Education Commons^™

A Qualitative Case Study: Exploring Elementary Principals’ And Teachers’ Perceptions Of Teacher Leadership, Cathy De Leon

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study examined the perceptions of one principal and 10 teachers from a school district in the Rio Grande Valley regarding how leadership is distributed in their schools through the lens of distributed leadership. This study contributes to the small body of literature regarding teacher leadership to foster dialogue and potentially provide opportunities for teachers to take on leadership roles. Recently, the expectations for schools have increased to the extent that leaders are now expected to ensure all students are learning at prominent levels. Today’s public-school principals may benefit from the support of teacher leaders. Results of …

Examining Social Factors Influencing Latino Students' Academic Learning In Rio Grande Valley Via A Quantitative Design, David T. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This research study aimed to examine the social factors that could influence the academic learning experiences of Latino college students. Hispanic students are pursuing post-secondary degrees at a higher rate than in previous years. Many Hispanics represent their respective family members as the first members of their respective families to attend college (Trevino & DeFreitas, 2014). The academic achievement of Latino college students is becoming a major concern in the United States due to their growing population and special needs (Trevino & DeFreitas, 2014).

It is imperative to examine the social factors that could affect the academic learning experiences of …

The Relationship Between The Volume And Complexity Of Books Read Based On Accelerated Reader Assessment Data And The 5th-Grade Students’ Reading Achievement Scores, Glenda Edna Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the reading performance data for a grade level of fifth graders using the Web-based Accelerated Reader assessment program. Based solely on student archival data, this study focused on the hypothesized relationship between the volume and complexity of quizzes taken from books read using the Accelerated Reader assessment program and academic performance on the state’s standardized reading achievement portion of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test. An independent sample t – test was also performed to investigate if there were any differences between the gender, language, and socioeconomic status of the subgroup …

Analyzing How Resiliency, Family Support, And The College Assistance Migrant Program (Camp) Contribute To Latina/O/X Migrant Farmworker Students' Ability At A South Texas Hsi To Continue Into The Second Year Of Study And To Degree Completion, Angelica Yvette Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study is to identify the primary difficulties Latina/o/x migrant farmworker students face compared to non-migrant farmworker students regarding completing higher education and how they can overcome those barriers. Latina/o/x migrant farmworker students experience educational inequity that affects their potential to continue into higher education successfully. Although there is extensive research that analyzes the CAMP program effectiveness, migrant farm-worker students experiences, and the difficulties faced by migrant farmworker students in education, there is a gap in the literature that focuses on migrant farmworker students and their success in …

Level Of Opportunity For Translanguaging In A One-Way Dual Language Program, Cristina Flores

Theses and Dissertations

In the context of language diversity in schools, this research underscores the persistence of monolingual academic standards despite linguistic variety. Bilingual education, historically intertwined with sociopolitical agendas aligning with dominant societal power structures, necessitates a paradigm shift. Bilingual educators must empower students to utilize their complete linguistic repertoire, fostering creative language expression through translanguaging (Sánchez et al., 2018, p.13). This approach challenges superficial language norms, potentially deviating from the standard language codified by a powerful central group.

The study delves into the types of language practices teachers permit, promote, or prohibit and examines teachers' perceptions regarding the constraints of a …

Strategies Community College Mexican American Adult College Algebra Students Use When Graphing Function Transformations, Roxana Pamela Jimenez

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study pursued to describe the different strategies Mexican American adult students in a local community college used to graph function transformations. Participants in the study were purposefully selected using a criterion sampling to ensure participants were atypical, above average students between the ages 18-22, and had a final course average of 89.5-100 in College Algebra. Three research questions were examined 1) In what ways do Mexican American adult college students graph a function transformation? 2) Which strategies do students implement when graphing a function transformation? Qualitative research methods using think aloud semi-structured interviews were used in this …

How An Instructor's Noticing For Equity Can Foster Students' Sense Of Belonging And Mathematical Confidence, Sthefania Espinosa

Theses and Dissertations

There are many aspects a teacher can notice inside the mathematics classroom, and the more a teacher notices, the more difficult it is to teach. In this study, I particularly focus on noticing for equity, which describes the role of the teacher in attending to students’ mathematical thinking through an equity lens that can allow the instructor to notice the aspects of classroom mathematical activity that can make students feel less or more empowered in their mathematical practices (van Es et al., 2017). There exists few research about how students perceive their instructor’s effort to promote equity and …

Texas School Social Workers: Demographics, Work Characteristics, Job Satisfaction, And Work Barriers And Facilitators, Astrid Gandaria

