Education Commons^™

A Descriptive Phenomenological Study Of College Student Belonging Experiences With Peers In The First Semester, John Knapp

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated how first-year college students described belonging experiences with college peers in the first semester, specifically conceptualizing these relationships as bidirectional, where college students both receive and provide support to one another in a mutual way. A descriptive phenomenological research design was employed to identify invariant structures of this phenomenon utilizing data collected from semi-structured interviews with 10 first-time, full-time undergraduate college students in their first semester enrolled at a private, religiously affiliated, four-year university in the midwestern United States. This study found that the invariant structures of belonging in college peer relationships in the first semester were …

Working Toward “Achievement”: Key Considerations For Providing Access To Equitable Opportunities To Students With Disability Labels, Kyle William Resch

Theses and Dissertations

School personnel are accountable for the academic “achievement” of students with and without disability labels (Every Student Succeeds Act [ESSA], 2015). In Wisconsin, “achievement” is measured via performance on standardized academic assessments (Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction [DPI], 2019). The use of these assessments privileges White middle-class students without disability labels (Ladson-Billings, 2006). Outcomes have been used to shame schools’ so-called poor performance while ignoring other indicators of success such as instilling real-world problem-solving skills, building positive learning communities, using a critical lens, and engaging in social activism (Connor et al., 2019).Many students with disability labels now receive instruction in …

Adult Students’ Perceptions Of Tutoring As An Academic Support Tool, Jennifer Filz

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined adult student perceptions of academic support services at an urban-service research university in the Midwest. While adult students often return to school to start or finish their degrees, the six-year graduation rate for students who enter college over the age of 20 is 12% less than those who enroll in college before the age of 20. Adults face situational, institutional, and dispositional barriers to graduation. This qualitative research study examined the perceptions of tutoring as an academic support tool of 13 adult students. Using Cultural Historical Activity as a theoretical framework, three major themes emerged from …

Motivation Of School Board Members To Support Equity And Social Justice In Public Education, Matthew Joynt

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation was designed to provide better access to current information on school board members’ desires to promote equity and social justice. Leaders are motivated to advance initiatives for various reasons including intrinsic, extrinsic, and other influencing factors. In this study, these factors are further researched focusing on school board members representing public school districts in southeastern Wisconsin that are founding members of the Closing the Achievement Gap Consortium and have served on a Board of Education that adopted school board policy specific to promoting equity in education. Through a qualitative descriptive design and the use of thematic analysis, the …

Business-School Partnerships In Career And Technical Education, Michael E. Trimberger

Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

BUSINESS-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS IN CAREER AND

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

by

Michael E. Trimberger Jr.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2019

Under the Supervision of Professor Dr. Elise Frattura

Public education in Wisconsin has come under harsh political scrutiny in recent years. Schools have been asked to reduce budgets and use the tools provided through legislative changes. The reduction of budgets has not come with a reduction of expectations for our schools. Since 2011, high school principals have been forced to implement Academic Career Plans and ensure that every student graduate college and career ready along with their already comprehensive list of requirements. …

Taking Heed: Principals Who Identify As African American Or Black Working In Predominantly White Schools, Elizabeth Ann Erenberger

Theses and Dissertations

This is a narrative study of the lived experiences of school leaders who identify as African American or Black and are working in predominately White school settings. The study sought to understand the lived experiences of these school leaders by exploring how these leaders make sense of their work in a predominantly White setting. This included the opportunities and challenges they encountered and the leadership beliefs, practices, and strategies they employed to navigate the predominantly White school setting. A critical race methodology was used throughout the study that centered race and racism in all aspects of the research (Solórzano & …

The Fear Of Science: A Study Of Science Anxiety And The Learning Capabilities Of Adult College Students, Erik Alton Sanstad

Theses and Dissertations

One of the most challenging things a professor of science in a college setting deals with is the apprehension of students toward the very idea of science and scientists. This feeling of science anxiety does not appear to be limited by nation or culture and is often spread across all ages of students. The concept of “science is hard” is widespread and constant for many students entering a science course. This is quickly becoming a critical issue in education during a time in our world when we need to increase the numbers of well-qualified scientists. In a world where technological …

Factors Affecting The Professional Autonomy Of Public School Principals In The United States: A Quantitative Study, Steven Ross Williams

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate work domains within the principalship to determine whether principals have greater perceived autonomy in some work domains versus others. In addition, this study identified the usefulness of several demographic factors as predictors for perceived autonomy in both curricular and budgetary decisions. To conduct these analyses, data from the 2015-16 National Center for Educational Statistics was used to complete a repeated measures t-test to compare the work domains the literature suggested principals have the most autonomy in as compared to the domains the literature suggested are areas of shared responsibility with district office. …

