The guiding question for this project was, What is a user-friendly self-management intervention handbook for teachers that can impact student motivation and self efficacy in order to increase academic achievement and promote independence for students . . .

With an increased emphasis to include special needs students within the general education classroom to learn and participate alongside their peers, there is a growing demand to not only explore best inclusion strategies but to find practical ways to i . . .

This study analyzes how Students with Learning Differences (SLD) socially interact with each other during structured activity times (e.g., classroom discussion and teacher-facilitated) and if these interactions generalize to unstructured activity time . . .

The author of this study designed the manual, “Managing Anxiety,” to guide educators in addressing the needs of students with high-functioning autism and comorbid anxiety, through the implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance an . . .

Research has shown that some White teachers are not fully prepared to teach culturally and linguistically diverse students. This is concerning, particularly because the majority (84%) of the teacher work force across the United States is White and the . . .

Paraprofessionals in an inclusive middle school classroom fulfill a fundamental need to successfully support students with special needs. The difficulty with utilizing these essential members of the special education staff is that they are often not g . . .

The present study investigated the relationship of student, parent, and household math anxiety and attitudes on a student’s math progress on two assessments, the Houghton Mifflin Math Inventory (MI) which gives a quantile score letting the instructor . . .

In light of the research findings on gender differences in education, the purpose of this project is to develop curriculum for a professional development course for teachers on how to examine and enhance the way they differentiate their approach to bo . . .

This project considers the influence a classroom-based mindfulness practice has on teacher resilience, along with teacher and student stress levels and productivity. In the United States and abroad, mindfulness is increasingly gaining support and popu . . .

School districts around the United States have been purchasing an abundance of electronic devices with Internet access for students with the hopes that teacher will create engaging lessons to support their learning and make them career ready for the c . . .

This project explores the importance of differentiating instruction to enable all students to access and succeed the general education curriculum within inclusive classrooms. The United States has a highly diverse school-age student population, whose . . .

This project addresses the issue of improving assessment practices and procedures used to correctly identify and provide English language learners with appropriate educational supports. The focus of this project was the development of a parent handboo . . .

Current educational practice, such as focusing on high-stakes testing and a narrowing of the curriculum, have not been successful. To be successful in the future, students need to be lifelong learners who can think critically and creatively to adapt a . . .

The purpose of this project was to create a professional development series for paraprofessionals that includes teaching strategies and instructional techniques paraprofessionals can implement to educate students with moderate and severe intellectual . . .

General education teachers are faced with educating a diverse student population. In California, teachers are supporting students who are learning English, who have disabilities, who are gifted and talented, and who have an array of learning styles. C . . .

This thesis study used mixed-methods research design to study the application of manipulatives as a writing tool for middle school students. The manipulatives used in this study were plastic. colorful linking cubes. The research question for this stud . . .

Homework practices and policies vary widely throughout education. The research on homework varies just as widely without conclusive findings regarding which homework practices are effective or inclusive for student learning. This case study explored t . . .

To date, there is no curriculum that aims to align the English Language Development standards within the International Baccalaureate framework. Without English Language Development standards written explicitly into lessons to support the English langu . . .

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate students’ perceptions of the relationship between their middle level social studies teacher and their attitudes toward the teacher, learning, and school. The data was collected in two phases. . . .

This project explores the benefits of incorporating more movement in the classroom and the effects it has on students’ academic achievement, cognitive function, and behavior. Being physically fit has numerous positive effects on the body, but little h . . .

International Mindedness is a developing theme in International Baccalaureate education that has evolved in the 21st century to include sustainability of the planet among other themes. This project has been created to develop International Mindedness . . .

Music education may hold the key to improving the self-efficacy of students classified as socioeconomically disadvantaged. Increasing self-efficacy for these students also potentially improves their chances of academic success. This study investigated . . .

Emotional Disturbance negatively affects educational, social, and employment outcomes. The purpose of this project is to offer the needed supports and education for general education teachers to implement inclusion successfully, meet the unique learni . . .

The purpose of this study was to determine teachers’ perspective on the potential effectively a commercial language arts curriculum supports students with mild and moderate disabilities. The following research questions guided this study: What is the . . .

It being the 21st century, it is important for educators to adapt to the technological way of teaching, and implement Google Documents into the writing curricula. Google Docs have become an important instructional, and technological Web 2.0 that are b . . .

