<p> The subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) have grown in importance because they are fundamental to the future quality of life and the ability to compete in today&rsquo;s global society. The demand for STEM careers is increasing; however, the United States is having difficulty meeting this demand. Society needs students who can research and think critically, so they can be proficient in STEM education and become the next generation of mathematicians, scientists, technologists, and engineers. Mathematical proficiency is of particular concern because while it is required for STEM education success, individuals find it challenging. </p><p> Both adults and children have apprehension about mathematics, and their negative attitudes toward math develop a barrier to STEM education and careers. This negative math phobia, or math anxiety, causes a decrease in math achievement. This study explored the perceptions of elementary teachers in establishing a classroom environment free of math anxiety. Specifically, this study focused on best practices that teachers incorporate in order to reduce math anxiety. </p><p> The purpose of the study was to (a) determine the strategies and practices teachers employ to reduce math anxiety, (b) determine the challenges teachers face in reducing math anxiety, (c) determine how teachers measure the success of their practices in reducing math anxiety, and (d) determine the recommendations teachers would make for future implementation of strategies in reducing math anxiety.</p><p>

<p> This research explored the nuances of co-creating and implementing a co-constructed and reconceptualized Kindergarten mathematics curriculum including innovative teaching practices such as number talks, math baskets, and counting collections to examine their impact on a student's mathematical identity, mindset, and content knowledge. The goal of this research was to provide a counter-story on mathematics curriculum in an early elementary classroom setting with a focus on social justice and equity. The project employed qualitative methodologies using a bricolage approach. A critical theoretical framework and related postdiscourses guided my research design, data collection, and analysis. Data sources for this study included a reflective journal kept by myself as a teacher-researcher focused on mathematical curriculum experiences, semi-structured focus group discussions with students, and electronic student artifacts collected over a twelve-week period in the late fall and winter of a school year. Data was analyzed using open and thematic coding. The major themes that emerged were used to create a community autoethnographic narrative via a bricolage of vignettes. The large and overarching theme of social justice and equity permeated the research findings in connection with students establishing a mathematical identity and mathematical mindset. Other themes included: (a) "growing our math brains"; (b) culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP); (c) operating as a community of learners; (d) students taking ownership of their mathematical learning; (e) teacher as ethnographer, facilitator and co-creator of learning; (f) making math meaningful and tangible; (g) play, enjoyment, and fun during math learning; and (h) meeting or exceeding standards with a localized curriculum in lieu of following a standardized curriculum. The vignettes and subsequent analyses are not intended to be a replicable mathematics curriculum for Kindergarten students. Rather, the vignettes are intended to inspire teachers to reconceptualize mathematics curriculums that influence their young students' mathematical identities. It is suggested that a reconceptualized and co-constructed mathematics curriculum will have a lasting influence on the mathematical mindset and identities of young students.</p><p> Keywords: reconceptualized mathematics curriculum; mathematical identity; mathematical mindset; number talks; math baskets; criticalism; social justice and equity; bricolage; community autoethnography; Kindergarten; early childhood education</p><p>

