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Electronic Theses and Dissertations

2021

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Full-Text Articles in Education

Parent And Teacher's Perceptions Of Employment Outcomes For Youth With Intellectual Disabilities Transitioning From The Public School Setting., Rachel Leann Baker Dec 2021

Parent And Teacher's Perceptions Of Employment Outcomes For Youth With Intellectual Disabilities Transitioning From The Public School Setting., Rachel Leann Baker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since 1990, and with subsequent amendments in 1997 and 2004, the secondary transition provision of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) have required special educators to plan, coordinate, and deliver transition services for secondary-aged students with disabilities (U.S. Department of Education, 2011). The experiences, social impacts and economic opportunities for employment continue to be monitored at both a federal and state level as part of expected outcomes for public secondary schools. The purpose of this instrumental case study was to examine the alignment of current research with current practice of transition planning for students with intellectual disabilities. The study …


The Journey Towards Critical Self-Authorship For Native Lacrosse Athletes At Ncaa Division I Institutions., Brandon C. Joseph Dec 2021

The Journey Towards Critical Self-Authorship For Native Lacrosse Athletes At Ncaa Division I Institutions., Brandon C. Joseph

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is an examination of contemporary collegiate lacrosse as a symptom of settler colonialism and the experiences of Native lacrosse athletes at NCAA Division I historically white institutions. It begins with a brief historical overview of Native lacrosse and Native education through a lens of settler colonial theory and Tribal Critical Race Theory. It uses Critical Indigenous Research Methods to examine the experiences of contemporary Native collegiate lacrosse players and their journey towards critical self-authorship. The ultimate goal was to explore the extent to which Native lacrosse athletes felt they could show up as their authentic Native self in …


A Soft Place To Land: The Importance Of Otherparenting At Pwis., Stephanie Renae Mayberry Dec 2021

A Soft Place To Land: The Importance Of Otherparenting At Pwis., Stephanie Renae Mayberry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study examined the importance of otherparenting performed by Black student affairs professionals at a predominantly White research-intensive institution in the mid-South. Otherparenting is a U.S. tradition that has West African roots in chattel slavery. Otherparenting is defined as those that assist blood mothers and fathers by sharing parenting responsibilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants across various functional units at the institution. The examination illustrated the commitment Black staff have in assisting Black students through the college campus rife with structural barriers, while also accounting for the level of taxation the commitment to otherparenting places on Black …


The Influence Of Dual Enrollment On Rural Student College Persistence., Jeanne Toure Guerrero Dec 2021

The Influence Of Dual Enrollment On Rural Student College Persistence., Jeanne Toure Guerrero

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Using the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09), this study addresses the research question of whether dual enrollment (DE) influences first- to third-year college persistence at a four-year institution, controlling for gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and rurality. The results revealed that there are statistically significant differences between the independent variables of DE Participation, Gender, Race/Ethnicity, SES, and Rurality and the dependent variable of College Persistence. Controlling for other variables, the following main effects results emerged: Students participating in DE courses were more likely to persist than non-DE students. Female DE students were more likely to persist when compared …


Literacy Abilities Of Children And Adolescents With Williams Syndrome., Caroline Greiner De Magalhaes Dec 2021

Literacy Abilities Of Children And Adolescents With Williams Syndrome., Caroline Greiner De Magalhaes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation I report findings from two studies of the literacy abilities of children with Williams syndrome (WS), a genetic disorder associated with intellectual disability. I had two overarching goals: 1) evaluate the applicability of theories of reading and spelling acquisition developed based on typically developing children to children with WS; and 2) provide results that would inform the development of targeted assessments and interventions. In Study 1, individual differences in phonological awareness, visual spatial perception, vocabulary, overall intellectual abilities, and reading instruction approach (systematic phonics vs. other approaches) for sixty-nine 6 – 7-year-olds (most of whom were in …


An Exploration Of Afrocentric Features At A Black Homeschool Collective., Tytianna Nikia Maria Wells Dec 2021

An Exploration Of Afrocentric Features At A Black Homeschool Collective., Tytianna Nikia Maria Wells

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the development and benefits of familial relationships as the primary feature of Afrocentricity at Black Scholars Academy (BSA), a Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) through 12th-grade Black homeschool collective in the United States. This qualitative study draws upon Afrocentricity as a theoretical framework to analyze and interpret data collected from classroom observations, individual interviews with current and former teachers and students, and textual artifacts between July and November 2019. Familial relationships—an African time orientation, a personalized learning plan, OurStory, and Rising Meeting—are present in BSA. Familial relationships helped students develop cultural pride, agency, self-determination, independence, liberation through education, and a …


