Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Writing Underachievement: How To Support Students With Learning Disabilities And/Or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Through Self-Regulation Strategy Development, Katie Ludin

Education | Master's Theses

Writing underachievement is a national dilemma, especially among students with LDs and/or ADHD. Difficulties with written expression create negative social and emotional consequences for students since writing is critical to academic and professional success. Despite this, few studies have explored the impact of writing underachievement. The purpose of this research was to better understand the experiences of struggling writers within the elementary school setting, especially students who receive special education services. Part of this research included an intervention group. Self-Regulation Strategy Development was taught to a group of students with LDs and/or ADHD. This research was conducted in an effort …

Fragile Strength: Math Self-Efficacy Of High Achieving Girls, Tristan Tang

Education | Master's Theses

Math gender gap research shows girls’ math self-efficacy to be correlated with their interest in pursuing higher levels of math education and STEM career opportunities. Most math gender gap studies have used only quantitative approaches, thereby missing the opportunity to gain deeper perspectives directly from girls who are steadfastly facing the math gender gap. This study centered around two small focus groups of girls attending a unique secondary school where every afternoon is fully dedicated to deep engagement with higher-level mathematics. Additionally, parents of girls at the school were surveyed to provide further insight into possible sources of their daughter’s …

Msc Applied Software Development 2019, Qqi (Quality And Qualifications Ireland)

Monitoring, Review, and External Quality Assurance

Evaluation report on the validation by a QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) panel of an application by CCT College Dublin to deliver a Level 9 MSc in Applied Software Development.

The Effect Of Demographics On The Implementation Of The Principal Walkthrough, Jason A. Marx

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this quantitative study was to research how school and principal demographics influence a principal’s implementation of the walkthrough process. Principals from New Jersey were administered a survey to provide insight into how they implement the walkthrough process in their schools. The findings suggest that socioeconomic status and level of principal experience have no influence on how walkthroughs are implemented; however, the findings also suggest that level of principal experience does have an impact on whether or not principals share the results of walkthroughs with teachers.

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Supplemental Instruction On Generation Z Students In Agn 331, Shania Simons, Candis L. Carraway, Stephanie Jones, Frantisek Majs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness, barriers and benefits of Supplemental Instruction (SI) on Generation Z students in AGN 331. The theory used as a model for this research was the Pace’s Model of College Impress. Prior research indicated that SI improves test scores, final grades, and persistence in historically difficult courses. Correlations and ANOVA’s were performed on SAS in order to determine a relationship between the non-SI attendees to those who did attend SI. The final grade reported an average of 0.56 points higher and on the final exam 4.26 points higher if the student …

A Comparison Of Complex Thinking Required By The Elementary New Jersey Student Learning Standards And Past New Jersey Curriculum Standards, Gerald Fitzhugh Ii

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Academic learning standards define the necessary skills and knowledge that students need to master in order to become college and career ready. The best 21st century learning standards are those that provide the opportunity to develop complex thinking skills including creativity, strategic thinking, and critical thinking. The learning standards that provide an insight into complex thinking are identified as critical thinking, creativity in practice, and strategic thinking. This dissertation’s intent was to examine the language of complex thinking of the newly adopted New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) in Grades 4 & 5 Mathematics as compared to the language of …

Exploring The Moderating Effect Of Teacher Practice On The Relationship Between Prior Student Academic Performance And Current Student Academic Performance In A New Jersey Public School District, Marc Biunno

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

When New Jersey passed the TEACHNJ legislation in August of 2012, it brought about the ACHIEVE NJ educator evaluation and support system. New Jersey would shift from a two-tier evaluation system (satisfactory and unsatisfactory) based solely on administrator observations to a four-tier system (ineffective, partially effective, effective, highly effective) based not only on administrator observations but also locally set Student Growth Objectives and, in the areas of ELA and Math in tested grades, Median Student Growth Percentiles (MSGPs). Median Student Growth Percentiles are the amount of student “growth” on the PARCC ELA and Math assessments, which the State attributes to …

An Exploration Of Principal Perceptions Of The Danielson Framework For Teaching In Providing Feedback And Improving Instructional Leadership, Stephen Hernon

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Teachers have consistently been proven by research as the most critical factor in the academic success of students (Baker et al., 2010, Darling-Hammond, 2000, Tucker & Stronge, 2005, Taylor & Tyler, 2012). Having a quality teacher therefore provides the best pathway to strong student achievement, and knowing how to evaluate quality teaching becomes critical to student success. A growing body of models for evaluating teachers has formed over the past two decades; and among those are new, research-based models. Principals are key to the success or failure of the new approaches to teacher evaluation because they are in the position …

