Elementary Education Commons^™

Teacher Acceptability Of Curriculum Based Measurement As A Universal Screener In Reading, Brooke Adams

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to extend the existing literature concerning teacher perception of acceptability of universal screening, specifically examining the use of Curriculum Based Measurements (CBM) as a universal screening tool in reading. Eighty-three first through fifth grade teachers from Washington State participated in an online survey utilizing the Acceptability Rating Profile – Revised (APR-R), a 6-point Likert scale measuring practitioner acceptability for a tool. The APR-R was revised to reflect the use of CBM measuring Oral Reading Fluency as a universal screener with response options ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 6 (strongly agree). In the present …

The Impact Of Mindfulness On Student Success, Casey D. Nightingale

All Master's Theses

As schools are adopting the whole child approach, it is important to examine how the approach impacts academic success. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a school-based mindfulness curriculum on student reading scores and classroom engagement. Using a multiple baseline design, this study examined the rate of improvement in reading scores and academic engagement in elementary students receiving a mindfulness curriculum. The curriculum was introduced in addition to the regular curriculum in 15-minute lessons twice a week. Rate of improvement was examined utilizing curriculum-based measures, while student engagement was evaluated through classroom observation methods. This …

The Effects Of Nutrition Education On Third And Fifth Grade Students’ Fruit And Vegetable Knowledge, Preference, And Consumption, Alexandra Epstein-Solfield

All Master's Theses

Regular consumption of fruit and vegetables (F/V) may reduce the risk of obesity and obesity-related diseases, yet most American school children fail to meet recommended intakes. One proposed method for reducing childhood obesity is implementing school-based nutrition education programs aimed at increasing F/V intake. This repeated measures study examined the effectiveness of an eight-week F/V-targeted nutrition education intervention on elementary-school students’ nutrition knowledge, F/V preference, and salad bar consumption. A convenience sample of third- and fifth-grade students (n = 149) participated in the study. Surveys were administered pre- and post-intervention to assess F/V knowledge and preference. Pre- and post-plate waste …

Literary Devices: Effects Of Classroom Management On Student Engagement With 1:1 Devices, Elizabeth Parker

All Master's Theses

The study compares two different classroom management strategies in a 5th and 6th grade classroom using an iPad based intervention. The students participated in 10 sessions of a language and grammar intervention on the Moby Max program. During five of the sessions, the teacher actively monitored the classroom, walking around the room, and redirecting students as necessary. For the other five sessions, the teacher used data from the intervention and monitored and redirected students from her computer screen. The data collected included the number of corrections given to each student by the teacher, the number of minutes the program considered …

Reducing Off-Task Behaviors In First Graders With Disabilities Through An Adaptation Of The Good Behavior Game, Chelsey Martin

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this mixed methods, single subject quasi-experimental study was to measure if an adaptation to a group-based contingency intervention, known as the Good Behavior Game, lead to decreases in off-task behaviors for first-grade students with disabilities during whole group instruction, and if the classroom teacher viewed the intervention positively. Three first grade, male students with disabilities, their first-grade teacher, and the first-grade class were participants in the study. The class was split into two teams and reminded of the expectations for on-task behavior. Positive reinforcement in the form of verbal praise and a team point were rewarded at …

Collaborative Reading At Home To Assist Children With Reading Difficulties, Criste R. Goldy

All Master's Theses

The effects of a collaborative home reading program on children with reading difficulties was studied. Students selected for the study were currently enrolled in special programs for reading and/or English as a second language. Students who participated in the Reading-At-Home program made substantial and immediate gains in reading skills, although greatest gains were made by younger students (five to eight years old). Participant reactions were also discussed.

Silent Reading Before Oral Reading On The Iri: Implication For Diagnosis And Instruction, Catherine P. Benedetti

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to test the effect of silent pre-reading on the number of oral reading errors a student makes on an IRI. Twenty children read passages silently and then orally read passages without pre-reading. The results supported the null hypothesis that there would be no statistically significant difference on oral reading performances for disabled second and fourth graders. Implications for diagnosis and instruction are discussed.

The Fifth Grade Student As An Active Participant In The Selection Of School Library Books, Catherine Spada Mcleod

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if fifth grade students could be consistent and productive participants in the process of selecting books for a school library. Forty-six students completed a Reading Interest Inventory and participated in a book selection activity.

Chi-square test results did not support the hypothesis that there would be no significant difference between the results of these two selection activities. Student perceptions of their involvement in this process were also included.

Energy Education Materials For Elementary School, Marcia Keizer Fraser

All Master's Theses

The materials created introduce intermediate elementary level children to a selected basic energy vocabulary and to concepts of energy-environment inter-relations. The approach is multi-dimensional, employing a slide tape presentation, posters, charts, and vocabulary cards. Energy concepts and vocabulary are repeated through the various media forms as a means to reinforce learning. The content tone is deliberately positive so that in the process of gaining knowledge about energy issues, children will feel successful, encouraging further achievement in the area of energy education.

