Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Factors Associated With The Utilization Of Mathematics Manipulatives In Grades Kindergarten Through Four, Debra J. Bandy

Masters Theses

Since the publication of "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics" by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in 1989, mathematics pedagogy has shifted from the standard memorization of facts and processes to concept development and application. Teachers have been encouraged to utilize manipulatives to help students bridge the gap between concrete and abstract mathematical concepts. This study was conducted to determine if grade level impacted the frequency with which manipulatives were used, to examine teacher perceptions of eleven factors associated with the frequency of utilization of math manipulatives, and to assess the perceived effect of teaching with manipulatives …

Assessing Indicators Of Early Reading Skills, Tammy M. Claypool

Masters Theses

Measures that assess pre-reading skills were examined. The measures included a typical informal kindergarten inventory for Initial Consonant Sound Identification, and Good's (1997) DIBELS measures that include: Letter Naming Fluency, Onset Recognition Fluency, and Phonemic Awareness Fluency. Participants included 50 kindergarten students from three different classrooms from two elementary school buildings in the same school district. Results demonstrated that the four measures were highly correlated with each other, and that the Onset Recognition Fluency measure best predicted the classroom teacher' predictions of at-risk students for reading difficulties. The four measures together were moderately to highly predictive of the teachers' ratings …

Evaluation Of Member And Non-Member Professional Growth And Development Needs For The Illinois Principals Association, Lisa L. Stewart

Masters Theses

Professional associations have been one source of continued professional growth and development for practicing school administrators since 1857. In order to maintain their viability and credibility, these professional associations must provide quality programs and services to attract and maintain membership. The effectiveness of these professional associations is measured by how well they meet their members' needs.

Changes in the role of the public school principal have been initiated as a result of the educational reform movement of the 1980s. These changes have necessitated a reexamination of the role of the professional associations which serve this population. The Illinois Principals Association …

A Study Of Teachers' Perceptions Of Computer Usage And Staff Development Needs In Edwards County Cusd #1, Albion, Illinois, David R. Savage

Masters Theses

In recent years the integration of computer technology into the activities for students in public schools has become an important goal for educators throughout the nation. This study was designed to determine Edwards County Community Unit School District (CUSD) #1 teachers' perceptions regarding (a) use of computers at home and at school; (b) the extent that school personnel in buildings have established a technology plan; (c) availability of computer technology to students and themselves; and (d) the preferred time, method of training (e.g., workshops, one-on-one instruction, and college course), and incentives to attend computer staff development program.

The study took …

Integrating Student Expectations Into Writing Center Theory And Practice, Mary J. Bonevelle

Masters Theses

When students go to a writing center to be tutored, they expect a certain type of instruction based on their prior experiences. Many students are perplexed to find that the parameters of writing center instruction are quite different than they anticipated. The resulting conflict between student expectations and actual center methods often induces tensions which can impede the effectiveness tutorial instruction. This thesis explores the basis of student expectations, strategies for addressing student expectations in practice, and the importance of acknowledging these expectations in writing center theory.

Chapter 1 discusses the incongruous relationship between writing center theory and practice and …

The Investigation Of Block-Eight Scheduling In Illinois High Schools, John E. Reif

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether principals believed that the implementation of block-eight scheduling in Illinois high schools had an impact on improved student achievement (specifically the A.C.T. and I.G.A.P. test scores), attendance, and discipline.

The results of this study should provide needed information to those school districts in Illinois that are contemplating the implementation or conversion to block-eight scheduling in their high schools.

The study involved a survey of principals of 160 high schools selected at random throughout Illinois. The school population of these districts ranged from 100 students to over 1,000 students. These school districts …

An Evaluation Of Southern Illinois Teachers' Perceptions Regarding The Impact Of Block Scheduling On Student Enrollment, Student Grade Point Averages, And The Number Of Discipline Referrals, Jacqueline L. Mccann

Masters Theses

Several southern Illinois high schools began to adopt the block schedule format in the 1990s. This schedule alternative was a change from the traditional schedule of six or seven classes per day. The effects of the implementation of this schedule had not been evaluated. This study fulfilled that need.

