Education Commons^™

Elementary School Teacher's Beliefs, Organizational Change, And Stem Implementation: Factors Impacting Teacher Leadership, Shelante Patton

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine organizational change as it related to the implementation of STEM as perceived by elementary educators in an urban school in an urban city. The barriers, challenges and supports provided to teachers regarding STEM implementation in an urban school were investigated This study looked to include teachers and teacher leaders over a six-week period in an elementary school in a large urban School District., As a result of this study, some dialogue was generated in reference to STEM instructional practices and integration. Teachers also shared how they can increase change implementation …

Teacher Leaders’ Experiences And Perceptions From Program To Practice, Carolynn Stoddard

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

Most studies dedicated to investigating teacher leadership has focused on the impact teacher leaders (TLs) have with professional development and enhancing other teachers' performances or conquering a school's improvement plan. Few studies have set out to explore the impact preparatory teacher leadership programs have on the TLs. There is also a minimal amount of studies discussing the influence TLs feel they are having at their schools and the effects of becoming a teacher leader. This qualitative survey study focused on the first-hand experiences of seven pre-K-12th grade TLs within the southeastern region of the United States. The method of data …

Teacher Perspectives On Content Literacy In Elementary Schools, Jontia Grace

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

Content area teachers are expected to incorporate literacy strategies in their classrooms, despite the fact that all content area teachers do no attend professional learning communities to learn effective literacy strategies. This study is needed because many content area teachers lack the necessary knowledge and skills about literacy to be successful in the classroom.

The goal of this study was to impact 5^th grade students’ literacy abilities by supporting teacher development by changing their planning, instruction, and assessment practice. This was done by implementing effective research-based strategies in vocabulary instruction, reading and comprehension instruction, writing instruction, and increasing parental …

Thinking Beyond The Text: Examining Teachers’ Dispositions Of Critical Thinking In Elementary Social Studies Classrooms Through The Use Of Socratic Seminars, Jacqueline Hunter

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

Research shows that students need opportunities to engage in strategies that will enhance their critical thinking skills. With pressure on teachers to prepare students for state assessments, teachers teach to the test, not giving students chances to dialogue with their peers. To produce citizens in a genuinely democratic world, the voices of students is crucial. Socratic Seminar is a classroom methodology that can foster critical thinking skills and cultivate a democratic learning environment. The purpose of this participatory action research study is to examine teachers’ dispositions of critical thinking in elementary social studies classrooms as students think beyond the text. …

Student Self Perception Of The Benefits Of Service Learning In An Alternative Education Program, Barbara Fuqua

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to explore the benefits of implementing service learning projects in an alternative education program serving 80% African American students. The study attempted to determine if service learning participation influences students’ learning attitude, learning behaviors and social skills while completing course work in the alternative school setting. The focus of the research was on middle and high school African American students attending an alternative education program in rural southeast United States.

The main question that guided this study was: How do students perceive that service learning influences students’ learning attitude, learning behaviors and social skills …

Coaching For Change: Teacher Perceptions Of The Impact Of Personalized, Reflective Professional Development, Emily Davis

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

Instructional coaching has become a popular form of professional development in schools. Instructional coaches are often teacher leaders with years of classroom experience but little formal training in working with adult learners. This research examined the experiences of instructional coaches and the supports they perceived were needed for success in a coaching relationship. This research also examined the experiences of the teachers being coached in order to determine teacher perception of coaching as effective professional development. Data analysis explored the themes of objectivity, credibility, listening, and communication within the coaching relationship.

English Learner Course Scheduling: Practice, Implications, And Aspirations, Aziza Simmons

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

Educating English learners (ELs) is a complex, multifaceted job that takes into account numerous constructs, some tangible and others not. For this endeavor to work optimally, all parties need to work closely and rely on each other with the end result in mind: offering a quality and equitable education to ELs that addresses their academic and language needs and propels them to reach their full potential (Baecher, 2014; Dirocco, 1998). One influential factor is course scheduling for content and career areas (Minaya-Rowe, 2015). Using qualitative case study methodology, this dissertation investigates the current process for scheduling ELs through in-depth semi-structured …

On-Site, Ongoing, And Individualized Professional Development: A Case Study At Rural Charter School, Ashley Funderburke

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The current model of mass professional development for all teachers does not address the individual needs of each teacher (Berckenmeyer, 2014; Darling-Hammond et al., 2009; DeMonte, 2013). This case study research focused on reaching a deeper understanding of an on-site, ongoing, individualized professional development innovation implemented at Rural Charter School for eight primary teachers as they began to apply a new instructional model; the integration of English-Language Arts standards into the science, social studies, and mathematics. My role within the study fluctuated between that of the researcher, an informant, and a teacher leader in delivering the personalized professional development.

