Education Commons^™

Social And Emotional Learning Program Implementation: Educators’ Perspectives Of Preparation And Support, Papani Saini

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teachers are not properly prepared and supported to implement social and emotional learning (SEL) programs in the United States. Teachers must be properly equipped to be successful throughout implementation, thereby allowing students to reap the benefits of SEL programming. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore K-2 educators’ perspectives regarding the preparation and support they need to implement SEL programming. The conceptual framework for this study was based on Scheirer’s program implementation theory. The research questions focused on the perspectives of K-2 educators regarding the preparation and support they need for SEL program implementation. Purposeful sampling was …

How Prekindergarten And Kindergarten Teachers Supported Students' School Readiness Skill Development During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Eileen Manoukian

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Scholarly literature lacks studies on how prekindergarten and kindergarten (PK-K) teachers supported students’ school readiness skill development and successful transitions to formal schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Framed by school readiness theory and social development theory, this qualitative study explored perspectives of 16 PK-K teachers to answer two research questions about how teachers support students’ school readiness skill development foster students’ successful transitions to formal schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic in a metropolitan area in the southwest region of the United States. Data were collected through one on one, semistructured interviews, and analyzed by following an inductive process using Saldaña’s …

Pre-K Teachers’ Perspectives Regarding Support Needed To Meet State Reading Standards, Kwe'shonte Mathews

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractEarly literacy has been a topic of interest in early childhood education for centuries, but the effects of early literacy teaching practices are an ongoing and unresolved topic amongst early educational programs. The problem was that in urban areas many students read below their expected grade level, preventing them from achieving literacy success. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore pre-k teachers’ perspectives in a large urban school district regarding the support needed to meet challenges implementing Georgia Early Learning and Development (GELD) Standards, while teaching pre-k students literacy, specifically phonemic awareness. The conceptual framework that guided …

Exploring Novice Elementary Teachers' Use Of Academic Language In Planning, Teaching, And Assessment, Lori Teegarden

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Academic language is the key that promotes disciplinary reading, writing, speaking, and thinking. The novice teacher may not be prepared with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively plan, teach, and assess for academic language achievement. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand the novice teacher’s experiences and perspectives of academic language development. The research questions focused on the novice elementary teacher’s practice of addressing academic language demands in teaching. The conceptual framework that guided the study comprised Bruner’s education theory that places teaching and learning within the culture and society and Rumelhart’s theory focused on vocabulary …

Exploring The Perceptions Of Teachers Regarding Learner-Centered Instruction And Its Potential Impact On International Students, Evan David Barnhart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The subject of how best to educate students in the classroom has been one of debate, discussion, and research, with various forms of instruction touted as the most effective. Recently, learner-centered instruction (LCI) has been put forth as a method to educate students, and research supports its implementation. The problem addressed in this study was the inconsistent implementation of LCI at a private school in the West Coast of the United States, specifically regarding its failure to meet the needs of international students. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate how teachers implement LCI in their classrooms to …

Early Grade Teacher Perspectives Of Struggling Learners And Later Mathematics Achievement, Crystal Ann Cuyler

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Students who were not identified with a learning disability or significant developmental delay (SDD) in prekindergarten, but may have undiscovered learning issues are often among the lowest performing students in mathematics when they reach upper grades. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand kindergarten, first, and second grade teacher perspectives of early indicators of later difficulties in mathematics among children not identified as having learning disabilities or SDD in prekindergarten. A retrospective study was conducted in which the remembrances of early grade teachers were used to explore the difficulties children who were struggling with mathematics as fourth and …

Analysis Of School Discipline Policies At A Title I High School In Texas, Kimberly N. Guess

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Discipline referrals and suspensions are used as a last resort to address inappropriate student behavior in schools. The problem investigated in this study was the inconsistent trend in the number of discipline referrals and suspensions during implementation of three different discipline policies (zero tolerance, progressive discipline, and restorative practice) at a local Title I high school in north Texas from 2013 to 2019. Guided by Skinner’s theory of behaviorism, the purpose of this quantitative, ex post facto study was to determine if significant differences in the total number of disciplinary referrals and suspensions existed between the 2-year implementation period of …

Early Childhood General Education Inclusion Teachers’ Perceptions Of Professional Development, Susanne Metscher

