Education Commons^™

Understanding Public Library Services And Use: A Structural Equation Modeling Framework, Ian Burke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation describes the process of fitting publicly available data from the 2015 Public Libraries Survey and 2015 American Community Survey to a structural equation model based on a theory of action for public libraries relating operating revenue to latent factors measuring service availability and library use within the context of matched community demographic data. The process of using theory-based data analysis to investigate publicly-available data is examined. Key findings include acceptable estimates of goodness-of-fit for hypothesized factors representing public library service availability and public library use, an inconsistent mediation effect of service availability on the relationship between public library …

Assessment Of Multiple-Form Structure Designs Of Multistage Testing Using Irt, Hanan M. Alghamdi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current study investigated multistage testing (MST) as an alternative to classical linear testing (CLT) for the General Aptitude Test (GAT). The aim was to assess the effects of two assembly methods (narrow vs. wide range—NR vs. WR), two routing methods (Defined Population Intervals—DPI— and the Approximate Maximum Information method—AMI), and two panel structures (two-stage and three-stage) on precision of ability estimates and accuracy of classification for both sections of the GAT (Verbal and Mathematics). Thus, eight conditions were examined and compared: 2 (assembly conditions) * 2 (panel structures) * 2 (routing methods).

The dataset that included a sample of …

High-Performing Charter Schools And Leadership Continuum: Reconceptualizing Dual Realities, Brittany M. Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study examines the experiences and identities of school leaders who currently lead or have lead in high performing charter schools. Using educational criticism and connoisseurship, the author focuses on the impact of leaders' experiences and identities, which shape leader intention, school culture, and school development and growth to inform current practice. The author also explores how co-connoisseurship may enhance one's understanding of the nuances of the subject, adding to the literature on the methodology employed.

Leadership Practices In Similar Schools With Varying Primary Grade Reading Outcomes: A Comparative Multiple-Case Study, Jacqueline M. Cuthill

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students who are below grade level before they leave third grade are less likely to graduate. A large number of schools are failing to increase student achievement in reading, especially for students of color and those who are economically disadvantaged. Leadership can influence student achievement; however, literature lacks specifics about leadership practices that could help school leaders improve student outcomes. This multiple-case study explores the leadership practices in three similar elementary schools with varying primary grade reading outcomes and contributes details about the leadership functions of Setting Direction, Developing People and Redesigning the Organization (Leithwood, Seashore, Anderson, & Wahlstrom, 2004). …

Adolescent Protective Factors Related To Resilience: Issues Of Academic Self-Efficacy, Parental Involvement, And Special Education Status, Bethdalie Cruz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The predictive value of three constructs was examined in this study in order to explain adolescent self-reported protective factors associated with resilience while moderating for the effects of sex and race. The three constructs included Academic Self-efficacy, Maternal Parental Involvement, and Special Education Identification Status. Participants included 54 adolescents in diverse public middle and high schools, ages 11 to 18. Twenty of these participants were identified as receiving special education services while 34 did not. Results indicated that adolescent perceptions of Academic Self-efficacy significantly predicted protective factors associated with resilience while Special Education Identification Status and Maternal Parental Involvement did …

Funds Of Knowledge And The College Success Of First-Generation Students, Low-Income Students, And Students Of Color: A Transformative Mixed Methods Study, Delma Margot Ramos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Increases in college enrollment have led to assessments of college success. These assessments consistently reveal disparities between students from historically underserved communities and students from the majority. Specifically, first-generation to college students, low-income students, and students of color continue to experience unequitable success in college. In response to these concerns, the scholarly community engages in research that expands our understanding of college success of these students and offers solutions to bolster their success. Nonetheless, much of this work engages a deficit oriented approach that centers attention on the resources that historically underrepresented communities do not possess and attributes lower college …