<p> The Effectiveness of Tiered Instruction in Elementary Schools Trident University International 2018 The purpose of this mixed research study was to explore the effectiveness of the tiered instruction and interventions for grades kindergarten through five at 2 elementary schools within a single charter school district in the Southern United States. The study is built on Swanson and Sachse-Lee&rsquo;s (2000) meta-analysis which identified the effects of Tier 3 interventions. The researcher requested secondary data consisting of pre-assessment and post-assessment results from the 2016 school year in the tiered instruction. A series of data points was used to determine if a student was successfully move from Tier III to Tier II due to the successful implementation of instruction. These data points were used to assess the effect of tiered interventions, including: NWEA MAP of Growth and the ACT Aspire for students in grades K-5. To gain a deeper understanding of teachers&rsquo; perspectives, a survey was distributed to 59 elementary certified teachers. A repeated measures ANOVA test was conducted for four dependent variables. When conducting this study, the researcher compared four groups in the multi-tiered instruction of the dependent variables and an expected medium effect (f = .25) based on the research. The Paired samples t-test and repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to test progress the participants in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 made in their reading abilities. The power of .80% power (alpha = .05) was used to conduct the study. Of the 59 teachers, 55 teachers participated in the survey. The minimal sample size of the survey was 55 teachers. The questionnaire consisted of open-ended questions related to how teachers used the assessments to implement tiered instruction with fidelity, to have more targeted conversations during professional learning communities, become more strategic in the implementation of the targeted instruction, and effectively articulate to parents the skills the students need to improve on while providing simplistic ways to assist the students at home. The researcher used &ldquo;thematic analysis&rdquo; as a systematic process to formalize the identification and development of themes. The process consisted of coding text, developing descriptive themes, and generating analytical themes. The use of line-by-line coding enables the researcher to undertake what has been described as one of the key tasks in the synthesis of qualitative research: the <i>translation</i> of concepts from one study to another (Coffey &amp; Atkinson, 1996). This study provided district leaders, building administrators, and teaching staff empirical evidence to support the effectiveness of multi-tiered reading interventions at the elementary level. The multivariate analysis of the study showed: (1) Participation in Tier I instruction predicted student scores in Reading through the NWEA MAP of Growth and the ACT Aspire, (2) participation in Tier II instruction could not predict student scores in Reading through NWEA MAP of Growth, however; student scores could not be predicted in Reading through the ACT Aspire, and (3) participation in Tier III instruction could not predict student scores in Reading through NWEA MAP of Growth or ACT Aspire pre-assessment and post assessment. The findings support the effectiveness of multi-tiered instruction in elementary schools. When Tier I instruction is strong, Tier 2 and Tier 3 will be effective resulting in few students needing the extra support afforded in Tier 2 and Tier 3. Of the 172 students that moved from one tier to another, 28 students increased their learning and moved from Tier III to Tier II instruction. The researcher also discovered from the qualitative research conducted, regarding elementary needs, teachers desired to have smaller classrooms which would improve the effectiveness of implementing instruction. The smaller classroom size would not only increase learning for the struggling students, but also the students who have already mastered the essential skills being taught. The findings may give support for the educators who need empirical evidence to increase learning through multi-tiered instruction.</p><p>

<p> The ability to solve problems in creative and innovative ways is more critical than ever in today&rsquo;s rapidly-changing society. To support these demands, the educational curricula in the U.S. and other countries adopted engineering design as a learning platform to promote students&rsquo; creativity, communication and design skills, and innovative problem-solving abilities. When using engineering design, many educators use a variety of engineering design process models. However, little is known about the problem-solving processes in terms of design cognition. Therefore, in this study, the researcher examined the problem-solving patterns of students who engage in engineering design using a cognitive pattern approach. </p><p> This study was conducted as part of the NSF-funded Science Learning through Engineering Design (SLED) project for elementary science students&rsquo; grades three to six. The researcher adopted the sequential analysis method to identify students' problem-solving patterns. Sequential analysis is a statistical research method to detect behavioral or psychological patterns by analyzing repeated cognitive events. The researcher sampled a total of 48 Concurrent Think-Aloud (CTA)sessions to examine the statistical significance of the sequential analysis. Two coders independently conducted data coding using Halfin&rsquo;s codes and confirmed a high range of inter-rater reliability with 97.22 % overall agreements and .86 Kappa coefficients. </p><p> The first research question aimed to identify the common cognitive strategies used by elementary science students in engineering design. The researchers pooled 48 CTA sessions to investigate the common cognitive strategies. The results indicated that the students largely concentrated on idea generation (DE) and sketching (MO) while less emphasized on questioning (QH), predicting (PR), managing (MA), and analyzing (AN). Moreover, the researcher confirmed that the upper level graders showed higher frequencies of cognitive strategies than lower graders. </p><p> The second research question aimed to investigate the common problem-solving sequential patterns of the engineering design process. After pooling the 48 CTA sessions, the researcher analyzed the statistical significances of two-event sequential patterns using GSEQ software. The statistical analysis yielded 14 significant two-event sequential patterns at the right-tailed 0.05 level and two-sided z distribution. Using the significant sequential patterns, the researcher built a pattern-based design process model. The model illustrates various iterations between the problem and solution strategies. The iterations in the problem strategies showed recursive cycles between defining the problem, analyzing, and managing. The solution focused iterations often began with questioning and proceeded to designing and modeling or designing and predicting. Moreover, the pattern model shows that managing and questioning played a key role in bridging problem and solution strategies. </p><p> The third research question was to identify how the cognitive strategies vary by design tasks. The researcher compared eight engineering design tasks used in the SLED project and confirmed that the structure of design problems was associated with the students&rsquo; problem-solving strategies. The results of data analysis showed that the participant students commonly emphasized on <i>Designing</i> and <i>Modeling</i> strategies. However, the researcher found that the modeling-driven design tasks required accurate mechanical designing lead students&rsquo; high concentrations on the <i> Modeling</i> strategy. </p><p> The last research question was to identify the differences of cognitive problem-solving patterns by design tasks. The study analyzed eight engineering design tasks and each task pooled six CTA sessions. The results confirmed that higher graders&rsquo; design tasks showed more complicated design pathways than younger graders&rsquo; design tasks. Additionally, the researcher found that each design task yielded distinct problem-solving pattern models. </p><p> Based on these results, the researcher suggested that engineering and technology educators need to highlight the multiple pathways of the engineering design process. The results showed many alternative problem-solving pathways rather than the standardized process models. The researcher also proposed that when adopting an engineering design approach in elementary curriculum, the program developers need to align its design procedure with learners&rsquo; sequential patterns of the design process. Engineering design problems provide rich opportunities to develop the cognitive abilities of young students. Additionally, the researcher encourages engineering and technology education programs to adopt multiple design process models aligned with the corresponding design problem types.</p><p>

