Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Student Lessons To Enhance Reading Comprehension In The Social Studies Content Area, Dianne Marie Daily

All Graduate Projects

This project consists of lessons designed to increase reading comprehension of fifth grade students in the social studies content area. The lessons are developed based upon a review of research which indicates improved reading comprehension of expository text among students who are taught to use comprehension enhancing strategies. The activities include vocabulary development, text structure awareness, advance organizer usage, and study and reading guide strategy lessons. Additionally, a teacher's guide accompanies the lessons. These lessons are created specifically for use with the Civil War Unit entitled, "A Nation Divided," as found in Macmillan/Mcgraw-Hill's 5th grade social studies text entitled, United …

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

Positive Alternatives: A K-12 Model Program To Counteract Gangs And Youth Violence, Kathleen J. Heaton-Bailey

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a K-12 inservice, prevention, and intervention model to counteract gangs and youth violence. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding gangs and youth violence was conducted and related materials from selected inservice, prevention, and intervention programs was reviewed and assessed. The model was designed for implementation in the Highline School District and other Washington State school districts.

Teachnig Musicianship In High School Band Within The Four-Period Day Format, Rebecca Kay Mccoy

All Graduate Projects

New innovations in scheduling at the secondary level in many high schools have resulted in "block scheduling", whereby, students meet in classes for a longer time period than the norm (50-55 minutes). In the area of performing arts, this expanded schedule presents new opportunities for the inclusion of musicianship skills. This study will provide guidelines and resources for strengthening the musicianship of students currently participating in block scheduling within their performance classes. The exercises and lessons included will reflect the guidelines of the National Standards for the Arts.

Utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis: A Handbook For Teachers Who Are Dealing With Developmentally Delayed Children, Cleresse Sprague

All Graduate Projects

The author's perception is that a need exists for a classroom behavior management handbook targeting developmentally delayed children ages three years through first grade. Several occurrences have prompted this perception: 1. Approach by other teachers asking how to handle certain behaviors 2. Author's own experiences and frustrations 3. Participation in group discussions regarding behaviors The author has chosen to do this study and develop a handbook to meet this perceived need.

A Model Junior High School Intramural Athletic And Activities Program For The Central Kitsap School District, Mark Eathorne

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model intramural athletic and activities program for students in grades seven through nine, in the Central Kitsap School District. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature and research regarding secondary level extracurricular programs was conducted. Additionally, information regarding existing extracurricular programs in selected Washington state junior high schools has been obtained and analyzed. The Junior High School Intramural and Activities Program developed was intended for use in the Central Kitsap School District, in Silverdale, Washington.

The Utilization Of Music Therapy Strategies For Increasing Prosocial Skills In Students With Behavioral Disorders, Marlene Lennia Anunson

All Graduate Projects

A representative sample of music therapy strategies was developed for use by general music teachers in elementary schools. A literature search was conducted in effective social skills training methods and music therapy techniques. The strageties developed can be used by elementary general music teachers to help improve prosocial skills in students with behavioral disorders.

Parent Involvement In The Education Of Their Children With Special Needs, Cindy Ann Cole

All Graduate Projects

The intent of this project is to develop an information packet teachers may use to encourage and enhance parental involvement, in ways that are suited for each child's and parent's needs. Analysis of literature, relevant to parents of children with special needs, has been used to draw conclusions and recommendations regarding appropriate techniques teachers may use to encourage parent involvement in their child's education. The packet includes the following: 1) a questionnaire to assess parents' preferred method of involvement; 2) a parent involvement evaluation form; 3) telephone numbers of support services and resources for parents; 4) recommended activities to help …

School To Work: Community Based Transition Of 18-21 Year Old Students With Mild Disabilities, Jammie Caryle Axon

All Graduate Projects

A community based service delivery plan was developed to meet the individual transition needs of 18-21 year old students with mild disabilities. The transition service was designed to ease the movement of students into post-secondary community life by providing prepatory experiences and community linkages. Students may receive services in the areas of recreation and leisure, vocational, and independent living activities depending on individual need.

A Bilingual Developmentally Appropriate Preschool Program, Margarita Clara Lopez

All Graduate Projects

Developmental and learning theories of the twentieth century have influenced the role of the preschool programs in public education. The debate over what is appropriate curriculum for young children is nation wide. The need to have a bilingual summer program that is appropriate to young children in the Granger School District was studied. The result was to design and develop a bilingual summer program that would fit the needs of the preschool aged children. The bilingual summer program was piloted in the Granger, Washington School District.

