Education Commons^™

Preschool Teachers’ Perspectives On Guidance Provided To Children Who Cause Classmates Physical Harm, Vangalene Frinks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Approximately 10% of preschool children cause classmates physical harm intense enough to require the filing of incident reports. Aggressive behavior can lead to suspension or expulsion from childcare centers and disrupts student learning. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of preschool teachers working in the Southeastern United States regarding children who cause classmates physical harm intense enough to require the filing of incident reports and identify actions teachers take to manage and guide children who show aggressive behavior. The study’s conceptual framework was Bandura’s social cognitive theory of human behavior. Ten lead teachers with …

Rural Title I School Teachers' And Parents' Perspectives On Parent Involvement At Home During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Delceina Anita Layne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractParent involvement has a positive influence on academic performance of students. However, the level and experiences of parent involvement in rural Title I schools serving kindergarten through third (K-3) grade students during the COVID-19 pandemic was unknown. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore early childhood teachers’ and parents’ perspectives on parent involvement in the home during the COVID-19 pandemic for two rural Title I schools serving K-3 students in the southern United States. Bronfenbrenner's bioecological systems theory of human development and two of Epstein's six types of parent involvement (communication, learning at home) framed this study. …

General Education Elementary Teacher Competencies And Training In Teaching Children With Autism In The U.S. Virgin Islands, Merle Merinda Elizabeth Durand

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing. The overall problem in this study focused on showing how a lack of teacher training in ASD-specific courses could result in a lack of competencies in meeting the educational needs of children with autism in an inclusive setting. The purpose of this nonexperimental quantitative cross-sectional study was to determine if a difference exists in four teaching competencies among general education elementary teachers teaching children with autism in the general education classroom in the U.S. Virgin Islands based training. The theoretical framework was grounded in Medley’s teaching competence theory …

Teachers’ Perspectives Of What They Need From School Administration To Teach Remotely, Destiny Pietra Moretto

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused an educational shift from traditional teaching to remote teaching. Teachers struggled to adapt to the changes because they were unable to properly prepare, yet administrators expected them to continue successfully teaching from home. Using Garrison et al.’s community of inquiry model, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of early childhood teachers regarding teaching remotely during a pandemic and what they need from school administration to teach children remotely. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 early childhood teachers with experience teaching remotely during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic …

Perspectives Of Parents Of Black Head Start Graduates Regarding The Black-White Achievement Gap, Telisa Pitts

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem of this study was the achievement gap that exists between Black and White children prior to kindergarten entrance. As children continue in school this gap grows substantially; therefore, it was important to understand perspectives of stakeholders regarding this gap. The purpose of this study was to explore perspectives of parents of Black Head Start graduates regarding the Black-White achievement gap, and how those perspectives shaped parents’ actions in promoting their children’s kindergarten readiness. The conceptual framework for this study was based on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory. The research questions focused on parents’ perspectives and how they believed those perspectives …

Supplemental Education Services And Cultural-Linguistic Instruction For Hispanic Students To Improve English Language Proficiency, Joshua William Cochran

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Due to low English language arts (ELA) state test scores among Hispanic students, district administrators in a Title I identified school district implemented a new literacy policy that included both supplemental education services for Hispanic students (SES-HS) and professional development in cultural and linguistic instructional practices (CLIP) for ELA teachers. But the ELA state test scores for Hispanic students who received the SES-HS and CLIP services had not been studied to see if there was any improvement related to the CLIP-HS training. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in Hispanic students’ ELA scores before and after …

Teacher And Coach Perspectives Regarding The Role Of Preschool Literacy Coaches In Developing Preschool Teachers’ Literacy Pedagogy, Marilyn Grigsby

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractAccording to the National Assessment of Education Progress, students in one state in the midwestern United States showed little change in reading scores despite the use of literacy coaches. The problem of focus in this study was inadequate primary students’ reading achievement in the focus state. Bandura’s social learning theory was used in this basic qualitative study to increase understanding regarding the perspectives of five preschool literacy coaches and five teachers regarding the role of preschool literacy coaches in developing teachers’ literacy pedagogy. The research questions focused on how preschool teachers and preschool literacy coaches each described the role of …

Early Childhood Educators’ Perspectives On Executive Function Of Children In Poverty, Randi Dezaray Miller

