Digital Commons Network^™

Discovering How Exceptional Female Native Americans In Contemporary Educational Contexts Form Sustained Motivation, Vellena V. Howard

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This phenomenological study embarked on a journey with four Native American females to discover the lifelong and life-wide experiences that led to sustained motivation as evidenced through their extended careers in contemporary educational settings. Limited research exists on Native American-voiced perceptions surrounding issues pertinent to their success. A series of three life interviews afforded meaning-making of key moments, from earliest to current. A Two- Eyed Seeing approach centering Indigenous and Western knowledge systems viewed Indigenous motivation holistically through The First Nations Holistic Lifelong Learning Model, the study’s guiding framework. Influencing elements included teachers, mentors, experiential learning, and learning from self-revelation, …

Autoethnographic Experiences Of A Disabled Teacher In The Public School Setting, Deanne Motz

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This autoethnography considers accommodations and modifications through four different genres: journal entries, biography, fiction, and autobiography. It discusses autoethnography, disability and health studies, and the healing power of storytelling. It finds that those with disabilities thrive with positive self-talk and personality traits, compassionate mentors, and a supportive community. In addition, although some accommodations are universal, many are dependent on individual needs.

Paraclete Press. Season Of Beauty: A Lent And Easter Treasury Of Readings, Poems And Prayers. Brewster, Ma: Paraclete Press, 2024, Cynthia Hammell

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Coffman, Elesha J. Turning Points In American Church History: How Pivotal Events Shaped A Nation And A Faith. Grand Rapids, Mi: Baker Academic, 2024., Rebecca A. Halberg

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Fry, John. A Prairie Faith: The Religious Life Of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Grand Rapids, Mi: William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2024., Randi K.J. Baltzer

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Fear Of Ai, Christianity, And The Modern Library, Brady D. Lund, Zoë A. Teel

The Christian Librarian

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape aspects of our world, fears and misunderstandings about its implications are widespread. Some of these concerns are rooted in the practices and beliefs of our religious communities. This paper aims to address worries regarding AI and its impact on religion and Christian traditions. It does so by examining the nature of AI and its limitations, stressing the importance of informed discussions within communities. Examples drawn from academic literature, scripture, and prominent figures within the Church are used to illustrate key points. Libraries and librarians are discussed as crucial facilitators of these informed discussions …

Enhancing User Experience In Small Academic Libraries: Leveraging Matomo Analytics As A Ux Design Tool., Michael D. Wells

The Christian Librarian

As changes have occurred with Google Analytics over the past two years, web design professionals have sought alternative platforms to gain valuable insight on how users are interacting with online content. Academic libraries are no different in their desire to assess user interaction and behavior within their online platforms. In 2019, the Benedictine Library at Thomas More University transitioned to using Matomo Analytics out of a desire to find a low-cost and privacy-centric alternative to Google Analytics. While serving as the Library Director at Thomas More University from 2018 to 2021 and then as the Library Director at Wilmington College …

The Symbiosis Of Volunteerism: A Story Of One Academic Library Welcoming Volunteers, Shan Martinez

The Christian Librarian

Although public and school libraries, as well as many non-profit organizations regularly utilize volunteers, academic libraries are less likely to welcome them. This article describes the variety of volunteers received at Brown Library of Abilene Christian University and the tasks that they perform. It also presents a discussion of the motivation to accept volunteers, perhaps a faith practice.

