Elementary Education Commons^™

Developing And Testing An Interventionist Role For Elementary Counseling, Thomas M. Hyde

All Master's Theses

In this study a counselor worked with two teachers to increase their rate of approval behavior with the goal of reducing "non-attentive" and "disruptive" student behavior. Student behavior did improve in the predicted direction. When t tests were used to compare behavior change in these classes with behavior change in two control classes, significant differences were found for the reduction of "non-attentive" behavior and "non-attentive plus disruptive" behavior.

Results indicate that such interventionist techniques my be appropriate for elementary counselors.

Comparison Of Health Characteristics Found Among Six Selected Migrant Groups In Primary Grades, Jill D. Land

All Master's Theses

Two hundred twelve migrant students in Chelan and Douglas County schools were screened in reference to fifty-two characteristics within seven health categories. A chi square analysis by contingency coefficient was made for each characteristic to compare differences between six selected groups in kindergarten and first grade and second and third grades. Significant differences between groups were found for two health characteristics in kindergarten and first grade and five health characteristics in second and third grades.

A Comparison Of A Rate Acceleration Reading Program With Basal Reading Program On Reading Achievement In Second Grade, Carol O'Connell

All Master's Theses

This paper compares two reading systems by the experimental method--the Basal Reading Program and the Rate Acceleration Reading Program at the grade two level in a quasi-experimental design to determine if there was any significant difference in the end results of pupil achievement. Results, observations, and implications of the study are discussed.

A Study Of Effects Of Oral Reading Upon Vocabulary Growth And Silent Reading Comprehension, Ronald G. Mcbride

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a study to determine whether a silent reading program supplemented by oral reading activities was significantly more effective than a totally silent reading program in term of reaching achievement. The sample included 20 fifth grade students from a self-contained classroom. A control and experimental group was created by use of a table of random numbers, intelligence and reading achievement scores. When the ninety day study was completed, a second set of reading achievement scores was obtained.

Recommendations included additional studies using a larger population and suggestions for additional research.

A Survey Of Organizational Plans For The Instruction Of Reading With Specific Guidelines For Revision Of The Program At Phantom Lake Elementary, Jack Morgan Mccolaugh

Graduate Student Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to review the past and present reading programs at Phantom Lake Elementary School, Bellevue, Washington, and to recommend guidelines by which the existing program can be improved. These guidelines will be based on a review of the literature.

Materials To Supplement An Individualized Mathematics Program, Virginia Condon

All Graduate Projects

This project represents an attempt to develop some materials to supplement the Addison-Wesley Mathematics Program for Grade 2. The commercial program, as it stands, is conceptually sound. Operationally, however, it in many cases did not satisfactorily meet the needs of the individual students of the classroom.

Therefore, the basic material was retained (i.e., student workbooks, teacher's manual, unit tests). Materials have been developed which allow some individualization in the presentation of the concepts, self-pacing by the student, testing devices, working conditions, manipulative materials, and follow-up worksheets. These terms are further explained in the pages that follow, as well as their …

Who Is The Elementary School Principal And Is He Necessary?, Stuart Craig Juris

All Master's Theses

Much has been written on the role of the elementary school principal. Prior to World War I, most elementary schools were small schools organized into graded classrooms in which "generalist teachers" taught all subjects. The role expected of the principal in small schools was that of supervisor-manager (28: 85). The principal' s major responsibility was the classroom supervision of teachers.

Studies of the past two decades indicate that little change has occurred in attitudes about the responsibilities of this position. A 1948 nationwide study of the principalship (9) indicated that the main role of the principal was one of supervision. …

Conservation Concepts Of Migrant And Resident Mexican-American And Resident Anglo Six- And Seven-Year-Old Children, Tom E. Morris

All Master's Theses

This study presents the comparison of conservation levels of six- and seven-year-old children from three different ethno-cultural backgrounds- migrant Mexican-American, resident Mexican-American, and resident Anglo. Scores on conservation tasks were analyzed by age and culture using a two-way Analysis of Variance. Mexican-Americans in the sample school were found to be at a significantly lower level of conservation.

A discussion of possible cultural effects, and educational and research recommendations were given.

Can A Gaming Approach Within A Language-Experience Individualized Reading Program Effectively Teach Reading Skills, Trudy N. Rodine

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a trial program of reading skill instruction using a gaming approach within a language-experience individualized program. The study reviewed the literature on language-writing-reading development and thereupon sought to translate the identified theoretical procedure into a working pattern which would achieve specific skill building objectives with a selected group of eight or nine year old children.

Pre--test and post-test diagnostic information influenced both the program development and its evaluation.