Using Special Education Students As Cross-Age Tutors, Judith Pearl Graham

All Master's Theses

The topic of this study is the use of Special Education students as cross-age tutors. Ten students, third through sixth graders, were trained to be tutors. Ten first and second graders were proteges. The experiment was divided into three eight week session. The E tutored all Ss for Session I. During Session II the tutors tutored their proteges. The E continued to tutor the tutors. Session III was the same as Session I. This research indicates that children in Special Education classes can benefit academically from being a cross-age tutor.

An Experimental Study Of The Effects Of Perceptual-Motor Training On First Grade Achievement, Susan Paul

All Master's Theses

Two matched groups of first grade students, one of which received a perceptual-motor training program, were compared by a series of tests to determine whether those children having received such training had higher achievement than those with no training.

In overall achievement, non significant differences were found between the two groups. Significant differences were found as the I.Q., perceptual-motor ability, and rating on teacher rating scales with the experimental group making higher gains. The average and slow children of the experimental group did show significantly higher gains in overall achievement than the control group. No differences were found with the …

A Survey To Determine The Educational Needs Of Mexican American Students At The Mckinley Elementary School At Toppenish, Katherine Pfliger

All Master's Theses

This paper is a study, through research, of the findings and opinions of authors who have done intensive studies of migrants, specifically, the Mexican American migrants. It also entails a survey taken of the parents of Mexican American students in the McKinley Elementary School to gain knowledge relevant to educating these students. The knowledge gained from this study is to promote, through effective teaching practices, rather than retard or frustrate their educational growth.

No recommendations or specific conclusions are formulated.

A Study Of The Academic Effect Of Non-Promotion In Yakima Elementary Schools, James R. Seamons

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine if there exists any statistical evidence that supports the commonly held belief that retaining students in grade school does not improve academic performance.

The cumulative records of all children retained, who met the criteria outlined in Chapter III, were examined. Their academic grades were recorded in nine subject areas. Improved performance during the retained year over the previous ones and during the years after retention over the years before retention, was very significant. This improve­ment was maintained in the years after retention.

An analysis of the data gives strong evidence supporting retention …

A Study Of The Effect Of Varied Amounts Of Oral Reading On Reading Comprehension In A First Grade Classroom, Melinda Anne Dickson

All Master's Theses

In this study an experimental group was compared with a control group to determine what effect, if any, varying amounts of oral reading would have on the comprehension scores of first grade pupils. The two groups received identical reading instruction with the expectation of oral reading. The control group read aloud twice as much as the experimental group during each oral reading session. Using standard statistical procedure no significant difference was found between the two groups. Therefore, a reduction of the amount of oral reading could be initiated into the reading program described while still maintaining an acceptable level of …

Effect Of Oral Reading Rate Improvement Program On Reading Rate, Comprehension, And Reading Level, Julianne Mickie Clise

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a control-experimental group study of a reading rate improvement program for a self-contained grade four classroom. The program was designed to improve oral reading rate and oral sound symbol rate using the principles of behavior modification. A t test of significance was used to compare statistically the progress of students in control and experimental groups in specific skills.

Recommendations include comparison of experimental program with other than the basal reading approach and suggestions for additional research.

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.

The Effects Of Contingent And Non-Contingent Reinforcers On Intelligence Quotients, Donald T. Edwards

All Master's Theses

Eighty Caucasian fourth and fifth grade boys and girls were matched according to grade, sex and Total IQ on the California Short-Form Test of Mental Maturity. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale of Children was then given under four randomly assigned incentive conditions: 1) Tokens contingent upon correct responses, 2) Praise contingent upon correct responses, 3) Non-Contingent Tokens and 4) Non-Contingent Praise.

An analysis of variance of the Verbal, Performance and Full Scall IQs showed no significant differences between incentives. Similarly, comparisons by grade and sex indicated no significant differences.

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 Teacher Attention And Peer Approval Facilitated By Material Rewards Upon The Disruptive Classroom Behavior Of A Male Kindergarten Child, Brynne Flanagan Lane

All Master's Theses

The purpose of the present study was to operantly condition a kindergarten boy's classroom behavior. The study consisted of four stages: (1) baseline, (2) contingent teacher attention, (3) minimal contingent teacher attention, and (4) material reinforcement. During phase II, the subject's appropriate behavior was followed as immediately and frequently as possible with teacher positive attention. Disruptive behavior was ignored. During phase III, the teacher systematically decreased the level of positive attention until the "minimum level of reinforcement," i.e.. ten per cent teacher positive attention was reach. During phase IV, material rewards were delivered to all class members contingent upon co-operative …

A Study Of An Individualized Reading Program In An Intermediate Classroom, Stanley Christian Jangard

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a study of an individualized reading class in an intermediate classroom. The study investigated differences in skills and change in positive attitude toward reading. The individualized class was evaluated by the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test as a pre-test and post-test. Attitude toward reading was tested using the "Scale of Reading Attitude Based on Behavior" developed by C. Glennon Rowell, with the experimental group.

Recommendations included some changes in evaluation and suggestions for future research.

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.

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.