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Approximately 20% of children living in the United States are growing up in poverty. Children experiencing poverty, especially during early childhood, are more vulnerable to the negative effects of socioeconomic disadvantage, such as difficulties in cognitive development, social-emotional growth, and educational outcomes. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand prekindergarten and kindergarten teacher perspectives on their ability and self-efficacy in supporting children living in high poverty areas who demonstrate poor executive function. The conceptual framework for this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy. Data were collected through interviews with 11 prekindergarten and kindergarten teachers working in Title …

Head Start Teachers' Descriptions Of Inclusion, Lawanda Katrina Lovett-Cunningham

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractA Head Start program in Southeast Georgia, teachers were struggling to provide appropriate services to students with special needs (SWSN) in inclusive settings. The purpose of this study was to explore Head Start teacher descriptions of their roles and the barriers that inhibit implementation of inclusive education for SWSN. McKenzie and Zascavage’s model of inclusion formed the conceptual framework that guided this study. The research questions for this study addressed teacher descriptions of their roles and the barriers that inhibit the implementation of inclusive teaching strategies. A basic qualitative design was used to capture the insights of 12 purposefully selected …

Early Childhood Education Teachers’ Perspectives Of Their Self-Efficacy And Knowledge In Biliteracy Instruction, Magda Levin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of English language learners (ELLs) in early childhood education (ECE) continues to increase, particularly with students whose first language (L1) is Spanish. Recent studies have shown the connection between teachers’ self-efficacy and student achievement, but very few specifically address early childhood education teachers’ self-efficacy and knowledge of biliteracy instruction. Grounded in Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and Krashen’s second language acquisition theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore kindergarten (K) through third-grade teachers’ perspectives of their self-efficacy and knowledge of biliteracy instruction. Nine K through third-grade teachers responded to an online flyer, completed a demographics questionnaire, …

Bmi Screening Tool To Identify Elementary School Children At Risk For Obesity, Talia S. Thompson-Jones

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity is a public health epidemic and is as relevant in the pediatric population as it is in adults. The purpose of this DNP project was to develop a clinical practice guideline (CPG) that would use existing evidence to support the development of body mass index (BMI) screening in primary schools for the early detection of childhood obesity. Globally, more than 41 million children were obese or overweight by 2018. Due to incidence rates, developing an effective strategy to address childhood obesity is critical. The practice-focused question asked whether the evidence supported the development of a CPG for implementing BMI …

Individual Public-School Teachers’ Influence On Technology Implementation, Aletcia Whren

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many teachers in the United States, despite access to and demonstrated benefits of instructional technology, are reluctant to integrate these innovations into their teaching. Although public schools spend millions to supply the technology to improve instruction and student academic achievement, teachers often choose not to adopt it. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand better how and why many teachers are reluctant to integrate instructional technology in their classrooms. Guided by cultural historical activity theory, the study occurred in two phases. First, the Concerns-Based Adoption Model Stages of Concern Questionnaire was used to identify a sample of …

Links Between Screen Tim, Montessori Preschool Exposure, And Working Memory, Paula Lyn Larsen Mamani

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A high-quality, foundational education offers lifelong benefits for young children. The problem is that working memory in pre-school-aged children is declining and could be impaired by the extraneous cognitive load imposed during engagement with screen media apps and/or preschool programs. Although the pedagogical practices associated with Montessori preschool programs have been found supportive of cognitive load germane to learning and improved working memory, they have not been fully considered in relation to preschoolers' screen media use. The cognitive load created by screen media apps could affect their usefulness as learning tools. The purpose of this quantitative study was to discover …

Civilian School Educators’ Perspectives Of Needed Supports For Military-Connected Early Childhood Students, Demetreia D Head Adderley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The support needed for military-connected children in civilian schools remains a largely unexplored subject. Military-connected children and their families face unique stressors due to the nature of military life and culture. The problem is that civilian educators are often unaware of the presence of military-connected students in their schools and of the academic and behavioral support these students require to be successful. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of educators concerning the support needed for military-connected early childhood students in civilian schools to be successful. The three research questions focused specifically on teachers’ perspectives on …

Prekindergarten Teachers’ Perspectives Regarding Kindergarten Readiness And Challenges To Readiness Achievement, Felicia Nicole Chapman Farr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe problem that was the focus of this study is that only half of the students entering kindergarten in the United States are considered kindergarten ready. This problem is important because children who are successful in kindergarten are more likely to continue to be successful in elementary school. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of prekindergarten teachers regarding lack of kindergarten readiness in students who completed a district-approved prekindergarten program and the challenges the teachers believe affected the level of kindergarten readiness. The conceptual framework for this study was based on the need for …

Teacher And Parent Perception Of A Middle School After School Tutoring Program, Latisha Monique Jones-Russell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Walden University

College of Education

This is to certify that the doctoral study by

Latisha Jones-Russell

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,

and that any and all revisions required by

the review committee have been made.

