The Impact Of Mindfulness On Perceived Stress And Academic Performance Among English Language Students In Central Asia, Laurie Wolfe

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The current study investigated the effectiveness of mindfulness training in reducing stress and increasing academic performance among Uzbek English language students. The researcher partnered with four English faculty at Tashkent State Pedagogical University (TSPU) to conduct a quasi-experimental study using a convenience sample of sixty 2^nd year students studying English as a foreign language. One group of students (n = 30) received mindfulness training while the acted as an active control group (n = 30) and received study skills training. Both groups received 20-minutes training in their English classes, four days a week, for 4-weeks. All participants …

P-12 Teachers' Perceptions And Knowledge About Students' Mental Health And Their Willingness To Provide Mental Health Supports Within Their Classroom, Tamara Engel

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

P-12 students are experiencing higher rates of mental health needs, which generates a growing concern among teachers, parents, and educational leaders. Students with mental health challenges may struggle socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and academically and become at a risk for lower academic achievement, reduced graduation rates, and increased school suspensions and expulsions. While most of the literature is qualitative and has consistently identified schools as the ideal location to provide targeted mental health supports to students, teachers have reported having insufficient knowledge, skills, and resources to provide these supports to students. This correlational study aimed to move forward the quantitative methodology …

Executive Functioning And Self-Regulation Learning In The Early Childhood Years, A Calming Safe Space To Support The Emotional Development Of Young Children., Amy Strunc

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers often serve as a resource for classroom teachers, assistants, parents, paraprofessionals, and administration seeking behavioral guidance. Children need to be equipped with strategies to regulate their emotions before they reach the point of outbursts, elopement, shutdowns, or aggressive behavior. Classroom calm-down spaces are essential for all children to take a break and practice self-regulation, initially learning through co-regulation with teachers. This project aims to provide a framework for providing explicit instruction to children to manage their emotions at the earliest signs of dysregulation, enabling them to remain in the learning zone. The project also …

Steps Toward Success: Mentoring Novice Teachers, Megan Thompson, Megan Elizabeth Thompson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abundant empirical research points to the positive outcomes of teacher retention rate when having mentor teachers. When looking at the mentoring program the research has shown a decline in teachers leaving the teaching field when they have a mentor for one to two years. States have started implementing their own mentoring programs with different requirements. There is not a standard set of requirements that multiple states have adopted. There is not law requiring first-year teachers to have mentoring. Research however has been inconclusive on the exact patterns that have been the underlying predictor of the program’s success. They have some …

The Relationship Between Parental Engagement In Early Intervention, Part C Special Education Services, And Parental Barriers To Engagement Through The Perspective Of Parents, Zach Selnes

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Parental engagement is a critical component to child development and an essential part to Early Intervention (EI). Parental engagement is especially important for EI services that provide an in-home parent coaching service delivery model. Without parental engagement between EI services, the child will have less of a chance to make gains in their social-emotional, adaptive, physical, language, and cognitive development. This research interviewed nine parents who have a child that received early intervention, Part C special education services, in a rural, southeast MN educational district. The educational district consists of 13 school districts that serve roughly 65 children between the …

Goal Setting And Self Monitoring Among High School Students With Exceptionalities, Madison Worms

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Many students with learning difficulties struggle to maintain focus which leads to off-task behavior and missing assignments. This occurs with students of all ages but is most prevalent with students in middle school and high school. This project investigated the effects of goal setting and self monitoring among high school students with exceptionalities. It also includes research, evidence, and summaries of other studies conducted related to goal setting and self monitoring. These case studies include strategies used to increase student productivity in the classroom. All published literature used in this text have been published within the last nine years and …

Socioeconomic Status And Instrument Provision Program Effects On Engagement In Instrumental Music Programs, Zachary Truong

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study focuses on the correlation between Minnesota schools’ average socioeconomic status through the percentage enrolled in free/reduced lunch and instrumental music enrollment percentages. Additionally, it also looks to see whether providing different instrument provision opportunities to students in these schools correlates with the percentage of students enrolled in their instrumental music programs. Instrumental music enrollment and instrument provision program data were gathered through surveys completed by the directors of their respective programs. While the results of the study did not demonstrate statistical significance due to deviation and small sample size, correlations between instrumental music enrollment and socioeconomic status were …