A Model That Integrates Experimental Social Studies, English, And Reading Curriculum For Sixth Graders, Cecilia Ann Mahre

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model integrated, experiential social studies, English, and reading curriculum that would help sixth grade students to relate and apply school studies to real-life/real-world situations. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on experiential learning, integrated/interdisciplinary curriculum, the multiple intelligences, and service-learning were reviewed. Additionally, selected businesses throughout the greater Ellensburg area were invited to participate in a partnership to provide experiential learning sites for students. Finally, unit overviews, student learning objectives, performance criteria, learning activities, teaching strategies, and instructional materials were adapted and developed.

The Effects Of Sustained Silent Reading On The Attitudes Of Fourth Grade Students, Bernice Mcqueen-Bruce

All Graduate Projects

This project was conducted to determine whether sustained silent reading had a positive effect on the attitudes of fourth grade students. The Kear and McKenna Elementary Reading Attitude Survey was administered in a pretest, posttest format to three classes with one class designated as a control group. The results indicated no difference in attitude as a result of implementing a silent reading program.

Inclusion: A Case Study At Coe Elementray School, Loretta L. Kimball

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to evaluate perceptions of the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of inclusion on the achievement of special needs students and to use this information to increase effectiveness in inclusion programs through the design and implementation of specific teaching strategies. To accomplish this purpose, current literature and research related to inclusion was reviewed. The writer examined how special needs and regular education students are affected and analyzed the variables, strategies and programs which increase effectiveness. The project that follows is a case study of what has been done in the past, what attitudes and perceptions exist and …

Staff Development Model For A Special Education Inclusion Program In The Northshore School District, John E. Deforest

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a staff development model for a special education inclusion program for the Northshore School District, Bothell, Washington. The inclusion model developed was intended for use by regular and special education teachers at the secondary level. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature and research regarding the special education inclusion concept was conducted and selected education inclusion models were studied.

Art For Academic's Sake, Mary Pearson Milam

All Graduate Projects

Research demonstrates strong support for including art in the kindergarten through high school curriculum as a way of engaging the students and providing them with an education that encourages selfesteem, problem-solving skills, collaborative effort and academic success. However, with the focus on science, math, grammar and other curriculum areas, the arts are often ignored. This project therefore advocates the inclusion of art both as a separate subject and as a valuable learning tool in the content area classrooms.

The Use Of Visual Arts For The Development Of Learning Activities For Teaching And As Model For Future Testing Of Four Areas Of Reading Comprehension, Thomas S. Wright

All Graduate Projects

The use of visual arts as a method for teaching vocabulary comprehension, literal comprehension, interpretive comprehension, and evaluative comprehension was investigated. Literature was cited on individuals and programs using visual arts as a method of teaching reading. Visual art related learning activities were developed from this information for use by classroom teachers and for future testing.

Motivating The Reluctant Teen Reader To Use The High School Library, Mary Ellen Vartheuer

All Graduate Projects

Twenty reluctant teen readers were surveyed to determine their library needs and interests. Interviews with twelve high school librarians yielded suggestions for motivating high school students to read. Input from these two sources was used in developing a library program consisting of motivational activities, designed to encourage young adults to use their high school library and to read more. The resulting library program and a list of library materials ordered to meet the needs of these specific students are included.

Teacher Behaviors And Their Effect On Student Behavior: An Inservice Project, Cindy K. Dracobly

All Graduate Projects

This project was developed as a means to provide meaningful inservice for school staff in the area of classroom management as it relates to student behavior. This project established inservice activities providing staff with simple strategies to develop a positive classroom climate and to foster effective management of the learning environment while minimizing off task and disruptive student behavior.

An Outcome-Based Curriculum Design For Seventh Grade Earth Science, Jeffrey Scott Fields

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a curriculum design to be used for the seventh grade Earth Science course taught at Centerville School. The curriculum was created by modifying the district's student learning objectives into outcome-based objectives, lessons and units. This project was designed with the intent of enhancing the teaching of earth science and aiding other teachers in the district by giving them a possible model for their own curricula comparison and adoptions. The curriculum design was successful in meeting these intentions.

An Interdisciplinary Multicultural Resource Guide For Middle Schools, Carol Ann Mccombs Drinkwater

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to promote multicultural education within middle school classrooms. My intent was to provide an accessible means by which other educators could incorporate or supplement their current nine month curriculums with diverse multicultural activities for students in grades 6-8. This multicultural guide was developed around an integrated curriculum. The themes or objective areas focused on the curriculum areas of Social Studies, English, Multicultural Awareness and Art. Most of all, this resource guide was developed for the purpose of providing students additional opportunities to recognize and experience differences through a positive interactive approach. This project was …

The Use Of Visuals In Second Language Instruction, Cynthia Denise Flannagan

All Graduate Projects

A project that deveIops an in-service training packet that demonstrates and explains the use of visuals in second language learning, beginning through advanced levels. Packet includes applications for visual usage in the development of writing, reading, speaking and listening skiIls in second language learners. Second language teachers, language art teachers and English as a Second Language instructors could benefit from such a packet.

