Overview
THE SIGNATURE PROJECT
The culminating requirement in ED 504 is the final iteration of your Signature Project Stage 1. The Signature Project Stage 1 is your research proposal. It is designed to guide candidates through the steps for planning an experimental or quasi-experimental study to examine an in-depth school improvement project focused on improving teaching and learning. The project involves an opportunity for candidates to apply the knowledge, skills, and behaviors they gain from their respective programs.
To complete the Signature Project Stage 1, candidates extract information from their Major Assignments 1, 2, and 3 to create the Signature Project Stage 1 which includes Chapters 1, 2, and 3, References, and Appendices. The Signature Project Stage 1 should include the following:
Cover Page
Abstract
Chapter 1: Research Problem
Introduction
Statement of the Research Problem (include hypothesis)
Data Graphic and Discussion
Impact on Student Achievement
Research Methodology
Summary (of chapter 1)
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Introduction
Sub-headings (according to the organization of your study)
Synthesis of Literature Review
Chapter 3: Methodology
Introduction
Population
Sample
Sample Technique (with justification)
Role of Participants and Impact on Participants (with explanation)
Plan for Protection of Human Subjects
Variables
Timeline (with sequence of steps and timeline for data collection)
\Constitutive and Operation Definitions
Description of Data (data needed)
Reliability and Validity of Instrument
Collaborative Resources
Leverage Plan
Limitations
References
Appendix A: Consent Form
Appendix B: Permission to Study
Appendix C: Copy of the instrument or survey if one is used.
General Guidelines
- APA format.
- Double-space using Times New Roman 12 pt. font size. Follow the example found in the Course Resource section of this course.
- Top, bottom and side margins must be 1 inch.
- Pages must be numbered, top flushed right.
- Organize the literature review according themes important to the study.
- Direct quoting of other authors is not permitted. All written text should be in your own words.
- Appropriately cite all information sources using APA.
- Include a minimum of ten scholarly sources, five of these sources should come from the primary literature. (ED 504 requirement) All ten sources should primarily be from the past five years.
- References should be in APA format and on a separate page in the document.
- If you’re scholarly literature sources were obtained from an Internet site (e.g., online journal article), include the URL and the date downloaded as part of the bibliographic details presented. Check APA on formatting.
- Grammar and spelling must be correct.