Digital Commons Network^™

Pathways To A Brighter Future: Narratives Of Latino Students’ Perceptions At Community College, Columba Myra Gaytan-Morales

Theses and Dissertations

Helping Latino students into leadership roles begins with a college experience. Latino students are the largest and fastest growing student population within community colleges, yet they are less likely to graduate. Blame is often placed on minority students and their families for the students’ poor academic performance. Deficit thinking models have impacted this way of thinking and this adds to the variety of factors that prevent students’ from successfully completing a college degree. An analysis of nine Latino students’ college experiences was examined to determine the types of barriers that were evident. Critical Race Theory and Latino Critical Race narrative …

Attitudes And Perceptions Of Teamwork In Special Education, Jenna Slack

Culminating Projects in Special Education

The review of literature in Chapter 2 includes 16 studies, all containing participants who identified as members within an interdisciplinary team. This review examines the connection between how team members’ attitudes toward, and behaviors within a team influence its effectiveness. It has been said these views can greatly influence the quality of services and outcomes for the students and families served (Gallagher et al., 2009). This review provides insight into the teaming process, what essentials are required for effective team functioning, and those that are most problematic. Additional research pertaining to this topic was explored outside the field of education …

Immigrant Students: Attitudes And Perceptions Towards Education, Dayana Rangel

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This research studied the attitudes and perceptions towards education in foreign-born and first-generation immigrant students enrolled at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Data was collected through an online survey that used original questions by the researcher as well as modified questions from The Center for Applied Research in Education, and the 2004 National Survey of Latinos: Education (PHC, 2004). Concepts from the Cultural Ecological Theory developed by John Ogbu were applied to this project as it explores the academic performance among immigrant students (voluntary minority). According to Ogbu, voluntary minorities have a pragmatic and optimistic attitude towards schooling (Ogbu …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Intensive Professional Development On The Daily Five™ In Literacy Instruction: A Multiple Case Study Exploration, Lori A. Hamilton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This multiple case, qualitative study explored the experiences of six early childhood teachers as they implemented a structured, differentiated literacy framework (The Daily Five™) in a rural northeast Tennessee school system. This study investigated teachers’ perceptions of professional development, specifically the professional development components of coaching including ongoing online discussion, collaboration, and reflective journaling, on changing their literacy planning and instruction. Data were collected through interviews, journal entries, and transcribed meeting conversations. Findings revealed that teachers perceived coaching and collaboration as instrumental professional development components that directly contributed to changing their literacy planning and instruction. Both coaching and collaboration offered …

English Teachers' Perceptions Toward Differentiated Assessment In Cycle Two At Al Ain Public Schools, Reem Moh'd Kamil Salhyyieh

Theses

No abstract provided.

Perceptions Of School Administrators Regarding The Benefits Of Teacher Induction Programs, Robert L. Baker

Dissertations

As rates of teacher attrition continue to increase across the United States, school districts are trying to determine effective methods of retaining quality teachers for their classrooms (Ingersoll, 2012). Comprehensive teacher induction programs have shown to decrease rates of teacher attrition when implemented over a multiple-year span (Goldrick, 2016). This has created the need for school districts to determine if the costs associated with the implementation of comprehensive teacher induction programs are worthwhile investments. This study involved an examination of the perceptions of Missouri superintendents and/or human resources designees and secondary school principals regarding the benefits of comprehensive teacher induction …

Hispanic Bilingual Learners' Perceptions And Educational Experiences Of Spanish-Speaking In South Texas, Isela B. Stephens

Theses and Dissertations

The present study focuses on a subset of data obtained from a larger interdisciplinary project, Proyecto Posible, which investigates how sociocultural and instructional factors predict positive outcomes among Spanish- and English-speaking Hispanic bilingual learners. As one part of Proyecto Posible, interviewers asked learners to speak in their language of preference about their experiences in school and feelings developed during interactions with others, as bilinguals. This study examines the qualitative component on bilingual learners’ perceptions of their own language proficiency in English and Spanish, perceptions of language use across a broad range of contexts including school, home, and community, …

Co-Teaching: How Do Teachers Rate Barriers To Effective Co-Teaching?, Christopher Ratcliff