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite the use of professional development (PD), early childhood inclusive teachers lack the knowledge and skills needed to support students with disabilities. It was unclear what types of PD teachers have received and what supports they still need. If teachers lack PD and the skills needed to teach students with disabilities effectively, then student progress may be negatively affected. The purpose of this basic qualitative research study and the research questions were to understand early childhood inclusive general education teachers’ perceptions of past PD experiences of working with students with disabilities and what supports they need to implement evidence-based practices. …

Intermediate Schoolteachers’ Perceptions Of The Impact Of Professional Development On Their Classroom Instruction, Gwendolyn Adams Lockett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite increased district-provided professional development (PD) opportunities for teachers to improve classroom instruction, there has been a steady decline of academic achievement at an intermediate school in a large urban school district in the southwestern United States. One of the factors campus administrators attributed the lack of student success to was that the district does not provide PD that is effective in changing in intermediate schoolteachers’ instructional practices. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore intermediate schoolteachers’ perceptions of the impact PD provided by the district has on their classroom instruction, as well as the impact these trainings …

Primary Grade Teachers’ Perspectives On Early Literacy Intervention Programs In Urban Title I Schools, Whitney L. Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Developing a strong foundation in literacy is an essential component of students’ overall academic success. However, first through third grade students in urban Title I schools located in the southeastern region of the United States continued to show limited progress on state literacy assessments. The purpose of this basic qualitative study with interviews was to explore teachers’ perspectives on their experiences with literacy intervention programs. The conceptual framework was based on Senge’s learning organizations and systems thinking theory. Research questions explored literacy intervention program effectiveness and supports teachers needed for ongoing implementation with fidelity. Data from semistructured interviews with 13 …

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives Of Teaching Children Who Are Experiencing Toxic Stress, Stephanie Renee Abell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A growing number of children entering early childhood classrooms are experiencing toxic stress. Early childhood teachers are responsible for meeting the educational needs as well as fostering their social and emotional development. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore early childhood teachers’ perspectives of being challenged to support the emotional and academic needs of young children who are experiencing toxic stress in the early childhood classroom, which the research questions focused on. The theory of social constructivism was the conceptual framework for this study. Purposeful sampling was used to select 10 early childhood teachers to share their …

Educators’ Perspectives On Strategies To Close The Achievement Gap For African American Elementary Students In Mathematics And English Language Arts, Keamber Denise Booker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is a persistent academic achievement gap between African American and European American elementary students in mathematics and English language arts. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore third through fifth-grade elementary educators’ perspectives on strategies used to narrow the gap in achievement for African American students in mathematics and English language arts from a school located in the southeastern region of the United States; consequently, the research question was developed to focus on these perspectives. The conceptual framework for this study was Ladson-Billings’s culturally relevant pedagogy. Purposeful sampling and snowball sampling were used to select study …

Preservice Teacher Efficacy To Teach Informational Text Comprehension Through Literature Circles, Amy J. Clark

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Preservice teachers in an elementary education teacher preparation program are tasked with teaching informational text comprehension through literature circles during a literacy field experience. The problem addressed is that even after receiving explicit classroom instruction on this topic, preservice teachers expressed apprehension and self-doubt and may not have the self-efficacy to effectively teach informational text comprehension. The purpose of this project study was to explore preservice teachers' perceived self-efficacy to teach informational text comprehension. This study was grounded in a constructivist paradigm centered on Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy. The research questions concerned preservice teachers perceived self-efficacy to teach informational text …

Differentiated Instruction For Students With Significant Disabilities In Inclusive Secondary Classrooms, Oghenevwaire Odeworitse Malomo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Secondary general education teachers often face many challenges when differentiating instruction to meet the learning needs of students with significant disabilities (SD) in an inclusive secondary general education classroom. A qualitative case study that included eight general education teachers from different content areas in southwest state in the US was used to investigate the general education teachers’ perception of the challenges they face when differentiating instruction to meet the learning needs of students with SD in an inclusive secondary general education classroom. Tomlinson’s differentiated instruction (DI) model serve as the conceptual framework for this study, which emphasizes maximizing learning for …

Teacher Perspectives On Implementing Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum At An International Baccalaureate Elementary School, Whitney Nicole Niles

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teachers have difficulty implementing a social-emotional learning (SEL) program in the classroom at an International Baccalaureate (IB) elementary school in Georgia. As a district mandated initiative, elementary schools in the metro area have included SEL programs as an essential part of the curriculum to support the needs of the whole student. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore teachers' perspectives on implementing SEL at an IB elementary school. The conceptual framework drawn from Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory, focuses on what an individual does to implement and adopt an intervention. The study's guiding question explored 15 IB …

