Northwestern College - Iowa
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Multi-Tiered System of Supports: Positive Student Impacts
Get PDFResearch shows the plethora of benefits that a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) has on students of all ages when implemented with fidelity. Through MTSS, students receive leveled interventions appropriate to their needs, which has proven to be valuable. Studies have shown that a Multi-Tiered System of Supports has great impacts on academics, behavior, students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), English Language Learners (ELLs), students who have experienced trauma, mental health and professional development (PD) for staff. With these important research findings in mind, this school created a school improvement plan implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports within their middle school
Ensuring the Effectiveness of Reading and Mathematics Interventions
Get PDFWith an increased pressure in standardized assessment performance, teachers have the difficult task of ensuring all students test at grade level. The goal of making a connection to each student’s learning style can be a daunting task, but positive results are possible. With research in mind, a school improvement plan was created to ensure the time spent during reading and mathematics interventions is effective. This plan creates a way for educators to assess students and develop the best plan of action for each student’s learning style
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Instruction: The Effects on Students with Learning Disabilities (LD)
Get PDFSocial Emotional Learning (SEL) has been researched for over 20 years, yet it has become the focus of policy makers over the last several years. SEL competency has proven to increase student relationship building skills, emotional control, academic success and overall self-esteem. Research has shown SEL instruction benefits all students, even students in special education when taught in an explicit and direct manner
Integrating Technology into the Secondary Spanish Classroom
Get PDFAs educators navigate the complexities of modern classrooms, engaging students, especially English language learners, in meaningful learning experiences has become increasingly critical. This action research paper explores effective strategies for integrating technology in the middle school Spanish classroom, specifically targeting seventh graders at Woodrow Wilson Middle School. By implementing a blended learning model combining traditional teaching methods with digital tools, this study seeks to assess the impact of technology on student engagement and language acquisition. The research employs a comparative analysis between classes utilizing digital platforms—such as language learning applications and collaborative online tools—and those adhering to conventional pedagogical approaches. Employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the study examines pre- and post-test results, student surveys, focus group discussions, and classroom observations to evaluate the educational outcomes of each instructional approach. This research posits strategic integration of technology not only enhances engagement but also cultivates proficiency in language learning, preparing students for an interconnected global landscape. The findings aim to provide actionable insights for educators seeking to enrich language education through technology while addressing diverse learning needs, highlighting the essential role of innovative practices in contemporary classroom setting
Character Education and its Effects on Athletic Performance
Get PDFThis action research was driven by the researcher\u27s current interest in character education for female student-athletes and if the presentation of character education lessons plays a role in player performance. Along with the effects of character education and performance, the researcher also tried to decipher if timing of lesson delivery had an overall impact on the performance of the student-athlete. This quantitative action research took four weeks to complete with presentation of weekly lessons and student-athlete feedback in the form of a Google Form questionnaire. The researcher, a varsity head softball coach, enlisted in the voluntary help of her current athletes to conduct the research. The findings revealed the majority of participants were directly affected by the character education lessons\u27 message; the timing of the lesson, prior to practice versus competition was irrelevant as data reported similar results. The action research was conducted to guide future athletic and activity programs in delivery of transformational coaching strategies
Improving Elementary Literacy Achievement by Aligning Individual and Team Goals
Get PDFRecent research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted literacy achievement. A school improvement plan was created to improve literacy achievement by leveraging the positive effects of individual and team goal-setting on student motivation and student achievement. Past studies have shown that growth and learning goals are more effective than performance goals and that a combination of distal and proximal goals lead to optimal performance. This school improvement plan uses the Leader in Me framework to set proximal and distal goals, aligning all individual student goals with the school’s team goal, to improve literacy achievement
The Beacon, January 26, 2024
Get PDFA day in the life of Stacy Roberson; NW men\u27s and women\u27s retreats; New Kid Cudi album labeled mundane; Triumphal true story seems innately human; Students recognized at regional festival; Dr. Lief explores the future of youth ministry; Creating a major helps Raiders stand out; Chef Stacy brings joy to the cafeteria; Masked Singer event returns to campus; Off-campus weekend retreats; Adding love into the air; Are you a broke college student?; Basketball is on the road to quarterfinals; Raider wrestling is battling injuries with grit; Esports team with new season and recruits; Students test their mettle in Mario Kart
Individualized Instruction in the Special Education Classroom
Get PDFThe purpose of this action research study was to determine if individualized instruction in the special education classroom positively correlates with vocabulary acquisition. This study focused exclusively on a middle school special education student diagnosed with autism and ADHD. The researcher utilized a pre-test to begin data collection prior to starting the unit. A post-test was given at the end of the unit to determine vocabulary acquisition. Data analysis revealed the student increased vocabulary over the course of the unit. The research findings suggest individualized education teams should consider the special education classroom when determining the least restrictive environment. The outcome contradicts current research supporting inclusion into the general education classroom. The conclusion provides evidence for individualized instruction in the special education classroom
Nature\u27s Classroom: Outdoor Learning in Early Childhood
Get PDFThis paper presents a school improvement plan for the Elk River School District focusing on enhancing family and community engagement through nature play in early childhood education. The needs assessment identified a gap in family involvement and outreach and a lack of outdoor play opportunities for early childhood students and their families. Extensive research underscores the benefits of integrating nature play into early childhood education, revealing its profound impact on cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. A comprehensive plan to bridge the gap between research evidence and practical implementation of nature play in early childhood education is proposed. The plan includes professional development for educators, educational and interactive bulletin boards in community meeting areas, and outdoor parent-child classes. The plan aims to increase family engagement and support child development outcomes by offering nature-based play opportunities and education. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment within the district, promoting a deeper connection to nature among students and families
Technology in a Classical Education Model
Get PDFClassical Education is historically in contrast with technology. Technology is essential to improving testing scores in students. Teachers must implement technology integration into elementary classrooms to prepare students for their further education and careers. Research aims to answer, How can elementary students in a classical charter school be better exposed to technology in order to be able to be a successful citizen in the modern world? Implementation of this plan includes adding professional development opportunities, technology standards into lessons, and adding performance-based assessments