Fiction Book Reviews

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Barna, George. Raising Spiritual Champions: Nurturing Your Child’S Heart, Mind And Soul. Glendale, Az: Arizona Christian University Press, 2023., Robert J. Oliverio

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Implications: The Impact Of Universal Design For Learning On Student Engagement And Motivation In Diverse Classroom Environments, Hilary Sanguinetti

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This improvement science dissertation in practice (ISDiP) investigated the influence of universal design for learning (UDL) on student engagement and motivation in middle school classrooms at a K–8 school in Northern California. The plan-do-study-act (PDSA) framework examined the potential of UDL practices in the context of a Diocesan-wide professional development initiative and assessed if teachers’ deliberate integrations of UDL strategies contributed to enhanced student engagement and motivation. The study navigated nuances of transitions to UDL practices, observing teachers as they attempted to implement strategies while students participated in UDL lessons. This process uncovered intrinsic challenges educators face—adherence to traditional teaching …

The Influence Of Peer Feedback On Office Discipline Referrals In Unstructured Settings, Amber Duncan

Doctor of Education (EdD)

In this improvement science dissertation in practice (ISDiP), a continuous improvement cycle was used to attempt to reduce office discipline referrals on the playground with 4th and 5th grade students. The intervention involved a team of peers who received training to recognize prosocial behaviors in students on the playground. Over the course of 90 days, Peer Influencers went to recess and rewarded positive behavior with Recess Compliments. A networked improvement committee (NIC) was formed to examine the effects on office discipline referrals and consider adaptations that needed to be implemented. Quantitative data was examined in the form of office discipline …

The Relationship Between Number Talks, Multiplicative Fraction Reasoning, And Student Mathematical Self-Efficacy, Amanda Davidson

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Experiences involving the multiplication of fractions are common in daily life. For example, when preparing a meal, you may ask yourself questions such as, if 3⁄4 of a cup of flour is needed to make a dessert for 4 people, how much flour will I need to make 1⁄2 of the dessert for 2 people? (Lortie-Forgues et al., 2015). As you determine how much flour is needed, you may think conceptually by visualizing a cup-size measuring cup filled only 3/4 full. Since you need only half of it, you may think of dividing the 3/4 cup in half. The cup …

Integrating Restorative Practices To Create Equitable Disciplinary Process, Vivian Ngo

Doctor of Education (EdD)

The process of punitive disciplinary processes are shifting in K-12 educational institutions. This study explored the implementation of a school-wide disciplinary process that integrates the philosophy of restorative justice and its practices. The goal of the study was to reduce the amount of punitive punishment, address social issues of bullying and discrimination, and improve the overall school climate. During the study, data revealed the overall importance of implementing teacher training so that the staff understands the long-term impact of restorative justice to successfully implement the practices. My dissertation also revealed through the use of mixted methods, the importance of using …

Improving The Ninth Grade On-Track For Native American Students, Charles Summers

Doctor of Education (EdD)

I conducted this improvement science dissertation in practice (ISDiP) to determine what strategies could be implemented to improve percentage of the ninth-grade Native American students on-track for graduation. This study provides high schools with information that can be used to positively impact Native American student success in their freshman year of high school. I implemented a strategize, implement, analyze, and reflect (SIAR) cycle with at-risk freshman Native American students to support them at staying on-track with their credits as they moved through their ninth-grade year. A networked improvement community (NIC) met throughout the cycle to collect and analyze data, strategize …

The Impact Of Strategic, Skill-Focused Intervention On First Grade Students Identified As "At Risk" For Dyslexia: An Improvement Science Dissertation In Practice, Stephanie Clawson

Doctor of Education (EdD)

The purpose of this Implementation Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) was to improve student achievement through the use of short, easily implemented, targeted interventions, performed by the classroom teacher. The targeted interventions provided in this study were aligned to specific skill areas, identified by the aimswebPlus Early Literacy Benchmark (ELB), and were evidence-based intervention tools currently in use within the district. The interventions were designed to be delivered by teachers within their literacy instructional blocks, and were 5-15 minutes in length. Teachers were asked to collect data using an aimswebPlus probe every two weeks to track student progress. Teachers then …