Though research has shown mastery-based education (MBE) to be an effective approach to improving student achievement and motivation, it is still an innovation that few institutions have successfully implemented. By identifying common elements encounte . . .

Many arguments circle the debate on the role cell phones play in today’s digital age classroom. The common held belief that cell phones are distractions to a student’s learning and only serve to disrupt their learning and understanding is being shaken . . .

Middle school is an age where students are really finding themselves. By becoming more involved in campus activities and leadership roles, at-risk students would be given the guidance needed in order to become successful. The purpose of this study is . . .

The adoption of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) has created quite a bit of media attention offering opinions from parents, teachers and administrators about the new standards and the resulting changes to curriculum. There is limited research on . . .

Inclusive practices have been introduced in educational settings during recent years. According to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) of 2004, schools are required to provide students with identified special ed . . .

While the number of students with special educational needs continues to increase, educators are finding themselves faced with the challenges of implementing effective teaching strategies that meet the needs of all students. Co-teaching has become an . . .

Young elementary students know what they want as learners, and they are fully capable and able to lead in contexts where adults are typically the leader – in classrooms and in research. The purpose of this case study was to explore whether and how pro . . .

Co-teaching provides the opportunity for students with special needs to be included in the same general education classes as their typical peers. At the high school level, inclusive classrooms often require a special education teacher to co-teach with . . .

The research took place in a unique Dual Language setting where students were mostly separated by primary language from kindergarten to second grade through a two-teacher language model. For the study, students in one class were integrated during thei . . .

School districts need to provide teachers with professional development they find useful in helping to change their practices, especially during times of significant educational reform. This study aims to answer the question, “What characteristics of . . .

This action research study examines the effects of the Paideia Seminar, a discussion strategy, on the writing attitudes and performances of the researcher’s current fourth grade Dual Immersion classroom located in southern California. The study used a . . .

A school is a complex environment in which school staff has an immense responsibility to meet the needs of all students. Students come to school with a variety of strengths, backgrounds, and level of readiness for meeting behavior and academic expecta . . .

Many high school graduates are ill-equipped to write in a professional capacity or at a college level. While high school graduates are better equipped in reading, many struggle with the texts they will encounter in the workforce or attending college. . . .

According to Wynn (2012), students in the US are falling behind in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). These vital disciplines have always been important in academia, but currently there is a global shift from specialization, a l . . .

Due to recent federal legislation, students with disabilities are now able to participate in rigorous academic and general education curriculum and assessment with their non-disabled peers in a common learning environment. In inclusive classrooms, all . . .

A strong volunteer program can be a valuable resource to every school. If a school is not utilizing such a program, the students, as well as their families, are under a great disadvantage. This project answers the question of how schools can advance t . . .

With inclusion becoming more popular among school districts for students with disabilities, these students are often not included in extracurricular competitive sports. Many physical education (PE) coaches report not feeling adequately prepared to coa . . .

Many students aspire to continue their educational journey, but far too many enter college without the basic content knowledge, skills, or habits of mind needed to succeed. Research on college readiness indicates the significant role mathematics achie . . .

Parents’ engagement within their child’s education is an important factor for student success. Actively participating within the school and home increases student achievement. Primarily focusing on an elementary level school, this study analyzed paren . . .

Preparing more students for success in college, career, and civic life is of critical importance, particularly for traditionally underserved students. Improvement science represents promising ideas and practices for how to achieve greater outcomes for . . .

Current English language teaching research in Mexico has shown that junior high school students are not learning English and that English teachers lack linguistic and pedagogical skills to teach the language. Research has evidenced system-wide factors . . .

Undermatching refers to college ready students who select and enroll in colleges with selectivity levels significantly lower than their academic profile, resulting in attending a non-competitive college, a two-year college, or foregoing applying to co . . .

Inspired by numerous studies of advantages on piano interventional education, the purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits of piano interventional education with support of the research on neuroplasticity. Using personal interviews, survey . . .

As educational technology advances, primary grade teachers are now implementing various mediums of technology to support their curriculum and instruction. In this study, an elementary school has designed a Weebly math website to use as an online learn . . .

Special education teachers are in high demand and greatly needed to meet the needs of the growing population of students qualified for special education services under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004. The increasing attri . . .

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience difficulties in social interactions, communication, and engage in restricted, repetitive behaviors or interest (Harstad et al., 2014; Neal & Hattier, 2012). These symptoms may hinder a child’ . . .