Two …

Sustaining Change Through Individualized Coaching, Jody Worth

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

This study reveals educators’ journey through a change process as an innovation was being infused throughout their instructional practices. Traditional professional learning is not fashioned to address the ongoing concerns teachers have and the structure to sustain change. There is evidence to suggest that teachers are resistance to change due to the lack of attention placed on individualized change. This research investigates the topics of organizational change, individual change, evolution of professional development, teacher resistance, and individual coaching to lead to a deep understanding of the structural components of teacher support in order for change to transpire. This research is …

The Outcomes Of Offering A Working Lunch Session In Improving Adolescent Students’ Assignment Completion Rate And Academic Achievement In Mathematics, Kristian Edgeman

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

A decline in academic motivation, organizational skills, and the desire to learn in adolescent students cause middle grade teachers to constantly look for ways of encouraging students to complete assignments on time and achieve academic growth. Tactics such as positive reinforcement and punishments are frequently offered to adolescent students with the purpose of encouraging academic motivation. The inclusion of zeros in the grade book, although a hodgepodge grading practice, is often used as a tool to boost student motivation in prompt assignment completion; however, there is a lack of research to support this. The current study was designed to analyze …

Teacher Practices To Help Alternative Education Students, Angela Daws

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The problem addressed by this study is that alternative schools have a high recidivism rate, due in part to a difficult transition for students back to their traditional, zoned school. The purpose of this study was to identify practices of experienced alternative school teachers perceived as helping students transition from the alternative school setting to the traditional school setting, as well as challenges teachers face. To identify these practices (and challenges), data were collected from 5 teachers at a disciplinary alternative school by surveys, interviews, and observations. Three research questions guided this study:

1. How do experienced alternative high school teachers …

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Zero Tolerance, Zero Justice: Teacher Perceptions Of Using Restorative Justice, Ajayi Monell

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

While many schools are spending millions on instructional programming, new technology, and colorful chart paper for data walls, an area that often takes a back seat to improving achievement is the social and emotional learning of students (SEL). Until the education community starts focusing on the well-being of our students, closing the achievement gap will continue to be a nice catch phrase and not a reality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of K-8 teachers to determine how they felt about the use of Restorative Justice, with a focus on Peace Circles. This study explored this …

Pedagogical Examination Of Alternative Keys With Sel-Strategies (P. E. A. K. S.): An Examination Of Social Emotional Learning Pedagogy, Rezenia Wilson

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

Twenty-first century schools are increasingly recognizing the need to nurture students’ social and emotional skills (The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning-CASEL, 2015). There is a developing base of evidence that well-orchestrated, systematically-implemented social and emotional pedagogy can positively affect a wide range of social, emotional, and academic achievement levels (Bar-On, 2006; Bridgeland, Bruce, & Hariharan, 2013; CASEL, 2012; Durlak, Weissberg, Dymnicki, Taylor, & Schellinger, 2011; Elias et al., 1997; Goleman, 1995; Mayer, Salovey, Caruso, & Sitarenious, 2001; Zins, Bloodworth, Weissberg, & Walberg, 2004). Empirical research studies have also shown that systematic, ongoing pedagogical practices to further these initiatives …

Cognitively Guided Instruction In Elementary Mathematics: Understanding Factors That Influence Classroom Implementation, Teresa A. Conowal

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

This study focused on the teaching technique known as cognitively guided instruction (CGI), through which teachers explore the individual learning styles of their students and use the information they gather to teach more complex concepts more effectively. The focus of this study was on 10 elementary mathematics teachers, with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of the reasons they are making limited use of CGI techniques in their classrooms. The study used interviews and classroom observations of the 10 participants to identify the factors influencing their willingness or reluctance to apply CGI techniques to their instructional practices. The study …

Mathematics Academic Achievement Of Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders, Sarah Kinney Maddox

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The aim of this secondary data analysis study was to examine the association between certain predictors and student’s mathematics achievement on two tests of the Woodcock Johnson III Academic Knowledge subtests: Applied Problems and Calculations. Results indicated that students with a diagnosis of emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) had academic deficits in mathematics, and these deficits became larger over time. Data pertaining to mathematics academic achievement from the first two waves of the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (N = 420) were examined. The variables investigated to further explore academic achievement scores were gender, race/ethnicity, student’s school attended prior …

Exploring The Interpersonal Dynamics Of The Supervisory Triad Of Pre-Service Teacher Education: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis, Anna E. Hart