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the demographics, and job, services, responsibilities, barriers, facilitators, and satisfaction of Texas school social workers. A survey was emailed to Texas school social workers identified on a state list. A convergent parallel mixed method design was used to compare and discuss quantitative and qualitative data obtained. The data reveal consistency with existing school social work literature related to demographics and provided novel information on work characteristics, job satisfaction, work barriers and facilitators, and program preparation of school social workers. The data shows school social workers are highly involved …

Meeting Students’ Needs To Improve Motivation And Higher Academic Achievement In Rio Grande Valley Schools, Tanya Jessica Reyes

Theses and Dissertations

Educational systems are to prepare students for future success in our ever-changing world. Administrators must realize that before a student is willing to learn, crucial needs must be met, especially in low-socioeconomic areas such as the Rio Grande Valley. Some basic needs consist of food and shelter, which are vital for survival. Other needs deal with one’s social and emotional needs that support a child's safety, sense of belonging, and their self-esteem. In this study, focus groups were conducted with sixth, seventh, and eighth grade student participants that gathered the phenomenon of their experiences and their fulfillment of needs …

Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status And Incidence Of Specific Learning Disability: A Quantitative Study, Nora Nevarez

Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study used a linear regression model to determine if a relationship exists between one independent variable (i.e., Socioeconomic Status) and one dependent variable (i.e., Specific Learning Disabilities). State level data was collected from publicly available databases in the State of Texas that delineate the percentage of students diagnosed with and placed in special education under the umbrella of Specific Learning Disabilities. These percentages were aggregated into the 20 Texas Educational Regional Service Centers. Additionally, national data was collected from publicly available databases listing the percentage of students at or under the age of 18 years old …

A Victim No More: An Arts-Based Autoethnographic Inquiry, Richard D. Edmonson

Theses and Dissertations

Heteronormative culture and curriculum have traditionally prevailed within the college classroom (MacGillivray, 2000). Many LGBTQQIA+ students still find challenges regarding acceptance and integration which may impact their learning experiences (Nodin 2022). Addressing heteronormative curriculum and pedagogy includes discussing the relevance of LGBTQQIA+ inclusivity, visibility, and histories. For schools to become safe and welcoming environments for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and for the negative consequences of heterosexism to diminish for all, homophobia, heterosexism, heteronormativity, and heterosexual privilege must all be explicitly addressed and interrogated in students’ learning (Nunn & Bolt, 2015). One of the ways to do this and ameliorate …

Professional Development, Digital Platforms, And Middle School Education During Covid-19, Cynthia Susan Castro

Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 outbreak shifted towards online learning, requiring educators and administrators to adapt to new digital platforms and technologies quickly. The purpose of this quantitative study is to examine whether there is a significant difference in the frequency of use of digital platforms among middle schools. Secondly, it explores the relationship between teachers' attendance at professional development sessions and their integration of Nearpod lessons during the pandemic. Lastly, it investigates the relationship between the time campus principals invested in technology-related professional development and teachers' adoption of digital platforms at their respective campuses. Surveys and administrative records were …

Being A Trafficked Teacher: An Asiancrit Autoethnography Exploring The Exploitation Of Filipino Migrant Teachers In Louisiana, Christopher R. Jose

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this autoethnographic study is to critically explore the lived curriculum of Filipino migrant teachers trafficked by a Louisiana school district using the theoretical lens of AsianCrit. Using the different tenets of AsianCrit, this study wrestles with the injustices of this lived curriculum as connected to a broader set of hegemonic curricular experiences and demonstrates the ways such injustice still permeates the lived curriculum of migrant teachers. It explores its discussion on critical race theory in education, migrant teachers and human trafficking in the United States. This study shares the effects of human trafficking of teachers and the …

Addressing Engagement: Student Perceptions Of Meaningful Gamification In Online Courses, Jessica M. Sanchez-Barrera

Theses and Dissertations

Although there is high enrollment in online college courses, there are concerns about student engagement (Martin & Bolliger, 2018; Dumford & Miller, 2018). Gamification has been shown to have the potential to improve student engagement. The purpose of the study was to describe how academic student engagement is impacted by Nicholson’s Meaningfully Gamified online course compared to traditionally taught online course. An embedded multiple case study research design was employed using self-determination theory as the theoretical framework to measure engagement. The theory constructs analyzed were autonomy, competence, relatedness, and student engagement. The research was conducted …

A Case Study Of Student And Faculty Experiences In A High-Achieving Early College High School Along The Texas-Mexico Border, Kelly Louis Stuart