Investigating Dynamic Assessment Implications For The Regular Classroom Teacher, Timothy Kevin Enfield

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of dynamic assessment within a regular classroom instructional setting, by a classroom teacher. The results showed that while dynamic assessment was an effective way of assessing and intervening with students and revealed relevant information about the effects of teacher expectations on student efforts, its potential value for the classroom teacher relied on the assessors knowledge of, and familiarity with the specific cognitive deficits being exhibited by the students. Implications for classroom use of dynamic assessment are discussed.

An Attitudinal Study Of The Clinical Supervision Practices Of Tacoma Public Schools Principals And Assistant Principals, Leanne M. Dunlap

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to determine the statistical relationship between the importance of clinical supervision practices and the frequency of their use. To accomplish this purpose, a review of the current literature and research regarding clinical supervision practices was conducted. In addition, seventy-five principals and assistant principals rated the importance and frequency of clinical supervision practices as identified in the literature. Implications for clinical supervision practitioners are discussed.

Creating School Climate And Structure Which Enhances Student Learning … The Emerald Heights Model, Brent J. Anderson

All Graduate Projects

Effective school research generally shows seven correlates that lead to increased student achievement. They are: (1) safe and orderly environment; (2) climate for high expectations; (3) instructional leadership; ( 4) clear and focused mission; (5) opportunity to learn, student time on task; (6) frequent monitoring of student progress; and (7) home and school relations.

These correlates, along with school visitations, seminars, and personal interviews juxtaposed with current reform practices already in place in the Central Kitsap School District were used to develop the Emerald Heights model for increasing student learning in Kitsap County. Topics, specific programs, district support, recommendations, and …

A Study Skills Course For Sixth Grade Students, Joseph M. France

All Graduate Projects

This project was designed for the sixth grade classes at North Tapps Middle School in the Dieringer School district, Sumner Washington. It was designed as an exploratory class and will last one quarter or 45 school days. All sixth grade students will participate in this class during one quarter of the year. This course is broken into 7 units, with each unit being approximately five school days. The units are: 1) Time Management, 2) Study Habits Awareness, 3) SQ4R, 4) Skimming and Scanning, 5) Outlining and Note Taking, 6) Following Directions, Using Context Clues, and Dictionary Skills, and 7) Test …

Comparative Study Of The Extra-Curricular Activity Programs In Selected Middle And Junior High Schools In Pierce County Washington, Nancy S. Immel

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to compare the differences in extra-curricular activity programs of middle and junior high schools in Pierce County (WA). To accomplish this purpose a review of current literature and research regarding extracurricular activity programs was conducted. Thirty-nine selected middle and junior high schools were surveyed to determine which extra-curricular activities were offered at their schools.

Using Cross-Age Tutors In Developing Language Skills In Kindergarteners, Jane Wartenbe

All Graduate Projects

This master's project provides a handbook to be used by teachers in planning and implementing a cross-age tutoring program for the purpose of developing language skills in kindergarteners. Included is a summary of research documenting benefits of such programs, featuring information on various program designs and activities and information on a pilot project conducted by the author prior to development of the handbook. The handbook includes: procedures for pairing tutors and tutees, scheduling the time, days, dates and location for tutoring sessions, training of tutors and sample lesson plans for tutors to use with their tutees.

The Reading And Writing Connection: A Writer's Workshop Guide For Second Grade, Monica Louise Donovan

All Graduate Projects

The primary purpose of this project was to develop a writers' workshop curriculum guide for the second grade. The relationship between reading and writing was studied. Data was presented to support the reading and writing connection. By integrating reading and writing through the use of a directed guide, an effective educational curriculum for a writing workshop was developed. The research and results from writing samples received showed support that an integrated reading and writing program is advantageous. Implications for using a writers' workshop format are discussed.

Vocational Education: An Effective Training Program For Post-High School Employment Of Further Training, Buckley D. Evans

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if vocational training taken in secondary comprehensive high schools or skills centers in Washington State had adequately prepared students for post-high school employment or further training. The results of this study were shared with the Governor's Council on Education, Reform, and Funding, the Washington State Legislature, the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The information and resulting recommendations gleaned from this study will be used in part to shape the future of secondary vocational training in Washington State.

An Inservice Training Handbook Of Parental Strategies For Enhancing Sudent Learning In Grade Three, Thora S. Michels

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop an inservice training handbook detailing strategies/guidelines for use by parents to enhance student learning. To accomplish this purpose a review of current literature and research regarding parent involvement in the enhancement of student learning was conducted, and selected materials and strategies utilized by teacher practitioners have been included.