K-12 Teachers’ Perceptions Of Preparedness And Training To Provide Instruction And Support To English Language Learners, Rebecca Doxsee

Ed.D. Dissertations

The increased number of English language learners in the general education classroom created the need for teachers to be knowledgeable about how to instruct and support English language learners. Due to the minimal extant literature related to K-12 teachers’ preparedness and training, specifically regarding English language learners, the purpose of this qualitative, interpretive study was to examine the perceptions of Tennessee K-12 teachers related to preparedness and training to provide instruction and support to English language learners in the general education classroom. I emailed the questionnaire to 63 potential participants and received questionnaire responses from 44 (69.84%) K-12 teachers. I …

K-12 Teachers’ Retention Of Arts Integrated Professional Development, Roxane Mcwilliams

Dissertations

Arts integration is an interdisciplinary teaching model in which the arts become a conduit for the contextualization and understanding of non-arts content. Research has shown this approach increases academic engagement and content retention (Rinne et al., 2011). The use of arts integration also provides gains for teachers. Teachers perceive their practice more innovative and better able to reach the needs of diverse learners (Bellisario & Donovan, 2012). For the benefits of arts integrated learning to be achieved, teachers must acquire the knowledge and techniques of this teaching model. This requires knowledge in both arts content as well as the pedagogical …

Long-Term Human Participation Detection Using A Dynamic Scene Analysis Model, Wenjing Shi

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

The dissertation develops new methods for assessing student participation in long (>1 hour) classroom videos. First, the dissertation introduces the use of multiple image representations based on raw RGB images and AM-FM components to detect specific student groups. Second, a dynamic scene analysis model is developed for tracking under occlusion and variable camera angles. Third, a motion vector projection system identifies instances of students talking.

The proposed methods are validated using digital videos from the Advancing Out-of-school Learning in Mathematics and Engineering (AOLME) project. The proposed methods are shown to provide better group detection, and better talking detection at …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of New Mexico Charter Leaders Through The Covid-19 Pandemic, Nadine T. Torres

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has impacted the educational landscape in unbelievable ways. The changes to the learning environment in schools required leaders to obtain and exercise different competencies. New Mexico charter leaders are leading in the new normal of public education. With the additional roles, requirements, and expectations brought on by the pandemic, leaders cannot return to their prior leadership practices. The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand and give voice to the lived experiences of NM charter leaders working through the COVID-19 pandemic. The narrative of the participants highlighted four major themes: …

Teacher Attrition: Exploring The Literature On Teacher Attrition, Stephanie Timmer

Culminating Experience Projects

This paper examines what the literature says about teacher attrition within a social and cultural context. More and more, teachers are leaving the profession, new and old teachers alike. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the teacher shortage in this country. Many states have started initiatives to improve teacher preparation programs, offer scholarships, and school loan forgiveness, however the issues of teacher attrition have more to do with how we are treating current teachers. Many people are leaving the profession due to poor work conditions, low wages, and the lack of respect for the profession from the general public. Making …

Navigating The Unfamiliar: The Lived Experience Of Elementary School Teachers As They Navigate The Use Of New Literacies During A Global Pandemic, Sydney Boyer

Theses and Dissertations

New literacies within schools is supported by both education policy and research; despite this, new literacies have yet to enter and transform the classroom. The COVID-19 pandemic offered an unprecedented opportunity to study teachers' experiences as they are required to navigate new literacies while teaching online. Therefore, the purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of three upper elementary school teachers as they navigated the use of new literacies in a Title I school during a global pandemic. Data sources included three in-depth interviews and were analyzed through a thematic approach. Data analysis resulted in identifying …

Exploring The Relationship Between Job Satisfaction And Teacher Retention Among Rural And Urban Elementary School Teachers In Kentucky, Whitney Shannon Wilson, Edris Barnette Humphrey

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Whitney Shannon Wilson and Edris Barnette Humphrey on April 12, 2023.

