Elementary Education Commons^™

An Examination Of The Relationship Between The Achievement Of Students With High Incidence Disabilities And Maine State Compliant Standards-Based Individualized Educational Programs, Jessica A. Yates Cas, Ms

Muskie School Dissertations

This quantitative study analyzed the significance of the impact of Maine state compliant standards-based individualized education programs (IEPs) on the math and reading achievement of third grade students eligible for special education under the high incidence disability categories of Specific Learning Disability and Other Health Impairment. A total of 72 cases (n = 72) were collected. Descriptive data analysis was conducted to investigate characteristics of IEP compliance with Maine state standardsbased IEP expectations in the academic and standards-based IEP goal realms. Analyses of Covariance were conducted to determine if the compliance level of a student's standards-based IEP had a significant …

An Evaluation Of A Title One Elementary School's English For Speakers Of Other Languages Program, Kim L.P. Rigby

Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Enrolled at many public schools in the United States are students who primarily speak languages other than English and lack proficiency in the English language. These students are required to show language proficiency on end-of-year English-only state assessments. One public elementary school utilizes a support program to assist second language learners in acquiring a level of language skills necessary for proficiency on state assessments. My evaluation of this school’s program utilized mixed methods to determine the viability of support services provided to second language learners. The findings of my evaluation revealed some weaknesses within the provided services and indicated …

Science In The School Library Inquiry Model (Sslim): A Mixed-Methods Case Study Of The Implementation Of A Science And Information Inquiry Curriculum In An Elementary Library, Bree L. Ruzzi

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

Data indicate that students in the U.S. may start school with lower levels of science understanding and that these levels may consistently remain lower throughout their public-school career. With deficits in science achievement starting in the earliest years of students’ education, benefits may be gained by exploring alternate resources and alternative environments that can support young student’s science education and achievement. A largely unexplored area for science instruction is in the school library. This dissertation, a mixed-methods, case study, examined the creation and implementation of a novel information and science inquiry model and curriculum, SSLIM. This curriculum was created and …

Networkings Role In The Informal Learning Of Elementary Principals, Joshua J. Ringling

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Formal learning is an important aspect for school principals in the era of federal and state accountability. These formal learning opportunities provide the conditions for leadership development and personal growth. Although formal learning has been a consistent focus of educational leadership research, informal learning has not. The purpose of this study was to use qualitative case study methodology to gain a better understanding of in depth Social Networking amongst school principals with varying levels of experience, as well as capturing the what and how of knowledge transfer amongst principals. This study found that a principal’s informal learning opportunities are just …

Positionality Matters: School Choice Decisions Based On Ethnographic Accounts Of African American Parents, Dr. Stacy L. Thomas

Dissertations

This research delves into experiences with reasoning and selected criteria for choosing the right school for their children. Beginning with a series of vignettes that assist with recognition of parental empowerment, this research archives acknowledgement of their own positionality when it comes to making life changing decisions. As selected parents of African American children grapple with the strategic balance and possibilities of educational outlets, family and finances, they offer ethnographic accounts of their successes and failures with school choice. Individual accounts of parental school choice decisions posing as data ascertained from interviews provided research that explored the critical frequencies and …

Teacher Perception Of Inclusion: A Daunting Task Or Welcome Challenge, Anna Kirsten Gryskiewicz

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Approximately one-third of school-age children have been identified as students with learning disabilities. As a result, teachers are confronted with the challenge of providing quality instruction to students with diverse learning needs. Challenges and benefits abound in the inclusive classroom. Therefore, the study, considered quantitative, non-experimental, and survey research in nature, explored variables that influence teacher perception and participant-perceived satisfaction of inclusion. The cross-national study consisted of 112 participants hailing from public and private schools in Africa, Europe, and the United States. Differentiated instruction, social skills development, pre-service preparedness, and classroom culture represented the most statistically significant correlates in predicting …

Blended Learning In Elementary Schools: An Interdependent Enterprise, Carrie J. Pratt

All Theses And Dissertations

This qualitative case study, bounded by a scope of leadership, was one way to analyze how leaders encouraged teachers to leverage blended learning in the public elementary school. The theoretical framework lending to cognitivism included sociocultural cognition and contingency theory. With the central phenomenon and research question, “What leadership aspects encourage teachers to leverage blended learning in elementary schools?” the researcher sought to understand the power of leadership and teacher perceptions as change occurs in the public elementary school, integrating blended learning. Subquestion 1 was used to pursue information about teacher identified leadership support that teachers perceived to be helpful …

Eece 798 Reading And Writing For Learning In Science, Ashraf A. Shady

Open Educational Resources

This course is designed to address the National Science Education Standards vision of instruction that should enable all students to successfully interact with the natural world. These principles include, (1) Science for all students, (2) Learning science is an active process, (3) School science reflects the intellectual and cultural traditions that characterize the practice of contemporary science, and (4) Improving science education is part of systemic education reform.

