Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Determining The Educational Quality And Equity Among Students In Order To Set Goals As Part Of The Effective Schooling Process, Annie L. Justice

Theses and Dissertations

Two hundred-forty-seven elementary school students in selected school district in Georgia served as subjects for this study. The population mean scores on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in Reading, Language Arts, and Math were used in the assessment. A four-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used to determine the educational quality and equity among students in order to set goals as part of the effective schooling process. Significant differences were found at the .05 level as a function of gender and race.

Attitudes Of Seventh Grade Students Toward Reading Using А Literature-Based Approach, Robin R. Coe

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the effects of a literature-based approach to teaching reading on student attitudes toward reading. Relatively few studies have been conducted to describe students' attitudes toward reading in a literature-based approach which includes the following: the use of children's literature, silent reading by students and teachers, expressive reading by the teacher, and various book-sharing activities and projects. Four seventh-grade reading classes at Faith Middle School were randomly selected to participate as subjects. Students' attitudes toward reading were assessed in the fall using the Short Form Reading Attitude Survey. Students were taught …

The Relationship Between Time Devoted To Independent Recreational Reading And Reading Achievement Scores, R. Fragomeni

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary assessment, in the Western Australian context, of the relationship between reading achievement scores and time devoted to independent recreational reading, and the extent to which gender and socio-economic status, affect this relationship. The data pertaining to time spent in independent recreational reading were collected by means of a questionnaire. The subjects and their teachers were trained by the researcher in the procedure to be followed in the questionnaire completion. The data relating to reading achievement scores were generated through the administration of the comprehension sub-test of the Progressive Achievement Test …

Attitudes Toward Reading Held By Second Grade Students When Instructed In First And Second Grades Using The Basal Approach And The Whole Language Approach, Anne L. Kepner

All Graduate Projects

The attitudes toward reading held by second grade students when instructed using the basal approach and the whole language approach were studied. Forty surveys given to students at the end of their second grade year were analyzed. The results showed support for the hypothesis that students, taught reading by the whole language approach in first and second grades will have a more positive attitude toward reading than students taught reading by the traditional basal approach in the first and second grades.

Increasing Reading Fluency In Students With Reading Difficulty, Kathryn Balabanis Peabody

All Graduate Projects

Four methods designed to increase reading fluency were employed in a primary level Special Education resource room. The methods were implemented in accordance with the theory and research regarding reading fluency. Each of the four methods effectively increased the students' ability to read fluently. However, the implementation of these methods varied in cost and time.

Visual Perceptual Problems In Adult Disabled Readers, Carol Ragsdale

Theses and Dissertations

This paper attempts to discover If visual perceptual problems contribute to reading difficulties. The reason for inability by a student to interpret the symbols on the printed page is often difficult to diagnose. A study of these problems may lead to more efficient diagnosis and remediation.

Sixty adult disabled readers were tested to try to discover if their reading difficulties were caused by visual perceptual problems. These subjects were selected randomly as to sex, age and severity of reading disablement from students attending the Adult Basic Education classes. They were tested for visual acuity and visual perception. The results were …

Success In Written Expression: A Case Study, Susan Flowers Hamby

Theses and Dissertations

In order to receive a high school diploma, a student in any Georgia high school must pass the Georgia Basic Skills Test in three areas: Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. The subject of this case study is an eighteen-year-old male student who after four attempts passed the Writing portion of this test. Because this is a case study, the findings are reported in a nontraditional manner using a narrative style with first person commentary.

Much of the data in this case study were collected through interviews with the subject referred to as Tim, his mother, a school examiner, and several of …

Differences In The. Reading And Mathematics Achievement Between Asian American And Non Asian American Children, Linda B. Price

Theses and Dissertations

Explanations for the achievement or overachievement of Asian Americans are often conflicting and subject to debate among researchers. Four major theories for this achievement are explored in the review of literature. One of these theories concerns the idea that Asian American's beliefs are the result of Confucianism and its influence on the lives of Asian Americans. Another theory examines the parent's positive attitude toward education and its influence on achievement. A third theory suggests that Asian American babies are more alert and sensitive at birth. The final theory examined proposes that the Asian American immigration to the United States is …

The Use Of Oral Communications Courses In High School To Increase Skills In Language Arts, Sylvia C. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to see if there is any difference between the reading and English test scores (TASK= Stanford Test of Academic Skills) between those high schoo1 students who take oral communications courses and those who do not take such courses.

This study used a sample of 40 students enrolled in oral communications courses from three randomly selected high schools. The comparison sample included 40 randomly selected students enrolled in Phase II English courses at the same schools.

The Stanford Test of Academic Skills served as both a pretest and a posttest for scores for all of …

A Comparison Of The Effect Of The Language- Experience Approach And The Basal Approach On Reading Achievement, Larry L. Copeland

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine and compare through objective literary research the effectiveness of the basal method versus the language experience method on reading achievement. The review of the literature covered a wide variety of sources including several books, journals, dissertations, and reports by professional organizations.

