Language and Literacy Education Commons^™

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 Short-Term Effects Of The Yakima Valley School Language Development Program On Non-Institutionalized Persons With Developmental Disabilities Of Different Chronological And Mental Ages, Noreen F. Simonson

All Master's Theses

This paper provided a field test of the expressive and receptive language development program written by the staff of Yakima Valley State School for the persons with developmental disabilities, Selah Washington. The program is a progressive one which was based on the developmental theories of Gesell and Bayley. This study sought to define the parameters of applicability from the program. The subjects, both male, non-institutionalized, persons with developmental disabilities, represented a lower and higher level of functioning than had previously been instructed with this program. The results of the study indicated gains in language development for both subjects.

Prevalence Of Reading Disabilities In Delinquents Compared To Prevalence Of Reading Disabilities In Non-Delinquents, Kenneth C. Vanderhyde

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of reading disabilities in delinquents compared to the prevalence of reading disabilities in non-delinquents of the same age, sex, grade, and socio-economic background. The subjects where ninth and tenth graders enrolled at Mount Vernon High School, Mount Vernon Washington, during 1971-72 school year. They were divided into two major groups, delinquent and non-delinquent. The results indicated no significant difference between the reading scores of the two groups.

Remediation Of Deficit Automatic Level Functions As Related To Second Grade Reading Achievement, Jack R. Hall

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a study designed to determine if remedial procedures suggested by the authors of the ITPA would improve specific psycholinguistic functions and reading achievement. The Ss were 18 second grade children placed in matched pairs. They received 15 minutes of instruction per day for 60 days. The results did not indicate a significant improvement by the experimental group when compared to the control group

Recommendations include repeating the same experimental procedures using Ss with greater psycholinguistic deficits.

A Study Of The Effect Of A Concentrated Program Of Attitude Improvement On Reading Skills, Jo Ann M. Greer

All Master's Theses

This study investigated the effects of a concentrated program of attitude improvement on reading skill. Seventeen low-achieving students participated. The year's instruction was divided into three phases: developmental reading during the first and third phases, and an attitude improvement program during the second.

Results from Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test and Roach Van Allen's An Inventory of Reading Attitude indicated accuracy, speed and comprehension decreased significantly during the attitude program. Vocabulary and attitude did not show significant gains. Upon reinstatement of the developmental reading program, comprehension increased and vocabulary decreased, both significantly.

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.

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.

Annotated Bibliography On Research In Written Composition Since 1963 Limited To Grades 7-12 And The First Two Years Of College, Avis Ann Ross

All Master's Theses

This paper presents an annotated bibliography on research in written composition since 1963. The sections are divided into research related to objective tools to describe students' writing, such as the T-unit developed by Kellogg Hunt; specific writing problems, such as dialect interference and hearing disorders; methods based on grammatical analysis to improve writing; and other methods to improve writing. Three areas recommended for further research are work with low ability level students, rhetoric, and spelling.

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.

A Descriptive Study Of A Creative Approach To Teaching Children With Learning Disabilities, Olive Ward Megenity

All Master's Theses

This study describes a program and its rationale for S. L. D.

children as it evolved over a two-year period. Approaches included

multi-sensory approach for reading, typing to develop reading and

spelling, and a combination of behavioral modification and group

therapy to improve self-image and develop social competence .

Shifts in grouping and changes in environment caused continuous

revision of the program. Test results showing growth patterns in

reading and spelling are included Suggestions for additional research

are made.

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 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.

The Cloze Procedure And Informal Reading Inventory: A Correlative Study, Robert D. Elzenga

All Master's Theses

This study compared the cloze procedure and informal reading inventory at reading levels ranging from third through seventh grade. Twenty-four elementary students, judged by their teachers as not having reading difficulties, were selected from fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classes and. administered the two test instruments. The correlations, at each reading level were not significant at the .01 level as determined by the Pearson Product-Moment formula. Recommendations included the use of more subjects and suggestions for additional research.

The Effect Of Diagnostic Prescriptive Instruction Using Team Teaching Of Language Arts, John Edward Gilmore

All Master's Theses

This study attempts to determine the effect or using diagnostic prescriptive instruction under the organization of team teaching. The study was designed to evaluate the academic progress of students in a pilot program using team teaching. The results indicate that students having team teaching do not score significantly higher than students receiving conventional instruction. During the study the author developed and fieldtested a semantic differential attitude scale that will be used to determine attitudinal differences among groups of students.

