Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

2008-2009 Profile, Morehead State University. Institutional Research & Analysis.

Office of Institutional Research & Analysis Publication Archive

2008-2009 issue of Profile Magazine.

Leading Cultural Change In A School District Through A Budget Building Collaboration, Ricky Warren Radford

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess, plan, and implement a budget building process through collaboration with the stakeholders of a targeted school district. The research question of this study was, “Will allowing the stakeholders more input, autonomy, and collaboration during a budget building process build a team environment and ultimately ownership in managing their perspective budgets?” The culture and attitudes of stakeholders were pessimistic towards the senior administration. There seemed to be a feeling of mistrust concerning the budget and allocations. Action research methodology was conducted, while applying Andragogical principles with the members of the district. This process …

Literacy And Numeracy Diagnostic Tools : An Evaluation, Margaret Forster

Monitoring Learning

Within the context of a national drive to improve literacy and numeracy learning, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is looking at the possibility of developing a set of literacy and numeracy diagnostic tools for use in Australian schools. This scoping study—a relatively small scale piece of work designed as a first step from which DEEWR might move forward—is not a direct study of ‘what works to improve literacy and numeracy’. Its focus is on the identification and evaluation of the print and on-line literacy and numeracy diagnostic tools used currently in Australian schools. Particular attention is …

A Correlational Study: Parental Involvement To Student Achievement In Public Education, Brian Ray Wilson

Dissertations

The significance of parental involvement in their children’s education, according to literature, is unquestionable. In this study the author examined the correlation between student achievement and parental involvement in public education in grade levels two through twelve. The following research will present varied aspects of obstacles that stakeholders must hurdle in an attempt to overcome these barriers in their quest for student success. Additional focus will present quality models of parental involvement as stakeholders attempt to increase and sustain student achievement in this new era of accountability in education.

Matching Time Of Day And Preference For Adolescent Achievement, Leisha Moree Parker

Dissertations

Research shows that adolescents enter a circadian-phase delay as they approach and enter high school. On or about age 14, teens become less of a morning learner due to biological factors. Researchers have determined consequences to the adolescent's circadian shift as related to learning; therefore, morning time may have a negative influence on the cognitive functioning of teens resulting in lower test scores. This study was an attempt to determine if time of day, gender, and learning preference using the Morningness/Eveningness Scale for Children (MESC) as proposed by Carskadon, Vieira, and Acebo (1993) would result in a statistical difference in …

The Effects Of Reading Apprenticeship On Junior College Students' Metacognitive Awareness And Comprehension Of Academic Texts, Patti Rasberry Smith

Dissertations

This descriptive quantitative research study explored if a focus on Reading Apprenticeship strategies and routines in a college level composition class would affect students' metacognitive awareness and comprehension of academic text. Participants included 141 students from one junior college in a southeastern state. The 141 participants were enrolled by choice in six sections of composition taught by three instructors who had all received extensive training in implementing the Reading Apprenticeship framework in their classes. The participants were administered the Revised-Curriculum Embedded Reading Assessment (CERA) twice (pre and post intervention) during the fall semester of the 2008-2009 school year. Participants read …

Teacher Effectiveness In Urban High Schools, Richard Buddin, Gema Zamarro

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

This research examines whether teacher licensure test scores and other teacher qualifications affect high school student achievement. The results are based on longitudinal student-level data from Los Angeles. The achievement analysis uses a value-added approach that adjusts for both student and teacher fixed effects. The results show little relationship between traditional measures of teacher quality (e.g., experience and education level) and student achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) or math. Similarly, teacher aptitude and subject-matter knowledge, as measured on state licensure tests, have no significant effects on student achievement. Achievement outcomes differ substantially from teacher to teacher, however, and the …

Teri's Trials And Tribulations In Vodcasting, Teri Vandever

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

With a minimum financial investment in software and hardware, instructors can create visual learning tools for their students. Online students can "see" their instructor while learning a concept. Instructors can create step-by-step video tutorials for students that answer "frequently asked questions." In this sesion participants will discuss the various tools and techniques used to create Vodcasts for an online XHTML course. We'll discuss the pros and cons of using "freeware" (Jing and CamStudio) software to create screen capture videos plus the advantages and disadvantages of various Vodcasting file formats (.wmv, .avi, .swf, .flv).

Online Course Delivery Standards: Defining Quality, Carine Ullom

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

As a result of training in the Quality Matters course quality process, Ottawa University adopted "Standards for Online Course Design and Development" in October of 2006. However, we felt the need for a separate set of standards that outline institutional expectations for instructor engagement while an online course is in session. In March 2008 Ottawa University, Ottawa Online adopted its first "Standards for Online Course Delivery." The presenter will share the standards and discuss the results following over a year of implementation.

Professional Development On A Wing And A Prayer, Meg Mcgranaghan, Linda Wapelhorst

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

Butler Community College's Instructional Technology Department provides training to faculty five different ways. Incorporating the ANGEL Learning Management System we offer creative, inexpensive, 24/7 training. The session will explore these methods and participants will be encouraged to brainstorm about addition options. Come and share your ideas on how you currently support faculty and your thoughts about future ventures.

