Abstract In this article, the writer examines whether the use of the different DIBELS measures and the results are reliable in predicting the academicoutcomes of a bilingual student. An evaluation of the different literature that concerns this study and other related issues are used to attain this objective. The writer maintains that the continuing research on the reliability and validity of the DIBELS measures clearly shows that it is a reliable source in predicting the academicoutcomes of the students. The writer points out that the results obtained from the students are valid such that a comparison with other measures may be encouraged for more validation of results. The writer concludes that using the DIBELS in identifying the possible academicoutcomes of English language learners is a helpful tool in assessing their English language proficiency.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Methodology
Results and Discussion
Conclusion and Recommendation
References and Works Cited
From the Paper "The increasing population growth among immigrants plays an important role in the demographic changes in the United States' school system. Given that the conditions regarding the students' English proficiency - which is a vital element in their academic performance - is not given proper attention, the country may not be able to produce competent students and human resources. This is the reason why the US educational system now works directly in its English language programs, which is a challenging task for them. In Los Angeles, there are already some eighty different languages spoken throughout the Los Angeles school system that addresses this issue.
In addition, in order to develop the US's human resources potential will mean keeping their educational opportunities open to minorities and to educationally disadvantaged students. The manner in which the US government addresses this issue will help shape their economic status and competitive position in the world. It will also affect the social and economic well being of every American in the United States. Emphasis on language training and the preparation of our youth for future jobs will be a critical task for the decade of the 90s."
Abstract This paper discusses how to improve academics, specifically learning how to juggle classes, social life and other roles that can be difficult as a college student. The paper recommends ways to obtain academic goals, including looking attributional patterns and changing these as needed, time management, learning to take notes, obtaining better study tips, learning ways to relieve stress, and setting academic goals that can be tested.
From the Paper "Freshman college students find the transition of becoming a college student quite different than high school. Many college students are challenged by time management because they have put on different masks such as being a parent, a worker, and a student. Academic stress often leads to lower grades and depression. "Academic stress pervades the life of students, and tends to impact their mental and physical health, and their ability to perform schoolwork effectively" (Akgun & Ciarrochi, 2003, p. 287). Learning how to juggle classes, social life, and other roles can be difficult as a college student. The academic goal is to become a better student and obtain higher academic grades. Obtaining this academic goal will include looking at attributional patterns and changing these as needed, time management, learning to take notes, obtaining better study tips, learning ways to relieve stress, and setting academic goals that can be tested."
Abstract This paper discusses the "notorious" case of academic fraud by Sir Cyril Lodowic Burt as presented by H. Beloff. The research focuses on the ethical problem presented, the ethical principles breached according to the Australian codes of ethics, the motives and justifications of a commitment of this breach, justification for such actions and solutions for dealing with instances of academic fraud. The paper states that while a brief discourse on the case of Sir Cyril is provided, the primary purpose of the case is to prevent fraud from occurring in the future.
Outline:
Academic Fraud
Cyril Burt
Ethical Issues and Disputes
Code of Ethical Conduct
Proposed Solutions and Actions
From the Paper "The cardinal principles of the Australian Code of Ethics as dictated by the Australian Ethical Society (2003) suggest the following principles must be applied in psychology and in evaluation of academic fraud: (1) professionals have a duty to act using well-informed conscious decision-making, (2) professionals engaged in academic investigation have a duty to act in the interests of the community they serve, (3) professionals and academics have a duty to accept responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of their community before the welfare of their private or personal interests and (4) professionals have an obligation to act with honesty and in good faith to the community, and apply their skill and knowledge in the interests of the community."
Abstract This paper examines the definitions, understanding of and legal effect of academic freedom in American schools, colleges and universities. The paper looks at how the concept of academic freedom has evolved and inherent tensions that operate within the concept.
Tags:Academic, freedom, in, educational, institutions
Abstract This paper discusses how the explanatory style is a cognitive personality variable that reflects the habitual manner in which people explain the causes of bad events that befall them. According to the paper, researchers believe that attributional style can help provide a better understanding of behaviors and consequences that affect one's performance and actions. The paper further discusses how tests of this relationship have spanned a wide variety of achievement settings including academic, health, athletic, and work settings, and how some of the problems and stresses affect performance, focusing primarily on academics.