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the high academic achievement of Excelencia Early College High School (EECHS), located along the Texas-Mexico border. An open-enrollment public school, EECHS serves students who are characteristic of the lower Rio Grande Valley. These include students of low socioeconomic backgrounds, minorities, first-generation, and those typically underserved by higher education. Over two years, seven student focus-group interviews and fifteen faculty personal interviews were conducted. These interviews addressed key research questions such as: What are the lived experiences of students and faculty at this high-achieving school? What motivates students to overcome challenges and …

Perspectives On Educational Technology Integration From District And School Leaders Before, During, And After The Lifting Of The Covid-19 Pandemic Restrictions, Alma Delia Cardenas-Rubio

Theses and Dissertations

The integration of educational technology is pivotal in enhancing classroom instruction. School administrators must possess a clear vision and the necessary skills to leverage emerging technologies effectively (Yu & Prince, 2016). This mixed methods research study explores trends, challenges, and experiences related to educational technology leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing an autoethnographic approach and survey data, the study aligns with the Future Ready Framework's seven interconnected components: curriculum, instruction, and assessment; personalized professional learning; budget and resources; use of space and time; robust infrastructures; data and privacy; and community partnerships. The narrative provides insights into a …

Reimagining Associate Degree Nursing Education: An Insider’S View, Ntiense E. Otu

Theses and Dissertations

The demographics of nursing students in the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program are diverse, hence the need for nurse educators to prepare and handle the challenges faculty face in the ADN program. Although many pieces of literature have addressed different modalities of instructional delivery and teaching methods in nursing education, transition experience of nurse educators, and teaching preparation and readiness, these are not evident in the ADN programs in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The teaching preparation of nurse educators and their utilization of instructional methods in the ADN program in the RGV is limited in the literature. This study …

Examining The Increasing Prevalence Of Academic Dishonesty: An Investigation Of Students’ Perceptions Of Academic Integrity In Higher Education, Luis Angel Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

A primary concern in academic institutions is the high frequency of academic dishonesty among students. Concerns surrounding this issue negatively affect the institution’s reputation and the acquisition of external funding. The purpose of this research was to explore the increasing prevalence of academic dishonesty at higher education institutions. Furthermore, the aim of the study is to investigate the frequency of students engaging in academic dishonesty, reasons for academic dishonesty, and awareness of academic dishonesty. Increasing awareness, prevention, and education regarding academic dishonesty can bring a positive environment to students in higher education. The participants were students enrolled in The University …

The Santa Ana Youth Media Project: Ypar And Media Advocacy, Jorge F. Rodriguez

Education Faculty Articles and Research

The Santa Ana Youth Media Project (SAYMP) was born during the summer of 2019 and grew from a need, expressed by youth, for more critical media literacy that could further amplify and focus on narratives that reflect how youth navigate their personal, cultural-social, and economic environments. Our media projects consist of intentional participative research and journalistic designs that document stories using tools such as narrative inquiry, Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) and video/media production to visually capture the narratives of youth and community within the city of Santa Ana and its larger Orange County context. Our goal is to develop …

Benefits Of Learning Without Homework For Middle School Students, Ashley Garcia Marquez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this senior capstone is to examine the benefits of learning without homework for middle school students. The research draws on the experiences of teachers in Monterey County, who provide personal input and teaching philosophies on this topic. Throughout the use of the literature review, three teacher interviews, and fifty anonymous student surveys, the findings indicate that learning without homework is essential, and in-class workshops have a positive impact on middle school student's academic success. Thus, teachers should recognize that learning without homework and in-class workshops plays a vital role in educating the growing minds of middle school …

Basic Needs Housing Advocate Program, Loyce Jewell Bryant

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) students are severely impacted by high priced housing costs. This paper will demonstrate how imperative it is that Basic Needs implements a separate housing infrastructure to help support students with their housing needs during and upon graduation. CSUMB currently houses over 55% of their students and still many students have housing insecurities. To assess the micro-level housing insecurity problem; CSUMB students work with case managers to evaluate their needs. To assess the macro-level housing insecurity problem, a survey was distributed to random students throughout the campus. Of the 6,577 currently enrolled students; 60 students …

Impact Of Technology On K-8 Students' Learning Post-Covid-19, Vincent Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This research project aims to examine the impact of technology on K-8 students' learning post-COVID-19 and how technology in the classroom helps students achieve academic success. With the difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic had on students, this study will dive deep into the depths of technology's use in today's education system. Through the use of a literature review, interviews with teachers, and surveys from 7th & 8th-grade students, the findings indicated that technology plays a crucial role in students learning and teaching. We are moving away from the traditional classroom of books and paper and into a new era of …