The Relationship Between Functional Articulation Disorders And Self-Monitoring Auditory Discrimination, Geraldine Hahn Allison

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between articulation disorders and self-monitoring auditory discrimination. In developing this study, 160 children, 80 males and 80 females, from kindergarten through fourth grades, were selected as subjects. They were divided into normal and defective speaking groups based on the results of a speech screening test. An Articulation and Self-Monitoring Test was administered to these children. The results showed their total number of articulation and self-monitoring errors. These error scores were statistically analyzed with other pertinent characteristics of the subjects relative to the study. The tools of analyses were: (1) an …

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 Effect On Reading Achievement Of A Special Grade-One Program In The Othello Schools, Ruth A. Danielson

All Master's Theses

Distar, Play Therapy, and Elemode, a perceptual-motor program, were used with small groups to increase reading achievement. Subjects scored 50 or below on the Metropolitan Readiness Test in 1970-71.

Evaluation of the treatments and their effect on the total first-grade class was based on each pupil's achievement score obtained from the Metropolitan Readiness Test and Stanford Achievement Test raw scores. The comparisons, using the 1968-69 class as a baseline group, showed no significant differences in reading achievement.

Traditional Vs. Individualized Fifth And Sixth Grade Arithmetic Program, Donald Paul Giaudrone

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a comparative study involving two methods of arithmetic instruction for fifth and sixth grade students. Thirty pupils were taught arithmetic using a traditional approach and thirty pupils were taught arithmetic using an individualized approach. Each group was divided into high, average, and low ability students and between group achievements compared at the end of an eight month period with encouraging results. Evaluation and statistical analysis followed. The findings were discussed and recommendations offered for further study.

The Effects Of Physical Education Specialists On The Attitudes Of Elementary School Teachers, Don E. Riggs

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to compare the attitudes of self-directed teachers toward the teaching of physical education in the elementary school as compared to teachers with the assistance of a physical education specialist.

Fifty-four teachers randomly selected from three schools were used in the study. The personal interview method was used to gather data, which included various areas that were assigned empirically into four categories. These included physical education values (comparative and philosophical), physical education teaching, planning and organizing, attitudes toward program responsibility and adequacy of professional materials and course.

An analysis of the data indicated that teachers …

An Experiment With Third Grade Pupils To Determine The Observable Relationship Between Decoding Instruction And Comprehension Growth, D. Pope

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study to determine if there is a relationship between concentrated decoding instruction and comprehension growth of third grade pupils. The program was designed as follows: 1) a comprehension pretest was administered to twenty-four third grade pupils; 2) an experimental and a control group of equal comprehension ability was established; 3) each day for twenty minutes, isolated from the control group, the experimental group, underwent intense decoding skills instruction; 4) upon completion of 90 days of instruction a comprehension posttest was administered and the mean raw scores of the two groups analyzed by the t …

An Investigation Into The Relationship Between Student Grades And Parental Attitude Towards The Teacher, Jerry C. Fritts

All Master's Theses

Realizing that the parents play an important role in the total educational process, the primary purpose of this study is to determine if there is a relationship between student grades and parental attitude toward the teacher. It is contended that there is a relationship manifesting itself in the form of a positive correlation and it behooves those in education to do something to cultivate an atmosphere more conducive to educational success. Developing a mutual respect and willingness for cooperation between home and the teacher would serve to greatly enhance a child's educational experience. Another purpose of this study is to …

Relationship Of Convergent And Divergent Teaching To Creative Performance, Robert Bruce Kibler

All Master's Theses

This study investigated the effect on test scores on the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. Form A, resulting from convergent and divergent methods of teaching fifteen half-hour mini-lessons in social studies to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Results favored the Divergent Group, and their scores were more widely dispersed. Recommendations included a follow-up study, replication of the experiment with variations in the sample and treatments, and investigation of the possible utility of a two-score achievement test.

An Investigation Of Library Skills Acquired By Fifth Grade Students At Harvard Elementary School, Franklin Pierce District, Tacoma, Washington, Larry D. Rodahl

All Master's Theses

This study investigates two factors that were assumed to influence the amount and kind of library skills acquired by fifth grade students during the period of two consecutive years at Harvard Elementary School . The two factors were teacher-librarian cooperation and library availability.

Correlation Of Auditory Feedback And The Kottmeyer Diagnostic Spelling Test, Jerd Vance Tuman

All Master's Theses

This paper is a correlation study of fourth grade students' scores on the Kottmeyer Diagnostic Spelling Test and the Auditory Feedback Test. The purpose of the paper is to determine if students who are poor spellers have poor auditory discrimination. Recommendations included the use of a spelling test which requires greater auditory discrimination than the Kottmeyer Spelling Test. Also recommended is a correlation study using primary students as the population.