The Power Of Procrastination: Blending Technology, The Creative Arts And Learning, Michael Thompson, Krista Carter

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

Blended learning should be key to the 21st century classroom. When done well, it can improve student engagement, learning and success. For Colby Community College, latecomers to e-Learning, the “traditional vs. online” debate wasn’t an either or proposition; the best teaching involved both. Blending emerging technologies with the creative arts helped our faculty create a rich learning environment that combines the best features of traditional face-to-face and online teaching. Once technology was seen as a normal part of the learning process, ed-tech buzzwords lost relevance, students were simply learning. The session will discuss the pedagogical benefits and practical advantages of …

100 Ways You Can Use Google (Besides Searching), Marziah Karch

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

Google has dozens of tools for educators and students. Learn how to make forms that feed into spreadsheets, blogs, social networks, websites, collaborative documents, videos, and more. During economic downturns it's more important than ever to make sure you and your students are utilizing free tools for collaborative learning and communication.

Choosing An E-Portfolio Tool, Benito A. Berardo, Nellie Modaress

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

The presenters weigh the strengths and weaknesses of multiple e-portfolio applications to assist educators in choosing the proper system for their institution. E-Portfolios discussed include Chalk and Wire, FolioTek, Epsilen, Passport, and Sharepoint.

Tegrity: Successes And Failures Of A Pilot Program Introducing Lecture Capture To Campus, Chad Sloan, Corey Ray

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

This presentation will detail the implementation and evaluation of Tegrity Campus 2.0 on the campus of Wichita State University. Presenters will discuss what did and did not work, including considerations for adoption, deploying hardware, training, and how lessons learned can be applied to other campuses evaluating new products or software.

Delivering High Stakes Assessments In A Computerized Testing Center, Philip Wilhauk, Tim Doughty, Ron Knight, Tony Paolo

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

In August 2005, the University of Kansas Medical Center launched its new 135 seat Computerized Testing Center (CTC). Since that time, the facility has successfully hosted over 30,000 individual high-stakes test sessions using LXR. This presentation will discuss the challenges involved in planning and managing such a facility including pilot testing, security, reliability, scalability, scheduling and support. It will also address the impact the CTC has had on paper/pencil testing.

It’S Not Just For Students: Online Faculty Support, Jenell Williams, Aziah Mcnamara

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

When the number of our faculty members went from 7 to 27, the old concept of “let's discuss everything over lunch” method of communication needed an upgrade. The college has now begun using a K-State Online “course” (linked to a wiki) as a communication center for faculty. Functions now run the gamut from making critical department announcements easily available for all teachers (even the tech challenged) to optional grammar discussions and even recipe exchanges. The presenters will share reasons for the decisions made in the design process and explain their methods and results.

Types Of Digital Visuals In E-Learning, Shalin Hai-Jew

SIDLIT Conference Proceedings

This session explores the various types of digital visuals used in e-learning, with examples covering one-dimensional to four-dimensional imagery. Examples will demonstrate how the addition of live data, time elements, image overlays, digital-enabled effects, and interactivity add value to electronic learning. Samples from live courses and sites will be shown. There will be a discussion of how the various types of images can be developed.

Teacher Perceptions Of The Benefits Of Teacher Collaboration And An Analysis Of Indicators Of Potential Teacher Attrition, Thomas Owen Moore

Theses and Dissertations

Teacher collaboration is being implemented in many schools for a number of reasons with various claimed benefits. Collaboration is being heralded by many as a fix for many of the problems affecting teachers. This study shows that teachers believe that collaboration improves their ability to teach subject content, improves teaching methods, improves teacher's ability to manage students, and provides benefits to teachers in general. The majority of participants in this survey, whether currently participating in collaboration or not, indicated that they agree that collaboration provides these benefits. This study also examines four potential indicators of teacher attrition: administrative support, teacher …

Walking Box Ranch Planning And Design Quarterly Progress Report: Period Ending July 10, 2009, Margaret N. Rees

Walking Box Ranch

• UNLV participated in the 100% Design Concept Plan meeting, June 10-12, 2009 at the BLM Las Vegas Field Office and Walking Box Ranch (WBR), and provided comments toward proposed concepts for the museum and field, research, and training center at Walking Box Ranch.
• A request for funding for road construction and repair at WBR was submitted to NDOT (6/24/09).
• UNLV participated in the following meetings related to the search for renewable energy funding for the ranch: ARRA Implementation Workshop sponsored by Senator Reid (4/16); UNLV Stimulus Funding Workshop (4/17), Renewable energy meeting with UNLV engineering faculty (4/21), Harry Reid Center …

An Investigation Of Middle School Student Interest, Perception, And Attitude Toward Technology And Engineering, Kari Marie Cook

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate middle school student perception and attitude toward technology and engineering and to better understand how the gender of the teacher, gender of the student, and information provided in technology classes affected their perception and attitude. To accomplish this, the Technology Attitude Scale, and the Pupil's Attitudes Toward Technology—United States assessment instruments were used to form the basis of a new survey instrument focused on technology and engineering perception, use, and interest. The new survey instrument is called the Technology and Engineering Attitude Scale (TEAS) survey. Multiple 7th grade technology engineering classes from …

Constructed Response Answers In A Multiple-Choice Universe, Carl W. David

Chemistry Education Materials

A scheme is introduced which allows computer readable multiple choice forms used in traditional examinations to be employed for constructed response items.