Overcoming Language Barriers With Parents Of English Learners, Anissa Elkjer

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this literature review was to determine the most effective ways to build relationships with parents of English Language Learner (ELL) students and how to overcome the language barrier when creating these relationships. A literature review was done to answer the following research questions: In what ways can English Language teachers build relationships with parents of English Learners? How can the language barrier be overcome between educators and English Language Learner’s families? The results were used to create a presentation to inform other educators what was learned. The presentation provides explanatory information about initiating effective communication using translators …

Leading With Equity Through Action: The Theory Of Racial And Gender Equity Advancement In Rural Schools, Anna Gross

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

All students deserve an equitable education. Rampant misinformation has flooded the educational world, and society as a whole, turning the concept of “equity” into something that has become politically charged. However, all students are different, and differences must be acknowledged and celebrated to ensure all students receive the education they need to thrive both academically and socially.

The purpose of this study is to examine equitable practices in rural schools. Using a constructivist paradigm, a grounded theory research approach was utilized through collection of qualitative data to theorize why some rural schools are further advanced than other rural schools of …

Impacting Student Self-Efficacy In English/Language Arts: Using Student-Generated Questions In Small Group Discussions, Heather Johnson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Student engagement in the classroom can be a struggle for many teachers. Research shows that student engagement can be impacted by student self-efficacy in the classroom, and student engagement increases when participating in small group discussions and inquiry-based activities. This qualitative study aimed to understand the impact using student-generated questions in small group discussions had on student self-efficacy in the high school English/language arts classroom. A survey was created and given to 21 twelfth-grade student participants prior to and after using student-generated questions in three separate small group discussions in an elective English/language arts class. Qualitative data were also collected …

How Do Faculty And Staff Perceive The Effectiveness Of Student Support Systems That Promote The Retention Of First-Generation College Students?, David Shawn Wolff Dr.

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Research showed faculty-student interactions impact student engagement and was a primary factor to student retention (Kuh & Hu, 2001; Means & Pyne, 2017; Swecker et al., 2013; Tinto, 1987). The literature revealed while retention may be an issue for many institutions, there is a greater need to address retention specifically related to first-generation college students (FGCS). Students often seek advice from faculty and staff when faced with questions about their academic progress. Faculty and staff voices need to be collected regarding their perceptions of the effectiveness of the support systems used within an institution that promote retention for FGCS. This …

A Comparison Of Two Approaches To Promote Multiplication Fact Fluency In Fifth Grade, Jordyn Berger

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Fifth grade students are expected to be fluent in basic multiplication facts by the start of fifth grade, however many are not (Minnesota Department of Education, 2007). When fifth grade students are not fluent in basic multiplication facts, they struggle to understand and master grade level skills and standards (Allen-Lyall, 2018; Burns et al., 2012; Ok & Bryant, 2016; The Math Learning Center, 2017; Wong & Evans, 2007). This quantitative research study compared two classwide approaches to promote multiplication fact fluency in fifth grade. Throughout the research phase, one fifth grade math class practiced multiplication facts for ten minutes each …

The Effects Of Orthographic Mapping In Student Spelling Performance, Kelli Simpson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The ability to accurately and automatically spell words shows a deep understanding of phonemes, graphemes, phonological context, morphology, and an understanding of language of origin. One approach to spelling instruction is through the explicit teaching of grapheme-phoneme correspondences. This 2023 study focused on the impact of orthographic mapping on student spelling performance of third grade students. Students completed a spelling pre-assessment. Then, students received orthographic mapping spelling instruction using sound boxes. At the conclusion of the study, students completed a spelling post-assessment. Student data was analyzed to gauge the effectiveness of orthographic mapping as a method of spelling instruction.

The Effectiveness Of Using Phonics Instruction And Interventions In Elementary Classrooms, Brittany Kasprick

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Nationwide students have struggled to achieve reading proficiency as measured by standardized tests. Reading is a critical tool for academic success. Lack of reading skills and strategies may contribute to difficulty in several aspects of academic life for students. Research has shown that phonics skills play a crucial part in determining if a student will achieve independent readership. Phonics skills may be foundational building blocks upon which students can develop further reading skills, culminating in independent readership, particularly in early elementary school. Daily phonics interventions may help improve a student’s performance in reading. The focus of this particular, quantitative study …

