Education Commons^™

Partners In Education, Health, And Safety: Development And Implementation Of Concussion Policy In Ontario School Boards, Amy E. Robinson

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

In March 2014, the Ontario Ministry of Education was the first ministry in Canada to institute a formal concussion policy. The ministry stipulates that student long-term health and safety are essential preconditions for learning, and that concussions can negatively impact cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development. Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) No. 158 requires all school boards and school authorities to establish a policy on concussions. Each school board in Ontario developed a concussion policy within their local context to address concussion awareness, prevention, identification, management, and training. School boards, administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents/guardians, volunteers, and community-based organizations were encouraged to …

Leadership In A Complex Adaptive System: An Exploratory Case Study Of One Faculty At A Canadian Post-Secondary Educational Organization, Helen Mawdsley

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The research study examined leadership in one post-secondary educational organization through the lens of complexity theory. The post-secondary educational organization in this study is a complex adaptive system that is entangled in uncertainty, non-linearity, and interconnectivity, where the system is under constant change and predictions based on past practice are not always possible. Leaders in this context do not have the luxury to rely primarily on history, best practices, or simplistic linear solutions in response to their challenges. This dissertation focuses on providing a connection between educational leadership and complexity theory, so that the latter can strengthen investigation of the …

A Case Study Of Students' Experiences And Nursing Educators' Leadership Practices To Facilitate Rpn To Bscn Professional Socialization, Susan L. Eldred

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This interpretive qualitative case study of nursing educators’ facilitation of bridging students’ professional socialization in support of their transition from RPN to BScN in the context of one Canadian Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BScN) bridging program explored: (1) how nursing educators understand bridging students’ professional socialization; (2) what leadership practices they use to facilitate professional socialization; (3) how bridging students understand these leadership practices in support of their professional socialization; and, (4) what programmatic support nursing clinical educators receive to support bridging students. Transition, professional socialization, and leadership practice constitute this study’s conceptual framework. …

Skills And Student Affairs: A Discourse Analysis, Shannon Mckechnie

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Media, industry, and other public actors have claimed that a ‘skills gap’ exists in students exiting post-secondary education and entering the workforce. The Ontario provincial government has developed policy, the Highly Skilled Workforce Strategy, to provide directives to universities in the province to provide skills development to students to aid in closing the gap and providing a workplace relevant education. In this study, I explore the experiences of student affairs and services (SAS) staff responsible for enacting provincial policy related to skills development at the university level by investigating the discourses that shape policy and practices of these staff …

Social Emotional Learning Policy And Its Implementation In One School District In British Columbia, Jenny Kim

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Social-emotional learning (SEL), is an umbrella term that refers to students' "acquisition of skills to recognize and manage emotions, develop care and concern for others, make responsible decisions, establish positive relationships, and handle challenging situations effectively" (“What is SEL”, 2018). It has gained popularity in North America over the past two decades as schools see the need to educate students both socially and emotionally to promote responsible citizenship and personal awareness. Despite increasing belief in the importance of SEL, its implementation is still widely inconsistent (Cohen), 2006). Thus, the purpose of this research was to examine SEL as it is …

Creative ‘Class’: Leading Innovation With Digital Pedagogy In Cultural And Creative Industry (Cci) Programs, Dana Morningstar

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Leaders of cultural and creative programs (CCIs) in Ontario community colleges are key to realizing potential in higher education related to digital pedagogy, creativity, industry partnerships, entrepreneurship and innovation. In this Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP), the role of an academic leadership group is considered from Ontario-centric creative industry and innovation policies and college processes. The problem of practice is the gap of harmonized leadership strategy between higher education classroom practices and regional and provincial overarching educational strategy to increase innovation through digital pedagogy. Colleges have collective capacities in innovating with digital pedagogy in creative industry programs and providing graduates with …

Doctoral Student Career Preparation: An Institutional Response, Kimberly Miller

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) examines the issue of institutional support for doctoral students in preparing for careers inside and outside the academy. While discussions about the purpose of the doctorate are not new, the conversation about preparing PhDs for diverse careers is an emergent one, occupying space inside and outside academic circles. At the heart of the conversation is a debate about the purpose of the doctorate and the institution’s role in employability beyond the professoriate. The traditional academic culture at the institution adheres closely to the notion that the PhD is solely preparation for an academic career. This …

Educational Partnerships In Mennonite Communities, Paul Bennett

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

The purpose of this Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) is to increase the number of Mennonite students who register in a school division located in western Canada by creating a social justice perspective for Mennonite students amongst divisional staff.

