Elementary Education Commons^™

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.

Preparation For Teaching Reading In The Elementary Grades, Joan B. Drittenbas

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the total preparation in reading of a group of elementary teachers, and the current reading requirements of Washington's four-year colleges and universities.

A Survey To Identify Essential Library Services To Students And To Determine If They Are Performed In Selected Elementary Schools In Intermediate School District No. 105, Alma Jean Ball Milne

All Master's Theses

It is the purpose of this study to (1) identify the services librarians consider essential to the successful use of resources by the students in the elementary school library; (2) determine the services librarians actually perform.

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 Descriptive Study Of An Individualized, Small Group, Team Teaching Program In The Fifth Grade, Cecil K. Mullins

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this paper is to present a descriptive study concerning the individualized, small group, team teaching program in the fifth grade at Benson Hill Elementary School, Renton, Washington. It will describe, from a participating teacher's point of view, the organization and early implementation of the program.

A Plan For Flexibly Scheduled Use Of The Terminal Park Elementary School Library, Carole Bowen Kirkpatrick

All Master's Theses

This thesis will show how flexibly scheduled use of the school library by teachers and children can be effective even.with inadequate facilities and personnel. It will also show how library experiences can be made purposeful, practical, interesting, and enjoyable for the children. The program is especially designed for use at Terminal Park Elementary School in Auburn, Washington, but can be easily adapted by any school having a full-time librarian.

A Validation Study Of The Predictive Screening Test Of Articulation, Stanley G. Kibbey

All Master's Theses

The primary purpose of this study will be to conduct a test of the validity of the Predictive Screening Test of Articulation. Does the PSTA identify first grade children who will master their articulation errors without speech therapy by the time they enter third grade? Conversely, does the PSTA identify first grade children who will not master their articulation errors without speech therapy by the time they enter third grade? In short, does the PSTA predict as expected? Secondary purposes of this study include the assessment of the possible effects of sex, age, intellectual functioning and socioeconomic status on the …

An Analysis Of The Parochial Elementary School Principals' Time Distribution In The Archdiocese Of Seattle, Ann Pizelo Snjm

All Master's Theses

The role of the principal has taken on new perspective with the evolution of education in the elementary school. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utilization of the parochial elementary school principal's time in the light of the changing school system. Through this time analysis, it is hoped that critical task areas which are possibly being neglected but, nevertheless, are fundamental to successful administration will be discovered.

An Elementary Mathematics Curriculum Study To Determine If Achievement And Attitude Can Be Influenced By A Textbook Adoption, Elsie M. Railey

All Master's Theses

There is on the market a wide range of contemporary mathematics textbooks available. Textbooks approach mathematics differently and there is a variation in terms of the amount of time allocated to a topic, the development of elementary concepts and laws of arithmetic, and the amount of drill and repetition. The sequential development of the texts follows closely, but the scope and content differ significantly. Specifically, it is the purpose of this study to determine if there is a significant difference between series, as opposed to those in another mathematics series, in the variables of attitude and achievement. The two textbooks …

An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of The Alameda County Oral Communication Program In Listening, James Wiliam Poe Jr.

All Master's Theses

There is concern among educators that students are not as skilled in the area of listening as they could or should be. As a result of this concern an oral communication program was developed in Alameda County, California to improve students' listening skills. It was the purpose of the study to determine the effectiveness of the Alameda County Oral Communication Program in an itinerant speech and hearing program in Central Washington. The study sought to answer the question: 1. Does the use of the Alameda County Oral Communication Program in Listening effect a change in the language skills of public …

The Orient In Elementary School Social Studies, Judith Rogers

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this investigation (1) to make a study of the Oriental Studies content suggested in textbooks, curriculum guides, and "new social studies programs" used extensively in elementary schools in the state of Washington, and (2) to develop suggested Oriental Studies content for elementary schools, with particular grade level specifications, keeping in mind the changing social structures of our society.

A Study Of How Teachers Evaluate Handwriting, Marvalee Maxine Nance

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study to identify the problems teachers encounter as they evaluate handwriting products, to determine how effectively and consistently teachers can evaluate handwriting products, to determine what methods teachers use to evaluate handwriting products and to ascertain the need for a handbook to be used by third grade teachers and students in the evaluation and corrective teaching of cursive handwriting. Special emphasis will be placed upon the consistency of evaluation by the teachers and their attitude toward the teaching of handwriting.

General Functions And Specific Activities Of The Elementary School Couselor As Perceived By Principals, Teachers, And Counselors In The Highline Public Schools, Seattle, Washington, Gary Winfield Sherman

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study to (1) compare elementary counselor's, principal's, and teacher's perceptions of the specific activities of the elementary school counselor; and (2) to compare the importance of eight general elementary counselor functions as ranked by the same three groups. Data for these comparisons were compiled through a questionnaire.