Perceptions Of Preparedness Among New Graduate Nurses: Traditional Curriculum Versus Concept-Based Curriculum, Ashley A. Wheeler, Steven Busby, David Phillippi, Tammy Legge

DNP Scholarly Projects

Concept-based curriculum (CBC) is a newer trend in nursing education curriculum aimed at preparing new graduates to enter the workforce as generalist nurses better suited to care for a more medically complex population. Using CBC, students are introduced to concepts in order to build conceptual understandings as they engage in knowledge and skill learning, as opposed to a traditional nursing curriculum that is taught in sections grouped by patient population and medical complexity. At a nursing school housed within a private university in the southeast, the traditional nursing curriculum was replaced with CBC in 2016. To better understand the preparedness …

Math Teachers Who Don’T Like Math: A Phenomenological Study Of Elementary Teachers Who Dislike Mathematics Viewed Through The Lens Of Mathematics Teacher Identity In The Context Of Mathematics Education Reform, Melinda J. Bixby

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

Due to the increased expectations for rigorous mathematics instruction demanded by the Common Core Standards, it has become increasingly difficult for elementary teachers who are trained to be generalists to deliver expert instruction in mathematics. This difficulty is compounded by the reality that many elementary teachers self-identify as disliking math. The purpose of this qualitative, interpretive phenomenological study was to explore, investigate, and interpret the lived experiences and perceptions of self-contained elementary teachers who describe themselves as disliking mathematics. The central research question answered by this study is: What are the lived experiences and perceptions of self-contained elementary teachers who …

The Effects Of Scientific Inquiry On The Self-Efficacy Beliefs Of Students Regarding Teaching Science As Inquiry, Jaclyn M. Todd

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the course, Scientific Inquiry, significantly increased the self-efficacy beliefs of its students. According to Bandura (1977), an increase in self-efficacy could increase the likelihood that teachers implement scientific inquiry in their classrooms. I explored self-efficacy in an effort to address the overarching problem, an overall inconsistency of inquiry teaching in classrooms. There are numerous benefits associated with the implementation of scientific inquiry in today's classrooms. A key question then to investigate was whether the experience students gain by taking the course Scientific Inquiry can alter student self-efficacy beliefs which could increase …

Creando La Confianza: Narratives On Mentorship Of Latina Professors At The University Of New Mexico, Maria G. Vielma

Spanish and Portuguese ETDs

Numerous scholars have investigated the significant role that representation and mentorship play in the success of Latinas and other women of color during their journey through higher education, from degree completion to faculty hiring and advancement (Vasquez 1982, Zambrana et. al. 1997, Valdez 2001, Cavazos & Cavazos 2010, Shayne 2020, Contreras et. al. 2022). However, little research exists surrounding the lived experiences that have shaped mentorship carried out by university faculty, specifically, mentorship carried out by bilingual Latina faculty in higher education. Through a Latina Feminist Epistemology implementing Oral History Methodologies, this thesis aims to understand the cycle of mentorship …

Cross The Finish Line: Strategies For Increasing The Retention, Persistence, And Graduation Rates Of Black Male Students-Athletes At Kentucky State University, Jamaal R. Jackson

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Jamaal R. Jackson on April 11, 2023.

How Daily Movement Impacts Elementary Students In Math, Lesley Mcmahan Lawson

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Lesley McMahan Lawson on April 11, 2023.

A Delphi Study Of Possible, Probable, And Desirable Futures At 4-Year U.S. Higher Education Institutions By 2035, Mary Cutia-Pluff

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe educational changes at 4-year higher education institutions that are possible and probable by 2035 as perceived by a panel of experts. Additionally, the purpose was to determine the level of desirability of educational changes identified as probable by a panel of experts. Finally, the purpose was to describe actions necessary to promote the desirable educational changes by 2035 as perceived by the panel of experts.

Methodology: The Delphi method was used to survey 17 higher education experts from diverse disciplines. Four survey rounds gathered qualitative and quantitative data regarding …

Parents’ Expectations Of Developmentally Delayed Children With Special Education Needs (Sen) When Transitioning Out Of Non-Classroom Based Independent Studies Charter High Schools, Yolanda Vazquez

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify and describe the expectations of parents of developmentally delayed special education needs (SEN) high school children regarding their children’s transition out of independent studies charter high schools. In addition, it was the purpose of this study to identify how parents perceived independent studies charter high school schools addressed the needs of their SEN children during the transition process.