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

Clinical field experience is recognized by many as the most influential and beneficial component of pre-service teacher education (Borko & Mayfield, 1995). At the core of this experience is the supervisory triad, consisting of the pre-service teacher, mentor teacher, and university supervisor. Utilizing positioning theory as its theoretical framework, this qualitative meta-synthesis synthesized eleven pieces of empirical research focused on the interpersonal dynamics of the supervisory triad. The findings of this study reveal three primary factors of influence, four primary patterns of communication, and many modes of positioning of self and others as influential to pre-service teachers’ clinical experiences. The …

The Impact Of Parental Involvement On Student Success: School And Family Partnership From The Perspective Of Students, Tyler Bailey

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

THE IMPACT OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ON STUDENT SUCCESS: SCHOOL AND FAMILY PARTNERSHIP FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF STUDENTS

by

Tyler M. Bailey Kennesaw State University, 2017

In this study, the impact of school-family relationships on student success were examined through the narratives of three fifth-grade students, their teachers, and the school’s curriculum coach. The study used these stories to understand better how student success was altered by parental involvement in the students’ academic, social, and emotional life.

The participants were selected from the same school located in a major southeastern city. The students and teachers were in the same class (within …

The Impact Of Parental Involvement On Student Success: School And Family Partnership From The Perspective Of Parents And Teachers, Audric Newchurch

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The purposes of this study was to examine the perceptions of parents and teachers regarding their awareness and responsiveness concerning parental involvement and search for ways to improve the home-school relationship through effective parental involvement. Additionally, the study strived to identify efficient yet useful ways that families and schools can build strong partnerships and to discover the role of the school in at home parenting and learning through a collaborative partnership based on Epstein’s six typologies of parental involvement.

Conversely, this study focused on two uncommon involvement typologies in Epstein’s framework. Those two are parenting and learning at home. …

Perceptions In A Changing World: Teachers' Attitudes Towards The Implementation Of Educational Innovations With A Focus On Social And Emotional Learning, Tiana Holmes

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine teachers’ attitudes toward the implementation of educational innovations - with an explicit focus on social and emotional learning (SEL) and new teacher mentor (NTM) programs. Because teachers are primarily responsible for absorbing new information and implementing educational programs directly to students, their attitudes may influence how the program is perceived, the program’s delivery, and may also impact the program’s outcomes. Support for novice teachers is often regarded as necessary and warranted in many schools, and researchers unfailingly reveal findings that demonstrate the effectiveness of SEL; specifically in traditional school settings (Slaten, Irby, …

Teacher Perceptions Of School-Based And District Professional Development, Ashley Kennedy

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

Professional development is a leading topic of discussion in the field of education. Because teachers are responsible for implementing relevant instructional practices, meeting the instructional needs of students, and taking ownership of their professional development goals, understanding teacher perceptions of school-based and district level professional development is critical. The purpose of this study was to investigate how K-12 teachers perceive school-based and district professional development. This study aimed to answer three questions: How do teachers perceive school-based and district professional development? What types of professional development experiences do teachers find effective? Do recent professional development experiences influence how teachers collaborate …

Perceptions In A Changing World: Teachers' Attitudes Toward The Implementation Of Educational Innovations, Joy Jones

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to examine teachers’ attitudes toward the implementation of educational innovations - with an explicit focus on social and emotional learning (SEL) and new teacher mentor (NTM) programs. Because teachers are primarily responsible for absorbing new information and implementing educational programs directly to students, their attitudes may influence how the program is perceived, the program’s delivery, and may also impact the program’s outcomes. Support for novice teachers is often regarded as necessary and warranted in many schools, and researchers unfailingly reveal findings that demonstrate the effectiveness of SEL; specifically in traditional school settings (Slaten, …

A Little Birdy Told Me: Educators’ Experiences With Twitter As A Professional Learning Network, Valerie King

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

This study reveals educators’ experiences with using Twitter as a professional learning network. The context of this study is framed by the notion of ubiquitous learning woven into the underpinnings of social learning theory, adult learning theory and connectivism. Current traditional professional learning does not adequately address the needs of today’s educators. There is growing evidence to suggest that teachers are more isolated and lacking the collaboration necessary to encourage and sustain best practices in the classroom. This research investigates the topics of traditional professional learning, online learning and social networks to lead to a keen understanding of the nuances …

Supporting Novice Teachers: Peer Coaching And Collaborative Inquiry As Support, Rotonya Rhodes