Scoping Study To Investigate Online Learning Environments To Facilitate Evidence Sharing By Literacy And Numeracy Practitioners (Lnet Project), Michele Lonsdale, Alana Deery, Gerry K. White, Carol Skyring

Digital learning research

The purpose of the scoping study was to identify effective online interfaces or learning environments that provide education stakeholders with opportunities to share examples of good practice, ideas and quality resources. A review of the literature was undertaken and consultations carried out with a wide range of education stakeholders via focus groups, telephone interviews, videoconference and online survey. Those consulted included ICT experts, representatives of professional education associations, teachers, and personnel from state and territory Independent, Catholic and government jurisdictions. The main obstacles to usage continue to be lack of time and lack of confidence among teachers. School leadership that …

Western Guide To Curriculum Review, Margaret Mcnay

Purple Guides

The Curriculum Review guide offers ideas about how to get started on the review process—questions to ask at the beginning of and during the process, suggestions about information to be gathered and how, issues to think about as you decide what to include in the curriculum, and ideas about how to teach the curriculum involving new and alternative pedagogies.

Instructional Leadership And The Missouri Annual Performance Report, Donald Duane Forrest

Dissertations

This study was to determine if there was a positive correlation between the years of experience of the high school principal and the annual performance of the district. Data was obtained from sixty randomly selected school districts in Missouri. The years of experience of the high school principal was compared to the Missouri Assessment Program scores in tenth grade Math, eleventh grade Communication Arts, 9-12 attendance rate, and the graduation rate. The reporting period data for this study was selected from the 2007-08 school year from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website. The findings of this study …

Enrollment Report - Summer 2009, Uno Office Of Institutional Effectiveness

Enrollment Reports

The Enrollment Report provides administrative and delivery-site information on enrollment headcount and student credit hours, as well as the demographic characteristics of enrolled students. The purpose of this profile is to provide the undergraduate and graduate enrollments and student credit hour information by college or equivalent academic unit, class, gender and ethnicity.

Comparison Of Grade Point Averages And Dropout Rates Of Students Who Participate In Extracurricular Activities And Students Who Do Not Participate, Timothy Carl Boatwright

Dissertations

In this study, the author examined the effects of participation in extracurricular activities on high school students’ grade point averages (GPA’S) and drop out rates. This study focused on high schools located in southwest Missouri. Students’ grade point averages and drop out rates were obtained from high school athletic directors and high school principals. The data were analyzed to determine if participation in these activities was beneficial to students or a hindrance in their quest for a quality education. Data were gathered and analyzed and it was determined using t-tests that students involved in extracurricular activities had higher grades and …

Teacher Compensation And The Academic Achievement Of Elementary Students, Doug Arnold

Dissertations

This study examined Missouri Assessment Program achievement scores and teacher salaries to determine if a correlation existed. Student achievement scores and teacher salaries were obtained from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the 2006-2007 school year. Analysis of the data indicated there was a significant correlation between student achievement as measured by the Missouri Assessment Program and teacher salaries. This study is part of a companion project. The researchers collaborated on the research portion of this study. The researchers shared common goals, defined their roles in the review of literature and coordinated efforts to produce this project. …

Scientific Literacy In Central Appalachia Through Contextually Relevant Experiences: The “Reading The River” Project, April D. Haight, Wilson J. Gonzalez-Espada

Faculty Research at Morehead State University

Despite the best intentions of the United States educational system, implementing science reform efforts equitably and consistently throughout the nation is still a long-term goal. The light of scientific literacy has yet to shine brightly in many rural, isolated and economically depressed regions. Using Appalachia as a case in point, this paper provides a synopsis of the challenges of quality rural science education in the United States and the hope of new contextual and culturally relevant pedagogies aimed at engaging science students in inquiry research using their environmental surroundings as cognitive scaffoldings. The program Reading the River is showcased as …

Creating A Math Wall In An Elementary School, Lindsey Moorhouse

All Graduate Projects

Creating a Math Data Wall in an elementary school is a way to track students' progress in mathematics, guide instruction and provide strategic interventions to students who are at risk. A Math Data Wall is a visual representation of the students' progress across grade levels. Assessments have been used in schools for many years. Assessments are used to provide a variety of information to the teacher, school and district. Using assessments in the classroom is a necessary step to track students' progress and guide teacher instruction. A Math Data Wall will give teachers a visual representation of their students' progress …

Increasing The Number Of Checkouts By Classroom Teachers Through Implementing A Levelized Class Set Library System, Beau Richard Hedrick

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a levelized class set collection of books for second- and third-grade teachers. The project will summarize current research as to why teaching reading, while using appropriate leveled books, is one of the most successful ways of teaching. This project describes the steps taken to build and organize a checkout system of levelized books.