Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Methow Valley As A Classroom: Post-Experience Survey Aand Senior Fair, Brett A. Bartlett

All Graduate Projects

Methow Valley as a Classroom (MVCR) is a community-school partnership program between the Methow Valley School District and the people of the Methow Valley, a small rural community in North Central Washington state. The MVCR program grew out of a community need for students better prepared to live and work in the real world. During designated periods of the school year, Liberty Bell High School students leave the school grounds and are taught vocational and recreational skills by community members. Entering its seventh year, no formal assessment has been created or administered to determine whether the program is meeting its …

Do Teachers In Portable Classrooms Feel Connected?, Kenneth R. Gorman

All Graduate Projects

This report was an analysis of a specific population of teachers who taught in portable classrooms. The focus of the research and questionnaire was to determine whether these teachers feel connected to students, other teachers, administration, and the rest of the school because they are in portable classrooms. Research includes current reports and studies on portable classrooms nationwide and a local questionnaire. The study concludes with suggestions and recommendations for future teachers and administrators.

An Evaluation Of The Wenatchee High School Connections Program, Norlinda Connolly, Michael Lee Mills

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to assess student opinion of the Connections Program. Connections is a program offered to freshmen at Wenatchee High School to assist students with the transition from middle school. This program offers block schedule as well as curriculum and technology integration, job shadows and community service projects. In order to assess the program and offer improvements, two populations of Connections students were surveyed and data were analyzed. The literature related to integration of technology and curriculum, job shadows and community service projects was reviewed.

A Resource Manual For Elementary School Administrators; Focusing On Programs And Activities For Parent And Community Involvement In Elementary Schools, Robert M. Chase

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a resource manual for elementary school administrators that focused on programs and activities for parent and community involvement in elementary schools. This was accomplished by reviewing current literature and programs which emphasized school activities for parents and community members.

An Intergenerational Literacy Project For Migrant Families, Sandra E. Harmening, Amy C. Kiesz

All Graduate Projects

The relationship between student achievement and parental involvement was reviewed and found to be significant. A model project was developed to include seven migrant families intergenerationally within the context of the classroom. The purpose was to enhance the relationship between students and parents/guardians and between these low literacy families and the school institution. The result was projected to be a better understanding of each family's heritage, an increase in volunteerism at the school site, more interest in school work and accomplishment, and the possible residual effect of parental desire to improve their literacy skills.

A Model Student Personalized Education Plan Into A Portfolio Through The Use Of Career Pathways In South Kitsap High School, Charla R. Cole

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a Personalized Education Plan and Portfolio system to support secondary students to acquire the skills necessary to ensure employment in South Kitsap High School Port Orchard, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, current research and information related to Personalized Education Plans and Portfolios were reviewed. Additionally, career pathways were established, personal data, resume, individual career planning portfolio, and career goals inventory review worksheets were adapted and developed.

Enhancing Student Learning Through Brain-Based Learning Techniques: A Handbook For Educators, Cynthia Gail Mcfarland

All Graduate Projects

The significance of utilizing a brain-based approach to learning and teaching was researched. Current brain research indicates that often traditional educational methods are not conducive or are even detrimental to student learning. Several sources supported the brain-based learning, multiple intelligence, and learning styles theories. The research suggested that the brain-based learning approach has been beneficial not only to student learning but also to an increase in student motivation and self-esteem. A handbook for educators was created to compliment existing curriculum. This handbook features "brain friendly" strategies and activities that focus on rich and positive learning experiences that enable students to …

A Comparative Study Of 1-12 Public School Systems Of The United States And People's Republic Of China, Sean Xiong Chi

All Graduate Projects

The purpose ofthis study was to recognize and extrapolate the major similarities and/or differences between the public education systems of the United States and the People's Republic of China. The researcher was primarily concerned with the examination of similarities and differences in origin, evolution, structure, organization, curriculum, funding, law and governmental regulations in Grades 1-12 school systems in the two countries. The researcher's analysis of the project was intended to provide other educators and researchers with a picture of the nature of the two school systems. There is no value judgement of either country's educational system in this comparative study.

A Model Training Program To Prepare Candidates For Employment As Police Officers In Taiwan, George Gwo-Fang Jien

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a model training program to prepare candidates for employment as police officers in Taiwan. To accomplish this project, a review of current literature regarding training for basic police work was conducted. Additionally related information from Central Police University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, was obtained and analyzed.

An Administrative Guide For Developing A Tech Prep Program For Horticulture Education At South Kitsap High School, Patrick L. Oster

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a Tech Prep Program for horticulture education. This program focused on career goals of students enrolled at South Kitsap High School and South Seattle Community College. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on Tech Prep models, career paths, and the horticulture industry were reviewed. Additionally, selected materials were obtained from model Tech Prep programs throughout the State of Washington.

