Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services
Advisor
Lucille Beisner
Committee Member
Karen Kimball
Committee Member
Barbara Packer
Keywords
academic achievement, after-school tutoring, assessment tools, communication arts, Computer Assisted Technology, curriculum guides, district assessments, health impaired, Individual Learning Plans, interventions, IEPs, learning disabilities, Lee-Hamilton, mental retardation, Missouri Assessment Program, modifications, reading strategies, school-wide programs, special education, standardized tests, student performance, test preparation, third grade students, tutoring programs
Abstract
This study served as a tool to increase third grade scores in communication arts on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) standardized test. Teachers focused on providing rigorous content material and implementing strategies to improve student performance on the MAP. Interventions included using test study material, after-school tutoring, Computer Assisted Technology (CAT), and school-wide programs.
Even though a different group of third graders are administered the MAP each year, a comparison of Lee- Hamilton’s third grade student’s MAP scores in communication arts over a two year period indicated a decline in student performance. Further analysis of the student data revealed that a significant number of students at Lee-Hamilton have Individual Learning Plans (IEPs) for diagnosis (mental retardation, learning disabled, or other health impaired) which has a profound impact on any test: district, statewide, or teacher made assessment tool. Results indicated that the majority of the students performing in the lowest level on the MAP were in special education. This significantly decreased performance on the MAP.
The implementations proved to be successful for individual students. A review of progress reports indicates that growth was realized. Regular and special education classrooms using the district’s curriculum guides with appropriate modifications and content verification sheet were a key factor in improving school performance on the MAP.