The study, which took place in the spring of 1997, surveyed teachers' perceptions in the four southern Illinois high schools using a block schedule. These high schools were Benton High School, Eldorado High School, Mt. Vernon Township High School, and Pinckneyville High School, all located south of Interstate 64. Responses to …

Referral Biases In The Schools, Camela P. Hayes

Masters Theses

Biases influencing teachers' referral decisions for special education services were examined. Specific biases identified and addressed pertained to students' type of problem behavior, gender and socio-economic status (SES). Subjects included 120 regular elementary school teachers from the western Chicagoland area. A total of 8 vignettes describing a child with varying behavior difficulties, gender and SES, along with 2 questionnaires were utilized. An Analysis of Variance revealed that teachers are less tolerant of students who are disruptive and are more apt to refer them than students with emotional difficulties less overt in their manifestation. The effects of SES on referral decisions …

The Status Of Automated Accounting Instruction In Secondary Schools In Illinois, Bradley Donnald Kilcullen

Masters Theses

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to find characteristics of schools that teach automated accounting in Illinois. A survey instrument was developed which requested information about school size, computer facilities, demographics about the instructor, and other items that may be useful in finding information about the instruction of automated accounting.

Procedures

This study was conducted in high schools randomly selected in the state of Illinois. Accounting teachers from 250 selected schools were surveyed from the population of 760. Two mailings of the survey instrument were delivered. 151 responded to the first mailing while 28 more responded to the second …

A Study Of Secondary School Principals' Perceptions Regarding Current Teacher Evaluation Procedures In Three Midwestern States, Beth A. Saiki-Olsen

Masters Theses

In recent years, new methods of evaluating teachers have been introduced and recommended by educational experts.

This study was conducted to determine the methods and procedures currently used in three midwestern states to evaluate secondary education teachers and to investigate secondary school principals' perceptions regarding those methods and procedures.

The study, which took place during the spring of 1996, included a survey of a random sample of 300 secondary school principals in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana through the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

One hundred and fifty-six principals responded to the survey which found that although principals agreed that …

A Study Of Home Influences On Young Children's Early Literacy, Christy Buehnerkemper-Elder

Masters Theses

Recent research has shown that the degree of children's exposure to and knowledge about reading when they first enter school is highly predictive of future reading achievement. Researchers investigating home influences on literacy have concluded that certain home experiences prior to first-grade affect performance and general abilities in early elementary school. One component of the literacy-rich home environment is that of a parent reading to children. This has been considered by many as a critical component of a home environment which fosters reading skills. Being read to as a preschooler has been shown to be associated with reading achievement well …

An Investigation Of The Mentor-Protege Component Of An Effective Teacher Induction Program, Joseph A. Mcarthur

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify common elements in the mentor-protege component of Illinois' downstate school districts which have an enrollment between 2,000 and 6,000 students. One hundred individual schools were selected for the study. Individual schools were selected in order to assure a valid representation of grade levels and geographic locations. This study also identified those segments that, according to administrators, mentors, and beginning teachers, were the most effective in addressing their needs. The information the study gathered consisted of an examination of current literature and research, and contacts with first year teachers, mentors, and building administrators …

An Evaluation Of The Reading Recovery Program At Main Street School In Shelbyville, Illinois, Leslie L. Hohenstein

Masters Theses

Traditional solutions to reading problems have not adequately addressed reading difficulties. Many students in the lower 20% of the reading level of their class have far reaching academic and social problems that lead to dropping out of school, entering special education classes, becoming frustrated, and possibly becoming discipline problems. This study examined the Reading Recovery Program at Main Street School in Shelbyville, Illinois. Specific study objectives were measurements of student test data and progress for the 1992-1993 school year. Measurements were performed using a pre- and post-testing method. A survey questionnaire was used to gather data from Reading Recovery teachers. …

A Teacher Induction Program For Small, Rural School Districts In Illinois, Michael H. Schmidt

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify elements commonly found in existing new teacher induction programs and incorporate those elements into an induction program that could be implemented almost exclusively by a single building level administrator. The information was obtained through an examination of existing literature and contacts with current practitioners who were involved in induction activities.

Survey instruments were provided for participating administrators and the new teachers in their buildings. The surveys identified elements of the existing program and the perceived importance of those elements from the perspectives of the administrator and the teacher.

