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Thesis (M.Ed. (Mathematics Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Alignment between content standards, instruction, assessment and learning materials assists in achieving the intended content in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to explore the alignment between Senior Phase Mathematics Content Standards (SPMCS) and numeric and geometric patterns’ workbook activities. The problem was that teachers sometimes use the Department of Basic Education’s workbooks interchangeably with textbooks, while their purpose is to supplement textbooks and provide worksheets for the learners. The alignment status of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) senior phase mathematics’ workbooks could not be found in the literature. Mixed methods research and document analysis were employed to explore the status of alignment between SPMCS and DBE workbook activities on Numeric and Geometric Patterns (NGP). This was aimed at highlighting the status of alignment in terms of the content structure and the alignment indices through the use of alignment model of Webb (1997) and of Porter (2002). The findings of this study revealed that the alignment between SPMCS and DBE workbook activities on NGP in terms of the categorical concurrence, depth of knowledge consistency and range of knowledge correspondence ranges from ‘acceptable’ to ‘full’ level of agreement. However, content beyond the scope of the content standards was found in Grade 7 and Grade 8 DBE workbook activities on NGP. The computed alignment indices for Grade 7, Grade 8 and Grade 9 range from moderate to strong alignment. Besides, weak and strong discrepancies were identified, which need to be addressed to improve the content structure of the DBE workbooks. This study recommends two alignment models to explore the alignment between educational components for comprehensive results and complementation. In addition, studies such as this should be conducted to enhance the quality in developing assessments in future. KEY CONCEPTS Alignment; assessment; content standards; learning materials; workbooks; numeric patterns and geometric patterns.

Thesis (M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Alignment between content standards, instruction, assessment and learning materials assists in achieving the intended content in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to explore the alignment between Senior Phase Mathematics Content Standards (SPMCS) and numeric and geometric patterns’ workbook activities. The problem was that teachers sometimes use the Department of Basic Education’s workbooks interchangeably with textbooks, while their purpose is to supplement textbooks and provide worksheets for the learners. The alignment status of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) senior phase mathematics’ workbooks could not be found in the literature. Mixed methods research and document analysis were employed to explore the status of alignment between SPMCS and DBE workbook activities on Numeric and Geometric Patterns (NGP). This was aimed at highlighting the status of alignment in terms of the content structure and the alignment indices through the use of alignment model of Webb (1997) and of Porter (2002). The findings of this study revealed that the alignment between SPMCS and DBE workbook activities on NGP in terms of the categorical concurrence, depth of knowledge consistency and range of knowledge correspondence ranges from ‘acceptable’ to ‘full’ level of agreement. However, content beyond the scope of the content standards was found in Grade 7 and Grade 8 DBE workbook activities on NGP. The computed alignment indices for Grade 7, Grade 8 and Grade 9 range from moderate to strong alignment. Besides, weak and strong discrepancies were identified, which need to be addressed to improve the content structure of the DBE workbooks. This study recommends two alignment models to explore the alignment between educational components for comprehensive results and complementation. In addition, studies such as this should be conducted to enhance the quality in developing assessments in future. KEY CONCEPTS Alignment; assessment; content standards; learning materials; workbooks; numeric patterns and geometric patterns.

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This study examined science textbooks over time to better understand the science content expectations that the U.S. educational system deems appropriate for 8th and 9th grade science students. The study attempted to answer the questions: 1) What specific science content has been presented via the textbook from 1952 to 2008? 2) Within which areas and in what way does the science content change? 3) Are new scientific findings reflected in 8th and 9th grade U.S. general science textbooks? Twenty-six themes were identified which reflect five areas in science: Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Biology, and Process of Science. Trends in science content in U.S. 8th and 9th grade general science textbooks, as revealed by this data sample, indicated no statistically significant change in depth of coverage in Physics and Process of Science over the past 60 years, no significant change in depth of coverage in Earth Science and Biology in the last 40 years, and no significant change in coverage in Chemistry over the last 30 years. Additionally, a total of sixteen new discoveries were found in the textbook sample. For classroom teachers this information may alert them to the necessity of going beyond the textbook in preparing students for life in a global society. In educational practice, this research supports and reinforces the need for inquiry learning and socioscientific curricula. It may also influence educators to challenge assumptions regarding the value and selection of the traditional classic science content.

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This qualitative study sought to identify the common behaviors and practices of principals in high achieving standards-based schools. Three schools were examined in the study. These schools were selected from a ten county area and had demonstrated consistent and unusual growth on the Academic Performance Index (API). The practices of principals were identified through a phenomenological study of the experiences of successfully implementing a standards-based instructional system. Principals were interviewed individually, and focus groups of teachers were interviewed separately. Both groups were asked about the principal behaviors and practices that led the school to achieve academic success. Principals and teachers across the three sites identified similar practices including high expectations of students and staff, planning and goal setting based on student achievement data, frequent monitoring of student achievement, teacher collaboration, principal classroom visits, principal visibility on campus, principal accessibility, and a school culture that promoted trust and team work.