Contents:
Chapter One
Performance
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Research Hypothesis
Scope and Limitation of the Study
Definition of Terms
Overview of the Study
Chapter Two
Review of Related Literature
Chapter Three
Methodology
Identification of Subjects
Implementing the Study
Gathering and Analyzing Data
Chapter Four
Data Analysis
Chapter Five
Summary, Recommendations, and Conclusions
From the Paper "For African Americans, ethnic identity and cultural racism significantly predict life satisfaction (Utsey et al, 2002). The study conducted by Utsey et al (2002) dealt with how African Americans felt about the culture and ethnicity that they belonged to, whether they felt they had been the victims of racism during their lifetimes, and also looked at how satisfied they were with their lives. Those that were less comfortable with their ethnicity and those that had been victimized by racism had lower quality of life scores than those that were comfortable and did not feel as though they had been victims. The higher the victimization score, the lower the quality of life score for these individuals.
Phinney, Cantu, and Kurtz (1997) state that having a poorly developed racial identity can lead to depression, a lack of comfort with oneself, and many other emotional problems that can be avoided when racial identity development theory is more clearly understood. On the other hand, having a racial identity that is well developed and that one is very comfortable with produces the opposite effects. While this is not an overly surprising insight, it is important that the correlation be noticed and recognized as something that should be studied and understood more clearly. This understanding of the link between racial identity and well-being has its roots in counseling psychology. By understanding the process of the development of racial identity, counselors felt they could begin to better understand pathology among black patients. Similarly, in investigating life satisfaction among African Americans, researchers (Utsey et al, 2002; Phinney et al, 1997) theorized that they must be attuned to cultural differences. There are significant potential dangers when researchers are unable to incorporate culture as a variable. Without a good understanding of cultural differences, it is possible for behavior to be misunderstood and even pathologized."
Abstract This paper examines the role of the mentor in the academic achievement of low-achieving students. It focuses on the history of mentoring, the description of the mentoring process and the relationship between mentoring and student achievement. The paper concludes that in most cases mentoring is a process that benefits both parties and assists in improving conditions in the academic setting or in the workplace.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
The History of Mentoring
The Mentoring Process
The Relationship Between Mentoring and Student Achievement
Conclusion
From the Paper "As it related to academic achievement, the researchers focused on two measures of academic achievement: test scores and grades. The research results found that the mentored students in the first cohort were more successful academically that the students without mentors by the time 8th grade was completed. On the other hand, the mentored students in the second cohort actually did worse than the students without mentors. The researchers point out several reasons for the differences between these groups. One factor being the differences between the academic statuses of students in these groups. In addition, the participants were chosen differently between the two groups. The first cohort consisted of students that were chosen by teachers and the second was chosen randomly."
Abstract This paper presents an overview of memory and the different types of memory and then takes a look at the relationship between memory and academic achievement. The paper also describes tests used to measure memory and learning.
From the Paper "This literature review, concerning the topic of the relationship between memory and academic achievement, addresses the following areas relevant to this study: history and overview of memory, different types of memory, memory and academic achievement, tests to measure memory and learning and a conclusion. Baddeley reported that whether memory needs to be regarded as a single system or two or more subsystems was a major controversy during the..."
Abstract This paper discusses the limited educational research done to-date that is relevant to the role high school athletic programs plays in motivating Latino students to achieve academically, if any. The paper then goes on to confirm, deny or ascertain that there is a lack of a sufficient body of sound statistical evidence to support the conventional wisdom in the educational field that three is little if any correlation between playing sports and getting good grades in general, and in relation to particular ethnic groups.
Abstract The paper investigates and studies the effects of TIPs on academicoutcomes for at-risk secondary students. The research attempts to answer the following question: Do TIPs improve the academicoutcomes for at-risk secondary students? The paper tests the proposition that effectively designed TIPs provide the support necessary to permit new teachers at the secondary level to develop the classroom management skills that will facilitate and promote learning among at-risk students.