Supports And Barriers To Universal Design For Learning In Schools Implementing Integrated Comprehensive Systems For Equity, Maxwell Long

Theses and Dissertations

These two qualitative descriptive case studies investigated supports and barriers to integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as an instructional methodology in language arts and social studies departments at an urban and a suburban high school in Wisconsin. Integrated Comprehensive Systems (ICS) implementation was determined through the Four Cornerstones – Cornerstone One: Focus on Equity, Cornerstone Two: Align Staff and Students, Cornerstone Three: Transform Teaching and Learning, and Cornerstone Four: Leverage Funding and Policy. Classroom observations were conducted of the eleven participating teachers in this study. These teachers also participated in semi-structured interviews designed to explore supports and barriers to …

The Perceptions And Experiences Of Faculty Teaching A Mix Of Traditional And Nontraditional Students In Online Classes, Christina Marie Trombley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this interpretive qualitative research study was to explore how faculty perceived and experienced teaching multigenerational (having traditional and nontraditional students) online classes. The online classes researched served only undergraduate students and had at least thirty percent of traditional students in the class. Ten tenured faculty were drawn from a four-year institution of higher education in the Midwest of the United States. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Findings revealed that research participants relied on their own personal experiences as students to inform their teaching and morph the definition of teaching as it relates to online education …

Cultural Competence Education In Undergraduate Athletic Training Programs, Katherine L. Liesener

Theses and Dissertations

It is critical for athletic trainers to understand and practice culturally competent health care, which involves being responsive and sensitive to all cultural differences present in the population. The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) requires that all Athletic Training Programs teach cultural competence in their curriculum. However, programs have the autonomy to determine how and when their curriculum content will be delivered. Furthermore, the current original research examining athletic training and cultural competence is very limited and there is a lack of research focused on the educational practices of cultural competence education in athletic training.

This research …

From High School To A Four-Year Urban University: Understanding The Transition Experiences Of Latina, Black, And White Female Working-Class Students, Rebecca Marie Freer

Theses and Dissertations

Working-class students’ success in higher education is a growing concern for policymakers and administrators. Previous research has shown that working-class students experience less success in college than students who are of higher social classes (Lauff & Ingels, 2015; Walpole, 2007). This qualitative case study explored how the university environment and students’ cultural wealth influenced success of Latina, Black, and White female working-class students during their transitions to college. Specifically, this study followed 12 students at a large urban public four-year university. Participants engaged in semi-structured interviews three times before and during their first semester of college. The study is framed …

A Qualitative Study Of Instructional Coaching Based On An Analysis Of Interviews From Teachers, Coaches, And Administrators, Samuel Reese Purdy

Theses and Dissertations

The “transfer of training problem” refers to the difficulty professionals have in adopting evidence-based practices after they receive training on those practices. This “transfer of training” problem is especially important to consider for educational professionals in urban settings where students are more likely to not meet grade level academic expectations and where teachers often report feeling underprepared to teach in diverse, dynamic classrooms. Instructional coaching is a type of ongoing, job-embedded professional development that may help teachers overcome the “transfer of training” problem. This study examines exit interview data from teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators who participated in pilot programs …

Talkin' Back And Shifting Black; Black Motherhood, Identity Development And Doctoral Study, Amber Tucker

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how the context of doctoral study within predominantly white and elite research institutions in the Midwest facilitates identity development among Black doctoral women student parents. This phenomenological study employed Black feminist epistemologies as both a methodological underpinning and interpretive lens to examine how seven Black women doctoral student parents negotiate and made meaning of their intersectional identities.

The six key findings that emerged from this study were: (1) negotiating intersectionality as trauma in childhood; (2) negotiating microaggressions related to invisibility/hypervisibility; (3) negotiating structural macroaggressions as violence; (4) hidden costs of negotiating …

Difference Makers: A Multi-Case Study Of The Conditions Under Which Superintendents Build Equitable Learning Environments To Support Black Students, Nicole Linsey Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the stories shared by superintendents in a Midwestern state about how they approached the work of developing more equitable learning environments for Black students. The study examined the dispositions of the superintendents, the actions taken by the superintendents in each school district, and the influence of the district environment on the superintendents’ ability to carry out their work. A qualitative, multiple case study approach was used to conduct interviews and gather public documents and data from eight superintendents working in academically high performing, suburban school districts. The findings revealed that the eight …

