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Creating Tomorrow’S Leaders: Examining Teacher Perceptions Of A Systems Approach Framework To Continuous Classroom Improvement, Pascale Glenn

Education Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of teachers using a systems approach in two rural schools in a district in North Carolina using a qualitative approach. In this district, a systems approach is also referred to as Continuous Classroom Improvement (CCI). The theoretical framework within which the study was grounded revolved around three constructs. The first construct was school culture; the second construct was the concept of Total Quality Management (TQM); and the third construct was the use of Plan, Do, Study, Act. Information was collected in a natural setting. The qualitative data gathered from the …

Place-Based Education: A Program Evaluation, Hannah S. Moody

Education Dissertations and Projects

The researcher designed and conducted a program evaluation on the place-based education component at Summit Charter School. Specifically, the researcher wanted to know how the place-based education program at Summit aligned with national standards of a successful place-based education program, as outlined by the Place-based Education Evaluation Collaborative. Observations, document analysis, and survey data were collected by the researcher and analyzed using Horsch’s (2008) Logic Model. This program evaluation revealed that Summit Charter School is emerging as a place-based education institute. Recommendations include place-based education leadership training for Summit’s administration, ongoing staff development in the area of place-based education, and …

A Program Evaluation Of An Apprenticeship Program Using Stufflebeam’S Cipp Model, Oai C. To

Education Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation is a program evaluation of an apprenticeship program operated by Siemens Energy, Inc. in Charlotte, North Carolina. The evaluation was based on Stufflebeam’s CIPP model of context (C), input (I), process (P), and product (P). The CIPP sought to evaluate (C) current and future objectives, (I) various strategies use to achieve the objectives, (P) the implementation of the strategies, and (P) the outcome of the program. The entire model provided insight into the effectiveness of the program and provided feedback for decision making and accountability toward current and future improvement of the program (Stufflebeam, 1971). Four questions were …

Middle School Teacher Perspectives Of Ldc In A Rural Southeastern North Carolina School District, Adrain Shavonne Batten

Education Dissertations and Projects

The mixed-method phenomenological study surveyed middle school teacher perceptions of the Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC). The study population consisted of 16 sixth through eighth grade English language arts, science, or social studies teachers. The data for this study were analyzed from the 2011-2012 school year until the 2015-2016 year. The researcher utilized Stufflebeam’s (2003) context, input, process, product (CIPP) model to create the research questions. The following research questions guided the study: (1) To what extent does the LDC model influence middle school teacher decisions in the type of the instructional strategies they choose to use in their classrooms; (2) …

A Framework For Improving Teacher Efficacy In High-Poverty Schools, Shelia D. Burnette

Education Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative research study examined the change of teachers’ levels of poverty awareness and their sense of efficacy after being exposed to targeted research-based strategies and resources. The focus was on building leadership capacity; fostering safe, healthy learning environments; and focusing on students, professionals, and systems of learning to address turning high-poverty schools to high-performing schools. Eight high-poverty urban schools participated in the study with five focus schools analyzed throughout the study (sample=XX). Study participants completed pre- and post-assessment measures of poverty awareness and their sense of efficacy to impact achievement for high-poverty students. Participants were given access to resources, …

A Qualitative Inquiry Into New Teacher Perceptions Of Recruitment Practices Of School Leaders In A High Poverty Lea In Southeastern North Carolina, Julian Eldridge Carter

Education Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of teachers during their job searches for employment in the field of education which could inform recruiters in a rural, low-wealth LEA in southeastern North Carolina of the behaviors they need to display and the strategies they need to employ in order to hire high quality teaching candidates. The study focused on the lived experiences of 13 teachers employed in the district who were considered effective teachers by accountability measures outlined by the state of North Carolina and who had at least 2 years of experience. Research …

An Analysis Of The Personal And Behavioral Health Impact Of A Hybrid Day Treatment Model On Secondary Students, Matthew Davis

Education Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation, with roots in Cognitive Restructuring Model and Circle of Courage® Model, was designed as a phenomenological qualitative study that gathered the perspective of former students who were enrolled in a specific hybrid day treatment program model. These students were all involved in a day treatment program model in a rural town in western North Carolina. The study specifically evaluated how this experience affected the students in terms of future choices and behaviors. These students participated in individual interviews and data were coded through the use of the ATLAS.ti and SPSS software programs. Through coding and analysis, themes were …

The Impact Of Instructional Coaching On The Self-Efficacy Of Beginning Teachers In The Facilitation Of Student Learning, Shannon White

Education Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation was designed to examine the impact of instructional coaching on the self-efficacy of beginning teachers in the facilitation of student learning. Beginning teachers are still learning their craft when they enter the teaching profession. Research indicates that schools are losing beginning teachers before they have adequately developed their abilities. Many systems are providing support to beginning teachers through mentoring and instructional coaching. It is essential that schools support beginning teachers as they hone their abilities to facilitate learning in their classrooms. To best meet the needs of beginning teachers, an understanding of best practices for coaching needs to …

Investigation Of Teacher Perceptions Of Gifted Education: How Teacher Perceptions Influence The Use Of Specific Research-Based Teaching Strategies Tailored To Challenge Learning In Ag Students, Ian Robert Olsen

Education Dissertations and Projects

The research study examined teacher perceptions of gifted instruction. It focused on teacher perceptions of the needs of gifted students; teacher confidence in adapting instruction to meet the needs; and teacher perceptions of which research-based instructional strategies are best implemented. The purpose of this study was to determine if AG teacher perceptions of instructional strategies influence the implementation of them. This study combined literature research, survey data, and interview data all shedding light on the need to improve academic instruction for all AG students (Bangel, Moon, & Capobianco, 2010; Manning, 2006; McKinsey & Co., 2009). The research and data demonstrated …

