THE EFFECT OF TEACHER EXPERIENCE AND TEACHER DEGREE …

[Pages:172]THE EFFECT OF TEACHER EXPERIENCE AND TEACHER DEGREE LEVELS ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS AND COMMUNICATION ARTS

Jaime C. Dial B.S., Missouri Western State University, 2000

M.A., Baker University, 2003

Submitted to the Graduate Department and Faculty of the School of Education of Baker University in partial fulfillment of the Requirements of the degree Doctor of Education In Educational Leadership

April, 2008

Copyright 2008 by Jaime C. Dial

_________________________________ Major Advisor

_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

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Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine whether years of teaching experience has an effect on overall achievement of students on the communication arts and mathematics sections of the Missouri Assessment Program. In addition, this study examined whether a teacher's degree level has an effect on overall achievement of students on the communication arts and mathematics sections of the Missouri Assessment Program. Using descriptive statistics and factorial ANOVA, the researcher used data from both the communication arts and mathematics sections of the Missouri Assessment Program exam from the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years to determine whether teacher degree level or years of experience had an effect on student achievement. Inconclusive results indicated teacher degree level alone had no effect on student achievement. The results indicated that years of experience, as well as the interaction between years of experience and degree level, had an effect on student achievement in both communication arts and mathematics. These results provide a strong foundation for further research in which this particular study could be continued using future test score data. Additionally, it could be expanded statewide, using data from districts all across the state. Finally, this study could be changed to include the addition of other factors such as years of experience teaching a tested subject or grade level as well as specific area of degree level.

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Acknowledgments I would like to thank God for giving me the most wonderful and understanding family and friends to serve as my mentors throughout this journey. Specifically, I want to thank my major advisor, Dr. Susan Rogers, for all of her help and guidance along the way. Also, my sincerest thanks go out to others who have helped me: Peg Waterman, Laura, Melody, and Kerry in the Assessment Office, and my administrative assistants Rhonda, Brenda, and Nancy. I could never have made it without all of your help and support. I would like to thank my family for sacrificing so I could obtain this degree. Thank you to my parents who always urged me to go for my dreams. I can never repay you for the hours of babysitting you endured to allow me to attend classes. A final thanks goes to my husband and children who have been the best family a mother and wife could ever dream of having. I love you all.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables ................................................................................................................ viii List of Figures ................................................................................................................. ix CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION...............................................................................1

Background of the Study ......................................................................................3 Purpose of the Study .............................................................................................8 Research Questions and Hypotheses ....................................................................8 Significance of the Study ......................................................................................9 Overview of Methodology..................................................................................10 Research Variables and Instrument Used ...........................................................11 Limitations and Delimitations.............................................................................11 Assumptions........................................................................................................12 Definition of Terms.............................................................................................13 Organization of the Study ...................................................................................13 CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE...........................................................15 Factors Influencing Student Achievement..........................................................16

Degree Level Influence in Student Achievement ......................................20 Years of Teaching Influence in Student Achievement ..............................30 Importance of a Qualified Teacher in the Classroom .........................................34 Summary .............................................................................................................39 CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .................................................41 Research Design..................................................................................................41 Hypotheses ..........................................................................................................42

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Data Collection Procedures.................................................................................43 Statistical Analysis..............................................................................................44 Validity and Reliability.......................................................................................45 Summary .............................................................................................................46 CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS: ......................................................................................47 Summary of Methodology ..................................................................................47 Descriptive Statistics...........................................................................................48 Communication Arts Results ..............................................................................55 Mathematics Results ...........................................................................................70 Summary of Chapter Four ..................................................................................86 CHAPTER FIVE: INTERPRETATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS...................92 Restatement of the Purpose.................................................................................92 Summary of Results............................................................................................93 Discussion of Results..........................................................................................98 Summary of Discussion ....................................................................................102 Implications for Further Research ....................................................................105 Implications for Practice and Recommendations .............................................105 Limitations ........................................................................................................106 Conclusion ........................................................................................................107 WORKS CITED ...........................................................................................................109 APPENDIX A: PERMISSION LETTER FROM SCHOOL DISTRICT.....................118 APPENDIX B: RESULTS FROM FACTORIAL ANOVA, 2005-06 COMMUNICATION ARTS ..............................................................120

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APPENDIX C: RESULTS FROM FACTORIAL ANOVA, 2006-07 COMMUNICATION ARTS ..............................................................129

APPENDIX D: RESULTS FROM FACTORIAL ANOVA, 2005-06 MATHEMATICS...............................................................................140

APPENDIX E: RESULTS FROM FACTORIAL ANOVA, 2006-07 MATHEMATICS...............................................................................151

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List of Tables Table 1 School District Faculty Information 2000-07......................................................4 Table 2 School District Demographic Information ..........................................................5 Table 3 2005-06 and 2006-07 Elementary Communication Arts...................................49 Table 4 2005-06 and 2006-07 Secondary Communication Arts ....................................50 Table 5 2005-06 and 2006-07 Elementary Mathematics................................................50 Table 6 2005-06 and 2006-07 Secondary Mathematics .................................................51 Table 7 2005-06 and 2006-07 Elementary Communication Arts...................................52 Table 8 2005-06 and 2006-07 Secondary Communication Arts ....................................53 Table 9 2005-06 and 2006-07 Elementary Mathematics................................................54 Table 10 2005-06 and 2006-07 Secondary Mathematics ...............................................55 Table 11 2005-06 Communication Arts ANOVA Results .............................................56 Table 12 2006-07 Communication Arts ANOVA Results .............................................63 Table 13 2005-06 Mathematics ANOVA Results ..........................................................71 Table 14 2006-07 Mathematics ANOVA Results ..........................................................79

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