School Bond Referenda Reloaded: An Examination Of A School District In Passing A Subsequent Bond Referendum After Failing To Pass Previous Bond Referenda, Eitan Yacov Benzaquen

Theses and Dissertations

In April 2008, the Wisconsin Erie School District attempted and failed to pass a school bond referendum to renovate its high school. In November 2008, again the school district did not pass a referendum. Interestingly, in the 2009-2010 school year, the district was successful in passing a bond referendum. Although the original bond measure called for $45,600,000, the final measure passed a bond of $35,190,000. All of these referenda attempts occurred within an economic context of national and statewide recession. Since school referenda are mechanisms for communities to voice their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with schools through voting for or against …

Teacher Perceptions Of Administrative Support In Urban Charter Schools, Ali Yilmaz

Theses and Dissertations

National teacher survey results indicate that lack of administrative support is the most frequently cited reason as to why teachers leave charter schools. This non-experimental quantitative study explored what types of administrative support are more valuable to urban charter school teachers and the extent of that support in their current schools. This study also investigated if perceived needs of urban charter school teachers for administrative support change as they gain more teaching experience.

In this study, a 41-item survey titled Dimensions of Administrative Support Survey was validated, and used to measure perceived support needs of 1,945 teachers from 127 different …

Changing Student Demographics And Suburban School Leadership, Dana Elizabeth Monogue

Theses and Dissertations

Principals and superintendents serving in four suburban school districts in Wisconsin experiencing significant increases in the numbers of students who identify as Hispanic or African American were studied to identify how these leaders were working to meet the needs of all learners in increasingly diverse public school contexts. This study aimed to answer three primary research questions: What resources, supports and strategies are employed by principals in suburban school districts experiencing significant demographic changes related specifically to increases in the number of students who identify as African American or Hispanic that helped them be successful in their roles? What do …

Why Teachers Stay: Elementary Teachers Share Perceptions Of The Job Since Legislative Reforms In Wisconsin, Catherine Marie Clarksen

Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

WHY TEACHERS STAY: ELEMENTARY TEACHERS SHARE PERCEPTIONS OF THE JOB SINCE LEGISLATIVE REFORMS IN WISCONSIN

by

Catherine M. Clarksen

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2014

Under the Supervision of Dr. Leigh Wallace and Dr. Latish Reed

The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of elementary public school classroom teachers who remain in the teaching profession amidst legislative reforms that impacted their wages, benefits and working conditions. The study involved ten teachers who were perceived by their building principals as having a direct impact on positive student achievement. Additionally, each participant was required to have taught for a …

The Transition To College: An Acculturation Comparison Of Domestic And International Students, Kim Omachinski

Theses and Dissertations

Domestic and international students face challenges when transitioning to college. Researchers believe first-year intervention programs and orientation are important in successful transition to the university environment. Student involvement from the beginning of the first semester helps create a connection to college and a sense of belonging. Domestic and international students traverse homesickness, financial issues, lack of social support, changes in routine, and academic issues while navigating life away from home. Additionally, students experience a turning point that can often create a change in educational trajectory that results in continuing in college, transferring out, dropping out, or seeking help. The turning …

Teachers' Beliefs And Practices Regarding Homework: An Examination Of The Cognitive Domain Embedded In Third Grade Mathematics Homework, Pandora Dell Bedford

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain a better understanding of third grade math teachers''beliefs and practices regarding homework, to explain how teachers''beliefs and practices regarding homework aligned to the framework of the Revised Bloom's'Taxonomy Cognitive Domain, and to determine the administrative influences on homework practices. The data were collected during October and November 2013. Six third grade math teachers (primary unit of analysis) and four principals (secondary unit of analysis) were interviewed from Dell School District. Each participant (teacher and principal) was interviewed for approximately one hour. A second meeting was set at a later time with …

An Examination Of The Psychological Contracts Of Contingent Faculty Teaching At Urban, Proprietary Colleges, Ann Marie Marlier

Theses and Dissertations

Even though proprietary colleges and universities continue to gain market share in the higher education landscape, negative perceptions about proprietary institutions remain including reliance on contingent faculty to meet fluctuating student enrollments. Little research about the experiences of contingent faculty teaching in proprietary settings exists, and even less research exists about the unwritten expectations, or psychological contracts, contingent faculty bring with them to the employment relationship with an institution. As heavy use of contingent faculty continues, campus administrators need a more comprehensive understanding of how to best manage the expectations, benefits, challenges, and resources of this type of employment relationship. …

The Relationship Between Principals' Humor Style And School Climate In Wisconsin's Public Middle Schools, Greg Matthias

Theses and Dissertations

In an era of unsteady political climates, high stakes testing, stressful situations, and expectations of continuous improvement, today's middle school principals are in a precarious position. Middle school principals have to be involved in the community, seen as a leader at their school, seen as a curriculum leader by their staff, and a motivational coach by their students. Middle school principals' personality and interpersonal skills are even more important today. Therefore, a principal that uses humor may help to motivate students and staff and encourage a positive school climate.