An Exploration On Perceptions Influencing Teacher Retention In Urban School Settings As Gauged By Kouzes And Posner's Leadership Model On The Principal's Leadership Styles And The School Climate, Tamika Danielle Singletary-Johnson

Education Dissertations and Projects

Throughout this study, the researcher sought to find the key strategies needed to have positive teacher attrition. These findings were measured by the Kouzes and Posner (2002) Leadership Practice Inventory data, as well as staff focus group dialogue with selected school. The participant groups consisted of six elementary schools in a Southwest Virginia school system. Throughout the study, efforts have been made by division leaders to obtain and attract great teachers. Efforts were also made to keep great teachers. Neason (2014) estimated that “over 1 million teachers will move in and out of schools annually and between 40 and 50 …

A Comparative Study Of The Impact Of Title I Literacy Instruction On Reading Achievement, Jill Starnes Payne

Education Dissertations and Projects

Student Achievement and Growth launched a new intervention model to be implemented in a district in North Carolina. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a specifically defined literacy instructional model, Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI), on K-2 reading achievement as measured by the Text Reading and Comprehension (TRC) component of mClass: Reading 3D. A student’s ability to read can be impacted by many things including school readiness, teacher expertise, student home environment, student school environment, and the instruction provided. The problem in this study is that regardless of social status, race, or gender, an alarming number …

A Comprehensive Evaluation Of The Teacher’S College Reading And Writing Project Balanced Literacy Instructional Framework And The Reading Proficiency Of Economically Disadvantaged Students, Latonya Elise Gaines-Montgomery

Education Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation was designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP) and its impact on the reading achievement of economically disadvantaged students. TCRWP was implemented at two high poverty schools (over 80% economically disadvantaged students) in southeastern North Carolina. Stufflebeam’s (2003) revised CIPP evaluation model was used to evaluate the program along with a convergent mixed-methods design. The data analysis revealed that TCRWP as well as the schools’ strategic plans were aligned to the schools’ assessed needs. Additionally, the analysis showed that implementation of TCRWP aligned to the schools’ initial implementation designs. The …

Critical Thinking In The Upper Elementary Grades: A Program Evaluation Of Write From The Beginning And Beyond: Response To Literature, Ginger C. Black

Education Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact the integration of critical thinking through Write from the Beginning and Beyond: Response to Literature had on planning, instruction, and assessment. Based on the school’s end-of-grade reading tests scores, educators determined students struggled in reading and designed an action plan using a logic model. The teachers at the intermediate school in the piedmont of North Carolina were previously trained to use the program and determined the program was being implemented as intended. The logic model guided this study to meet medium-term goals. The impact of the program was measured qualitatively …

A Case Study On The Comparison Of Fourth-Grade Students’ Mathematics Achievement As Evidenced By The Measures Of Academic Progress Assessment: Self-Contained Vs. Departmentalized Settings, Adam David Dymond

Education Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation was designed to examine whether fourth-grade students who received instruction in a self-contained setting were more likely to meet their target score on the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test than students who were taught in a departmentalized setting. Fourth-grade students in ALPHA School District took the MAP test in the fall and spring of the academic calendar year. Target scores were originated by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). These target scores showed the typical growth for a student in the particular grade level as calculated by national norms. The MAP test growth norms were very precise. Due …

A Mixed-Method Case Study On The Impact Of Career Academies On Student Dispositions, Self-Efficacy, And Behaviors, Jessica Thompson Perry

Education Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to examine the impact of career academies on student dispositions, behaviors, and self-efficacy at three high schools within the coastal plain region of east central North Carolina. This mixed-method case study used program structures as well as teacher and administrator perceptions to estimate the effects of career academies on student academic dispositions, learning behaviors, and educational self-efficacy with greater accuracy. The researcher developed a Career Academy Questionnaire to assess the perceived impact of the teachers and administrators on the career academies’ impact on student dispositions, behaviors, and self-efficacy. The quantitative data consisted of …

"Amazing, Magic Searches" In Oclc Worldcat Discovery: An Update To Kornegay, Buchanan, And Morgan 2005, Frank Newton

Dover Library Faculty Professional Development Activities

In their classic article, "Amazing, Magic Searches!" (Library Journal, Nov. 1st 2005, pp. 44-46) Kornegay, Buchanan, & Morgan show how subdivisions (phrases authorized by LC to be tacked on to subject headings) can be used to advantage in keyword searching in online library catalogs. Their first example: college sports and economic aspects. I work at a library which has replaced its free-standing online library catalog with OCLC Discovery Service -- a window into WorldCat which lets you limit your searches to materials in your library. Volunteer State librarians will be pleased to discover that if one reruns KB&M's sample searches …

Engaging Families And The Community In Schools, Alison H. Whitaker, Kathryn Pritchard, Erin Keene, Kim Coleman

Instructional Modules for Professional learning Responding to Opportunities and Valuing Educators (IMPROVE)

This module is designed to lead a collaborative group of educators through the process of designing and implementing an event or activity to increase the levels of family and community engagement in schools. The module presents current research supporting family and community involvement in schools. Learners are prepared to recognize potential barriers to increasing family and community involvement and methods to overcome those barriers.

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Questioning For Critical Thinking, Karen Conner, Ashton Coppley, Betsy Furr

Instructional Modules for Professional learning Responding to Opportunities and Valuing Educators (IMPROVE)

Effective questioning is essential for learning. This module will explore questioning for learning and critical thinking. This module was designed for use by teachers of all grade levels. It is intended for the benefit of teachers in designing their instruction and for the benefit of the students they teach. Participants in this PLM will consider the importance of which questions are asked, who gets to ask them, and what role they play in student achievement.

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