Review Committee

Dr. Mary Lou Morton, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty

Dr. Antoinette Myers, Committee Member, Education Faculty

Dr. Marcia Griffiths, University Reviewer, Education Faculty

Chief Academic Officer and Provost

Sue Subocz, Ph.D.

Walden University

2022Abstract The problem in the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) afterschool program was that 40% of the students enrolled performed below the proficiency level …

The Impact Of Instructor Workload On The Use Of Written Corrective Feedback, Juanita Hutchison

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The personal and professional feedback instructors provide impact of their workload. Moore’s theory of transactional distance was the theoretical foundation for this study. The purpose of this study to is to examine whether number of students, number of classes, and years of online teaching experience determine what written corrective feedback types (direct and indirect feedback) instructors use. There was a gap in literature concerning number of students, number of classes, and years of online teaching experience among university instructors. The questionnaire along with demographics were distributed to 40 university instructors who were members of an accredited university. The findings determined …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Factors Affecting Racial Minority Students’ Reading And Language Arts Performance, Dominique Heyward

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem was the low reading level and language arts performance of Hispanic American and African American elementary school students, compared to European American students. The problem was addressed because it affects students’ academic achievement and overall education as they progress further in school. Teachers, administrators, and district leaders will benefit from this study as it provides an insight on what could be changed to alleviate the problem. The purpose of this study was understanding teachers’ perceptions regarding factors that may be influencing African American and Hispanic American students’ low reading and language arts performance and the effectiveness of current …

Perceptions Of The Strengths And Challenges Of 1:1 Learning In The Early Elementary Classroom, Desiree Lynn Larson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The need for technology use has become a necessity in 21st-century classrooms. To accomplish this, more districts have been implementing 1:1 technology initiatives. In a 1:1 technology classroom, every student has their own device, such as a Chromebook or iPad. Although districts are increasing their 1:1 initiatives, little research has been done on early elementary teachers’ perceptions of the use of 1:1 devices to support their current pedagogy and teaching in their classrooms. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to use Koehler and Mishra’s technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework to investigate how Midwestern public school early elementary …

Family Childcare Providers’ Perspectives On Participating In Quality Improvement Using National Association For Family Child Care Accreditation, Mary Muhs

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Few family child care providers attain accreditation in the research state and little research existed as to why family childcare providers make the decision to participate or not in National Association for Family Child Care Accreditation (NAFCC). The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore perspectives and experiences of family childcare providers, in the research state, regarding the decision-making process related to their participation in NAFCC Accreditation. The conceptual framework consisted of both andragogy and growth mindset; guiding the research questions to explore providers’ perspectives and experiences about the decision-making process related to participating in quality improvement initiatives and …

Links Between Screen Time, Montessori Preschool Exposure, And Working Memory, Paula Lyn Larsen Mamani

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A high-quality, foundational education offers lifelong benefits for young children. The problem is that working memory in pre-school-aged children is declining and could be impaired by the extraneous cognitive load imposed during engagement with screen media apps and/or preschool programs. Although the pedagogical practices associated with Montessori preschool programs have been found supportive of cognitive load germane to learning and improved working memory, they have not been fully considered in relation to preschoolers' screen media use. The cognitive load created by screen media apps could affect their usefulness as learning tools. The purpose of this quantitative study was to discover …

Campus Administrators’ Perceptions Of Their Influence On The Success Of Instructional Coaching Programs In Urban Elementary Schools, Sakinah S. Burroughs

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Walden University

College of Education and Human Sciences

This is to certify that the doctoral study by

Sakinah S. Burroughs

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made.

Review Committee Dr. Robert Flanders, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty Dr. Kenneth McGrew, Committee Member, Education Faculty Dr. Cleveland Hayes, University Reviewer, Education Faculty

Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D.