Five questions were formulated to help guide the probe through the vast amount of literature and to narrow the scope and breadth of the research report. The questions asked about the significant differences of reading achievement by: (1) method of instruction, (2) socio-cultural background, (3) sex, (4) intelligence levels, and (5) …

A Descriptive Study Of Ninth Grade Reading Programs In Schools Of The Second Education District Of Kentucky, Eloyse Jean Groves

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Questionnaries concerning the nature of the state-required Ninth Grade Reading Programs were sent to principals of secondary schools in the Second Education District of Kentucky. The program, which had been in effect for two years, was studied as to the different organization, curriculum, students, faculty, resources, conclusions, and projections of each school involved an then compared to a standard reading program. It was found that Kentucky is a forerunner in the area of state requirements as to provision for help in reading for ninth grade students. The type of referral and physical setting of the program were both found to …

A Diagnostic Procedure To Measure The Student's Ability To Use The Index Of A Textbook, William L. Miller

All Master's Theses

This thesis involved the construction of a 37-item true/false diagnostic test which measures the ability to use an index of a textbook. Sixteen separate indexing skills were identified and sequenced. The reading level of the test is third grade; however, it may be used through the high school level. The test was administered to 28 fifth grade students and statistically analyzed.

Recommendations include additional testing and refinement of test items and the construction of a larger sample index.

A Study Of The Neurological Impress Method With Remedial Secondary Students, Larry Charles Reynolds

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a study of the Neurological Impress Method, with junior high students two or more years behind their expected Reading Comprehension level. Thirty students were randomly selected and placed into control and experimental groups by a random number process. These S's received eighteen weeks of special treatment with either the N.I.M. or oral reading practice for the controls. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the Reading Comprehension gains of controls and experimentals. The gains of both controls and experimentals was, however, found to be of significance. Conclusions and recommendations included suggestions for additional research and a discussion …

Strategies For Achieving Every Pupil Response, Royal Lucendia Payton

All Master's Theses

This paper presents the identification, development and assessment of Every Pupil Response (EPR), a teaching technique devised to promote individual instruction-- diagnostic teaching within reading group situations. The study included the development of five reading lessons utilizing the EPR technique which were taught to five groups of first through fourth grade students at Garfield Elementary School in Toppenish, Washington. The technique was evaluated by three trained observers who rated the technique high in its effectiveness.

Recommendations included additional EPR target studies and suggestions for additional research.

Personalized Reading Program For Intermediate Grades, Pamela Kay Kelly

All Graduate Projects

As the reading specialist in an elementary school, it was my responsibility to assist the classroom teachers with their reading program; specifically, with those students who were having difficulty. It was not feasible for me to meet with all who needed help; at the most, I could help forty-three students per week. The pace at which I had to function to assess and meet their individual needs became too great. In view of this situation, the following program was designed to stimulate every intermediate student's desire to read and to do so at his own pace.

A Study Of Visual Perception In Reading, Michael Lee Hoffner

All Master's Theses

This paper presents an experimental study, using an experimental group and control group, of the effects of visual perception training on the reading ability of eighth grade students. The Michigan Tracking Program and MKM Hunting Trails were the perceptual training programs used in the experiment. A null hypothesis was assumed and retained based on the statistical results of a t test at the .05 level of significance.

Recommendations included further investigation of the relationship of perceptual training to reading on a longitudinal base and employment of a larger population sample.

The Effect Of Oral Reading Rate Feedback On Reading Performance, Kristi M. Anderson

All Master's Theses

An attempt was made to determine the effects or oral reading rate feedback on reading performance of third grade children in a self-contained classroom, using self-selected materials. Two measuring devices were used. The Botel Reading Inventory (Word Opposites Test-Reading) showed a mean gain of 1.75 grade levels. The oral reading rate mean increase was 57 words per minute. All students achieved at third grade level or higher.

A Study Of The Interrelationship Between Physical, Mental And Scholastic Development And Reading Achievement, James Bruce Bruseth

All Master's Theses

This research made an attempt to find a correlation between variables of physical, mental and scholastic development and reading achievement of first grade children. The study was designed to analyze eight variables of physical, mental and scholastic development by computer factorial analysis. An evaluation of the data revealed that there were no significant correlations among the variables studied. Recommendations included the suggestion that future researchers should make a longitudinal investigation of a larger sample and use X-rays of various body parts in determining the carpal age.

The Effects Of Systematic Phonics And Contingency Management On Reading Achievement With Intermediate Special Education Students, Allena Marie Hayes Combelic

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a study of the effects of systematic phonics and contingency management on reading achievement with intermediate special education students. The thirtysix week program was divided into four phases. The four equivalent forms of the Gray Oral Reading Tests were used as measuring devices. No statistically significant results were found by using the Gray Oral Reading Tests as measuring devices. Statistically significant results were found on graph data.