abstract: ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to describe a new school model for Dine (Navajo) learners where Dine students will experience how to apply knowledge and skills personally, meaningfully, and socially relevant to life situations through the medium of Dine language and culture maintenance. This study explored a new way to perpetuate Dine (Navajo) culture and language through a model referred to as M.A.T.S. (Mathematics, Arts, Technology, Science, the renaming of STEM and STEAM). Oohoo’aah, Na’nitin Yee nooseel Xploria, which translates to a Center for Learning, acquiring knowledge and growing through a Navajo approach to exploration) is a public charter school serving students in grades K-3. As a public charter school ONYX is to serve all of Jeddito Community, with 98% ratio of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch. ONYX will employ dedicated educators and community members with excellent work ethics who are committed to closing the achievement gap, while promoting a creative outlook on the world around them. Students will leave ONYX School with skills in Navajo Language and Culture with a foundation in M.A.T.S. ONYX School’s educational program will be driven by a belief that all learning will be academically rigorous with a well-designed curriculum to students in becoming lifelong explorers of learning and productive members of society. This will allow ONYX to stay true to the mission to promote K’e (relationship in Navajo Culture), respect for self, others, and environment, most importantly to use natural/traditional scientific skills passed on through Navajo culture. In the learning environment, there will be constant and continuous communication among administrators, teachers, parents, and community leaders. This form of instruction is also transferable to learning how to read and write in Navajo. The program will allow for students to use hands on approach with inquiry based learning with a foundation in Navajo traditional/scientific approach to learning. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Educational Administration and Supervision 2016

<p> In Guam, the Chamoru have weathered centuries of change in the political and educational arenas. This study explored ways parents assisted their children at home and in school to understand the perspectives and approaches of parents in Guam. The sample consisted of 10 Chamoru parents. The purpose of this study was to address the question of how these parents define and enact involvement in their elementary-aged children&rsquo;s academic lives. This qualitative multi-case study included interviews, and a majority of the sample was from rural rather than urban settings. Findings revealed parents being involved with both outside and inside of school activities.</p><p>

<p> This study examined the effect of Math to Mastery and a randomized version of Math to Mastery at increasing digits correct per minute (DCPM) for three elementary-aged students. All three students received the standard and randomized version of the math fact fluency intervention, and progress was monitored using an adapted alternating treatments design. Data was collected and student progress was monitored to examine whether the randomized version of Math to Mastery would be just as or more effective than the standard version of Mast the Mastery. Results of the study indicated the standard version of Math to Mastery to be more effective than the randomized version for all three students at increasing digits correct per minute.</p><p>