To Write With Skill: A Writing Program To Meet Washington State's Essential Academic Learnings In Writing, Doris L. Sjoquist

All Graduate Projects

A writing program has been developed for intermediate level students to prepare them to meet the benchmarks of the Essential Academic Learning Requirements in Writing for Washington State. Students need daily, meaningful writing practice to contribute to success in their academic and work lives. The project includes daily writing practices, lesson plans for writing experiences that will meet the benchmarks established by the Commission on Student Learning, and a portfolio system for organization and assessment.

Values Education: Using The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements In Social Studies To Teach Values, Elizabeth Smith

All Graduate Projects

The development of a Values Education curriculum included with the Social Studies curriculum was studied. Related literature was reviewed. The review of literature showed that school systems that have tried a comprehensive values education plan are finding some pro-social results from their programs. Lessons were developed for West Valley (WA) fifth grade students using the Washington State Essential Learning requirements in Civics. A summary, conclusions and recommendations are included.

Promoting Phonological Awareness For Primary Grade Students Through Read-Aloud Book Activities: A Teacher's Guide, Mary Sue Warrington

All Graduate Projects

This project investigated phonological awareness as it relates to beginning literacy acquisition. The literature review provided a rational and guidelines for phonological awareness instruction. A manual containing a sequence of research supported activities based on read-aloud books for facilitating acquisition of phonoiogica! awareness with primary grade students was created. Many of the activities were field tested with a class of 14 kindergarten students in the last quarter of the school year.

A Process Model For Teacher Evaluation Of Education Administrators, Marla Caviness

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a process model for teacher evaluation of administrators. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding evaluation of school administrators was conducted. Additional information from randomly selected school districts regarding evaluation of administrators was obtained and analyzed. Information from selected school districts regarding involvement of teachers in the process of administrator evaluation was also obtained.

A Model, Volunteer, Student Service-Learning Program For Holy Savior High School, Cabrini Ying-Hsueh Hsieh

All Graduate Projects

A model, volunteer, student service-learning program was developed for Holy Savior High School, Tienchung, Taiwan. The program was designed to be implemented during the everyday life of the school and curriculum, as well as for after school hours in the community. Five (5) specific student service-learning activities and projects were developed and designed for implementation: 1) Environmental Beautification. 2) Service to the Poor. 3) Service to Senior Citizens. 4) Service to Delinquent Youths. 5) Christmas Garden Fair. Development of the model program was influenced by a review of current literature and student service-learning information obtained from selected schools.

Implementing A School-To-Work Writing Program For Secondary Students: Linking Assessment With Instruction, Evelyn Hammer

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop resources for school-wide writing at the secondary level that focuses on the transition from school to work. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on performance-based assessment, linking writing assessment with instruction, writing across the curriculum, and the School-to-Work movement were reviewed. Additionally, eleventh grade students at Auburn Riverside High School participated in the practice of this study with an integrated Pathways School-to-Work writing project and a district-wide writing assessment. Finally, unit overviews, student learning objectives, performance criteria, teaching strategies, assessment and student expectations, and instructional materials were adapted …

Designing And Developing A Model Applied Mathematics Curriculum For Taiwanese-Canadian Extension School Students, In Grades Ten Through Twelve In Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Timothy Kuo-Tung Liu

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to design and develop a model applied mathematics curriculum for Taiwanese-Canadian extension school students, in grades ten through twelve in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current research and literature regarding curriculum and instruction related to applied mathematics was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected schools with applied mathematics programs in Taiwan, Canada, and the United States of America, was obtained and analyzed. A handsearch of various other sources was also conducted.

The Transition Portfolio: A Portfolio Project Designed To Facilitate Successful Transition For High School Special Education Students, Darla R. Biever

All Graduate Projects

A transition portfolio has been developed for high school students to aid them in preparing for life after graduation. The project focuses on strategies to increase the involvement of students in transition planning. Also emphasized are the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Communication.

The Design Of A Middle School Manual To Aid Core Teachers In The Development Of Integrated Curriculum Units, Irene M. Moren

All Graduate Projects

This project purports to design a manual for middle-school teachers to aid in the development of core-integrated curriculum units. The manual will serve as an ally to the knowledge in textbooks, technology bases, and other available printed and nonprinted library and classroom resources. It will illustrate specific ways to integrate core curriculum knowledge and activities. The manual is intended for use by school-based subject core teachers by providing a common field of knowledge on the development of integrated curriculum units for middle level grades. The manual will enable educators to develop integrated core curriculum units that utilize themes and knowledge …

Regrouping For Instruction In Reading: Effective Practices, Leslie Jane Rogers

All Graduate Projects

It is the intent of this project to create a handbook providing information about a plan for regrouping for instruction in reading at Long Beach Elementary School. It will be presented to parents, teachers and administrators at workshops concerning regrouping for instruction in reading. The handbook will provide practical applications of curricular adaptation and instructional techniques that may be used to facilitate improvement in reading for students. The policies and procedures described in the manual will provide the following information:

• Assessment

• Placement

• Transitions

• Pace and Skill Levels

• Curricular Adaptations

• Teacher Collaboration and Consultation

• …

An Evaluation Of The Central Washington University "Merge" Teacher Preparation Program, Sara K. Black

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to assess pre-service teachers perceptions of their training in the Merge Program. Merge is a pilot teacher preparation program at Central Washington University characterized by enhanced early field experience, integration of coursework, and integration of special education and regular education. To accomplish the purpose stated above, participants in the Merge Program were surveyed and data was analyzed. Current research on field experience, integration of coursework, and integration of special and regular education was reviewed.