All Capstone Projects

Students with disabilities are increasingly more present in high school general education class due to the pressures from federal legislation and disability advocates. In response, co-teaching model are being implemented by many school districts within the United States. The purpose of the study was to examine how teachers rate the effectiveness of co-teaching and the barriers to success. The study reflected a quantitative, descriptive approach using a survey design. A 20 item questionnaire was used to collect data on the perceptions of the participants. The participants for this study included professionals in the field of education, specifically teachers from both …

Understanding The Call Of Social Justice Advocacy: A Phenomenological Study Of High School Counselors, Leonis S. Wright

Theses and Dissertations

Advocacy has always been an integral component of effective school counseling (Field & Baker, 2004), however now more than ever, due to a growing diversified society and the specific needs of students who are considered marginalized, school counselors have been identified as key persons to serve as social justice advocates for all students. The identification of school counselors in this phenomenon is an effort to level the educational playing field by ensuring that each student receives just and equitable access to a quality education. Subsequently, to validate the importance of the advocacy role for school counselors and to ensure school …

K-12 And The Active Shooter: Principals’ Perceptions Of Armed Personnel In New Jersey District Factor Group Gh Public Schools, Brian P. Kelly

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this study was to explore the predicament school principals face when formulating the best methodology to provide a safe environment for their students and faculty, while simultaneously creating an atmosphere that is conducive to education.

This multiple-case study is a replication of a dissertation published in 2014 which explored a unique phenomenon containing multiple variables within an urban public school district. Conversely, this research study examined suburban public school districts within communities that possessed a median household salary ranging between $86,000 and $105,000, where the socioeconomic status of these schools is identified and delineated by New Jersey …

The Principal's Voice: Supports Critical To A School Principal's Effectiveness, Rita Chaudhuri

Ed.D. Dissertations in Practice

Abstract

Demands on school principals in the 21^st century are highly complex. Ever-increasing pressures include accountability for student achievement; creating systems and structures to close the achievement gap of underrepresented students; implementing Federal, State, and District initiatives; implementing a more complex evaluation system for staff; being responsible for all stakeholders that create the school community; and being an instructional leader that makes learning happen for all students every year. In the State of Washington, a majority of districts have adopted the AWSP Leadership Framework as a standards-based model to evaluate principals and also provide targeted supports.

The purpose of …

The Influence Of Society's Perceptions And Stereotypes On African American Women Administrators' Leadership Practices, Kim Hiel

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Abstract

African American female educational leaders have historically faced multiple racial and gender challenges (Murtadha & Watts, 2005). These perceived challenges could bear impact on African American women’s actual leadership practices. African American women experience daily, the challenges of duality in their roles: the color of their skin (Meyerson, 2001) and their gender (S.N. Jones, 2003). The challenge of navigating the world through the lens of race and gender continually plays a part in the lived experiences of African American women; placing them at an intersection between race and gender across specific social contexts.

An examination on literature related to …

The Essence Of Professional Development Experience From The Perspective Of English Teachers In Private Schools In The Uae, Rabab Ali Atwi

Theses

This study aimed at exploring the essence of professional development experience from the perspective of English teachers in private schools in the UAE. To achieve the goal of the study an explanatory mixed method design was used. In the first phase of the study, English teachers (n=200) responded to Professional Development Questionnaire of English Teachers (PDQET). The second phase of the study featured a qualitative method by interviewing a few participants (n=10) from the initial pool sample in the first phase of the study. The study also looked at the English teachers’ ranking of professional development models in terms of …

Dual Enrollment Efficacy On College Readiness As Perceived By High School Dual Enrollment Teachers And Counselors In South Alabama, Shulanda Stallworth Franks

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of Dual Enrollment teachers and high school counselors to compare and determine whether there are significant differences between their perceptions of college readiness among DE participants in South Alabama. Data was analyzed and presented based on its relevance to effectiveness. This study is relevant because scholars are unclear about the effects of DE on college readiness.

This research was designed to close some of the gaps in the literature and help education stakeholders to identify effective mechanisms to continue to develop and promote the Dual Enrollment program. This study examined …

Novice And Veteran Teachers’ Perceptions Of Crisis Management Training Concerning School Fights, Heather Ann Chesman

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the data collected from 7-12 grade middle/junior high teachers and high school teachers to determine whether there was a difference between veteran and novice teachers’ perceptions that they are adequately trained to respond to student versus student fights. This study included an introduction and a literature review about crisis management training. The study also included methodology, research results, conclusions, recommendations for policy makers and practitioners, and recommendations for future research.