Preschool And Kindergarten Teachers’ Perspectives On Effective Strategies And Practices For Supporting Self-Regulation, Cheryl Denise Thomas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research indicates that young children need to be able to self-regulate their emotions and behaviors to be successful in preschool and later schooling. However, there is no consensus in the education sector regarding what constitutes best strategies and practices when supporting self-regulation in young children. The purpose and guiding research question for this qualitative study were to explore teachers’ perspectives on effective strategies and practices used to support self-regulation in preschool and kindergarten classrooms. This study was premised on Bandura’s social learning theory, which explains human behavior in terms of continual interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors when attempting …

Preschool Teachers’ Perspectives On Engaging Fathers In Their Child’S Education, Jawan Marquis Burwell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Preschool environments set the educational foundation for children in the early years. Despite the positive effects that preschool environments have on children and families, previous studies have shown that preschool teachers are challenged to engage fathers in their child’s education. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate preschool teachers’ perspectives on engaging fathers in their child’s education. The conceptual framework was based upon Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. The research question focused on the challenges that teachers encounter in engaging fathers in their child’s education. This qualitative study included individual one-on-one interviews with 12 teachers using an open-ended …

The Pre-School Teacher Experience Of Social Skills For Early Education Success, Cheryl Dorsey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

Pre-school is foundational to future academic success, and social skills have been recognized as a critical component of that foundation. How pre-school teachers facilitate social skills development is an area requiring further study. The purpose of this research was to describe the experience of social skills development from the perspective of early educators. Attachment and social learning theories were used as theoretical frameworks to explore how early education teachers describe the social skills for early education success in young children and how early education teachers facilitate the development of important social skills. This study used a generic, qualitative design …

Early Childhood Education Teacher Experience And Knowledge Regarding Outdoor Learning And Affordances, Jennifer Karshna

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early childhood education (ECE) teachers have indicated that they are interested in supporting children’s learning outdoors but have been challenged with intentional use of the outdoor learning environment (OLE). The purpose of this qualitative study was to illuminate ECE teacher experience with and knowledge of supporting children’s learning in the OLE, specifically using affordances for teaching and learning. The conceptual framework was based on the Reggio Emilia approach, Gibson’s affordance theory, Dewey’s ideas regarding educational experiences, and Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development. The key research question addressed teachers’ experiences and knowledge of affordances in the OLE. The 12 participants were …

Exploring The Strategies English As A Second Language Teachers Use To Teach Students, Unika Lasha Felton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractIn the local school district under study located in southern United States, English as second language (ESL) students are experiencing lower than expected standardized testing scores according to expectations set forth by the state Department of Education. The purpose of this project study was to explore the strategies ESL teachers use to teach ESL students. The conceptual framework was Gagne’s conditions of learning theory, which is used to assess students’ lack of preparation for future academic and career success. The research question asked what strategies ESL teachers use to teach ESL students. A qualitative exploratory case study with purposive sampling …

Preschool Teachers’ Perspectives Of Professional Development Related To The Management Of Challenging Behaviors, Obioma Ijeoma Uche

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractMany young children enter preschool programs exhibiting challenging behaviors and are suspended from preschool at a rate 3 times more than K–12 students. Many preschool students who need help are instead suspended or expelled. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore private preschool teachers’ perspectives on past or existing professional development opportunities related to children with challenging behaviors and the resources/professional development needed to support these students. Knowles’ theory of andragogy served as the conceptual lens for this study. Interview questions were developed to elicit in-depth participant responses to answer the two research questions on preschool teachers’ …

Implementation Of Universal Basic Education Program In The North-Central Region Of Nigeria, Kazeem Oladimeji

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Government reports document that the North-Central region of Nigeria has experienced increased negative ineffectiveness of preschool education policy implementation. At the same time, other data suggest that key stakeholders' contribution is missing in the preschool education policy formulation and implementation processes. However, much less is known regarding specific key stakeholders’ perceptions that could help reverse this trend. Grounded in the advocacy coalition framework and appreciative inquiry, narrowing this knowledge gap was the purpose of this study. The research question focused on key stakeholders’ perceptions that could increase full participation and facilitate the establishment of more quality preschools in the region. …

Middle School Teachers’ Use Of Differentiated Instruction Strategies, Felecia G. Prince

