The purpose of this action research project report was to increase engagement during independent reading for 32 fourth-grade students and 26 seventh-grade science students. At Site A, data was collected from August 27, 2012 through December 14, 2012. At Site B, data was collected from September 24, 2012 through December 14, 2012. Students'…

Analysis of prior research, articles and studies revealed that concerns exist regarding student behavior in the classroom, at both the national and local levels. The learning environment is severely impacted by off-task behavior, as well as, lack of responsibility for daily routines and homework. Multiple reasons have been suggested as to why this…

This study analyzed the conceptualization of the parental role represented in selected children's books, using the following dimensions: need gratification and control, stimulation-maturity, and affection-emotional interchange. The sample consisted of 26 books representing equally two time periods, 1950-1960 and 1964-1974. A comparison of these…

The effects of modeling procedures on the reading selections of gifted and nongifted students were examined in a group of ten gifted sixth graders, eight gifted fifth graders, and eight nongifted fifth graders. Both adult and combined peer/adult modeling procedures were investigated. Data on selections from the 150 books available in the classroom…

The content and process of incidental learning of sex role related characteristics through play behavior was explored in a study of more than 6000 toys sold by Sears, Roebuck & Company between 1900 and 1970, as represented in their mail order catalogs. Sixty percent of all toys were sex typed by Sears. The nature of the play behavior…

Three psycho-social variables, identified as modeling influences of children's fathers, children's sex-typing of reading, and their judgmental conformity were investigated as possible correlates of reading achievement in grades one, two, and three. The subjects were 226 children from the first, second and third grades, all of whom came from…

This study examined the effects of a career project on the level of occupational aspirations of bilingual/bicultural Puerto Rican adolescents. The experimental treatment utilized role modeling techniques, field trips and group discussions. The career guidance project consisted of six lessons and involved career role models and counselors who were…

This critical review examines 16 empirical studies applicable to 4 areas of parenting: (1) Nurturance; (2) Parenting Style; (3) Parents as role-models; and (4) Parenting in regard to individual differences in children. The studies were examined in the context of how each one supported Biblical principles. Each study was critiqued in terms of…

This study analyzed children's picture books in order to determine the extent to which they reflect the changing roles of fathers in the family. Thirty books with a father as a main character and a publication date between 1980 and 1990 were randomly selected. Six possible father roles were determined. These were housekeeper, caregiver, companion,…

This study investigated children's perceptions of sex roles as they are portrayed in traditional and nontraditional children's stories. Subjects were 60 white, middle-class, 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old children. Tape-recorded stories and questions (investigator-designed) specifically examined: (1) distinction of mother and father roles in parallel…

This paper examines the impact of the explicit teaching of social skills to enhance academic achievement. The targeted population comprised kindergarten and second grade students in a middle-class community located in central Illinois. The problem of inappropriate behaviors and difficulties interacting with peers and how this may affect academic…

This study identifies the opinions and ideas of black scientists that are agreed upon by black elementary school teachers as being useful for improving the science education experiences of black elementary school children. Background information about the scientists and teachers who participated in the study is provided. Relevant literature is…

This paper describes a program designed to increase students' social skill development in order to improve positive peer interactions. The target population was elementary school students in one middle-to-upper class, rural community in central Illinois. Evidence for the existence of the problem of inappropriate social behaviors that interfere…

This study of a role change intervention, a type of cross-age tutoring, was conducted as a "true" experiment. Forty tutors from four low-achieving ninth-grade general math classes and 68 tutees from three fourth-grade classes were randomly selected. The classes were in inner city schools in which about ninety percent of the students were black and…