Middle school principals can integrate many styles of leadership within their …

The Career Development Of Latina Women Achieving The Position Of Public High School Principal, Consuelo A. Palacio

Theses and Dissertations

For this qualitative study, I used the lens of the Social Cognitive Career Theory to investigate the lived experiences of Latina women navigating their career paths into the roles of public high school principals. Latina women are underrepresented and in some states they are not represented at all. Few Latina women have secured the position of high school principal in public education; however for those who have, it is unclear how they attained the position. It was significant to learn about the factors that have lead to the representation of Latina women who serve as high school principals. The representation …

Arts Education In An Urban School District: Principals' Perspectives And Practices In A Standards-Based Environment Coupled With An Economic Downturn, Kristin Ann Steinbach

Theses and Dissertations

This case study explored perspectives of urban principals towards the values of arts education within the context of accountability coupled with economic strain, which has worked to undervalue arts education, and has impacted urban students' access to quality arts education (Chapman, 2004 & 2005). Since differences in access to arts education has been drawn along differences in ethnic, racial and socioeconomic status, this was understood as a social justice issue (Theoharis, 2007). Specifically, this research addressed the roles of principals and investigated the research question:

How do urban principals and school leaders perceive the value of the arts within a …

Structures And Supports For Data Use In Schools: A Qualitative Case Study Of One Urban Elementary School, Anne Marie Groh

Theses and Dissertations

A federal policy in the United States has required sweeping changes in K-12 education. With No Child Left Behind legislation, schools are challenged to create conditions that bring each student to federally-set academic proficiency levels. Many schools have become more attentive to data about student performance and how it can inform their teaching decisions to meet federal goals under No Child Left Behind. How one urban elementary school in the Midwestern United States used data for decision-making in 2010-2011 was the focus of this research. The purpose of this study was to gain understanding about how personnel in one academically …

Female High School Principals In Rural Midwestern School Districts: Their Lived Experiences In Leadership, Ellen M. Bartling

Theses and Dissertations

This study was explored the leadership experiences of female principals of rural high schools in a Midwestern state. The study sought to describe the leadership styles used by these principals to make changes within their schools. Qualitative methodology was used, and four female rural high school principals were interviewed during a series of four hour-long sessions. Transcripts of these interviews were then reviewed and themes identified.

The findings of the study revealed that the principals received informal mentorship and ongoing professional support and that the rural community required them to serve as community role models, effective communicators, and change agents …

Teacher Perceptions Of Professional Development Required By The Wisconsin Quality Educator Initiative, Pi 34, Deborah Marie Sixel

Theses and Dissertations

Existing research has shown an association between teachers' professional growth and student success. However, there is a lack of information on the mandated professional development linked to Wisconsin teacher licensure requirements. The purpose of this study was to examine the phenomenon of self-directed professional development and its impact on classroom instruction and student learning. Professional

development plans are required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as a licensing requirement for all Wisconsin teachers to remain in the profession. This study investigated the perspectives of initial educators on the required professional development plan incorporated as part of The Wisconsin Quality …

High School Principals Who Stay: Stability In A Time Of Change, Patricia Ann Luebke

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the institutional factors, personal characteristics, and work-related relationships of high school principals that led to their longer than usual tenure in their positions. Data were gathered from interviews with ten high school principals who had served in their positions for a range of 8 to 23 years, much longer than many high school principals today.

Four major themes emerged from the data: relationships, balance, fit and change. Within the theme of relationships, relationships with the faculty and staff, district office and superintendent, school board, parents and community, and students were explored. Collaboration and trust were identified …

Spirituality And Transformational Learning: How Urban Residents Abandoned A Life Of Violence, Sylvia N. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

Community violence has been a perpetual issue among disenfranchised, African American, urban youth around the world. Many authors argue that high rates of violence among these youth are due to macro-structural characteristics such as inequality, segregation, racial discrimination, and poverty. These macro-structural issues place stressors (social disorganization, joblessness, alienation, mistrust of police, etc.) upon inner-city neighborhoods. Previous research also infers that African American men lack the ability to non-violently cope with these stressors and strains. Thus, this qualitative narrative study investigated the role of spirituality in the transformational process of nine urban, African American men, who had abandoned a life …