By accepting the challenge of this OIP the school division will seek to better understand the cultural and religious needs of the various Mennonite groups living within the division’s catchment area. Hopefully, schools can make changes to policies, practices, and structures resulting in increasing numbers of Mennonite families feeling comfortable registering their children in the division’s schools. School board trustees and school …

How Can The Marginalization Of Girls Be Reduced In A Provincial Primary Rural School In A Developing Country In Asia?, Muhammad Kashif Memon

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

As pressure grows on developing nations to implement United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), marginalization of girls in education is increasingly becoming a socioeconomic concern to the overall development of these countries. Considering the challenges faced by girls in acquiring education in rural areas of developing nations, this Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) examines a sensitive yet significant problem of practice (PoP): How can the marginalization of girls be reduced in a provincial primary rural school in a developing country in Asia (Country A)? The OIP examines various perspectives surrounding marginalization of girls, gaining insight into how external and internal forces …

Cultural Proficiency For Indigenous Student Success, Karen Penney

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) is directed toward leveraging the position of the school principal toward changing hegemonic practices within a small rural school division that includes practices of meritocracy (hard work equals success) and color-blindness (refusing to see color in others) . These practices affect the academic achievement of the off-reserve Indigenous student- considered a provincial student by virtue of moving off reserve- thus receiving education from the provincial rather than federal, government. These students bring strong epistemologies and ontologies that are not currently acknowledged or employed by the dominant society and should be explored to determine how best …

Institutionalizing Community Engaged Scholarship At A Research University, Stephanie Hayne Beatty

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Higher education institutions are increasingly investing in community-university partnerships as a mechanism for strengthening relationships with the local community, expanding experiential learning (EL) opportunities for students, and supporting faculty in community engaged scholarship (CES). This organizational improvement plan (OIP) examines how a research-focused university can institutionalize CES so that faculty members feel supported and rewarded for their efforts to link teaching and research to community priorities. Using both transformational and distributed leadership approaches, as well as Kotter’s (1996) change model, in combination with Norris-Tirrell, Lambert-Pennington, and Hyland’s (2010) social movement model, the proposed change plan focuses on organizational structure, and …

An Organizational Improvement Plan: Implementing Service Learning Into The Curriculum At An International School To Meet An Organization’S Strategic Aims, Deanna Milne

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

The problem of practice for this OIP is that School X set strategic aims in 2013, and in 2018, two have still not been met. These aims included opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, and provide a learning-based approach to service. School X has a structure in place that offers the opportunity to build on an existing service-learning program, and further integrate service learning into the curriculum. This OIP uses the Change Path Model to propose structural changes within the organization. It utilises inclusive and democratic approaches to leading change that highlight two-way dialogue (Ryan, 2016, as cited in …

Creating Shared Vision Among Faculty To Enhance Student Learning, Eleanor Barbour-Stevenson

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Canadian universities are expected to have policies to ensure program quality (Universities Canada, n.d.). To augment the existing institutional quality assurance practices, this Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) suggests that the creation of a shared vision among faculty will enhance the learning outcomes achieved by students in a bachelor of education program. The integrity of the program has been challenged by various factors including the multi-site delivery model, the organizational culture, and the fusing of culturally distinct pedagogical approaches. To create a shared vision, a collaborative approach will be used. Faculty will work collegially to develop a shared vision and to …

Building A Framework To Address Barriers Impacting Implementation Of Student Well-Being Initiatives, L. Bailey Wallace

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

In 2012, The Government of Canada released a report titled Changing Directions, Changing Minds, with the goal of outlining a national strategy aimed at reducing the stigma around mental health. The document was also meant to serve as a tool in increasing awareness of and access to public services available to Canadians experiencing mental health issues. For their part, Canadian school districts are moving forward with their own strategic goals to promote understanding of mental health and to offer appropriate resources to all members of the school community.