Effectiveness Of The Edl Study Skills Library In A Seventh Grade Reading Program, Robert Winn Elfers

All Master's Theses

This paper presents an evaluation of a study skills program used in a seventh grade reading class. This program is designed to teach study skills on an individualized basis, allowing the student to work at his own pace and on his own level. Two groups of students were involved. The group using the program showed slightly higher improvement on the post-tests. Recommendations included using the program in a reading class and that the teacher closely follow the progress of each student.

An Experimental Study In The Use Of The Differential Aptitude Test To Assign Sehome High School Students To Various English Tracks, Elizabeth Mae Strand

All Master's Theses

This paper presents the use of an expectancy table, based on a pilot study using the DAT Sentence Subtest and Middle School Grade Point Average, to place students in the various English tracks at Sehome High School. Sixty students were placed in accordance with the English grade predictions of the expectancy tables and sixty were placed in accordance with middle school teacher-counselor recommendations. Significantly more students were placed correctly when the expectancy tables were used.

Recommendations include the administration of the DAT early enough in the eight grade year to make the results useful in English placement upon entry into …

Innovative Instructional Materials For Eighth Grade English, Mary Lou Clerf

All Master's Theses

This study was undertaken for the purpose of reviewing current literature and developing new instructional materials suitable for classroom use by teachers of eighth grade English.

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.

A Study Of Reading In The Kindergartens Of Washington State, Valara Caroline Minear

All Master's Theses

A study was made to discover the attitudes of kindergarten teachers in the state of Washington toward teaching reading in kindergarten, and the actual practices used to teach reading.

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 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 Descriptive Study Of Certain Characteristics In Which The Language Of A Class Of Third Grade Negro Children Differs From Standard English, Columbus Nelson Sanders

All Master's Theses

Children come to school speaking the language of their speech community. For some children, the language in their speech community is a variety of English that differs from standard English or what may be called "school English." These children may experience great difficulties in speaking standard English. This problem is one of social class dialect rather than regional language variation. The purpose of this study is to describe certain characteristics in which the language of a class of third grade Negro children differs from standard English.

An Evaluation Of The Kindergarten Program In Chelan, Lois M. Detering

Graduate Student Research Papers

Many significant studies of reading readiness were under way at the direction of private, public, or federal funds, thus focusing attention on kindergarten and pre-kindergarten readiness. Because of this, many parents, teachers, and administrators showed keen interest in the possibilities of educating youngsters at the kindergarten and pre-kindergarten age. It was therefore felt that a study of this kind would be pertinent. Specifically, many persons wanted their five-year-olds to attend kindergarten in Chelan, Washington. This attitude was reflected elsewhere and it was decided to make a study of kindergarten programs and their relationships to the program in Chelan. It was …

An Analysis Of The Rules Describing The Use Of Subordination, Mildred Eastwood Mcbride

Graduate Student Research Papers

Subordination is not Mt. Everest, but neither is it a molehill which can be covered in one easy step, and this is what our textbooks try to do. Unfortunately, there is no single easy way to teach the use of subordination, and this paper cannot offer any positive remedy for the inadequacies of our college handbooks. It will, however, discuss the varieties of opinions about the subject, explore several possible approaches, and offer some suggestions for a changed method of teaching subordination to our students.

A Development Of Readiness For First Grade, Elizabeth Turneaure Shoemaker

Graduate Student Research Papers

This paper is an attempt to develop a readiness program for grade one. In order to delimit this study, visual perception was chosen because it is of primary importance in the development of reading. It is, however, only one of the factors involved in the development of the reading readiness program.

Joseph Conrad: A Study In Moral Conflict, Ann M. Belch

Graduate Student Research Papers

The purpose of this research paper is to attempt to define Joseph Conrad's moral philosophy of life and to show how that philosophy is embodied in the novel, Lord Jim.

A Study In Methods For Helping The Disabled Reader, Margaret Meyer

Graduate Student Research Papers

The ability to read well constitutes one of the most important skills a person can acquire. Satisfactory adjustment to living in this complex modern world requires effective reading. It is difficult to discover any activity, whether in school, business or daily living that does not require reading. The importance of reading becomes even more obvious when we consider what happens to those who fail to learn to read. They are handicapped in practically all walks of life.