The Effect Of Time-Threat On An Arithmetic Test Situation, Russell Dean Flaskerud

All Master's Theses

There has been a difference of opinion regarding whether or not timing tests of ability is advantageous or hinders performance. Much experimentation has been done in the area of intelligence testing, but little has been done on actual classroom-type testing. The results of timing intelligence tests have been varied with little agreement among the studies. The purpose of this study was (1) to test the effect of time-threat on the performance of eighty-two sixth grade students taking an arithmetic test, and (2) to investigate the effect of time-threat on students of different arithmetic abilities.

A Review Of Academic Gains Made By Non-Promoted Pupils In The Tenino Elementary School, John Milton Long

All Master's Theses

This study is designed to determine whether or not the pupil retention policies presently practiced by the Tenino Elementary School are justifiable in terms of benefiting the retained student academically. It was hypothesized that the academic gains of nonpromoted students will be considerably less than the gains made by promoted students when compared according to achievement tests results. To test this hypothesis, a list was compiled of students who had been retained during a three-year period, and an examination of their cumulative folders was conducted in order to determine academic gain during the year of retention. The same procedure was …

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.

Estimating The Readability Of Primary Books: A Comparative Study Of The Formula Method And Subjective Appraisals, Mary E. Ball

All Master's Theses

This paper surveys research on the factors that influence the readability of primary books, the efforts that have been made to measure it, and the comparative reliability of subjective judgment and objective analysis of the difficulty of certain primary books. An appraisal by the Fry Readability Graph is recommended for a first approximation of the difficulty of a book, to be followed by judgment decisions regarding concepts, interest and other considerations, to make a suitable match of book to child.

The Use Of Selected Films And Film Discussions In Modifying Social Distance In Elementary School Children, Stanton C. Baker

All Master's Theses

When conflicts involving interpersonal relationships arise within the school setting, it would appear appropriate to attempt to cope with these conflicts within the framework of the school; particularly the classroom. Many methods of modifying behavior through group procedures have been attempted with varying degrees of success. It was the purpose of this study to investigate the effectiveness of one such method; a fiIm-discussion technique. This program was developed to modify behaviors, attitudes and/or perceptions which interfere with the development of constructive interpersonal relationships within an elementary classroom.

A Study Of Scheduling, Staffing And Housing Procedures For A Comprehensive Elementary Instrumental Music Program In The Highline Public Schools, Gerald Clifton Bayne

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a survey of the scheduling, staffing and housing procedures for elementary instrumental music in selected large suburban school districts surrounding the City of Seattle, Washington. Upon comparison with other available studies and a similar survey of the Highline Public Schools, basic recommendations were made for the implementation of three alternate plans for a comprehensive elementary instrumental music program in the Highline Public Schools. The preferred recommended plan involves simultaneously team teaching with instrumental and vocal music specialists.

The Level Of Mathematical Understanding Possessed By Prospective Elementary Teachers, William Dean Vodarski

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study to determine the level of mathematical understanding possessed by prospective elementary teachers graduating from Central Washington State College. It was also the purpose to determine if the measured level of mathematical understanding is related to such factors as sex, education classes completed, mathematics classes completed, and grade level of student teaching.

A Readability Survey Of The Science Textbooks Used In University Place Elementary School, District No. 83, Melvin Hans Jangard

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine: 1) the readability of an intermediate series of science textbooks, Concepts in Science, published by Harcourt, Brace and World; 2) if the text was readable for the students at University Place Elementary School near Tacoma, Washington; 3) whether the gradation or slope of difficulty rises progressively from the beginning of the book to the ending of the book.

A Comparative Investigation Of Techniques Used By Elementary Teachers When Reacting To Children's Classroom Behavior Problems, Buddy Joe Heimbigner

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to measure and compare, by replication, the reactions favored by teachers of 1969 in handling child behavior problems to those reactions favored by teachers in 1949. This study progressed beyond the previous study (Stendler: 1949), by identifying what differences, if any, exist between teachers of different sexes and what significance, if any, the number of years of teaching experience has on the reactions of teachers about the ways to handle behavior problems of children.

A Measure Of Basketball Skill For Fifth And Sixth Grade Boys, David Clair Moffitt

All Master's Theses

The purpose of establishing a basketball skills test for fifth and sixth grade boys was to recognize any talent already self-possessed, to determine the achievement level in skill, and to serve as an aid in diagnosing weaknesses. In addition, it would aid as a classifier of ability to assist in class division for team competition and the after-school athletic program. This skills test could also be used as a strong motivational device.