Understanding Teacher Perceptions Around Feedback, Cari Ann Sloan

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This narrative research study sought to better understand teachers’ perceptions around feedback, specifically the significant drivers of quality teacher feedback and the effect of the evaluator/teacher relationship. The theoretical frameworks of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, adult learning theory, social learning theory, and self-determination theory were examined to determine what the research reveals about adults’ incentive to improve. Research around accepted best practices in feedback was also reviewed in order to understand current implementation in educational settings, specifically what motivates teachers when given feedback on instruction. Four teachers, chosen for their specific characteristics, gave first-hand accounts of their experiences with the …

The Struggle Over Education's Purpose, Melanie Springer Mock

Faculty Publications - Department of English

While reading John D. Roth’s social history of Goshen College, the words of Ecclesiastes 1:9 came to mind: “There is nothing new under the sun.” ­Goshen’s challenges were (and are) similar to other church-affiliated schools. Concerns about “theological drift,” raised at Goshen a century ago, continue not only there but at other faith-based institutions. A faculty member at my university recently expressed similar worry about losing our faith-centered focus, using the same language of theological drift.

Understanding Humans As Imago Dei: Implications For Curriculum And Pedagogical Choices, Beverley Elizabeth Norsworthy

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

After 15 years as a Christian school principal and 30 years in Christian teacher education, both initial and in-service, I have come to the conviction that a critical component of effective transformative Christian Education is a rich, biblically rooted understanding of humans as imago Dei which intentionally shapes curriculum and pedagogical choices. Rather than ‘having’, ‘bearing’ or ‘being made in’ the image of God, recent scholarship positions imago Dei as one’s vocation. We are being the image of God, it is our identity “rather than a capability or function” and therefore “we cannot lose it” (Imes, 2023, p. 54). When …

Book Review: Flourishing Together: A Christian Vision For Students, Educators, & Schools, Kevin Huinink

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

A review of Swaner, L. E., & Wolfe, A. (2021). Flourishing together: A Christian vision for students, educators, & schools. Eerdmans.

ISBN: 978-0-8028-7957-8, 310 pages

Culturally Responsive Teaching: High School Teachers Reflecting On Multicultural And Global Education, Giselle Pardo De Rincón

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This study explored the challenges and benefits teachers face in implementing culturally responsive teaching, multicultural education, and global education and their impact on student learning, community integration, and sense of belonging. Through qualitative narrative research, I investigated how high school educators could create inclusive classroom environments. Four high school teachers from a suburban high school in Oregon, aged 21 or older, participated in semi-structured interviews focused on culturally responsive teaching, multicultural education, and global education. The research aimed to uncover high school teachers’ experiences across different career stages, offering insights to support educators and inform policy and teacher preparation programs, …

Analyzing The Perceived Increase In Anxiety Amongst Students At The Dalles Middle School, Ryan Ladouceur

Doctor of Education (EdD)

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study is to gain a greater understanding of the root causes of the perceived increase of anxiety amongst middle school students at The Dalles Middle School (TDMS). Students, along with their parents/guardians, are reporting increased anxiety that is preventing them from attending school, completing homework, taking tests, being around peers, and much more. It is imperative to gain a deeper understanding of what is creating higher levels of anxiety amongst adolescents which would allow public schools to implement data-driven interventions at multiple different levels that will begin to hopefully mitigate these high levels of …

Enhancing Staff Satisfaction: Exploring The Efficacy Of Peer Observation As An Improvement Science Approach To Professional Learning For Elementary Educators, Brian Wood

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This research aimed to determine if introducing a peer observation system for professional development within an elementary school improved staff satisfaction with accessing and implementing professional learning. The Implementation Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) utilized a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) throughout a 90-day improvement science cycle. A network improvement committee (NIC) met monthly to establish a shared understanding of the current problem of practice within educational professional learning models, reviewed participant data, and made real-time adjustments to the research.