Implications Of California State Standards In Relation To Disordered Eating For School Aged Children, Jessica De Mott

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Food is a part of people’s lives, even when it is not acknowledged. It is distinctly tied to various cultures, ethnicities, and religions; with elements of restriction and gluttony abundant. Then, there is the complication of modern nutrition and health education that is taught in American, and more specifically in Californian schools. But, the education received on this issue has failed some students. Many school aged children reported that they experienced disordered eating, and learning content has further exacerbated this issue. This senior capstone research will examine the implications of California State Standards in relation to disordered eating for school …

Increasing Social And Emotional Competencies Among Special Education Preschoolers, Alix Li Katz-Polowitz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

My capstone project focused on preschoolers’ emotional competence, which is defined as the ability to purposefully and truly experience a variety of emotions while regulating behavior patterns (Domitrovich et al., 2017). It is difficult for preschoolers to regulate their emotions and even more challenging for SPED children. Children who have difficulties associated with being in SPED are often rejected by other children and do not have opportunities to develop strong social skills. This can result in these children avoiding social situations in general, which causes them to fall further behind their peers with their social abilities (Schmitt et al., 2021). …

Benefits Of Existing Educational Programs For Migrant Elementary School Students, Jasmin Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Due to the constant mobility of migrant families, migrant students face disadvantages in their academic performance. This senior capstone research project is to examine the benefits of existing education programs for immigrant elementary school students on migrant students available for a largely Hispanic community on the Central Coast of California. Through the use of literature review, interviews with migrant teachers, migrant coordinators, and migrant directors, the results show that even though migrant students obtain physical and emotional support for the Migrant Education Program, their academic achievement and personal identity are constantly being challenged. In order to help mitigate these effects, …

Exploring Nursing Faculty Perceived Individual And Organizational Readiness To Use Online Simulation As A Teaching Strategy, Luz-Patricia Torres

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Problem: Academic institutions have employed online simulations in nursing education to meet the needs of the growing nursing student population and demands for distance learning. While some nursing educators have been trained to use simulation learning experiences, few have specific training in applying online simulation as a teaching strategy. With a dearth of evidence in the literature specific to the use of online simulation in nursing education, exploring nursing faculty's perceived individual and organizational readiness to do so is warranted to optimize the use of this innovation.

Purpose: This study explored the nursing faculty's perceived individual and organizational readiness …

The Importance Of Teaching Social-Emotional Skills To Young Children, Stephanie Valdez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

My capstone project enhances the social-emotional skills of preschool children, which are fundamental for relationships, emotional management, and empathy. Children lacking these skills may struggle in learning, behavior, and socializing when they progress to elementary school. Studies have shown that social-emotional competence and cognitive competence are critical predictors of academic accomplishment (Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Student Benefits: Implications for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Core Elements, n.d.). Children in preschool who lack these skills may experience difficulties in learning, behavior, and socializing as they progress to elementary school (Amy Morin, 2019). A significant issue arises when children encounter obstacles …

Homework Perpetuating Inequalities For Low-Income Families In Education, Eileen Boyd

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project delves into the persistent issue of homework perpetuating inequalities among low-income families. Drawing on insights from North American public school teachers who have shared their perspectives and experiences, this research employs a combination of literature reviews, teacher interviews, and anonymous surveys. The collective evidence underscores the unsettling fact that homework drives educational disparities. Consequently, it calls for a broader acknowledgment among educators and schools that homework often hinders rather than enhances a student's academic achievements.

"I Think There Is A Place For Small Programs:" Advocating, Implementing, And Sustaining Tpc Programs In Small Us Institutions, Martha Lynn Russell

English Theses & Dissertations

Technical and Professional Communication (TPC) programs in small institutions compose of over a third of all programs in the US, yet this space has been understudied by most scholars. To fill this gap, this dissertation presents findings from one-hour interviews with twenty-six TPC program directors in small US institutions with undergraduate populations of less than six thousand. The results of this dissertation include the ways that small institutions are advocating, implementing, and sustaining their TPC program in unique ways with implications for how any TPC programs regardless of size can learn from these findings.

Papa Was A Missing Stone: An Exploration Into The Lived Experiences Of Father-Absent African American Women, Jamila Jordan Moody

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study examines the lived experiences of adult father-absent African American women to extrapolate from their stories the meaning they attached to the experience and to hear in their own words how they perceived the absence of their father shaped their lives and affected them socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and educationally. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom audio-conferencing with adult African American women who ranged in age from 20-62 years of age living in various parts of the U.S. The findings of this study revealed that father-daughter relationship bonds held a special meaning to each participant as most …