This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) will explore a problem of practice …

Continuity And Care: Strategies To Affect Factors Of Teacher Retention And Wellbeing In An International School Setting, Annalice Hayes

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) critically analyzes how to create and foster the type of positive organizational culture where new international teachers can thrive in an international school setting. Through teacher and school wide surveys, one-on-one conversations and teacher feedback forms from this organization, data indicates that educators who have moved to teach abroad face obstacles and can struggle to manage their teaching loads while undergoing the mental and emotional stress associated with adjusting to a new home and culture. The proposed plan will focus on organizational culture, defined as the normative values, behaviors and assumptions that are shared by …

A Strategic Approach To Leading And Managing Low Teacher Morale In An Adult Newcomer Education School Setting, Lenny Dinanath

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

The purpose of this Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) is to produce a comprehensive and actionable plan to the problem of low teacher morale at Crest Wood Adult Education School (CWAES) which is a small, but rapidly expanding adult newcomer education school located in Ontario. Teachers’ morale and motivation increases when good working conditions exist and when they are offered opportunities to develop their professionalism and skills (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2005). A professional learning community (PLC) is central to the facilitating such learning opportunities which can be leveraged to improve students’ success and achievements. Leadership approach and style …

A Systems Approach To Increasing Awareness And Coordination Of Student Retention And Completion At A Canadian College, Peter A. Mal

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

As competition for students and scarce resources increases due to political and economic pressures, awareness and coordination of student retention and completion become a critical priority for post-secondary institutions. However, despite increased attention on Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) (Black, 2010; Gottheil & Smith, 2011; Hossler & Bontrager, 2015; Wilkinson et al., 2007) and the growth of retention-focused student services in recent years, retention rates remain unchanged (Habley, Bloom, & Robbins, 2012). Post-secondary students are in the midst of a significant transition period (Tinto, 1993) and face challenges related to mental health and wellness, relationships, rigors of academic life, and personal …

Organizational Improvement Plan: Establishing A Plan For A Rural Museum To Actively Engage Its Community Youth, Jason Pankratz

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Rural museums play active roles within their communities. They provide opportunities for community members to volunteer and engage as patrons. The museum within this Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) is the hub of culture and tourism for a small town in Ontario. It has a solid volunteer base made up of town citizens. These individuals participate because they have an innate interest in the culture and heritage of the town. A weakness to the volunteer base is that there is no active policy or practice to involve youth as volunteers or in leadership roles. This OIP suggests that the museum partner …

Addressing First-Year Retention Through Servant Leadership Guided Change At An Eastern Canadian University, David Decker

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Higher education institutions have long sought to understand and address the attrition of first-year students. This organizational improvement plan (OIP) addresses the high attrition rates for first-year students at a small university campus located in Eastern Canada. Situated within a multicampus university and in a part of the country experiencing declines in university-aged demographics, the campus faces challenges in both student recruitment and retention. The focus of this paper is on improving retention. This OIP begins by unpacking the political, economic, social, technological, and environmental factors that influence the campus as a way forward in analyzing the poor retention rates …

Encouraging Diverse Instructional Practices Through Teacher Self-Reflection, Brenda Montgomery

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

In the school that is the focus of this Organizational Improvement Plan instructional strategies tend to be traditional, teacher-centred lectures followed by paper-based tests or essay assessments. The school has no formal teacher evaluation or growth plan. The goal of this OIP is to help teachers develop more diverse instructional methodologies through a process of self-reflection. This self-reflection will be facilitated through four instruments (self-evaluation rubrics, goal-setting, student-evaluations, and professional learning communities) that will be modified for our environment by a Development Committee chaired by the VP for Academics. Transformational and instructional leadership approaches will be used as the plan …

Leadership, Teacher Learning, And Assessment: A Strategic Approach To Improving Writing Achievement, Tommi Hoogsteen

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

In an era with increasing accountability and pressures to increase student achievement across all levels, school-based leaders need support in bringing about such changes. The problem of practice addressed in the organizational improvement plan is stated as: A document known as Saskatchewan Reads for Administrators exists to support leadership for best practice in reading in elementary school. No such document exists for writing. The problem of practice under investigation is the need for a strategic approach to support school leaders in improving student achievement levels in writing. Attempting to address this gap in a comprehensive fashion and using a strategic …

Aligning First-Year Academic Learning Experiences At A Small Liberal Arts University, Robyne Hanley-Dafoe

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

First-year academic experiences in post-secondary education have been widely studied (Pampaka, Williams, & Hutcheson, 2012; Kahu & Nelson, 2018). Rapid expansion of student enrolment has impacted the scope of teaching and learning practices at universities (Zepke, 2018; O’Brien & Iannone, 2017). Much of the focus has been on student success, satisfaction, and retention; however, Brownlee, Walker, Lennox, Exley, and Pearce (2009) suggest that more research on the student learning experience is needed. This organizational improvement plan (OIP) expands on this idea to include pedagogy and course design, as they impact student learning, while exploring institutional identity. Using Bolman and Deal’s …