Manifestations Of Students’ Voices: Examining Shifts, Academic Demands, And Identity Work In How Students Make Themselves Understood., Lauren Elizabeth Fletcher Dec 2021

Manifestations Of Students’ Voices: Examining Shifts, Academic Demands, And Identity Work In How Students Make Themselves Understood., Lauren Elizabeth Fletcher

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Voice is a concept that is both highly sought after and elusive in education. While schools aim to foster students’ voices, many academic structures inadvertently conceal their voices and in turn their identities. Definitions of voice have been assumed, vague, or looked at as a writing trait, with little consideration of voices’ dynamic and mediated structures. Drawing on scholarship grounded in sociocultural theories and dialogism (e.g., Bakhtin, 1986; Engeström; 1987, Leont’ev, 1981; Rosenblatt, 1978; Vygotsky, 1978), I contribute a new, tangible definition of voice, in which voice is a dynamic happening, continually negotiated and constructed. This dissertation explores students’ voices, …


The Forgotten Ones: A Qualitative Study To Understand The Phenomena Of Medically Disqualified Student-Athletes., Regina Chanel Johnson Dec 2021

The Forgotten Ones: A Qualitative Study To Understand The Phenomena Of Medically Disqualified Student-Athletes., Regina Chanel Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain a better understanding of the experiences of medically disqualified student-athletes (MDSA) at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I institutions. This study is significant because few studies have examined MDSAs, yet they present concerns around career-ending injuries. Drawing on the Kübler-Ross Model of Death and Dying (1969) framework, this study examined if MDSAs have faced experiences in stage-like forms such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. This study called the attention of athletic administrators to examine and develop support resources for this often-overlooked student-athlete group. Over five chapters, this dissertation …


Non-Traditional Instruction: Examining The Interaction Effect Between Student Characteristics And Perceived Sense Of Connectedness In An Online Learning Environment., Kendra M, Nolan Aug 2021

Non-Traditional Instruction: Examining The Interaction Effect Between Student Characteristics And Perceived Sense Of Connectedness In An Online Learning Environment., Kendra M, Nolan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The school setting also has an influence on students' sense of connectedness. Because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, schools across the United States and the world were forced to close in March 2020. The sampled district began the 2020-2021 school year with non-traditional instruction (NTI). With NTI, teachers and students continued academic instruction through an online communication platform such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. Researchers and school leaders are uncertain how effective online learning was. Furthermore, minimal research explores the interaction effect between student characteristics (grade level, gender, and race/ethnicity) and their perceived sense of connectedness in a …


Economic And Sociological Factors Associate With First-Year African American Students' Enrollment In Historically Black Colleges And Universities., Vickie Gale Bridgeman Aug 2021

Economic And Sociological Factors Associate With First-Year African American Students' Enrollment In Historically Black Colleges And Universities., Vickie Gale Bridgeman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite the long struggle to gain access, African Americans always have valued education. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were established to educate Blacks. The racial integration of predominately White institutions (non-HBCUs) in the 1960s led to decreased enrollments in HBCUs and challenged their relevance. The purpose of this study is to discover what factors influence African American students to choose an HBCU today. Quantitative, secondary survey data methods were used to conduct the study. African American students at HBCUs and non-HBCUs participated in the survey. Consistent with generally accepted approaches in analyzing student college choice, this study utilized logistic …


Engineering Performance And Teamwork Perceptions Shaped By Structured Learning Experiences In A Makerspace., Teresa Lee Tinnell Aug 2021

Engineering Performance And Teamwork Perceptions Shaped By Structured Learning Experiences In A Makerspace., Teresa Lee Tinnell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ability to work on teams is of critical importance to the field of engineering and a critical competency for future engineers. Fostering performance of effective teamwork through the education of engineers emphasizes the humanistic dimension of the engineering profession and engages future engineering professionals in complex and dynamic team experiences. Team performance and effectiveness of student teams is strongly influenced by individual student perceptions of teamwork as a learning mechanism for successful collective learning experiences. Initial perceptions of teamwork among first year engineering students are often negative due to prior adverse or unproductive team performance. Makerspace learning environments are …


Academy Student Ambassador Perceptions Of The Academy Model: The Successes And Areas For Growth., James Edward Mcmillin Aug 2021

Academy Student Ambassador Perceptions Of The Academy Model: The Successes And Areas For Growth., James Edward Mcmillin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