<p> ABSTRACT EXPERIENCES OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS WHO HAVE IMPLEMENTED THE LEADER IN ME PROGRAM IN A LARGE URBAN DISTRICT Andrew Rocco The Sage Colleges, Esteves School of Education, 2018 Dissertation Chair: Jerome Steele The origins of the American educational system have always included a character education component. Teaching students moral values and the ability to know right from wrong is a component of the educational mission of our society. Character education evolved over the centuries, yet the core values of implementing right from wrong and the necessity of building moral values into our nations fabric has not changed. As we continue to move into the 21^st century, technology and social issues have evolved, and character education programs and curriculum must adapt and evolve to our modern times in order to meet the needs of all students, as well as our society as a whole. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how principals have implemented The Leader in Me (TLIM) program in elementary schools in a large urban school district. Through interviews with 12 principals, the researcher gathered information about their experiences with the TLIM program, including why and how the principals implemented the program, how they measured its success, what they have learned, how they have adapted the TLIM program for their own school environments and cultures, what they would change, and what advice they would give to other school leaders. The findings from this study suggest that all 12 participants agreed that TLIM program had a positive impact on the culture and communities of their schools and that although the program is costly, many participants were eligible for TLIM grant funding. Additionally, the results revealed that the participants acknowledged the all-inclusive nature of TLIM program and were able to measure the success of TLIM through multiple evaluation systems. Participants saw a decrease in disciplinary referrals as well as student suspension rates. Additionally, the findings revealed that participants found implementing TLIM in their schools had little to no push back from the school community. Participants acknowledged that they had autonomy in celebrating success of TLIM in their schools as well as autonomy in the orientation and implementation process of incorporating TLIM in their schools. The insights gained from this study will inform and assist other schools leaders in implementing TLIM and other character education programs.</p><p>

<p> Cursive writing is a skill that contributes to learning, yet in the digital age it is no longer considered a necessary part of the curriculum in America&rsquo;s schools. Research demonstrates the importance of handwriting, particularly cursive, in the development of fluency, compositional complexity, and literacy skills. Because of the ever-expanding use of technology, it is necessary to understand the value that cursive brings to the thinking and writing process. </p><p> This study compared the differences in fluency and compositional quality between two modes of transcription (cursive and keyboard) among fifth- and eighth-grade students. It also examined the attitudes and beliefs of today&rsquo;s educators and students regarding cursive&rsquo;s value and benefits as compared with the value and benefits of keyboarding. Students from three private schools in the midwestern United States wrote two stories each, one in cursive and one by keyboard using the <i>Test of Written Language-4</i>. The researcher tabulated the total word count (fluency) for each story and compared the results by grade level and mode of transcription. The researcher also compared the standard scores for each story measuring compositional quality by mode of transcription, grade levels, and schools. The students and their teachers completed a survey expressing their views on cursive writing and the use of a keyboard. The teachers also participated in follow-up phone interviews. </p><p> The researcher conducted a series of parametric and non-parametric tests, and the results indicated that the keyboard-generated stories in both the fifth and eighth grade generally scored higher in fluency and compositional quality over the cursive stories. In contrast, the teachers and students placed a substantial value on learning and using cursive as indicated by the qualitative data. Future studies should focus on understanding this dichotomy and how cursive writing may enhance best practices in educating the next generation of digital natives.</p><p>

<p> Reading has been found to not only build student motivation but to increase community involvement in education (Hudson &amp; Williams, 2015). Children who grow into lifelong readers were less likely to be incarcerated, became more successful members of society, and created greater futures for themselves and their families (Obama, 2013). With exposure to early childhood education opportunities, children found a greater propensity to attain foundational reading skills; therefore, positive habits for education lead to thriving outcomes in the future (DeHaan &amp; Leuven, 2016). This study analyzed variations in preschool programs in order to detect curricular, facility, and instructor distinctions (DeHaan &amp; Leuven, 2016). Educators, parents, and community members were predominantly favorable of financing and supporting early childhood education (DeHaan &amp; Leuven, 2016). Globally, early childhood education is continually trying to maintain a more prevalent stature in society (DeHaan &amp; Leuven, 2016). Early childhood education can seemingly take an indirect step backwards in school districts due to to other educational necessities (DeHaan &amp; Leuven, 2016). In this study, the researcher analyzed early childhood education opportunities and the impact on students&rsquo; reading comprehension in third grade.</p><p>