The information collected from …

Educational Service Center #17'S Fy92 Scientific Literacy Program, Marilyn Holt

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate Illinois Educational Service Center #17's Scientific Literacy Program for FY92. Objectives utilized to address this problem were:

1. To determine the effectiveness of the staff development delivered in FY92 which emphasized hands-on approaches to teaching physics concepts to students in grades K-8.

2. To determine the effectiveness of the staff development delivered in FY92 which emphasized hands-on approaches to teaching mathematic concepts to students in grades K-6.

3. To determine the effectiveness of the staff development delivered in FY92 which emphasized hands-on approaches to teaching science process concepts to students in grades …

Children Learning To Write: A Progression Through Predictable Stages, Shirley D. Vestal

Masters Theses

A first-grade teacher documents her students' progression through predictable stages as they learn to write: distinct units of scribbling and/or ground line and profile in drawing, letters, words, sentences, story structure (character, setting, problem, solving the problem, and ending the story/telling how the characters felt), and conventions (capital letters, punctuation, and conventional spelling).

Criteria based on readability at each stage by a knowledgeable and sensitive reader are an important aspect of this study.

The class writes every day using a five-day story format:

Day One: Character Pink paper

Day Two: Setting Blue paper

Day Three: Problem Yellow paper

Day Four: …

Parent Involvement And Vocabulary Development In Kindergarten, Carolyn Eckerty

Masters Theses

A kindergarten teacher used action research to determine if the vocabulary growth of kindergarten students was influenced by parents being involved in the Tasks For Talented Parents (TFTP) program. A correlational study was conducted to determine the relationship between parent involvement and student's vocabulary development. Kindergarten students (N=58) were administered the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test in August and November. Also in August and November each child's parent completed the parent questionnaire from the Tasks For Talented Parents program. The results indicated a moderate correlation between the answers on the parent questionnaire and the results of the PPVT-R. Results of the …

A Field Experience: Teacher Orientation, Rena J. Talbert

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was three fold: 1) to determine the existence of formal teacher orientation programs, 2) the contents of the programs, and 3) the level of satisfaction by the principal(s) regarding the formal teacher orientation programs for newly employed teachers. A survey of the high schools in Educational Service Centers 15, 16, 17, and 18 was conducted.

In addition, a thorough review of literature and research associated with the need and benefits from a teacher orientation program was presented. Included in the review was the components of a mentor program.

An analysis of the survey results …

Counselor Impact On College Choice, Charles G. Eberly, Richard G. Johnson, Norman R. Stewart

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Determines the school counselors' impact on students' college choice. Design of questionnaire used in the survey; Distribution of time when students planned for college education; Mean ratings of college choice factors by sex and race.

Methods Of Improving The Student Teaching Experience At The Elementary And Junior High School Levels As Identified By Cooperating Teachers, Student Teachers And First Year Teachers, Darrell L. Sy

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience was to identify how the student teaching experience could be improved based upon recommendations by cooperating teachers, first year teachers and student teachers who completed a questionnaire. Each group was asked its opinions of the current status of the student teaching experience and how the process could be improved.

Cooperating teachers provided information relative to the special types of activities they conducted to better prepare student teachers for the profession. Current student teachers were asked to determine the teaching skills with which they needed the most assistance. First year teachers provided information that compared …

Final Report Of The Acquaintance/Date Rape Task Force, Bonnie Buckley, Rhonda Chasteen, Mike Ealy, Charles Eberly, Linda Leal, Melanie Rawlins, Diana Zuhone

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

The Acquaintance/Date Rape Task Force was convened by V.P.S.A. Dr. Glen Williams to address concerns about the incidence of sexual assault on the EIU campus at the time. This is one of several such reports, and contains recommendations for institutional responses to prevent campus sexual assaults.

Final Report Of The Acquaintance/Date Rape Task Force, Bonnie Buckley, Rhonda Chasteen, Mike Ealy, Charles G. Eberly, Linda Leal, Melanie Rawlins, Diana Zuhone

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

The Acquaintance/Date Rape Task Force was convened by V.P.S.A. Dr. Glen Williams to address concerns about the incidence of sexual assault on the EIU campus at the time. This is one of several such reports, and contains recommendations for institutional responses to prevent campus sexual assaults.