When students see the relevance of their education, whether college-bound or career-bound, it can motivate them to seek out courses and experiences that will prepare them for life after high school (Plank, DeLuca, & Estacion, 2005). The experiences, accomplishments, and social influences a student has throughout their time in school creates meaning and helps inform how they identify career interests and make career choices (Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994). This is especially true in high school where students begin to develop an awareness of their career interests and start thinking about their life after high school (Erikson, 1963). As the …


Urban Teacher's Perspectives On Teaching Diverse Students., Julie Chancellor Aug 2021

Urban Teacher's Perspectives On Teaching Diverse Students., Julie Chancellor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teachers who are mostly White often do not understand their cultural disconnect from their mostly non-White students (Blaisdell, 2016; King, 1991). Having teachers exposed to, and competent with, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP) (Ladson-Billings, 1995) and Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy (CSP) (Paris, 2012) can help bridge that divide. Since CSP is a relative newcomer to educational pedagogy, this study was designed to discover what CSP traits teachers have and how these traits impact their students. This qualitative case study is comprised of four teachers at one urban high school that has historically been designated as not making adequate progress. These teachers are …


Immersive Virtual Reality And Education: A Study Into The Effectiveness Of Using This Technology With Preservice Teachers., Shannon R. Putman Aug 2021

Immersive Virtual Reality And Education: A Study Into The Effectiveness Of Using This Technology With Preservice Teachers., Shannon R. Putman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a rapidly advancing technology utilized across varying education fields for learning and educational applications. IVR provides the capabilities of computer simulations and embodied cognition experiences through a hands-on activity, making it a natural step to improve learning. Creating educational applications in IVR for use with students and preservice teachers could be a laborious and costly endeavor and require teacher belief in its effectiveness, so research is essential to investigate whether these applications are useful in advancing prekindergarten through Grade 12 (P-12) student learning. Research in this field is new, limited, and practically void of its …


A Phenomenological Study Of The Perceptions Of Co-Teaching Through The Lens Of Special Education And General Education Teachers., Erin Seale Aug 2021

A Phenomenological Study Of The Perceptions Of Co-Teaching Through The Lens Of Special Education And General Education Teachers., Erin Seale

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Co-teaching has become one of the most popular service-delivery models that school districts use to incorporate students with disabilities in the general education settings. This phenomenological study reports how special education teachers and general education teachers at one Central Kentucky high school describes their perceptions and experiences with co-teaching. This study uses semi-structured interview to explore general education and special education teachers’ perceptions of their experiences with co-teaching and being a part of a co-teaching team.


Re-Visiting The Flutie Effect: An Exploration Of Athletic Success' Impact On Student Enrollment Decisions., Addison Pond May 2021

Re-Visiting The Flutie Effect: An Exploration Of Athletic Success' Impact On Student Enrollment Decisions., Addison Pond

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With each passing year, FBS collegiate athletic departments are faced with increased expenditures (Huml et al., 2019). Subsequently, institutional funding has become an increasingly common and controversial method of athletic department funding (Jewell, 2020). These spending and subsidization patterns are commonly met with controversy, causing the need to further unpack the benefits that schools receive from these behaviors. One anticipated benefit of athletic success is increased numbers of student applications. While the impact of football and basketball success on student interest (the “Flutie Effect) has been a popular topic in sport management literature, there is a lack of primary data …


A Translingual Approach To The Theory And Practice Of Basic Writing., Rachel Rodriguez May 2021

A Translingual Approach To The Theory And Practice Of Basic Writing., Rachel Rodriguez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Linguistic justice and the treatment of language difference are of great concern to the discipline of rhetoric and composition. Yet, basic writing, arguably the field’s richest source of language variation, has not received the full benefit of what has been termed the “translingual turn” (Alvarez; Corcoran; Hall; Jackson; Kubota). This dissertation explores the role of language ideologies in the theory and practice of basic writing, culminating in a review and critique of current uptakes of translingualism in basic writing scholarship. Overall, I find that greater attention needs to be paid to the translingual potential of seemingly conventional language as well …


Black Men Wanted: An Instrumental Case Study Exploring The Situational Factors Related To The Retention Of African American Male High School Teachers., Christopher Kevin Flores May 2021

Black Men Wanted: An Instrumental Case Study Exploring The Situational Factors Related To The Retention Of African American Male High School Teachers., Christopher Kevin Flores

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the nation’s high school student population becomes increasingly diverse, the declining number of minority teachers, particularly African American male teachers is becoming an area of concern. This instrumental case study of African American male high school teachers in the Fayette County Public School system in Lexington, Kentucky sought to identify the motivations for teaching, the barriers prior to and during teaching, as well as the roles these individuals are asked to fulfill in their schools. Using purposeful sampling, 10 individuals participated in semi-structured interviews aimed at providing insight to the three research questions related to motivations, barriers, and roles. …