How Doctoral Students In A Formal Leadership Program Conceptualize Followership: A Mixed-Methods Study, Katy J. Johnson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this exploratory mixed-methods study was to determine how doctoral students in a formal leadership program conceptualize followership. The methods used to conduct this analysis included distributing a Qualtrics (released in August 2022) survey and conducting one-on-one interviews with a sample of degree-seeking doctoral students within a formal leadership program. The researcher collected quantitative and qualitative data addressing students’ followership style, leadership attitudes and beliefs, and perceptions of followership. These data were analyzed concurrently using a triangulation design. A total of 67 students completed the survey, and seven students were interviewed. The findings revealed that the participants employ …

School Counselors Treating Anxiety In Public School Settings: A Group Manual, Sarah Dyann Voss

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

As anxiety becomes more prevalent in children and adolescents, the demand for mental health resources has also increased. School counselors are highly trained mental health professionals who could be one of the answers to help close the gap of the demand for mental health resources. This review aims to analyze the benefits and effectiveness of school counselors treating anxiety in public school settings by utilizing small group interventions. Most public school settings have school counselors available for students, which is an opportunity for school counselors to provide mental health services. Several research studies have been conducted on this topic, showing …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Into International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Teachers' Lived Experience Of Professional Growth, Rosamund Whaley

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program provides an inquiry- and concept-driven approach to teaching and learning in primary and secondary schools around the world. This educational philosophy is often different to teachers’ previous training and experience, yet little research has been done into how continuing professional development addresses the challenge of understanding and implementing the IB program. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the professional learning experiences of IB Diploma Programme (DP) teachers in international schools. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven teachers from five different schools and all six IB subject groups who had severalyears’ experience …

Beginning Special Education Teachers’ Perceptions Of Impactful Self-Resiliency Skills: A Qualitative Study, Kjersten Skatvold

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Special educators are in high demand and greatly needed to meet the growing population of special education in public schools today. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain an understanding of how beginning special educators lived experiences and utilized their self-resilience skills which impacted their retention in the field of special education. With an increasing rate of attrition in the field of special education, exploring self-resilience factors that impact the retention of beginning special educators was imperative to understanding how to best support these early career educators. The increasing demands and pressures that beginning special educators are required …

Student Perceptions Of Co-Teaching, Megan Berg

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to attain information on middle school students’ perspectives of co-teaching based on their experiences in co-taught classrooms. Co-teaching is a commonly used practice, generally between a special education and general education teacher, to support and meet the needs of all learners in a diverse classroom. Because inclusive classrooms are composed of students with and without disabilities, the individual expertise of general and special educators is essential in constructing a harmonious co-teaching partnership (Jurkowski & Muller, 2018; Ritter et al., 2020). According to Kirkpatrick et al. (2020), when co-teachers work together to share their knowledge …

The Effectiveness Of Explicit Literacy Instruction On Kindergarten And First-Grade Student’S Decoding Abilities, Megan Parenteau, Monica Parenteau, Stacy Olson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

There is a growing concern among educators regarding how children best develop early literacy skills. Due to this educational concern, the purpose of this study was to investigate and build a better understanding of how explicit and systematic phonics, phonemic, and phonological awareness instruction impact kindergarten and first-grade student’s ability to decode text. Participants of the study included students currently enrolled in the researcher’s kindergarten and first-grade classrooms within two elementary schools consisting of 54 students. The researchers modeled and taught literacy skills and concepts on a daily basis with all students using explicit and systematic literacy instruction. The research …

A Phenomenological Study On Single Parents’ Experiences And Engagement As Their Child Attends Elementary School, Samantha Gort

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The popularity of parental involvement in school systems has risen since the Elementary Secondary Education Act (ESEA) came into effect. However, there is a lack of research on how single parents navigate parental involvement and the struggles they face juggling jobs, multiple children, and stress with a lack of support. This research is guided by the following questions: What are the perceptions and beliefs of parental involvement for single parents with their child attending elementary school? How do single parents experience this first year? What support do single parents receive from the school system?

A phenomenological study using a construct …

The Effects Of Social-Emotional Learning, Classroom Relationships, And Collaborative Learning On Students’ Emotional Intelligence And Academic Achievement, Slade Simpson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Within educational settings, people are quick to blame intellectual development, or a lack thereof, for students’ shortcomings. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in issues related to students’ mental health and emotional well-being that have been detrimental to their academic progress. This quasi-experimental study investigated whether or not development of emotional intelligence through the use of social-emotional learning, relationship development, and collaborative learning has a positive impact on a students’ academic achievement. The results of this study were used to help determine if an educational focus on emotional intelligence can provide a viable option to combat …