Survey Of Experiences With Sexual Aggression At Eastern Illinois University, Genie O. Lenihan, Melanie E. Rawlins, Charles G. Eberly, Betsy J. Masters

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

This paper is a report on a survey of sexually aggressive experiences as self-reported by a large sample of undergraduate students attending Eastern Illinois University. The results of the paper were later used to reduce the incidence of sexual violence at the institution.

Survey Of Experiences With Sexual Aggression At Eastern Illinois University, Genie Lenihan, Melanie Rawlins, Charles Eberly, Betsy Masters

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

This paper is a report on a survey of sexually aggressive experiences as self-reported by a large sample of undergraduate students attending Eastern Illinois University. The results of the paper were later used to reduce the incidence of sexual violence at the institution.

The Development, Implementation, And Evaluation Of A Junior High School Study Skills Program For A Small Rural School, Donald Lawrence Burton Ii

Masters Theses

The purpose of this field experience project was to develop a junior high school study skills program for a small rural school. Upon completion of its development, the study skills program was pilot-tested in the Tower Hill Junior High School in Tower Hill, Illinois. After the background and possible significance of this field study is discussed, specific project objectives and research hypotheses are listed along with the appropriate operational definitions, assumptions and delimitations for this field experience. A representative review of the literature and research is given on the subject of study skills and study skills programs. Field experience activities …

Gender Identity Development: A Study Of Caregivers In A Preschool Setting, Salisa Hortenstine Shook

Masters Theses

This study observed the present conditions of attitudes toward gender roles, as communicated by caregivers in eight east central Illinois preschool settings. Two research questions were formulated in order to categorize responses for the purpose of identifying prevailing gender role attitudes. Those questions were: "How do caregivers in a preschool setting affect gender role stereotypes?" and "What are key communication events that may create or perpetuate gender role stereotypes in the preschool setting?" The data was obtained from personal interviews and the Bem Sex Role Inventory. The results indicated caregivers in the preschool setting did not see gender roles and …

The Effect Of Extrinsic Rewards On Intrinsic Motivation In Preschool Children, Rebecca L. Di Santo

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of The Impacts Of The Illinois Board Of Higher Education' S Admission Requirements On Selected High Schools In East Central Illinois, Stephen C. Selle

Masters Theses

The Illinois Board of Higher Education in 1985 instituted mandatory subject admission requirements for all state universities beginning in the year 1990. Subsequent legislative action by the Illinois General Assembly has moved these requirements back to 1993. This field experience investigated the possible impacts of these requirements on rural schools of under 500 students in east central Illinois. A cover letter explaining the purpose of the study and a two page questionnaire were mailed to twenty- one schools. Sixteen schools in the counties of Vermillion, Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee, and Will responded and were the focus of the study. Enrollment patterns …

The Master Of Science In Education Degree In The Field Of Elementary Education At Eastern Illinois University: A Status Study, Susan E. Horath

Masters Theses

This study was designed to obtain a descriptive profile of teachers who were recipients of a Master of Science in Education degree in the field of Elementary Education at Eastern Illinois University. Specific background and attitudinal information was gathered from questionnaire responses.

The Master's Program Evaluation Instrument (MPE) was developed as the means of obtaining information on teachers’: perceptions of specific aspects of their master's program; plans for professional development; and satisfaction with the teaching profession. Questions written on the MPE instrument were carefully selected through a review of related literature and were validated through jury review. The instrument was …

An Analysis Of Ability Grouping Of Mathematics Students At The Argenta-Oreana Middle School, Steven L. Mitchell

Masters Theses

This field experience investigated the effects of ability grouping mathematics students at the Argenta-Oreana Middle School in Oreana, Illinois. This study investigated the perceptions of teacher attitudes toward abilty grouping mathematics students, the effects ability grouping has had on grades assigned to eighth grade students and the effects ability grouping has had on eighth grade student achievement test scores. A two tailed t-test for the difference of means at the .05 level of significance was used to analyze the data collected. The perception survey information collected from 11 teachers determined that no statistically significant differences existed between the perceptions of …