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractMiddle School Teachers’ Use of Differentiated Instruction Strategies by Felecia George Prince MEd, Troy University, 2010 BS, Georgia Southern University, 1988 AA, East Georgia College, 1984 Project Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University June 2020Abstract The administrators at the study site were concerned that teachers struggle with differentiated instruction (DI) in their classrooms, which involves strategies to support students’ levels. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to learn what DI strategies teachers used at the study site. The conceptual framework of Tomlinson on the differentiated strategies …

Perspectives Of Online Cda Recipients Regarding Development Of Expertise Without Apprenticeship, Victoria Lynn Long-Coleman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Little was known about how online Child Development Associate (CDA) credential recipients developed practical expertise in early childhood education (ECE) without the benefit of an apprenticeship. Learning the practice of teaching from a qualified more knowledgeable other (MKO) through an apprenticeship is a feature of teacher preparation in public school contexts but is missing in preparation for child care teachers. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore how online CDA recipients developed practical expertise in ECE without a supervised apprenticeship. Vygotsky’s social construction of knowledge was the conceptual framework of the study. The research question addressed how …

The Effect Of Coding Classes On Mathematics Achievement Of Preschool Students, Ebru Hacer Erbilgin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that inspired this study is that Turkish students’ mathematics rankings on global exams such as The Program for the International Students Assessment (PISA) and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS) had been below the average for many years, a problem that may have rooted in children’s early experiences with mathematics. The purpose of this quantitative pretest posttest quasi-experimental control group study was to determine the effect of computer-programming classes with Code Studio on mathematics scores of preschool students. Siemens’s connectivism theory for the digital age formed the foundation for this research. A single research question regarding …

Early Childhood Educators’ Perceptions Of Active Shooter Drills In Early Childhood Classrooms, Melissa Joy Racioppa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The threat of an active shooter is something early childhood educators need to prepare for, but a literature review regarding active shooter drills indicated a gap in the research focused on the perceptions the early childhood educators. Using a conceptual lens based on developmentally appropriate practice and the developmental theories of Piaget and Vygotsky, this qualitative case study aimed to explore the perceptions of early childhood educators on the current model of active shooter drills and the developmental appropriateness of these drills when used with an early childhood population. The participants were early childhood educators familiar with their school’s emergency …

Educators’ Perspectives Regarding Challenges Implementing The Highscope Curriculum And Support Needed, Charmaine Christopher

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractSince 2008, the Ministry of Education in Grenada, where this study took place, started curriculum reform with the implementation of the HighScope curriculum in preschools. The problem is that many teachers faced challenges implementing the HighScope curriculum. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of early childhood educators about challenges when implementing the HighScope curriculum, which involves balancing child-initiated and teacher-directed activities, and the support they need for executing the curriculum effectively. The conceptual frameworks that guided the study were Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Both theories reinforce the need for …

Teacher Perceptions Of Culturally Relevant Strategies To Promote Black Student Achievement, Kimberly Elyse Hendricks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A long-standing, race-based academic achievement gap between Black and White students has existed in a local district in the southwest United States for more than 5 years. The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive case study was to explore teachers’ perceptions and experiences related to the use of culturally relevant or responsive (CRR) teaching strategies. The study was guided by Hale’s theory explaining how culture shapes a child’s cognition and learning styles, indicating benefits when the teacher used the students’ cultural assets during instruction. Research questions were written to address teachers’ perceptions of, experiences with, and the value of using CRR …

Extension Youth Development Professionals’ Experiences Implementing Inclusive Youth Development Programming, Crystal Renee Perry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Youth with disabilities benefit from being included in extracurricular activities. However, often youth with a disability do not participate in extracurricular activities. The purpose of this basic, qualitative study was to explore the experiences of Extension Youth Development Professionals (YDPs) as they serve youth with disabilities in their 4-H programs. The research question for this study focused on the perceptions and experiences of the YDPs implementing inclusive, positive youth development programs. Conceptually, the transfer of learning theories provided the framework for this study. Data for this study were collected through the instrument of interviews, consisting of questions focusing on training, …

Military Spouses' Lived Experiences During Reintegration After A Noncombat Deployment, Trenye Black

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The reintegration of a military service member into family life after a deployment can beexciting, but the reintegration process can also prove difficult. The difficulties associated with reintegration can be compounded when there is lack of acknowledgment of challenges faced by military spouses. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of military spouses following the reintegration of military personnel returning from noncombat deployment. In-depth face-to-face interviews were completed with 9 military spouses. The resiliency model of stress, adjustment, and adaptation was used as the conceptual framework to provide understanding for factors common in the …