From the Paper "New teachers are the most susceptible to the trap of losing control over the classroom by focusing specific aspects of the curriculum or specific teaching approaches, as opposed to managing the classroom with a focus on student learning. New teachers require support to develop effective classroom management skills. One approach to providing such support is the implementation of effective teacher induction programs (TIPs). TIPs are, by definition, support programs for new teachers. The terms "new teacher" and "beginning teacher" typically refer to teachers with less than five-years in service as a teacher. This definition, however, is not set in stone. The federal education bill enacted during the second Clinton Administration defined the term "beginning teacher" as a teacher with less than three-years in-service as a teacher (Feiman-Nemser, 2001)."
Abstract The paper is a research proposal discussing the anecdotal evidence that parental involvement in the academic lives of their children is associated with higher academic performance. Specifically, the study proposed examines the apparent relative significance of parental academic involvement as a predictor of academic performance and as a predictor of the ultimate academic level achieved.
Outline:
Abstract
Brief Literature Review
Sampling Methodology, Instrumentation, and Data Analysis
Possible Outcomes and Conclusions
From the Paper "Children whose parents are strong positive influences in their lives tend to behave better in general (Melhuish, Sylva, et al 2001), and tend to develop better social and professional relationships (Allen & Daly 2002), as well as to perform better in academic settings than children whose parents are negative influences or absent altogether. Inclusive, supportive family relationships seem to correspond to better academic performance across the board, irrespective of wealth, social standing, or education level of the parents (Flouri & Buchanan 2004). Among the "better" parents, those who are also involved in their children's academic lives apparently benefit subsequent academic performance even more".
Abstract The writer discusses the plan for an academic fun day from start to finish. The writer outlines how and what teachers of English, mathematics, science, art, physical education, choir and band would teach. The writer also reflects on the outcome of the day and concludes that, overall, it appears that all were pleased with the day.
From the Paper "First of all, I would meet with other department heads to explain the day to them and ask for their input about the actual activities to use and/or other ways to make the day entertaining for all. I would then ask them to elicit feedback from their department. I would try to include the input of everyone, but if an "issue" came up, we would discuss both sides and then vote. Consensus would be even better depending on the time frame. The question asked for consensus would be "Can everyone live with...?" A basic plan would be drawn up by me and then run by the principal for feedback. The same plan would be distributed to department heads for feedback. Issues that come up will be decided by the principal."
Examines the fact that disabled children do not perform as well academically as their non-disabled peers and how it relates to an elementary school in Chicago.
Abstract According to the National Council on Disability (1999), educational outcome indicators for students with disabilities, when compared to students without disabilities, show that special needs students are lagging behind the general progress that schools have made in the last several years. With this in mind, the question can be asked: What can be done at Brunson Elementary School (located in Chicago) to help the parents of special needs students? This study proposes to answer the question in three ways. First, a comprehensive search of the literature on the needs of parents of special education students is conducted to determine the general across-the-board needs of these parents in relation to their children attending elementary school. Second, based on the findings of the review and on considerations attendant to the specific practices and policies of Brunson Elementary, a questionnaire was developed and used to assess the perceived needs of the schools' parents of special needs students. Third, the data collected via the literature review and the needs assessment served as the foundation for formulating recommendations and related information for teachers to use in helping the parents of special needs students. The paper proposes that the information and recommendations be written up in the form of a guide or handbook.
From the Paper "There is a good deal of research evidence indicating that, in general, parents of special needs elementary school children need some sort of guide or handbook that assists them in dealing with the educational system and making sure their child receives all that he or she is entitled to. For example, in a guide developed by the New York State Department of Education (1992), it was noted that parents need a good deal of information if they are to make sure the system works for their children. In particular, the Department states that parents need information about: (1) students' rights; (2) the history of special education itself; (3) each particular step in the process from referral to triennial evaluation; (4) due process procedures; (5) preparation for future education and employment opportunities; (6) ways to keep needed records; (7) how to form a school-parent partnership; and (8) existing supportive services."