Do After-School Performing Arts Programs Impact Student Attendance?, Robert G. Hubbird

Dissertations

This three-part dissertation concentrates on student attendance. It is clear that we have a student attendance problem in our nation, particularly in urban school districts. There have been other studies, discussions, and debates on how to improve student attendance, but identifying a single policy, program, incentive, and/or intervention to positively impact absenteeism is difficult. Student absenteeism has and will continue to be a national problem. Many factors play a role in student attendance, to a certain degree, some are controllable and others are extremely difficult to affect.

Part I of this dissertation is a Program Evaluation focusing on the correlation …

Attendance Matters! We Must Decrease Student Truancy And Absenteeism, Robert G. Hubbird

Dissertations

This three-part dissertation concentrates on student attendance. It is clear that we have a student attendance problem in our nation, particularly in urban school districts. There have been other studies, discussions, and debates on how to improve student attendance, but identifying a single policy, program, incentive, and/or intervention to positively impact absenteeism is difficult. Student absenteeism has and will continue to be a national problem. Many factors play a role in student attendance, to a certain degree, some are controllable and others are extremely difficult to affect.

Part II of this dissertation is a Changed Leadership Plan focusing on a …

Attendance Matters! A Policy Advocacy Document, Robert G. Hubbird

Dissertations

This three-part dissertation concentrates on student attendance. It is clear that we have a student attendance problem in our nation, particularly in urban school districts. There have been other studies, discussions, and debates on how to improve student attendance, but identifying a single policy, program, incentive, and/or intervention to positively impact absenteeism is difficult. Student absenteeism has and will continue to be a national problem. Many factors play a role in student attendance, to a certain degree, some are controllable and others are extremely difficult to affect.

This Part III of the dissertation is a Policy Advocacy for absenteeism at …

Place-Based Learning As An Effective Methodology For Developing Self-Efficacy Skills In Students With Learning Disabilities, Melodee Carter-Guyette

All Theses And Dissertations

Research shows that place-based learning is a proven methodology in supporting students in achievement of their academic and social needs. There are inconsistencies related to documenting its success with learning disabled students, especially in the area of self-efficacy. This study attempted to fill this gap in the literature by exploring the perception of educators regarding self-efficacy of students with learning disabilities who have experienced environmental science place-based programs. Elementary educators were recruited from a broad pool of participants via social media. One hundred seventy surveys were received from educators in the six New England states. Five participants provided in-depth information …

A Case Study Of Elementary Education In Burkina Faso: What's Working, What Isn't, And Why It Matters, Georgia Gerard-Reed

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the education system of Burkina Faso to better understand how it impacts the lives of the people who live there. The study examined possible reasons of under-education in Burkina Faso and the impact of poverty on the Burkinabé people as it is related to education. The research questions are (1) what are the barriers to education, (2) how does under-education impact the ability of the Burkinabé to earn an income that is sufficient to meet basic human needs such as adequate food, clothing, and medical care, and (3) what are …

The Utilization Of Music To Teach Phonics In Kindergarten: A Multiple Case Study, Cherie D. Hocanson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, multiple case study was to explore the utilization of music to teach phonics in kindergarten at four elementary schools in northwest Ohio. The theory guiding this study was the schema theory as it explains how individuals are able to recognize patterns previously learned, organize those patterns, and then use those patterns to perceive new information (Green, 2010). This research sought to answer the central research question, “How do kindergarten teachers utilize music to teach phonics within the classroom?” The study included 10 cases within four different school districts. The participants were kindergarten teachers in Northwest …

Impact Of Flexible Seating On First Grade Reading Progression, Stephana M. Logue

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Proponents of flexible seating options within the classroom claim this simple change will transform education, improve children's engagement and learning, and renew classroom teaching. Opponents argue that such benefits are overstated because, currently, little evidence exists that eliminating desks and chairs improves learning and student engagement. In this study, the impact of flexible seating on first grade reading scores was examined and how it is implemented when teaching reading at the primary level. This quantitative research plan used the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmarking Kit to determine if students who chose the option of flexible seating during the reading block had …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Elementary Title I Teachers' Use Of Digital Technology In The Classroom, Rebecca S. Acosta