Recommendations included: (1) the use of different reading tests other than the Gray Oral Reading Tests as measuring devices and (2) that the study be conducted longer than thirty-six weeks.

Comparison Of Effectiveness Of Basal Readers And Sullivan Programmed Materials, Joan E. Lorenz

All Master's Theses

The aim of this study is not to tear down or ridicule any method, Sullivan Programmed or Traditional Basal, but to evaluate as objectively as possible, the merits and limitations which exist in both and to show, through testing a group of 99 first graders and 64 second graders, the possible effectiveness of these methods.

The Effect Of Reading Achievement Of Seventh Grade Special Education Students Involved In A Tutoring Program, Kenneth A. Mattson

All Master's Theses

Many variations of the tutorial concept have been presented and analyzed. Some programs have been professionally designed and have received federal grants while others have been organized by teachers and other innovators. These programs have involved graduate students, college students, interested members of the community, high school dropouts, and public students from elementary to high school. The greatest portion of these studies has been concerned with the effects of tutoring on those who received the benefits - the tutee. Few programs have been concerned with the effects of the tutoring sessions on the tutor. The problem then is to determine …

The Effects Of Contingency Management On Reading Achievement Of Institutionalized Offenders, Forest J. C. Hertlein

All Master's Theses

The hypotheses to be tested in this study are concerned with the use of contingency management. In general, the theory states that behavior normally occurring at a low rate may increase when it is followed by activities which are highly desirable to the student (Premack, 1965). Also suggested in the theory is that a response does not have a zero operant level (Bijou and Baer, 1961). It was assumed, then, that institutionalized offenders enrolled in remedial reading classes have an operant level of some degree for a specific response that could be strengthened by positively reinforcing that response. Because the …

Comprehension: A Study Of The Interpretation Of Identical Reading Selections By Fifth Grade Students From Different Cultural Environments., Adrienne Bailor Grant

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study to ascertain the reading comprehension of randomly selected fifth grade students who had all read identical reading selections of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, and who were asked to respond orally to open-ended questions. The investigator hypothesized that children from different cultural backgrounds would bring different interpretations to identical reading selections when these children were asked open-ended questions.

A Comparative Study Of Open Court And Slingerland Reading Programs When Used With Special Education Students, Steven L. Richards

All Master's Theses

It is the purpose of this investigation to determine the effectiveness of Open Court and Slingerland reading programs when used with intermediate students who perform at the educable mentally retarded level.

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of Various Methods Of Teaching Reading In Special Education Classrooms, Mary Ann Fisher

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of two reading programs, Sullivan's Programmed Reading and the Psycholinguistic Color System, and to try to determine if one program did, in effect, have a particular value over the other when used with children in an intermediate special education program. A secondary purpose of the study was to determine if a teacher-centered program brought about different results than one which was student-centered.

A Reading Study Skills Course For A Community College, La Ree C. Rasmussen

All Master's Theses

The ability to read is no longer limited to the literal meaning of the word, but is increasingly dependent upon the reader's ability to recognize the style of writing, so that he knows whether to apply denotative or connotative meanings to what he is reading. Because reading needs have changed and will continue to change as rapidly as our culture changes, it is necessary to continuously develop and improve reading skills. The purpose of this study is to: (1) enumerate the reading study skills needed by college students, (2) describe the details of a reading study skills program, (3) and …

A Study Of The Reading Background And Current Program Practices In Reading Used By Elementary Principals In Washington's Second Class School Districts, Kenneth William Anderson

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the degree to which the training and backgrounds possessed by elementary principals affect their actions as leaders of reading instruction with their buildings.

A Curriculum For Language Arts In Lincoln Prevocational School Bremerton, Washington, Roy A. Williamson

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study (1) to determine whether the proposed reading program, a program using tape recorders, would improve reading disabilities; (2) to compare it with the regular program; and (3) to evaluate these findings for use in the curriculum.

Sex Differences In The Sixth Grade: An In-Depth Study Of A Neglected Learning Factor In Reading, Gail Purvis Johnson

All Master's Theses

Concern for the differences between the sexes in the reading area has prompted the following questions:

1. If there is an obvious difference between the sexes in the area of reading achievement, why is it that sex differences are not considered a pertinent learning factor?

2. What factors might be involved in causation and therefore, worth investigating?

3. More specifically, how do boys differ from girls in their response to the situation called ''learning to read?" Is there a relevant developmental or related neurological difference?

4. What factors within the school situation might be significant? Do reading programs accommodate possible …

A Comparison Of Reading Readiness Between Kindergarten And Non-Kindergarten Children In The Wenatchee School District, Kenneth Dean Yancey

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study to compare the percentile scores of the Metropolitan Readiness Test of first grade children in Wenatchee School District No. 246 who have had kindergarten with those first grade children in Wenatchee School District No. 246 who have not had kindergarten. The following factors were considered in this study: Chronological age, sex, and total percentile score. This data was taken from the Metropolitan Readiness Tests over a two-year period, 1966-67 and 1967-68.