Methodology: This study used qualitative methodology to gain insight into the lived experiences and perceptions of parents with SEN high school students in a NCB ISP high school transition program. Data was …

Teacher Perceptions Of The Use And Implementation Of Online Learning In Secondary Career And Technical Education Programs, Jared C. Morris

Theses and Dissertations

The Covid-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the course of education and this is no more evident than in the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE). When the education world was thrust into the remote learning environment, CTE instructors were forced to discover ways to provide students in their programs with high-quality learning experiences without the ability to conduct the hands-on learning experiences that are the hallmark of CTE programs. As we have moved into an endemic stage, a significant opportunity exists in finding ways to create improved methods of instruction in CTE programs that provide students with enhance learning experiences …

A Delphi Study Of Possibilities Of Learning By 2035: Identify And Describe The Educational Changes For High Schools In California That Are Possible And Probable By 2035 As Perceived By A Panel Of Experts, Guillermo Lopez

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this Delphi study was to identify and describe the educational changes for high schools in California that are possible and probable by 2035 as perceived by a panel of experts. In addition, the purpose was to determine the level of desirability of educational changes identified as probable by a panel of experts. Finally, the purpose was to describe the actions necessary to promote the desirable educational changes by 2035 as perceived by the expert panel.

Methodology: The Delphi method was used as a mixed methods approach to build consensus among experts. Fifteen experts from diverse secondary …

“They’Re Still Trying To Wrap Their Head Around Forever”: An Anatomy Of Hope For Spinal Cord Injury Patients, William A. Lucas

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation draws on ethnographic data to investigate the nature of spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation in Central Florida, using participant observation and interview data to understand how people with SCI (pwSCI) conceptualize their own disabilities after experiencing such radical alterations in their subjectivities. Using case studies and ethnographic vignettes, it argues that the extreme double binds in which pwSCI find themselves (where they are personally ordinarily disabled and socially extraordinarily novel; and where they are enabled resources to pursue “hopeful” therapy modalities while being designated as hopelessly disabled) is further polarized by the various legislative regimes of truth in …

Acute Otitis Media, Allie Luther

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Learning about Acute Otitis Media

Covid-19 Impact On Undergraduates Sense Of Belonging At The University Of San Diego, Katherine Reyes

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

My purpose in this research was to understand how COVID-19 impacted undergraduate students’ sense of belonging at the University of San Diego. In doing so, I gained insight into how residential advisors (RAs) have been and are currently impacted by a sense of belonging at the University of San Diego. This research process consisted of three cycles. This research asked participants to describe how COVID-19 affected whether they found a sense of belonging and what steps they have taken to create a sense of belonging within their student leadership roles. All cycles of this research allowed participants to meet each …

Nutritional Management: Head And Neck Cancer, Christina Eagle

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Nutritional management in head and neck cancer patients will help to promote treatment compliance and reduction of treatment-related co-morbidities.

Leading With Cultura Y Corazón: Culturally Responsive Leadership And Latina Mid-Level Leaders In The California Community Colleges, Gabriela Lopez

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this ethnographic study was to identify and describe how California community college Latina mid-level leaders are culturally responsive in their leadership strategies, based on Horsford, Grosland, and Gunn’s (2011) culturally relevant leadership framework.

Methodology: This ethnographic study identified and described how Latina mid-level leaders within the California community colleges utilize culturally responsive leadership strategies using Horsford et al.’s (2011) culturally relevant leadership framework. The researcher was part of a thematic team of 6 researchers who developed and vetted a semi-structured interview protocol aligned with the theoretical framework. Sixteen participants were identified and selected using purposeful criterion …

Hypertension, Bethany Stemen

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Hypertension is dangerous and known as the silent killer. It can be managed with proper healthy life choices.