Improving Student Success And Engagement In Virtual And Hybrid Classrooms., Sydney Fogo May 2021

Improving Student Success And Engagement In Virtual And Hybrid Classrooms., Sydney Fogo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The following thesis examines virtual classes from the University of Louisville in the Fall 2020 semester to discover points of weakness relative to keeping students engaged in online courses. Three surveys were taken by a select group of participants over the course of the fall semester in order to collect student opinion on specific classes. Interviews were held with a subset of students from the group of participants and also with professors who taught the study’s participants in the fall of 2020. Their responses and conversations were used to determine possible areas of improvement for virtual classes. This information was …


Comparing Instructional Techniques On Memory Retention, Retrieval, Application And Self-Efficacy Of Grading Criteria Used For Student Self-Assessment., Michael James Metz May 2021

Comparing Instructional Techniques On Memory Retention, Retrieval, Application And Self-Efficacy Of Grading Criteria Used For Student Self-Assessment., Michael James Metz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose/Objectives: Study examined the effects of active engagement (ENG) and spaced retrieval practice (SRP) on the self-assessment (SA) competencies among D1 dental students. Methods: D1 dental students (N = 120) were randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions (n=30) in this experimental 2X2 research study: no ENG/ no SRP (control); no ENG/ SRP; ENG/no SRP; ENG/ SRP. Outcomes included content mastery (30 item multiple-choice exam) and application knowledge (simulated dentoform assessment) of the course grading rubric for SA. Results: Results indicated a statistically significant main effect for ENG and SRP on both outcome variables. Specifically, ENG …


Telling Principals' Leadership Stories: Administrative Perceptions Of Promoting Teacher Leadership., Adam Whitney Hicks Ed.D. May 2021

Telling Principals' Leadership Stories: Administrative Perceptions Of Promoting Teacher Leadership., Adam Whitney Hicks Ed.D.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Numerous definitions, leadership roles, and methods of approaching teacher leadership are discussed in various areas of research; however, no efforts have been made to analyze the administrators who consciously cultivate it in their staff. Using a phenomenological design, this study identified twelve administrators—four elementary, four middle school, and four high school principals—who were found to cultivate teacher leadership, and explored both how these leaders defined teacher leadership, as well as examined how they worked to consciously cultivate it among their staff. Burns’ Transformational Leadership Theory (1978) is the study’s theoretical framework. The findings of the study outline a new definition …


The Shifting Role Of Teachers: A Case Study On Teachers’ Perceptions Of Personalized Learning In A Rural School District., Steve Miracle May 2021

The Shifting Role Of Teachers: A Case Study On Teachers’ Perceptions Of Personalized Learning In A Rural School District., Steve Miracle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This case study will explore teacher perceptions of the implementation of personalized learning as a means of supporting teachers in the process of transitioning to a new model of teaching and learning. A review of research revealed that there are many versions of personalized learning based on as many different definitions of what personalized learning is and what it looks like in the classroom. It is due to the lack of one consistent model that implementation can be problematic for schools and districts. As teachers are on the front line of implementing personalized learning their perceptions are important to future …


Principal Mentoring As A Retention And Effectiveness Strategy In Comprehensive Improvement Schools., Robert Fulk May 2021

Principal Mentoring As A Retention And Effectiveness Strategy In Comprehensive Improvement Schools., Robert Fulk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examines Comprehensive Improvement Schools (CSI) principals’ experiences with mentoring programs and their perceptions of how such programs may mitigate administrative attrition. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight practicing CSI principals and the study utilized the pragmatic framework. The interviews captured principal’s experiences with being a principal mentee during their first year of CSI principalship, and what actions or activities in their mentorships aided their retention in the position. The analysis suggested several recommendations for practice in principal mentoring programs to increase school leader retention. At the heart of these recommendations was an emphasis on the importance of …


I'M Still Valid: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study Of Part-Time Phd Students' Motivation And Satisfaction., Heather A Turner May 2021

I'M Still Valid: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study Of Part-Time Phd Students' Motivation And Satisfaction., Heather A Turner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Doctoral attrition rates are consistently documented at approximately 50% in the United States, and attrition rates are typically higher for all students who pursue degrees on a part-time basis, regardless of degree level. Yet an increasing number of students are deciding to pursue research doctorates on a part-time basis. This growth in the part-time PhD student population requires an understanding of the factors that affect their persistence. I investigated part-time PhD student persistence through an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach to understanding the relationship between motivation and satisfaction through the lens of Self-Determination Theory. Findings suggest that part-time PhD students …