A Resource Manual For Mainstreaming Students With Behavioral Disabilities In The Middle School, Matthew L. Cobb

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a resource manual to facilitate the use of effective components for mainstreamed or included Behavior Disabled (BD) students in the regular classroom. The manual will be used by Wapato Middle School, Wapato, Washington, to enhance the current mainstream/ inclusion program. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to BD student characteristics, legal issues, instructional strategies and policies were reviewed.

The 1995-96 School Improvement Plan For Holy Savior High School Tienchung, Taiwan, Jen-Hung Hsu

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to plan and develop a comprehensive high school curriculum for Holy Savior High School (HSHS) Tienchung, Taiwan, Republic of China (R.O.C.). To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to comprehensive high school curricular and instructional development, both academic and vocationaltechnical, were reviewed, and recent legal regulations and directives of the Taiwan Provincial Government were considered.

An Administrative Guide For Aligning Eastmont High School Curriculum With Career Pathways, Mark S. Marney

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop an administrative guide to assist students in grades 9 - 12 in planning an educational course of study focused on Career Pathways at Eastmont High School, East Wenatchee, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to career guidance and counseling and Career Pathways was reviewed. Additionally, materials and information from selected Washington high schools concerning Career Pathways related programs were obtained and analyzed.

A Model Middle School Schedule To Address The Problems Of Specialist Teachers Brought On By An Integrated Teaming Schedule, Thomas L. Mitchell

All Graduate Projects

After moving to a new master schedule that supported integrated teaching teams, specialist teachers at Mt. Baker Middle School, Auburn School District, Auburn, Washington, experienced a disparity in work load from teachers of core subjects. The writer set out to construct a modified master schedule for use at Mt. Baker that alleviated the concerns of specialist teachers while keeping integrated teaming intact. To accomplish this, current research in the areas of master scheduling, block time classes, and integrated teaching teams was studied. Additionally, information from schools using a block time schedule to support integrated teaching teams was gathered and analyzed. …

A Procedural Handbook For The Washougal Learning Center, Michael J. Strever

All Graduate Projects

It is the intent of this project to create a handbook for the parents, students, and staff of Washougal Leaming Center in Washougal, Washington. This handbook was designed to both be consistent with current district, state, and federal guidelines, and communicate the policies and procedures of the Washougal Leaming Center to parents, students, and staff. The handbook was developed with input from staff of Washougal Leaming Center. Handbooks from various school in Washington were also review in the development of this project. Recommendations included an annual review of the handbook to ensure its validity and appropriateness.

The Development Of Student Personal Education Plans Into Portfolios Through The Use Of The Pathway Model, Brad L. Sprague

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a Personalized Education Plan and portfolio system to support secondary students in quest for successful skill development and job employment upon graduation. The project was specifically designed for freshmen students and the teaching staff at Auburn High Schooi in Auburn, Washington.

Whole Language Based Strategies For Teaching Reading In The Content Areas, Ingrid Annemarie Spencer

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a thematic unit for use in a sixth grade classroom. The unit provides a whole language, integrated curriculum concentrating on ancient Greece. Fifteen lessons were developed for use with a social studies text to teach reading strategies to a class of sixth graders. The project includes a review of selected literature related to the topics of whole language instruction, thematic units, integration, and an explanation of how to utilize the project in a sixth grade classroom. A summary with conclusions and recommendations was included.

Establishing A Positive School Climate On The Playground For Students With Serious Behavioral Disabilities: A Collaborative Effort, Mildred Carol Fletcher Garcia

All Graduate Projects

Social skills deficits of students with serious behavior disabilities are often an obstacle to integration into the regular education system. Many of the most troublesome problems occur outside the classroom on the playground due to the lessened structure constraints of the playground environment. As a result, the students are labeled "bad kids" by the teachers and paraprofessionals, are socially rejected by nondisabled peers, and the downward spiral of a negative social "trap" is begun.

The purpose of this study was to create an inservice training packet promoting collaboration between teachers and paraprofessionals providing students with serious behavior disabilities a positive …

A Vocationally Approved Peformance-Based Technical Drawing Curriculum, Kevin Hughes

All Graduate Projects

The essential parts of a Vocationally Approved Performance-Based Technical Drawing Cuniculurn were developed and based on components of the Washington State Commission on Student Leaming, the Carl D. Perkins Applied Technology Education Act of 1990, the State of Washington Districtwide Plan For Vocational Education, the Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS report) and the recent change from Industrial Arts philosophies to Technology Education philosophies. The grades 9-12 cuniculurn included manual and computer aided Architectural and Mechanical Drafting skills which are used widely in the Drafting fields. 11l