Abstract Students who suffer from the condition of autism present educators and policymakers at all levels with a complex set of questions about how to best help these students achieve the best possible academicoutcome, while balancing the needs of other students in the school systems. "Mainstreaming" such learning disabled students has become a popular approach and has proven to be an effective alternative to many special education settings, but the fact remains that students who suffer from autism, like all other people, have highly individualized needs that, in some cases, cannot be adequately addressed in a typical classroom setting. This paper shows that understanding when and why and for how long to include students with autism in a mainstream classroom has become an extremely important issue for educators today. This paper examines the scholarly literature to develop answers to these questions, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper "Today, approximately 5 percent of all public school students are identified as having a learning disability. This broad category includes disabilities in reading, language, and mathematics. One in every 10 students in public schools today receives special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). According to Horn and Tynan (2001), prior to the 1950s, the federal government was not routinely involved in the education of children with special needs. ?A few federal laws had been passed to provide direct educational benefits to persons with disabilities, mostly in the form of grants to states for residential asylums for the ?deaf and dumb, and to promote education of the blind.? These laws, however, were in the tradition of providing residential arrangements for persons with serious disabilities, services that had existed since colonial times? (Horn & Tynan, 2001, p. 36). These researchers point out that absent federal law, how -- and even whether -- children with disabilities were to be educated within the public schools was left to the discretion of the states and their local school districts. This state of affairs changed dramatically in 1975, though, with the passage of the Education of All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142)."
Tags: disabilities, handicapped, mainstreaming, IDEA
A research proposal aimed at identifying ways a family literacy program can help English language learner (ELL) students develop their English language skills.
Abstract This paper presents a research proposal that aims to identify best practices for the effective delivery of educational services to English language learner (ELL) students using a family literacy program approach. It discusses the US federal and state mandates that are in place concerning ELL students. It also looks at how family literacy programs have been used in the past to help ELL students achieve successful academicoutcomes and the types of initiatives that have been shown to be most effective. Finally, the paper discusses the factors that contribute to the success of family literacy programs in general and those designed to assist ELL students in particular.
Table of Contents:
Chapter I: Research Proposal
Introduction
Proposal
Chapter II: Review of Literature
Review of Literature
Chapter Summary
From the Paper "The preliminary review of the peer-reviewed and scholarly literature concerning English language learning students and the challenges they face in American classrooms today made it clear that teachers and parents need to join forces to help these young learners become more proficient in English. Acquiring English for the vast majority of ELL students represents the difference between success and failure in virtually every academic endeavor, and the inadequacy of many existing approaches was made clear. On a positive note, though, the problem has been recognized by concerned academicians and steps have been taken to help begin the process needed to develop superior delivery approaches for ELL programs in the future. One of the most important parts of this initiative was shown to encourage the active involved of ELL students' parents and caregivers in the educational process by implementing family literacy programs that can help teachers, students and parents alike in a number of ways. First and foremost, ELL students become better learners and acquire English more readily; second, and perhaps just as importantly, such programs were shown to help bring families together in ways that not only helped the children involved, but their parents and caregivers as well. Finally, family literacy programs were shown to help teachers accomplish their professional goals by integrating their classroom-based practicum with the home-based components of the program. All in all, family literacy programs represent an enormously cost-effective approach to helping ELL students become better learners, but such initiatives require solicitation of feedback from all of the stakeholders involved, a viable framework in which to administer the program, and careful oversight during its administration to ensure its successful outcome."
This paper examines the concept of academic freedom and its history and contrasts the ideal of academic freedom with the social, cultural, and economic constraints that are regularly placed upon the faculty.
Abstract This paper explains that academic freedom is the concept that faculty, and in some cases, students, should be able to study, write, and publish the truth as they see it, free of doctrinal interference from the administration, the church, the corporation, or the state. The author points out that the concept of academic freedom, which is more prevalent at Western colleges and universities, has its roots in the 17th century, the beginning of the modern era. The paper relates that the power of alumni to shift the direction of a university tends to be limited because most alumni do not have sufficient money to make much of a difference, but this cannot be said for corporations, such as drug companies, which often have almost inconceivably large amounts of money and clearly focused needs and desires.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Beginnings of Academic Freedom
German Universities Create Modern Traditions of Academic Freedom
Academic Freedom in the Modern University
Corporate Pocketbooks and Academic Freedom
Conclusion
From the Paper "The development of a more fully modern concept of academic freedom came about in the 17th century not because of the work or writings of academics themselves but rather through the work of scholars such as John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. Locke and Hobbes were not in fact particularly interested in the rights of university faculty per se; they were, however, interested in the rights of all members of a society to certain basic freedoms. Their arguments about liberty and individual rights helped to define the era of the rise of modern democracies, one element of which has been the university that is freed from the church."