The Rivers Of Life: A Portraiture Study Of Three Black Female Educational Leaders In A Large Urban School District., Cassandra G. Woods May 2021

The Rivers Of Life: A Portraiture Study Of Three Black Female Educational Leaders In A Large Urban School District., Cassandra G. Woods

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is a qualitative portraiture study that explores Black female educational leaders’ lived experiences and the way those experiences cultivate knowledge formation. This study uses Black feminist thought as a theoretical framework. Black feminist thought grounds this research study in advancing intellectual traditions, equal educational opportunities, and the ethic of personal accountability. Black feminist thought serves as an ideal theoretical framework to ground this research study because its utility in clarifying the unique way Black female educational leaders translate theory into action (Loder, 2005; Lomotey, 1993; Tillman, 2008; Renix, 2016). The findings of this research study position Black female …


A Case Study In The Use Of Mentorships In Academic Instructional Coach Development., Matt Anderson May 2021

A Case Study In The Use Of Mentorships In Academic Instructional Coach Development., Matt Anderson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Academic instructional coaches have long been used to support teacher development and student learning. As a recent position in the education field, there is little information regarding the development of staff in this role. This study sought to better understand how academic instructional coaches are mentored and developed within challenging school contexts. The theoretical framework for this research is guided by the social constructivism epistemology. In alignment with this framework, a collective case study was utilized to better understand the relationship between the principal and the academic instructional coach. Exploring this relationship emphasized how principals support academic instructional coach growth. …


School Improvement Grant: Analysis Of Kentucky Cohort I Schools., Ryan Rodosky May 2021

School Improvement Grant: Analysis Of Kentucky Cohort I Schools., Ryan Rodosky

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In December of 2009, President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the School Improvement Grant (SIG) program would expand as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The United States Department of Education (USDOE) awarded an initial allocation of $8,610,752 in SIG funds to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to turnaround their lowest performing schools (United States Department of Education, 2016). In 2010, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) received funding with the goal of moving targeted schools out of PLA status successfully within the three-year window outlined in the SIG application. Ten schools in Cohort …


The Peacock In The Room: Confronting The Hidden Curriculum Of Androcentrism And Gender Bias In Undergraduate Biology Education., Sarah Hamilton Spaulding May 2021

The Peacock In The Room: Confronting The Hidden Curriculum Of Androcentrism And Gender Bias In Undergraduate Biology Education., Sarah Hamilton Spaulding

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation exposes one manifestation of the hidden curriculum of gender bias in the biological academe and explores the impacts of implicit essentialist perspectives on biology curricula and student understanding of an important evolutionary concept. Chapter one introduces the concept of gender essentialism and its relationship to the hidden curriculum of gender bias. I conclude the introductory chapter by reviewing tenets from queer curriculum theory and suggesting that applications of the theory may provide educators with the pedagogical tools required to counter implicit essentialist perspectives. Chapter two describes a textbook image analysis informed by previous textbook analyses to examine the …


The Effects Of Great Leaps Reading On The Reading Fluency Of Elementary Students With Reading And Behavioral Deficits., Gwendolyn Shultz Ashley May 2021

The Effects Of Great Leaps Reading On The Reading Fluency Of Elementary Students With Reading And Behavioral Deficits., Gwendolyn Shultz Ashley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is an examination of one reading fluency intervention presented in digital form. It begins as an overview of the academic challenges faced by students classified as emotional behavioral disorder in our P-12 schools, due to challenges accessing the curriculum. Children that also have reading fluency deficits have an even more difficult time accessing grade level curriculum. Several theories of education are presented, with a focus on instructivist theory. Instructivist theory focuses on such methodology as Applied Behavior Analysis, which includes Discreet Trial Training and direct instruction.Repeated reading is included. All of these are components of Great Leaps for …


A Qualitative Look At Secondary Trauma Through The Lived Experiences Of Elementary Teachers., Terri L Davenport May 2021

A Qualitative Look At Secondary Trauma Through The Lived Experiences Of Elementary Teachers., Terri L Davenport

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research study examined the lived experiences of elementary educators working with traumatized students. Secondary trauma among other professions such as social workers and first responders is well-documented (Bride et al., 2007). Research on the impact it has on educators is still limited (Hill, 2011). This dissertation provides evidence that educators are directly impacted by the work that they do to support and educate their students. A phenomenological approach is used to explore the troubling personal challenges educators face while working with traumatized students. The study examines elementary teachers’ experiences using the Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) lens as a theoretical …