indicate that students in classrooms using an integrated curriculum approach did as well or better than students experiencing a more traditional approach. This was especially true in the area of conceptual understanding. The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model program that integrated Language Arts, Social Studies and the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements for the seventh grade students at Manson Secondary School.

A Model School Within A School Program For Chelan Middle School, Joseph B. Harris

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model school within a school program for at-risk students enrolled in grades 6 through 8 who are currently residing in the Lake Chelan School District, Chelan, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature focused on altemative programs/schools and at risk students was reviewed. Additionally, related information from selected schools/districts throughout the state of Washington was obtained and analyzed regarding the formation of a new altemative school program. The school within a school will be evaluated on an ongoing, annual basis by participating administration, staff, and students.

Using Bicycles As A Theme For A Cross-Curricular Literacy Program In A Secondary Alternative Setting, Synthia Parish-Duehn

All Graduate Projects

Practices in constructivist techniques in education and the application of thematic models were researched; the effect of motivation on learning was researched the connection between reading and writing was investigated, the link between vocabulary and reading ability was explored as well as the importance of schema and metacognition. A curriculum was designed using a theme, bicycles, based upon student interests. The curriculum implementation employed a cross-curricular, constructivist model. Research indicated that when reading instruction is delivered via a topic that the students have interest in and ownership of, the students become engaged in the instructional practice. Implications for curriculum design …

A Study Of Elementary Teachers' Attitudes Toward Mathematics Instruction And Mathematics Teaching Methods Used In The Elementary Classroom, William Otis Lacefield Iii

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations (1964–2006)

This study involved an investigation of elementary (grades K-4) teachers' attitudes toward mathematics instruction and the mathematics teaching methods elementary teachers plan and implement in the classroom setting. The population consisted of 492 elementary teachers (grades K-4) currently teaching in the Bibb County, Georgia, Public School System. The sample represented a cluster sampling of the population and consisted of 90 elementary teachers currently teaching in six public elementary schools. One inner city school, four suburban schools, and one rural/semirural school were randomly selected. The research design used was a correlational design. The sets of data considered were elementary teachers' self-expressed …

Tales Out Of School: Six Secrets From Successful Teachers, John Strassburger

Publications

This is the third in a series of occasional papers about the challenges confronting students and what Ursinus is doing to help them enter adult life.