The researcher developed a survey instrument to examine the veteran and novice teachers’ perceptions about crisis management training concerning school fights. Data …

The Perception Of The Value Added From Accruing Student Debt To Earn A Degree Or Graduate Certificate From A Public Institution Of Higher Education: A Descriptive Study, William L. Nuckols

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Student loan debt has had a tremendous impact on higher education over the past 45 years. Over that timeframe, federal student loan dollars have increased by more than 800%. This dissertation examines the perception of value that has been added to the lives of graduates by using student loans to finance their degree or graduate certificate. Literature on the subject has focused primarily on the rising costs associated with earning a college education, and the continuous increase in the average amount of student loan debt that graduates carry into their careers. A researcher-generated survey was administered to 6 years of …

Inclusion Of Students With High Need Autism: General Education Teachers’ Attitudes And Beliefs Versus Practice, Joanna Davis

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

Given the simultaneous rise in rates of autism and the expectations for school-based inclusion of students with disabilities, research targeting inclusive practices continues to be a priority. Researchers have examined the attitudes and perspectives of general education teachers and best practice for including individuals with high functioning autism spectrum disorders. However, there is little research exploring the relationship between attitudes and practice with regard to the inclusion of individuals on the low functioning end of the spectrum. The purpose of this study was to explore the self-reported attitudes and perspectives of general education teachers in relation to what was observed …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Academic Acceleration, Christy L. Schwartz

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Acceleration is one method of differentiating instruction for gifted students that has proven to have positive academic and social-emotional benefits. However, it is often underutilized by teachers and administrators either due to misinformation or lack of information. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions held by teachers regarding the effectiveness of acceleration as a service option for students who are gifted. Findings indicated that, although teachers appear to be well-informed about the benefits of acceleration on academic achievement and engagement, they appear to be misinformed about the social-emotional effects of acceleration. The majority of teachers indicated that …

Collegiality Among Full-Time Professors In A Mexican University: Perceptions And Challenges, Carlos Alberto Castañon

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Currently, institutions of higher education in Mexico have some changes in their educational and institutional policies on training and updating of the professorate. In this context, reforms of higher education, academics have had to adapt to new forms of academic work in both ways individually and collectively. Today it is possible to identify the diversity of functions that have Mexican academics to achieve a quality education. However, today, collegial work among professors has not been solved efficiently in universities of Mexico. The current study addresses the collegiality among full-time professors in a higher education institution in Northern Mexico. The purpose …

Exploration Of Perceptions Of Marriage Dissatisfaction Among African American Couples, Terrence Schofield

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Perceptions of Marital Dissatisfaction Among African American Couples

by

Terrence Schofield

MS, Walden University, 2012

BS, Knoxville College, 1994

Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree of

Doctor of Philosophy

Clinical Psychology

Walden University

August 2016

U.S. Teachers' Perceptions Of School Violence Prevention Programs, Natakie Tamu Chestnut

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In response to high profile violent incidents and crimes, many schools have developed plans that address school discipline to create a school climate and culture wherein everyone is valued and treated with respect. The problem that prompted this study is teachers are struggling with effectively implementation prevention program. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of teachers about school violence prevention programs. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, this study examined the connection among school violence, environment, discipline and prevention programs; and it explored approaches to creating safe communities in schools. The research questions focused on teachers' …

The Relationship Between Nursing Students' Perceptions Of Staff Nurses' Attitudes Towards Them And Self-Efficacy In Sophomore- And Senior- Level Nursing Students, Sarah A. Mueller, Raechel M. Naragon, Rachael R. Smith

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Clinical teaching gives nursing students practical experience, allowing them to practice skills and to apply theories of nursing alongside a staff nurse. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nursing students’ perceptions of staff nurses’ attitudes towards them and self-efficacy in sophomore- and senior-level nursing students. According to scientist Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, self-efficacy is defined as a person’s belief in his or her own abilities. Using non-experimental comparative design, convenience sampling, and Likert scale questionnaires, sophomore- and senior- level baccalaureate nursing students were asked to complete the survey using the Nursing Clinical Self-Efficacy …