Breaking The Chains: Reversing The School-To-Prison Pipeline Through The Academic Experiences Of Formerly Incarcerated Black Males, Folasade Ogunbanwo

Master's Theses

This case study explores the academic experiences of formerly incarcerated Black males. The goal of the case study is to inform policymakers and critical race scholars who take interest in the prison-to-school pipeline and ultimately dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. The historical impact of slavery has manifested into this vicious pipeline and the overrepresentation of Black males in the prison industrial complex. This case study is to demonstrate how the net is casted on those affected by the incarceration system and that break the cycle for themselves by pursuing an education to create an upward academic trajectory.

A Closer Look At Toefl Speaking Assessment Test: A Guide To Teaching Toefl Ibt Speaking, Glen Ryan Alejandro

Master's Projects and Capstones

The lack of reliable speaking learning materials has been a problem of some non-native English speakers who are preparing for the TOEFL iBT Test (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test) and who are struggling most with the speaking section of said standardized test. Consequently, the lack of these reliable resources has been the main concern of TOEFL iBT speaking instructors whose main goal is to help meet the needs of these struggling students. As a result, many non-native English speakers who are preparing for the speaking section of the TOEFL iBT Test are not able to meet …

Evaluating The Job Performance Of Librarians In Universities In South-East, Nigeria., Obinna A. Nwokike Phd, Vincent E. Unegbu Phd

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Job performance consists of a set of employees’ behaviours that are perceived to be in agreement with organizational goals that can be measured, monitored and assessed as an achievement at an individual level. The librarian’s job performance is that aspect of work behaviour that is of relevance to the library’s success. This paper presents findings from a self-rating questionnaire on the levels of job performance of librarians in universities in one region of Nigeria. The study was carried out using a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from 210 respondents in 21 universities based on total enumeration. Data was analyzed …

A Mixed Method Study Of Community Development In Online Learning Envirnonments, Rachel Olshine

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effect of synchronous and asynchronous communication methods on a sense of community development in online learning environments. The researcher surveyed 734 online students at a small private school in East Texas, examining the variables of synchronous and asynchronous communication methods to evaluate the sense of community experienced in online learning environments.

The study used a convergent mixed method using the Classroom Community Scale along with supplemental open-ended questions. A factorial analysis was conducted, resulting in two factors: supportive relationships and a sense of reliance. The responses expressed the use of discussion boards, emails, and self-recorded videos …

Utilizing Classroom Meetings To Understand Student Values And Perceptions, Stacy Spink

Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning

This study addressed classroom meetings in order to teach social skills and address specific behavior issues. The author was completing a yearlong clinical teaching placement in a kindergarten classroom. The goal of her study was to observe what happens when class meetings are implemented to teach specific problem-areas in the classroom. In the study data was gathered through observations, student surveys, sociograms, and student interviews. The students participated in a class meeting twice a week for about thirty minutes. During the class meetings needed social skills were taught through play and role-playing activities and discussions were had to cooperatively solve …

Analyzing Two-Year College Student Success Using Structural Equation Modeling, Jessica Taylor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

The goal of this study is to more fully understand the scope of community college student success using the principles of mindset, engagement, and college readiness. Using structural equation modeling ensures this study is able to measure the combined effects these concepts have on student success, group differences, and the combined model of student success. Findings suggest student success can be significantly impacted by self-belief and mindset behaviors that can outweigh the initial effect of academically under-prepared students. Groups included in this study are non-traditional students, minority populations, first generation students, and Pell eligible students.

Accelerating Systemic Change Network (Ascn): Demonstrating Impact, David Bressoud, Pamela Brown, Archie Holmes, Kate White

Publications and Research

The goals of this presentation for participants was:

•Learn about the Accelerating Systemic Change Network (ASCN), why it is important, what it can do for you, and how you can get involved. •Learn about work done by ASCN on demonstrating impact and how measurement and communication can be used to promote change. •Learn about areas where educational research is needed and you can contribute.