Organizational Improvement Plan, Jenny Morgan

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Within the constraints of competing ideologies; Indigenous vs Western knowledge, health service leaders committing to embedding cultural safety and humility into health care services for Indigenous peoples, and the broader change of direction laid out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015), is the overall need to improve health care services, experiences, and outcomes of Indigenous peoples. This need includes increasing the number of Indigenous peoples working at all levels and disciplines in health, and signifies the organizations responsibility to retain those employees once they enter the system. A mainstream tertiary health care centre located in Western Canada …

A Call To Action: Indigenizing Curriculum Through Adaptive Leadership, Christie Rehmann Pettipas

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Since the release of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2015, the post-secondary sector has focused their attention on the indigenization of programming and practices with mixed results. This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) presents a possible solution to embed Indigenous knowledge and culture in a program offered at a large urban college in Canada.

Both decolonization theory and Schein’s cultural assessment (2017) are used to identify current values and structures that are barriers to the effective integration of Indigenous knowledge in course curriculum and teaching. Utilizing an adaptive leadership framework (Hefeitz, 1994, Northouse, …

Enhancing Team Motivation Through A Period Of Rapid Change, Lisa Ramshaw

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This organizational improvement plan (OIP) presents possible leadership approaches and solutions to the enhance team motivation through a period of rapid change. The OIP focuses on a team within an educational training institute, strategically aligned to a large educational organization. The training institute was previously known as the professional learning and development (PLD) department and was situated within the corporate office of the organization. The Governing Board moved the PLD department into a separate business entity, a training institute, with a new commercial vision. The team therefore transitioned from an internal PLD department (cost center) with service-orientation, to an external …

Transitioning Students From Alternative Classes At A Children's Mental Health Agency, Julia Dunlop

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This OIP identifies a need to focus on the process of transitioning children from alternative classes at a children’s mental health agency back to mainstream classes. The agency’s current focus is on providing best practice treatment to clients while they receive services. However, treatment is temporary, as clients must eventually be transitioned back to a mainstream education system. Expanding this focus on treatment to include transitions from services; specifically, from alternative kindergarten classes back to regular classes, will reinforce the recognition of the significance of transitions, and reflection on how to improve this process for clients. The agency’s systemic view …

The Social Capital Of Local Hire Faculty In An International School, Nathaniel R. Hayes

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Local hire faculty – often trailing spouses to expat workers sponsored by organizations other than the identified organization - do not possess the same opportunity as their foreign hire faculty peers – educators hired from international locations sponsored by the identified organization - to garner social capital amongst their professional colleagues within an international school. Recent shifts in housing benefit allowance practices has complicated this identified problem of practice by isolating non-sponsored local hire faculty. This can lead to relinquished professional capital for the out-group local hire faculty population.

The Problem of Practice (PoP) is framed within the context of …

Improving The Collective Efficacy Of Teachers: Transforming Schools Through Collaborative Learning, Julia A. Manini

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Abstract

Urban secondary schools situated in high-risk neighborhoods experience a myriad of challenges that have the potential to thwart community well-being and student success. School leaders are increasingly aware of the connection between the stressors experienced in such communities, and the effects they have on teacher efficacy and student achievement. The prevalent gap in the goals, standards, and expectations that the administrative team leading this Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) seeks to address, and those that currently exist within the school community require attention and a methodology for positive change. It is for this reason, that the school leader recognizes the …

The Implementation Of Problem-Based Learning In Mathematics Through Teacher Capacity Building, Zelaikha Farahmand

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Current instructional approaches to mathematics are not meeting the diverse needs of students in Ontario. In response to steadily declining mathematics performance, the Ontario Ministry of Education released a Renewed Math Strategy geared towards addressing the gap in achievement. The position of mathematics lead teacher was created as part of this strategy. These teacher leaders are expected to devise plans for improvement initiatives relevant to their respective school sites. This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) explores the problem of practice where the mathematics lead teacher wishes to facilitate the implementation of problem-based learning in mathematics at an Ontario elementary school. Problem-based …

In Governance We Trust: Introducing A Comprehensive University Governance Education Program To Improve Institutional Trust, Erika Hegedues

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

In recent years, the governing bodies of several universities became the centre of attention for the wrong reason: they were implicated as the cause of institutional-level trust failures, involving senior university executives and chairs of the governing bodies. This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) explores a Problem of Practice (PoP) that revolves around the university community’s lack of trust in the governing bodies of Organization Y due to an organizational-level trust failure. The review committees established after the event determined a deep-seated dissatisfaction of the community with the operations of the governing bodies, and with the culture and leadership of the …