Imposter Syndrome In Higher Education Stems From Self-Doubt And Perfectionism In High School, Katelyn Whetsel

Honors Projects

This study looks at how imposter syndrome found in higher education students starts in high school students through guilt and perfectionism. These are two separate pathways that students may follow that can lead to symptoms of imposter syndrome that can show up in higher education. This will be explored through a discussion with high school students. They will be shown two surveys, one created by Dr. Pauline Clance, and one created by the researcher. Dr. Clance’s survey asks statements that aim at looking for symptoms of imposter syndrome in adults. The researcher created survey asks statement-based questions geared more toward …

Transition To Higher Education In A College Assistance Migrant Program: Students’ Perception Of Purpose, Mark R. Lane-Holbert

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The 21st century world is increasingly globalized and interconnected, and migration is a reality that substantially impacts the US educational system, and often requires specialized services for migrant students to successfully transition to higher education. While higher education has many benefits, it also presents inherent risks and challenges for students from migrant families, whose academic and life experiences may be vastly different from traditional college students. Federal collegiate transition programs like the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) recognize this and aim to support students holistically throughout their transition to higher education. Such programs are in continual search of effective ways …

Self-Efficacy Influences Of Pre-Service Physical Education (Pe) Teachers Who Instruct Students With Disabilites (Swds), Emily Mason, Karen Gaudreault, Glenn Hushman, Victoria Shiver, Amanda Young

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

The purpose of this study was to analyze what factors contribute to the self-efficacy/teacher efficacy (TE) of pre-service teachers (PSTs) as they instruct physical education (PE) to students with disabilities (SWDs). Self-efficacy theory, SET, (Bandura, 1977; Maddux, 2013) was used to make meaning of what SET tenets the PSTs found valuable as it pertained to boosting their teacher efficacy as they taught physical education to SWDs. Data collection involved three semi-structured interviews, three reflections, one critical incident account (Flanagan, 1954), ten to twelve non-participatory observations of the PSTs teaching PE in an elementary school with SWDs, informal conversations, email communication, …

Unlocking The Doors To Engagement And Accessibility: A Curriculum Development For Second Grade Learners In Social Studies, Jeanette Mcnair

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

The goal of this project is to create a second-grade Social Studies curriculum that increases engagement and provides accessibility to all students. The intent is to pull from the instructional frameworks of Universal Design for Learning developed by CAST, Project-Based Learning by The Buck Institute and differentiation by Carol Ann Tomlinson. The following research question was used to propel forward the goal of this project: How can a second grade Social Studies unit unlock student engagement and universal accessibility by applying three educational frameworks? This question was answered by literature research on the topics of engagement and accessibility followed by …

Survey On Current Interventions For Childhood Problem Behavior And Their Link To Future Criminal Behavior, Jada N. Stevens

Honors College Theses

Criminal behavior is a prevalent concern for many communities. As such, researchers and clinicians often look for core causes of criminal behavior to address them early. Some theorize that childhood problem behavior is a common predictor of adult criminal behavior. As a result, emphasis is often placed on addressing childhood problem behavior early in order to prevent future criminal behavior. The current study explores the link between childhood problem behavior and adult criminal behavior. Specifically, we will look at how middle school teachers are addressing childhood problem behavior and how that relates to future predictions of criminal behavior. Data will …

Perspectives Of Fieldwork Educators: The Relationship Between Emotional Competence And Occupational Therapy Level Ii Fieldwork Success, Kathleen Hughes-Butcher

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

Emotional competence encompasses multiple skills and attributes that are essential to success of occupational therapy level II fieldwork. Learning more about the relationship between emotional competence and level II fieldwork success holds implications for occupational therapy students, academic programs, fieldwork educators and recipients of occupational therapy services. The Emotional Competence Theory of Mikolajczak (2009) guided the conceptual foundation of this study. This qualitative study, using a phenomenological approach, explored the relationship between emotional competence and level II fieldwork success from the perspective of fieldwork educators. Purposeful sampling was utilized to recruit the three occupational therapists who serve as fieldwork educators …

Evidence Based Practices To Support Inclusion Of Students With Emotional Impairments, Christine Blomberg

Culminating Experience Projects

Students with emotional impairments (EI) often experience poor academic outcomes due to their impeding social, emotional, and behavioral needs and a significant achievement gap exists between students with emotional impairments and their non-disabled peers across all academic content areas (Popham et al., 2018). Overall, the research indicates that students with emotional impairments benefit from evidence-based practices in the general education setting such as positive behavior support plans, positive reinforcement, self-monitoring strategies, and peer mentors. A guide for the implementation of evidence-based practices and accommodations to support students with emotional impairments to engage with peers and in the general education curriculum …