African American Single Mothers' Perceptions Of Physical Activity, Sheryl Lynn Richard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Insufficient physical activity detracts from healthy living and has a disparate impact on African American women and their female children. The extensive body of prior research addressing preventable chronic disease and other consequences of insufficient physical activity includes limited information specific to African American single mothers. The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to gain an understanding of African American single mothers' perceptions of physical activity. Specifically investigated were African American women's familial influences and potential effects of these influences on their children's health behaviors. The health belief model served as the theoretical framework for this study and provided …

An Investigation Into Student And Teacher Perceptions Of, And Attitudes Towards, The Use Of Information Communications Technologies To Support Digital Forms Of Summative Performance Assessment In The Applied Information Technology And Engineering Studies Courses In Western Australia, Steven Puay Chong Chia

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study investigated the connections between teachers’ and students’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) to support assessment in senior secondary courses in Western Australia, and the feasibility of such support in various forms. This investigation focused on the main characteristics of these perceptions, and attitudes and their relationships with curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and ICT. The findings provide guidelines for educators in using ICT to support summative performance assessment. My study was part of the main research study undertaken by Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Curriculum Council of Western Australia (CCWA) and …

Teacher Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Inclusion In Elementary Classroom Settings, Delicia Peacock Peacock

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Inclusion classrooms were introduced in the United States in 1990 when the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act required that special education students be instructed in a general education setting. Ensuing changes in instructional formats have caused role confusion for special and general education teachers, resulted in mixed attitudes toward teacher responsibilities, and lowered teachers' sense of efficacy about being able to teach their students. Guided by Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory, this bounded case study design in a rural elementary school in a southeastern state was used to understand the perceptions of general and special educators regarding their work in …

Perceptions Of Air Force Civilians Regarding Participation In Nonresident Professional Military Education, Edward Hodge

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In spite of a 2009 memorandum from senior Air Force leaders calling for civilian employees to participate in nonresident Professional Military Education (PME) courses, employees' PME completion rates have remained low. This qualitative study investigated the perceptions of nonresident PME held by 12 employees at an installation with a nonresident PME completion rate of less than 3% in 2013. The theories of reasoned action and planned behavior guided the 5 main questions that asked participants to describe their familiarity with nonresident PME course content, availability, and structure; as well as their perceptions of organizational support for PME course participation, their …

High School Teachers' Perceptions Of Mental Health And Adolescent Depression, Christine Ann Breuer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Adolescents have a high rate of untreated mental health issues, specifically related to depression. Current literature does not indicate the impact of teachers' attitudes toward mental health on their decisions to refer students for services. This study provides understanding specifically, how teachers' beliefs about mental health, as well as their age, gender, ethnicity, years of education, and years of teaching, were analyzed to determine the impact each these characteristics had on the decision to refer a student for services. 92 high school teachers participated in this quantitative study by completing a survey measuring their attitudes of mental health, and then …

General Education And Special Education Elementary School Teachers' Understanding Of Professional Learning Communities, Kendra M. Day

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this study was to identify general and special education teachers' understanding of professional learning communities (PLCs) at 2 public suburban elementary schools in the western United States. Both schools were in the second year of implementation of PLCs but seemed to be using PLC time to plan lessons. This quantitative descriptive survey sought to to identify the teachers' overall understanding of the 6 dimensions of the Professional Learning Communities Assessment - Revised (PLCA-R) and to determine if there was a difference between general and special education teachers' perceptions of PLCs. This survey was administered to general and …

Stakeholders' Perceptions Of English Language Learners Meeting Adequate Yearly Progress In Reading, Susan Calibo Loney

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

English language learners (ELLs) in a Midwestern urban elementary school have not been meeting the local school's adequate yearly progress (AYP) in reading in 3 consecutive years on statewide test scores. Meeting school standards is important because failing to meet AYP for 6 consecutive years can result in the restructuring or closing of any public school in the nation. The rationale for this qualitative case study was to examine the perceptions of stakeholders, 7 parents, teachers, and school administrators, all of whom have demonstrated knowledge of and proximity to the school's AYP decisions, to develop vocabulary strategies that may increase …