Effect Of Using “Just-In-Time Teaching (Jitt)” Method And “Modified Lecture” Method In Teaching Cataloguing And Classification Courses In Anambra State, Tochukwu Victor Nwankwo, Angela Ifeoma Ndanwu Mrs, Victoria Obianuju Ezejiofor Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study was designed to investigate the effect of just-in time on the academic achievement and interest of students offering cataloguing and classification course in Anambra State. In other to effectively carry out the study, it adopted the quasi experimental design particularly the pretest and posttest non-equivalent control group. The sample for the study comprised of 81 students from 2 selected tertiary schools (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; and Federal Polytechnic Oko) out of five tertiary schools in the area using purposive random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was Cataloguing and Classification Achievement Test (CCAT) validated by two lectures …

Communicating Computational Concepts And Practices Within High School Students’ Portfolios Of Making Electronic Textiles, Debora Lui, Justice T. Walker, Sheri Hanna, Yasmin B. Kafai, Deborah A. Fields, Gayithri Jayathirtha

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

Portfolios have recently gained traction within computer science education as a way to assess students’ computational thinking and practices. Whereas traditional assessments such as exams tend to capture learning within artificial settings at a single point in time, portfolios provide more authentic opportunities to document a trajectory of students’ learning and practices in everyday contexts. Furthermore, because communication itself has been defined as an important computational thinking practice, portfolios give students a place to practice this skill in the classroom. In this study, we report on the implementation of a digital portfolio with a class of 21 high school students …

The Effects Of "Capturing Kids' Hearts" And Building Student-Teacher Relationships In An Arkansas Suburban Elementary School Setting, Karla Lee Ann Neathery

Theses and Dissertations from 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts professional development process as it relates to student-teacher relationships. This study sought to determine teachers’ perceptions regarding student-teacher relationships. The study was to ascertain the effect of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts professional development process on: (a) student attendance, (b) student achievement, and (c) student discipline. This qualitative study used the results of surveys, discipline, attendance, and student achievement data to address two suburban elementary schools’ problem of students not reaching their highest academic and social potential due to the absence of establishing relationships at schools. …

Do Virtual Schools Meet Students' And Families' Expectations? An Investigation Of A Fully-Online High School In Arkansas, Christopher L. Davis

Theses and Dissertations from 2019

High school has evolved significantly over the last several decades. What was once a choice between public school and private school is now a decision that includes homeschools, magnet schools, charter schools, and virtual schools, to name a few. This was a mixed-methods case study that investigated students’ and families’ satisfaction with their decision to attend high school virtually. The study examined a fully online virtual high school in the state of Arkansas to answer the following research questions: 1. What factors best predict students’ interest in enrolling in a fully online virtual school in Arkansas? 2. Is there a …

Understanding The Overall Experience Of The School Improvement Specialist In The State Of Arkansas, Russel Anthony Jones

Theses and Dissertations from 2019

The purpose of this study was to understand the overall experience of the school improvement specialist position in schools within the state of Arkansas that were labeled in need of improvement. In the study, there were seven participants who represented a variety of schools including homogeneous, a low graduation rate, culturally diverse, an alternative learning environment, an elementary school, a school that received a C letter grade, and a school that received an A letter grade. The data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews which allowed the researcher to identify any thematic trends that arose. The major findings were the …

Examining The Relationship Between One-To-One Technology And Student Achievement, Joseph Kellie Mcclung

Theses and Dissertations from 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of one-to-one technology use on students and faculty compared to traditional use of technology. The researcher employed a quantitative study that utilized a quasi-experimental design to investigate the technology effect using survey instruments. Participants included in this study were from schools located in Northwest Arkansas. There were approximately 2,640 students across seven middle schools as well as 63 staff members in the same schools. The results of this study found that while the I3 schools did perform better than their counterparts, the differences were not statistically significant. However, the faculty …

Predictive Ability Of Act Aspire For Act At Star City High School, Jason Williamson

Theses and Dissertations from 2019

Arkansas adopted the ACT ASPIRE as their summative assessment in 2015. ACT ASPIRE claimed their assessment results could accurately predict the composite scores on the ACT. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between students’ scores on the ACT ASPIRE and the ACT for students in the Star City School District, as well as determining if the ACT ASPIRE accurately predicted eleventh grade students’ scores on the ACT. The findings revealed a significant relationship between ACT ASPIRE (ninth/tenth) grade scores and ACT scores. There was a significant difference between ninth grade mean scores and tenth grade mean …

Is Collegiate Political Correctness Fake News? Relationships Between Grades And Ideology, Matthew Woessner, Robert Maranto, Amanda Thompson

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

While considerable quantitative research demonstrates ideological liberalism among American professors, only qualitative work examines whether this affects undergraduate education. Using the HERI dataset surveying students in their first and fourth years in college (n=7,207), we use OLS regressions to test whether students’ political beliefs are associated with reported college grades and perceived collegiate experiences. We find that while standardized test scores are the best predictors of grade point average, ideology also has impacts. Even with controls for SES, demographics, and SAT scores, liberal students report higher college grades and closer relationships with faculty. Nevertheless, conservative students consistently show higher levels …