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

If Title I elementary students are not given opportunities to learn how to utilize digital technology in their classrooms, a whole segment of the population will lack the knowledge and skills to become successful upon graduation and contribute to the betterment of society. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of Central Texas elementary teachers’ use of digital technology in their Title I classrooms. The central research question in this study was: how do Title I elementary teachers in Central Texas describe their experiences using digital technology in the classroom? Two theories framed this investigation. …

Gifted Education: A Multi-Case Study On The Identification Process Of Historically Underrepresented Students In Gifted Programs In North Carolina, Michael David Acosta

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore how Newland, Big Hills, and Edison Elementary, which are public elementary schools in North Carolina, identify gifted students who are historically underrepresented for placement in academically gifted classes. Based on statistical data from the Department of Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, there is a disparity between the identification of Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics, especially in impoverished communities. The study sought to understand the process of identification of gifted students and how it contributes to under-representation of Black, Hispanic, and impoverished students. The study revealed what social …

Iew: A Comprehensive Writing Curriculum For The Multi Or Single Grade Classroom, Alicia Biek

Andrews University Teaching and Learning Conference

This session will provide an overview of the Institute for Excellence in Writing Curriculum, which focuses on a multitude of skills including mechanics of writing, grammar, summarization, research, and outlining. The benefits of this comprehensive writing curriculum for multi and single grade classrooms will be discussed.

Fun Reading Practice?: Strategies And Evidence From A One-On-One Reading Intervention, Caddabra Brown

Andrews University Teaching and Learning Conference

Based on the Response To Intervention (RTI) model, about 5% - 10% of students do not respond to generalized or small group instruction. These students need direct instruction delivered with an individualized format during which they receive an increased number of opportunities to practice with immediate corrective feedback. However, these practice sessions can be met with resistance. This is moreso the reality among at-risk readers and boys. In this presentation, creative, engaging, multisensory approaches useful for practicing reading skills will be discussed and demonstrated. These approaches are useful for teachers, school psychologists, interventionists, and parents.

Well-Designed Learning Objectives, Kezia Osei

Andrews University Teaching and Learning Conference

Writing effective and well-designed learning objectives is a necessary skill in structuring teaching curriculum. Learning objectives are clearly written, specific statements of observable learner behavior or action that can be measured upon completion of an educational activity. They are the foundation for instructional alignment whereby the learning objectives, assessment tools, and instructional methods mutually support the desired learning outcome. This poster describes the essential components of a learning objective and provides practical tips on writing well-defined learning objectives.

Refining An Instrument And Studying Elementary Teachers’ Understanding Of The Scope Of Engineering, Jacob Pleasants, Joanne K. Olson

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

To effectively incorporate engineering into their instruction, K–12 teachers need sufficient knowledge of the engineering discipline. An important component of teachers’ engineering knowledge is their understanding of the nature of engineering: what engineers do, the epistemological underpinnings of engineering, and the relationships between engineering and other fields of study. In this study, we present a quantitative tool that was developed to assess teachers’ knowledge of a particular nature of engineering dimension: the scope of engineering, which describes the demarcation between engineering and non-engineering. This tool was used to assess the knowledge of teachers and engineering graduate students, before and after …

Strengthening Teacher-Student Relationships: Identifying Strategies From Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools, Allison Cano

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and describe the strategies that elementary teachers use to establish, maintain, and restore positive relationships with students in Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools.

Methodology: This study included 12 teachers from 2 elementary schools in California who received the National Showcase Award for their implementation of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program. The principals of the 2 schools were asked to each recommend 6 teachers from their site, based on criteria provided by the researcher. Data was collected through the use of classroom observations, interviews, and artifact analysis.