Reflecting On Ecse Parent Coaching: Integrating High Leverage Practices 2, 11 And 16 With Parents Of Children Birth Through Age 2, John Muhlenpoh

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to gather information on Early Intervention (EI) practices and the implementation of the Special Education High Leverage Practices (HLPs) with parents and children ages birth through age two. In the past, EI staff took the lead as they provided a medical model of services where the staff went into the homes of parents and “fixed” problems the child was having, essentially leaving the parent out of the equation (NICHCY, 2022). The programs involved parents, but many of the parents seemed to take a back seat and watch what was going on with their child …

The College Search Process Of Rural, First-Generation Students, Tia Miles

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

First-generation college students (FGCS) continue to be one of the largest growing groups of students across higher education. Being a FGCS comes with a unique set of challenges when facing the choice of a college or university. This research aims to identify barriers that FGCS face in the college search process to provide student support professionals with information and recommendations on how to effectively support FGCS in the college search process. Previous research has often focused on the matriculation, retention, and graduation of FGCS. It is important to understand how FGCS select an institution of higher education to improve retention …

Barriers That Impact International/Foreign-Born Practical Nursing Students’ Completion Rate In A Diploma Program Located In A Community College In The Midwestern United States, Joy Seymour

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Thousands of international students leave their countries of origin each year to pursue higher education in the United States. These students left their homelands to pursue higher education, which helped change the trajectory of their lives and the lives of their families. Although some of these students have high hopes and aspirations of completing their programs of studies, the literature review showed that they experienced barriers, such as English language, financial, culture shock, and unfamiliar teaching and learning pedagogies. This qualitative phenomenological research study aimed to identify self-reported barriers that impacted the completion rate of international/foreign-born students pursuing the Practical …

Throwing Away The Late Work Penalty, Anthony Orttel

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This 2023 study examines the academic effects of a penalty-free late work policy. The study focuses on whether taking away penalties for late work significantly decreases the number of missing assignments at the end of an academic quarter. During the third quarter of the 2022/2023 academic school year, students will not receive point deductions for turning in late work. This research took place in South Florida and included approximately 50 10^th grade biology students. Data and results from the study will follow.

The Effectiveness Of Explicit Literacy Instruction On Kindergarten And First-Grade Student’S Decoding Abilities, Monica Parenteau, Megan Parenteau, Stacy Olson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

There is a growing concern among educators regarding how children best develop early literacy skills. Due to this educational concern, the purpose of this study was to investigate and build a better understanding of how explicit and systematic phonics, phonemic, and phonological awareness instruction impact kindergarten and first-grade student’s ability to decode text. Participants of the study included students currently enrolled in the researcher’s kindergarten and first-grade classrooms within two elementary schools consisting of 54 students. The researchers modeled and taught literacy skills and concepts on a daily basis with all students using explicit and systematic literacy instruction. The research …

Family Engagement In Schools: Family Engagement Guide, Sara Anderson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Family engagement in schools has been looked at and researched for many years. It has been shown that increased family engagement in schools leads to higher student achievement (Epstein and Voorhis, 2010). Family engagement literature explains engagement can be increased, the benefits, common barriers, and implications for schools (Dikkers, 2013). It continues to be researched to look at multiple ways engagement can be effective for students, families, and communities. Increased family engagement in education positively affects student performance and overall experience (Epstein, 1987). As such, it is important for schools to have a program in place to encourage and enable …

Using Student Goal Setting And Individual Student Conferences To Increase Academic Achievement In Mathematics, Amanda R. Mcnamee

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on an elementary school in the Midwest region of the United States; this community serves as a regional center of education, commerce, and health care. Participants in this study are a classroom of 17 fifth grade students; 35% girls and 65% boys. The school district in this study recently adopted a new mathematics curriculum, Bridges. In using this new mathematics curriculum, the teachers have noticed that many of the fifth-grade students are consistently scoring in the red on the assessments. This research study will investigate whether implementing goal setting and individual student conference sessions will …

Race Matters: Factors That Impact Recruiting Black Teachers In Minnesota, Tonya Allen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Black teachers are underrepresented within Minnesota and the nation. The perspective and presence of Black teachers was motivation for why this topic should be explored. This study examined factors that impact the decision making of individuals who identify as Black entering the field of education as teachers. The researcher conducted qualitative research utilizing the grounded theory approach to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives of Black teachers. The participants of this study were from the seven-county metropolitan area in Minnesota. The researcher used semi-structured interviews of ten participants for this study.