Education Commons^™

Assessing Writing - What Doesn't Work, But Is Used Anyway, Andrew P. Johnson

Elementary and Literacy Education Department Publications

This is an excerpt from my book, Johnson, A. (2024). Being and becoming teachers of writing: A meaning-based approach. Routledge. It should be out in March/April of 2024.

https://www.routledge.com/Being-and-Becoming-Teachers-of-Writing-A-Meaning-Based-Approach-to-Authentic/Johnson/p/book/9781032355726

Undoing Whiteness To Diversify Teacher Education And The Teaching Force, Rick Lybeck, Andrew P. Johnson, Maria-Renee Grigsby

Elementary and Literacy Education Department Publications

Various initiatives are underway in Minnesota and around the country to promote racial consciousness in K-12 teaching (R4615). Some of these show great promise for helping to realize goals related to racial equity and social justice articulated by key professional organizations guiding teacher education and educational research nationwide (AACTE; AERA; AESA).

While enrollment statistics point to incremental gains being made toward diversifying the teaching force in Minnesota and nationwide, this pace lags behind the growth in diversity of the K-12 student population. At the same time, Minnesota’s teaching force remains over 90% white (MDE, 2020).

Considering …

Understanding How Experienced World History Teachers In Minnesota Choose Course Content: A Mixed Methods Study, Kathleen Ferrero

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Education in the United States has consistently utilized tests as well as a relatively standard curriculum to educate the youth. However, the introduction of the No Child Left Behind Act and the subsequent implementation of the Common Core State Standards Initiative, has created an educational environment focused largely on math and literacy skills. This mixed methods study discovered the primary factors experienced world history teachers in Minnesota utilize to balance historical thinking skills and the inclusion of current events against national and statewide curricular standards. Five experienced teachers were interviewed, and their responses coded using qualitative methods. These themes informed …

Preparing Teachers For A Diverse Classroom, Sean O'Rourke, Jonathon Arndt

Education Presentations at National and International Conferences

This project investigated the research question: How do changes in inter-cultural competency (ICC) compare among pre-service teachers at three data collection points? Intercultural competency was defined as “the capability to accurately understand and adapt behavior to cultural differences and commonalities” (Hammer & Bennett, 2010). The study was based on the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (Bennett, 1986), which identified five orientations toward cultural differences: denial, polarization, minimization, acceptance, and adaptation. Data was collected from 48 undergraduate students who majored in elementary education. Investigators hypothesized that students would have a statistically significant change in their ICC from the beginning of their …

Burnout Levels Of Teachers Within A Selected School District In Minnesota, Adam Whirley

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to identify feelings of burnout within a selected school district in Minnesota and to identify contributing demographic factors. For this study, a random school district in Minnesota was chosen to be surveyed. By identifying feelings of burnout and demographic factors associated with these feelings, appropriate mental health interventions will be developed and implemented within school districts and the workplace. By implementing these interventions there will be a reduction in occupational burnout and stronger mental health among employees. The study showed a significance relationship between 9-12(High School) teachers and higher levels of burnout when compared …

Teaching In A Mixed Secondary Spanish Classroom: A Case Study Of Strategies And Successes Of Minnesota Teachers, Meredith Gunderson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The population of Spanish heritage language learners is increasing throughout the state of Minnesota. This change in demographics impacts schools in a variety of ways; one such consequence is the creation of classes for Spanish for Native Speakers in locations with high Latino populations. However, in most locations, such programs currently do not exist, resulting in Spanish heritage language learners enrolling in Spanish foreign language classes. These classrooms, called mixed classes due to the combination of second language learners and Spanish heritage language learners in the same classroom, pose a unique challenge to the foreign language instructors. This qualitative multiple …

Plunging Beneath The Surface: Uncovering Internal Dispositions, Lori Piowlski, Karen Colum

Elementary and Literacy Education Department Publications

Teacher preparation programs face the challenge of measuring candidates’ competencies that can be considered internal dispositions; which impact the quality of their instruction. This study delves into candidate edTPA scores in correlation with their IDI mindsets to support program development.

Middle School Student Perceptions Of Teacher And Adult Caring Behaviors, Jonathon William Graff

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This research explores student perceptions of teacher and adult caring behaviors. It seeks to determine the extent that middle school students feel cared for by teachers and other adults in school and to identify specific student perceived adult caring and non-caring behaviors. Research methods include the creation and administration of a three-question survey administered to school students (grades 7and 8) who attend an upper Midwestern middle school. Survey results are interpreted referencing attachment and self-systems theory. Research findings suggest that teachers must focus on and address both academic and personal needs to create meaningful teacher-student relationships that are perceived by …