Findings: In order …

The “Soft Bigotry Of Low Expectations” And Its Role In Maintaining White Supremacy Through Mathematics Education, Laurie Rubel, Andrea V. Mccloskey

Occasional Paper Series

In this study, we offer an analysis of the phrase the "soft bigotry of low expectations" and considers its role in rhetoric about U.S. mathematics education policy and practice, especially in regards to Critical Mathematical Inquiry. From the phrase’s origins in a speech given by President George W. Bush in 2000, to its current use on social media, this phrase offers a lens into white supremacy and "tools of whiteness" (Picower, 2009), and their persistence in U.S. schooling paradigms, especially about mathematics. We analyze specific, recent instantiations of the phrase on blogrolls and Twitter, in addition to more implicit …

Mathematics For Whom: Reframing And Humanizing Mathematics, Cathery Yeh, Brande M. Otis

Occasional Paper Series

Mathematics for social justice allows students to see mathematics as an analytic tool to understand and influence issues important to them and their communities. Existing work in teaching mathematics for social justice often connects to secondary curriculum. But what about elementary mathematics? This paper describes the theoretical frames and gives an example of social justice-oriented mathematics with elementary-age students. We share the process of analyzing published K-6 mathematics curriculum as an entryway to engage in investigations that raise students’ awareness of social issues and to develop their mathematical power and sense of self as mathematics thinkers and doers.

Power To Change: Math As A Social-Emotional Language In A Classroom Of 4 And 5 Year Olds, Elinor J. Albin, Gretchen Vice

Occasional Paper Series

Tells the story of how mathematics influenced a long term investigation around feeling powerful within an early childhood classroom. Written by Early Childhood Teacher, Elinor J. Albin, and Dean of Faculty, Gretchen Vice, this essay outlines the guiding questions by which teachers at The Advent School in Boston, MA connect mathematics to overarching themes and social-emotional learning. “Power to Change” concludes with observations about how and why mathematics provided a language for building social-emotional intelligence in four and five year olds.

The Influence Of An Interdisciplinary Elementary Curriculum On Student Outcomes: Providing Cognitive Student Learning Through An Integrated Approach, Ann Marie Harris

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

In order to provide students at the elementary level a thorough and efficient method of learning, the integrated–interdisciplinary approach to teaching curriculum was explored to reveal the impact on student achievement of fourth graders across the state of New Jersey in a randomly selected grouping of 50 schools using integrated–interdisciplinary curriculum and 50 schools using subject-specific curriculum. The research was an investigation of the integrated–interdisciplinary approach to teaching when compared with subject-specific curriculum to explore the impact on student achievement.

Integration of curriculum aligned to the state standards at the elementary level was a focus for this research; elementary curriculum …

Effects Of A Repeated Writing Intervention On Writing Fluency And Writing Quality, Katherine L. Moore

LSU Master's Theses

Writing is a fundamental skill that is essential for students’ academic success. In fact, students with writing difficulties are shown to have lower academic achievement and reduced likelihood of college acceptance (Graham & Perin, 2007). Writing fluency is a crucial component in the development of writing abilities, as it allows for the development of higher-order writing skills (Bloom, 1986, Binder, Haughton & Bateman, 2002). Limited research exists of interventions targeted specially for writing fluency; however, performance feedback procedures have been shown as effective (Hier & Eckert, 2016). Literature suggests the skills of reading and writing share similar processes of learning …

The Influence Of The Student Mobility Rate On Grade 3 New Jersey Assessment Of Skills And Knowledge Scores, Rose L. Morrisroe

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This correlational, explanatory, cross-sectional study explained the influence of student mobility, at the school level, on the percentage of students who scored proficient on the 3rd grade English Language Arts Literacy NJ ASK. The variables in this study included: student characteristics (percentage of students who were economically disadvantaged (on free lunch status), percentage of students in Special Education, percentage of students who were Limited English Proficient, percentage of students who were mobile); and school characteristics (percentage of mobile teachers). The statistical analysis in this study included: Correlational Matrix, Simple Regression Model, Simultaneous Multiple Regression Model, and Sequential Regression Model. The …

Foucauldian Dynamics In The Formation Of A Fifth Grade Writing Culture, Ashley Renee Watson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study looks at a student writing culture in a fifth grade English language arts classroom through the lens of Foucauldian power dynamics to examine the power relationships in the classroom and curriculum. The research questions were: 1) What is the nature of a writing culture in a fifth-grade writing classroom? 2) What are students’ perceptions of writing in a fifth grade ELA classroom? The methodology for the study was case study research.

The research took place during the 2017-2018 school year at Southeast Elementary School in Lancaster County in the southeastern part of the United States. Data was collected …

Teen Investigators: Faculty Research Helps Teens Find Their Path

DePaul Magazine

Three innovative programs at DePaul are helping youth transfer gaming skills to the real world, escape the school-to-prison pipeline, and benefit from mentoring programs specifically tailored to race, economic status, and mentor skill level.