Literacy is a complex and vital part of modern day life. Individuals need an array of literacy skills in order to successfully access their environments (social, technological, academic, etc.) Students with disabilities tend to demonstrate lower level . . .

This project is a classroom-level implementation guide that aims to identify the problems of traditional discipline and offer guidance for reshaping public education discipline to become more restorative. Problems of traditional discipline include dis . . .

In the field of special education, students are referred, assessed and receive multiple interventions in order to be placed in settings, programs, and learning experiences intended to best fulfill their academic and social needs, which further advance . . .

Currently, many students with disabilities are being observed playing by themselves on the playground. Some educators believe the reasoning behind this behavior is students with disabilities prefer to play by themselves. However, often it is due to th . . .

The numbers of children who receive special education services are on the rise; current reports reflect that 13% of all children and youth, aged 3 – 21, currently receive special education academic or related services – equating to 6.5 million student . . .

The purpose of this project was to create a handbook, Zumba-Brain-Breaks: A Guide for Teachers, which explains how to include Zumba dance moves and brain breaks into a daily classroom schedule, in ways that help minimize student inattention, hyperacti . . .

This project examines the benefits of a classroom pet, specifically a leopard gecko, for middle school students with developmental disabilities, and provides a teacher manual for the implementation of a classroom pet program. Animals have long been us . . .

This project promotes equity amongst all students through the use of Culturally Proficient Teaching practices. This project consists of a Community Helpers thematic unit; the Spanish written lessons will allow the teacher to analyze and reflect upon h . . .

In 2008-2009, nearly one million children experiencing homelessness were enrolled in school. In 2012, over 1.5 million children were identified as homeless. In a 2013 U. S. Census report, 2.5 million children were identified as homeless in America. Th . . .

Today’s educators are faced with challenges when teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many educators report feeling unprepared and unsure of what interventions are effective for students diagnosed with ASD. Educators are mandated to . . .

Writing is intertwined throughout all content areas, making it an essential skill for student success across disciplines. However, writing instruction is not always engaging for students. A thorough review of the literature about the most effective an . . .

This paper seeks to shed a light on the post-secondary supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities in the domains of conservatorship, healthcare, education, housing, and employment for post-secondary life. Adulthood is a transiti . . .

The study evaluated the preexisting collaborative climate at a public elementary school that implemented inclusive education by integrating students with exceptionality in general education classrooms. Qualitative data collected through in person inte . . .

Inclusion is forefront of the agendas in many schools. However, there are educators who are resisting the change. This project provides schools with a professional development that addresses the resistance towards inclusion and provides the site with . . .

Implementing an effective Response to Intervention (RTI) program at a school site requires school leaders to be active participants. A school administration team must be able to properly equip its staff with the tools necessary to offer high-quality, . . .

Since the passage of Title IX in 1972, girls have made momentous strides in education, athletics, and career. However, boys continue to dominate the landscape in advanced math and science classes and in STEM professions. Gender stereotypes and gender . . .

The purpose of this study was to explore the disproportionate representation of school discipline and the effects on academic achievement for African American students. The study examined the suspension and referrals for African American students, the . . .

This research study explores the contributors to quality integrated English Language Development (ELD) in two first grade classrooms in a small Los Angeles County elementary school. The purpose of the study is to examine how language objectives, along . . .

Senior project programs are an important component to the student, school, and community. How does a school that has no history of a senior project program build an effective program? This case study of best-practices methodology is based on the quali . . .

The purpose of this study was to determine if relationships exist between a particular mindset and student success. The participants were middle school teachers, parents, and students from a virtual independent study charter school in California who w . . .

The research in this study found that primary teachers with 5 years of experience of more contribute to the gender-math achievement gap more than their less experienced colleagues.

Research indicates that many students suffer from achievement loss when they transition to high school. This loss can lead to decreased success within GPAs, test scores, attendance, or behavioral records. Upon experiencing this loss, students are more . . .

Thesis Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore evidence-based strategies to promote efficacy of implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) at a local elementary school. This study sought to determine best practices f . . .

Since California’s adoption of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) in 2013, K–12 school districts have been given more autonomy in setting funding priorities and enacting policies through actions and s . . .

This study examines perceptual impediments that lead teachers at a single middle school campus (School Site A) in Riverside County, California to resist the implementation of a disciplinary framework called Positive Behavior Intervention and Support ( . . .