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine what happens when a peer coaching with collaborative inquiry model is implemented with novice teachers. The goals of the study include examining the peer coaching process as described by teachers, and understanding the relationships between novice teachers and their peer coaches based on the novice teachers’ perspectives. This study employs a qualitative case study methodology, in which the group of novice teachers represents the case bounded by the peer coaching process. The study uses individual interviews, a focus group interview, and teachers’ written reflections with 11 participants to address the research …

Crowdsourcing Cognitive Presence: A Quantitative Content Analysis Of A K12 Educator Mooc Discussion Forum, Kathryn Dawson Shields

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

Massively Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offer participants opportunities to engage with content and discussion forums similar to other online courses. Pedagogical components of MOOCs and the nature of learning are worth of examining due to issues involving scale, interaction and the role of the instructor (Ross, Sinclair, Know, Bayne & McLeod, 2014). The Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework provides a basis for measuring cognitive presence in online discussion forums. As voluntary point of entry to a community of learners, it is important to consider the nature of participant contributions in terms of cognitive presence. This study focused on an educator …

Perceptions Of Online Teaching Endorsement Program Effectiveness In Georgia: A Case Study, Leslie Pourreau

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the beliefs and perceptions of professional educators about online teaching endorsement practices in the state of Georgia. The participants in this study included three University System of Georgia teacher educators, one Georgia K-12 virtual school administrator, and two Georgia K-12 virtual school educators. The data collected came from six one-on-one semi-structured interviews, the researcher’s personal narrative, and the analysis of Online Teaching Endorsement Program standards (505-3-.95) as set forth by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Using a constructivist lens, data from all three sources was coded thematically and then analyzed …

Beyond A Meeting: A Case Study Examining The Impact Of Data-Focused Professional Learning Communities On Teacher Practice And Student Learning, Deena W. Townsend

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The increased professional demands on educators without parallel increases in funding encourage schools to continually search for practical solutions to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their instructional effectiveness. This qualitative research study explored this issue by examining how participation in a data-focused professional learning community (PLC) affected teacher practice and perceptions along with determining how data-focused PLCs contributed to student learning outcomes. The study participants were a team of mathematics teachers from a public middle school in the southeastern United States serving grades sixth through eighth. The findings from this study were summarized through three …

Mathematics Engagement In Middle School: It's A Family Affair, Cheryl D. Pappy

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore ways African American families, with middle school students, view learning mathematics and engagement within a theme school environment. The participants in this study included nine parents and ten students at an urban Title I theme school. The data collection process included two focus group interviews, nineteen semi-structured individual interviews, journal entries from each participant and 15 documents disseminated to parents from the school and from the district. Three themes emerged from the data: (a) the parents’ understanding/confusion about the “new math” and the effects on parent engagement with mathematics, (b) the …

Using Manipulatives To Investigate Esol Students' Achievement And Dispositions In Algebra, Donna L. Marsh

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The purpose of this embedded quasi-experimental mixed methods research was to investigate the effectiveness of concrete and virtual manipulatives on the achievement of English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) as they employ them to explore linear and exponential functions in high school Sheltered Common Core Coordinate Algebra. Also of interest were the effects concrete and virtual manipulatives have on their disposition towards mathematics and math class. Another goal was to investigate the benefits and disadvantages of using concrete and virtual manipulatives versus traditional instructional practices.

This was a 5-week study. The control group (N=20) was instructed through the use of …

Identifying Characteristics Of Expert Elementary School Technology Integration Teachers - A Cognitive Task Analysis, Mark Campoli

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

In all domains, certain individuals consistently perform better than their peers. In ill-structured domains such as education, the identification of experts can be difficult. This is especially true when considering technology integration experts (TIEs). In order to be a TIE, one must be an expert in content knowledge, pedagogy, and instructional technology. Systematically identifying and studying TIEs could provide characteristics consistent with expert performance.

Typically, it takes 1,000 hours, or ten years, of practice to acquire expertise. In domains such as education, the acquisition of expertise can happen sooner. Acquiring expertise can be further hastened by deliberate practice. Not all …

“¡Ya Entiendo! Now I Understand!” Parents' Perceptions Of The Diagnosis Process And Early Intervention Services, Jenna Hudson

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

This qualitative research study examined parents’ perceptions on the diagnosis process that identified their children as deaf or hard of hearing and the early-intervention services provided after the diagnosis. It explored how culture influenced the parental perception of information given to them and the ways in which their backgrounds swayed their individual reactions. As a convenience sample, the researcher conducted interviews with six families in the participants’ homes for ease and comfort. After each interview, an observation was conducted to collect data on the family’s interactions during leisure time, focusing on how the parents and their child communicated with one …