Advances In Global Education And Research: Volume 3, Waynne B. James, Cihan Cobanoglu

University of South Florida (USF) - M3 Publishing

This is the third volume of the Advances in Global Education and Research Book Series. This volume has the following parts:

• Part 1: Adult Education
• Part 2: Curriculum and Instruction Development
• Part 3: Education in Other Specialties
• Part 4: Educational Technology
• Part 5: Global Competence
• Part 6: Higher Education and Educational Leadership
• Part 7: Human Resource Development
• Part 8: Inclusive Education
• Part 9: International Education
• Part 10: Pre K-12
• Part 11: Research Methods in Education

ISBN: 978-1-7321275-4-8

Inside The Black Box: Stakeholder Perceptions On The Value Of Arts Field Trips, Angela Watson

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

This descriptive, qualitative study, an extension of an experimental primary study, documents stakeholders’ experiences and perceptions of attending multiple field trips where urban elementary students in fourth and fifth grades were randomly assigned to receive three arts field trips including an art museum, a live theater performance, and a symphony concert. Evidence of declining K-12 attendance to educational cultural or arts field trips has been mounting for decades. Further, minority students in struggling schools and their teachers report attending fewer field trip experiences, as well as limited access to arts experiences in their schools. The full impact of this declining …

A Quantitative Study Examining Project Lead The Way Gateway Program Outcomes In A Suburban School District, Patrick Joseph Bellinger

Dissertations

Within the confines of this study, the Researcher investigated Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Gateway program outcomes at a Midwest suburban school district. The study examined specific academic achievement outcomes and attitudes regarding STEAM courses and STEAM careers among students who completed at least one semester in a middle school PLTW Gateway program. The Researcher attempted to determine if there was a difference in student attitudes related to STEAM between students who enrolled in a PLTW Gateway course and students who never enrolled in PLTW Gateway, as determined in an online survey. The Researcher also attempted to determine if there …

A Quantitative Case Study On School Climate, Student Behavior, Student Achievement, And Classroom Facility Factors In An Urban Midwest High School, Shamonda Owens

Dissertations

This research was a quantitative case study on the possible relationship between school climate, student behavior, student achievement, and classroom facility factors in an urban Midwest high school. Specific variables included lighting, wall color, classroom temperature, school climate, student behavior, and student academic achievement. The researcher collected the following data: student behavior, number of out of school suspensions (OSS) students received in 2014 through 2017, End of Course data, 2014-2017, in the areas of Biology, American Government, English I, and English II. To measure school climate, the researcher used the district’s annual climate survey. School climate survey data measured student …

Alternative Education Program Best Practices: A Comparative Analysis Of Three Mid-Missouri High School Alternative Education Programs, Elizabeth Christine Nelson

Dissertations

School districts in the state of Missouri are required to provide an education to all students, including those on suspension, and many other states have similar requirements. The number of alternative programs has grown over the last 50 years, and most districts provide some type of alternative program for at-risk students. With few state regulations for evaluation of these programs, researchers in alternative education recommended districts perform internal evaluations to ensure program quality. The research identified six research-based best practices domains critical to the success of an alternative program. The six domains were curriculum, assessment, engagement, instruction, leadership, and structures. …

Curriculum Analysis: Hardin Middle School Math, Michael Zitzer

Educational Specialist Scholarly Papers

The City of St. Charles School District, particularly Hardin Middle School (HMS), has routinely been outperformed by its St. Charles County counterparts in math. Consequently, it is necessary to evaluate curriculum development, implementation, and resources to begin to determine the causal factors of low performance. If HMS’ curriculum is not effectively facilitating high quality instruction, it could be a leading factor in their low performance. To determine whether HMS’ curriculum is impacting student achievement the research will conduct an analysis of both the written and implemented (textbook) curriculum. The analysis will be designed to determine whether the district’s current curriculum …

Failure To Launch?: Advancing The Case For Financial Literacy Interventions In Postsecondary Education, Cathleen Snyder

Dissertations, 2014-2019

For college undergraduates, the thought of managing money is often new, exciting, and terrifying in the same breath. Some students have learned well from their parental and prior academic influences, and yet others may be overwhelmed by a lack of those same resources. As postsecondary institutions endeavor to level the proverbial playing field, helping college graduates launch into meaningful, financially independent lives, it begs additional consideration on the intervention methods that might be most impactful.

This study examined a for-credit, curriculum-based intervention specific to personal finance topics. It attempted to answer several key questions: How knowledgeable are students relative to …