This study addresses the enrollment and achievement gender gap in high school science education. The research of this study focuses on whether or not there is a gender gap in enrollment and achievement and the factors that relate to whether or not a f . . .

This quantitative study considers how the presence of student engagement opportunities relates to student achievement within a hybrid independent study program. Until recently, the online and hybrid aspect of education has been growing, but with littl . . .

This paper explores the overrepresentation of English language learners (ELLs) referred to the Student Study Team (SST) process and identified as needing special education support. A number of articles discussed in the paper remark on the striking sim . . .

Reading at the middle school level can be a barrier to progress in all content areas because reading is a requirement for learning. This leads to students failing to maintain levels of achievement as other subgroups. The Purpose of this study is to id . . .

The purpose of this study is to determine essential best practices for administrators to use when supporting co-teaching. The participants were five assistant principals in a large public comprehensive high school in southern California. All five assi . . .

This study seeks to determine through quantitative analysis if an income achievement gap is present at Catholic School A, and, if so, to what extent? Catholic School A is a relatively small private Roman Catholic school located in a rural town in Nort . . .

Initially, this paper explores fifteen published articles that report on the disproportionate amount of disciplinary actions handed out along racial lines in U.S. public schools. Additionally, this paper examines the relationship between the number of . . .

The purpose of this study was to determine if there are academic benefits, specifically on reading levels, for Hispanic students from literacy based Project Based Learning (PBL) units. Project Based Learning is a student-centered instructional practic . . .

School districts across the country have invested money into 1:1 devices to support student learning and provide students access to technology. However, do teachers and students feel 1:1 devices improve student achievement, engagement, and are worth t . . .

Teacher induction programs are implemented to assist and support first and second year teachers. With many schools experiencing teacher shortages as well as high attrition rates of teachers, the induction programs are designed to retain and prepare mo . . .

Over the past decade, the number of Advanced Placement exams and test takers has doubled (College Board, 2017b.). Reasoning for the increase in participation of AP exams is due to AP student participation now being factored into each school’s Accounta . . .

Many schools have implemented Response to Intervention programs successfully. This study specifically at what strategies are most effective in middle school mathematics Response to Intervention. A review of literature shows that it is imperative to pr . . .

Within today’s classroom, teachers not only teach academics but also social and behavioral skills. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) has been used as a school-wide intervention in order to provide students a framework for behavioral . . .

Research has shown that parental involvement is a great resource and benefit for students as they go through their school career; however, we see both a parental involvement drop off and a student academic and behavioral drop off as students transitio . . .

The number of ethnically diverse students is growing rapidly in the United States while the majority of the teacher force is White. This is significant because research has shown that student achievement is linked to teacher diversity especially among . . .

Abstract A common trend throughout schools across the United States is the high rate of absences occurring in the early grades. The biggest offenders of excessive absences are kindergarten students, followed by first and second grade. This pattern of . . .

This study examines the social, cultural, and linguistic barriers that Spanish speaking parents face. It also examines effective types of parent involvement. This study consisted of a mixed-methods approach to answer the following research questions r . . .

This study is a qualitative study of flexible seating in a first grade classroom and its effectiveness in helping students to learn. Parent and student interviews were conducted along with learning style quizzes. Students were able to set learning goa . . .

As we delve into an increasingly technologically advanced society, it has become evident that the future will be drastically shaped with the integration of technology being woven into the fabric of everyday life. Although it is difficult and premature . . .

This study intends to find ways for educators to begin to make gains towards closing the achievement gap for English language learners. Through analysis of qualitative data collected, I hope to initiate the implementation of the most effective classro . . .

The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) courses are among the most academically demanding classes available to secondary school students. There exists a strong correlation between AP access and success in high school and college completion. Howeve . . .

Well over 40 years of budget pressures and a focus on reading and math have results in the arts – music, art, dance - largely beening squeezed out of the school curriculum. Numerous authors describe how arts-poor classrooms translate into missed educa . . .

The author of the following work was inspired to create an integrated STEM curriculum that can be easily implemented within an elementary class setting that is engaging and aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in addition to Next Generation . . .

As teachers and educators focus on success in their classrooms, bringing in technology is another layer of complexity added to their lesson plans and can cause additional work with limited resources. This means that teachers need to be supported throu . . .