The study focused on study participants engaging in peer observations to acquire and implement new professional learning. Data collection methods included pre-, mid-, …

Development Of A Nursing Clinical Evaluation Instrument Using The Cipp Model, Carolyn W. Milburn

Doctor of Education (EdD)

National nursing education organizations are responding to the trends and challenges in healthcare with updated professional guidelines and a call for transformation in nursing education. The purpose of this study was to improve clinical performance evaluation in a baccalaureate prelicensure nursing program by developing a clinical evaluation instrument that is aligned with The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. The Context Input Process Product (CIPP) Evaluation Model was used as a framework to guide decisions and appraise the quality of the end product. During instrument development, I revised an existing instrument to align with the Essentials, assessed the face …

From The Editor, Sean Schat

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

The current issue contains three manuscripts: an empirical research article, a theoretical essay, and a book review.

Supporting Christian Gen Z Undergraduates Through Life Setbacks By Equipping Spiritual Directors, Brandon Taylor

Doctor of Ministry

The project within this portfolio seeks to help Christian Gen Z undergraduates at Biola University navigate setbacks in a way that fortifies their faith. Both anecdotal evidence at Biola and survey data demonstrate that Gen Z required increased support and intervention when they reached college campuses in the mid 2010’s. The American College Health Association has surveyed hundreds of thousands of Gen Z college students over the past seven years and found as far back as 2016 that 87.1 percent of the 27,787 undergraduate respondents to their Fall 2016 survey said they felt “overwhelmed by all they had to do'' …

Sparking Pre-Service Teachers’ Self-Awareness Through A Strengths-Based Psychometric Tool: A Pilot Study In A Christian University, Lisa Devall-Martin Dr.

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

The pilot study outlined in this article aimed to explore the relevance and value of a strengths-based psychometric tool, Lumina Spark©, in a teachers’ education program. The study involved pre-service teachers from a Christian university and was conducted over a six-week winter teaching practicum. The psychometric assessment and workshop were designed to help pre-service teachers explore their personality and develop self-knowledge, social awareness, and stress management skills. The study found that the Lumina Spark© tool was effective in helping pre-service teachers understand their strengths and weaknesses and how they relate to others. The study also found that the tool helped …

Teaching Professionalism Skills To Secondary Students: An Improvement Science Dissertation On The Efficacy Of A Professionalism Skills System: An Improvement Science Study, James Weber

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This research provided Salem Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) with much-needed information on how to teach and grade secondary students on professional skills. The research was conducted at The Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Salem, Oregon. CTEC employs 35 staff members who serve 780 high school students. This research followed an improvement science dissertation in practice model (ISDiP) by implementing a 64-day Plan-Do- Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. A networked improvement community (NIC) met throughout the PDSA cycle to analyze and implement the research.

The NIC and CTEC staff developed a new system to teach, grade, and provide feedback on students' professional …

Impact Of South Coast To Valley (Sc2v) Regional Educator Network On Educator Personal And Professional Practice: A Program Evaluation Study, Amber Ryerson

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Teacher turnover rates are higher than the national average with the Oregon House Majority reporting 36%. In 2017, the Educator Advancement Council (EAC) was tasked with developing and implementing localized regional networks to provide a seamless system of support for educators, which would be critical to retaining teachers in the profession. This program evaluation study aimed to understand the role and impact of the South Coast to Valley (SC2V) Regional Educator Network (REN). A total of 563 licensed and classified educators from the South Coast and Willamette Valley regions served as research subjects. To glean insight into how SC2V REN …

Using A Decision-Making Process To Determine Where To Relocate A Newer Dual Language Program, Laura C. Weiss

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This qualitative research study used culturally responsive protocols to provide stakeholders in a small rural community access to a district’s decision-making process. Community stakeholders were tasked with making a recommendation for relocating its dual language program (DLP). The committee identified three themes to guide their decision making: (a) keep the school in one location, (b) maintain the culture, and (c) provide access to resources. Despite intentional protocols used, barriers remained that impacted committee members’ level of engagement and participation. Key factors contributing to a lack of engagement included insufficient time and lack of trust. Additionally, native Spanish speakers (NSS) and …