Date of Award

Fall 12-2009

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Dr. Cynthia Bice

Second Advisor

Dr. John Oldani

Third Advisor

Dr. Velma Burse

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of classroom walk-through observations and their effect on Communication Arts and Mathematics Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) scores, summer school placement, discipline referrals, and retention. This study was conducted in three Midwestern Middle Schools. This study focused on classroom walk-through observations. If the principal increased the number of classroom walk-through observations, would it have an impact on Communication Arts and Mathematics MAP scores, summer school placement, discipline referrals and retention? This study will attempt to determine if classroom walk-through observations had an impact on Communication Arts MAP scores, Mathematics MAP scores, Summer School placement, discipline referrals and retention. The data from this study was from the school years 2005-2006, 2006-2007, and 2007-2008. Classroom walk-through observations began in the ABC School District in the year 2006. The ABC School District used a walk-through form that is very detailed. The findings showed that yes, there was a decrease in discipline referrals, summer school placement, and retention, and there was an increase in student achievement in regards to Communication Art MAP test scores and Mathematics MAP test scores. It cannot be concluded that the classroom walk-through observations are the reason for the increase in student achievement. When educators look at the changes that education has gone through over the last twenty years, the focus is on the growth of the students and how the changes have impacted their student achievement. Classroom walk-through observations are one of the many changes that have occurred in education. Can brief classroom observations regarding best practices have a positive impact on student achievement and school climate? There is not one single thing that is a fix for the problems that are occurring in the educational realm, but by examining different key points, educators can decipher which programs are working and which ones are not working. A possibility exists that the statistical data cannot provide the desired information.

Rights

Copyright 2009

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