Walden University2022

Perspectives Of Kindergarten Through Second Grade Teachers Regarding Methods To Promote Student Engagement In Learning, Laura O'Hayer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this basic qualitative study was low levels of engagement in learning exhibited by kindergarten through second (K-2) grade students in rural schools located in the southern region of the United States. The purpose of this study was to explore how K-2 teachers promoted student engagement in learning. The conceptual framework combined constructivist theory and the attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) model. Two research questions guided exploration of how teachers incorporated active instructional practices and provided frameworks for learning; and how teachers incorporated questioning strategies, hands on learning activities, and problem solving exercises. Data were collected …

Family Child Care Providers’ Experiences Of California’S Quality Rating Improvement System, Ansina Shante' Green

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

U.S. policy makers continue to struggle with identifying inclusive strategies that effectively support the needs of individual family child care (FCC) providers, who tend to have low quality rating improvement systems (QRIS) scores. To ensure program quality, there is a need to identify supportive strategies and evidence-based practices that build on FCC programs' strengths and learning contexts. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of FCC providers about the factors that contribute to the number of low-quality, low-tier rated FCC programs that are part of California’s QRIS initiative. The conceptual framework was based on Blasberg’s …

Staff Perspectives Of Children With Challenging Behaviors In A Preschool Setting, Tamika D. Schaffer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Preschool children exhibiting challenging behaviors are expelled or suspended instead of identified, evaluated, and linked to appropriate services for their needs. This qualitative case study explored preschool teacher, administrator, and technical assistant perspectives related to identifying, evaluating, and linking to appropriate services children with challenging behaviors which the research questions focused on. The research frameworks were the ecological systems theory and assertive behavioral model. Purposeful sampling was used to select 10 teachers, two administrators, and two technical assistants who worked in a preschool center for at least 1 year and experienced one or more past incidents where they had to …

How Teachers Promote Academic Success Of Primary Grade Students In Rural Schools By Supporting Their Resilience, Miranda Kay Teston

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Low levels of academic success for primary grade students attending rural schools located in the southern region of the United States may be related to student resilience. Researchers have found that educators can support the development of students’ resilience, which can result in improved academic success, but little is known about how teachers in rural schools promote their students’ academic success by supporting the development of their resilience. Guided by a conceptual framework that combined ecological systems theory with resilience theory, this basic qualitative study explored how rural-school teachers promoted the academic success of primary grade students by supporting the …

Early Childhood Directors’ Perspectives Regarding Barriers To Childcare Quality Improvement, Charlotte Richards

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early childhood childcare program directors face barriers that impede program quality, but there is a lack of research exploring these barriers. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore perspectives of early childhood childcare center directors regarding barriers they encounter as they attempt to implement quality improvements to rate at the highest, 3-star level in the state quality rating and improvement system (QRIS). This study was grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, which notes the influence of environmental systems on the development of young children. The research question explored the perspectives of early childhood childcare center directors’ regarding …

Early Childhood Stakeholders’ Perspectives On Parent Empowerment To Successfully Transition Children To Formal School, Tawanda Randolph

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers have suggested that empowered parents may be more helpful successfully transitioning children to formal school. The problem investigated in this basic qualitative study was that educators located in a Southern region of the United States were not empowering parents with the knowledge, skills, and sense of self to become engaged in their children’s educational transitioning needs. This study also addressed a gap in practice consisting of school stakeholders’ perspectives on parent empowerment to build their capacities to successfully transition children to formal school. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and Kim and Bryan's parent empowerment theory framed this study. The research …

The Cooperating Teacher’S Role Within The Context Of A Coteaching Clinical Practice Model, Brandi Marie Seither

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The School of Education at Walter Baxter College (WBC; a pseudonym), a private, 4-year, liberal arts college located in the Midwestern United States, has not integrated role conceptualization training for cooperating teachers who have partnered within a yearlong, coteaching clinical practice model. The problem was that cooperating teachers have demonstrated inconsistencies in providing mentorship as part of the coteaching model. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to provide information on how to support cooperating elementary education teachers in effectively understanding and executing their roles as mentors to teacher candidates when partnering within a coteaching clinical practice model. Two …

Kindergarten Teachers' Perspectives On School Readiness In Children Who Attended Military Installation Childcare Centers, Juliana Wilson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Limited literature exists on the effectiveness of prekindergarten programs located on military installations in the United States. The children who attend these programs may not receive school readiness preparation equivalent to that received by their peers who attend community-based prekindergarten programs, which follow different guidelines. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the kindergarten readiness of children who attended preschool on military installations as described by teachers in community-based kindergarten classrooms. Pianta's work on school readiness formed the conceptual framework of this basic qualitative study. The research question addressed how kindergarten teachers describe school readiness in children …