Education Commons^™

Student Voice: Perceptions Of Teacher Expectations Among First And Second Generation Vietnamese And Mexican Students, Sara Gandarilla

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This qualitative research study explored the perceptions first and second generation Vietnamese and Mexican high school students hold on teacher expectations based on their racial identity. Specifically, this study explores the critical concepts of stereotype threat, halo effect, and self-fulfilling prophecy. The primary purpose of this investigation was to enhance the understanding of how the perception students have impacts success or lack of success for two different student groups. This study utilizes interviews with student focus groups to examine student perceptions of teacher expectations among Vietnamese and Mexican students and its impact on student academic performance, the general nature of …

Explaining Special Education Communication Disorder Classification By Race, Native Language Spoken, Ses, And El Status: A Logistic Regression Study, Jonathan Fost

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This study examined whether a special education communication disorder for kindergarten students was dependent on race/ethnicity, native language spoken, socioeconomic status, and EL status using a dataset of 3,642 students across 2010, 2012, and 2014 in a large district in Oregon. Using a logistic regression methodology, this study explored (a) the relationship between identification with a special education communication disorder by race/ethnicity, (b) the relationship between identification with a special education communication disorder by native language, (c) the relationship between identification with a special education communication disorder by socioeconomic status (based on free and reduced lunch status), and (d) the …

An Examination Of How Adult English Second Language Learners Learn Pronunciation Skills, Joni Pagnotta

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This study examined research questions regarding differences in intelligibility levels of spoken English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and the use of pronunciation drills between two groups: control and treatment. The goal of this study was to discover if even short-term use of dedicated pronunciation drills (simple tongue twisters and voice exercises) in the EFL classroom was sufficient to significantly improve pronunciation in the target language. This study also examined some of the historical pedagogies and methodologies used in pronunciation teaching. Lastly, this research investigated whether or not there were any correlations between the use of and non-use of dedicated …

Learning Disabled Special Education Students And General Education Opportunities, Candace Pelt

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This study examined the relationship between the amount of time a student receives in general education and achievement scores for reading and math. Students selected were previously identified with a learning disability in the Newberg School District, and they were enrolled in classes during the 2014-2015 school year. Using a Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), this study observed the correlation between students’ federal placement code and student achievement scores for both reading and math. For students with disabilities who also have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), the federal placement code identifies the amount of time a student spends in general …

Identifying The Perspectives Of Undergraduate Students On Effective Teacher Dispositions, Liza Zehner

Doctor of Education (EdD)

The desire to study the topic of effective teacher dispositions began about 20 years ago and has now led to the completion of this study. It is evident for everyone who either has gone through school or has had children go through school that an effective teacher can have a tremendous influence on how we function in school and even how much we believe in ourselves. Research has shown effective teachers possess certain dispositions. These dispositions reflect their character through values, beliefs, and behaviors. The impact to which these dispositions have on student learning is a topic in need of …

Experiences Of Early Career Teachers And Their Influences On Teacher Retention, Rachael Harms

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Nationwide, the attrition rate for beginning teachers is near 50%. As a result, school districts are counting the costs and paying attention to teacher retention in new ways. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of ten early career teachers and four of their mentors to discover how those experiences influenced their decision to remain in the teaching profession. Data was collected through personal interviews with early career teachers and their mentors from one large Oregon school district. Several important findings emerged which have relevance for school leaders, school district leaders, mentoring and induction program coordinators, …

Exploring The Relationship Between High School Diploma Requirements In Mathematics And College Remediation Rates, Derek J. Brown

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This study examined the relationship between the essential skill of math and college remediation rates using a dataset of 1,858 recent high school graduates attending public, 4-year Oregon universities. Using a logistic regression methodology, this study explored (a) the extent to which the essential skill of math improved college remediation rates, (b) the association between allowable essential skill of math sources of evidence and college remediation rates, and (c) the impact of the essential skill of math on students from various demographic backgrounds. Results from this study suggest the essential skill of math graduation requirement significantly predicts the likelihood of …

Student Perceptions Of How People, Practices, And Culture Within A Christian Secondary School Contribute To Or Detract From Their Spiritual Development, N. Matthews Beimers

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This is a phenomenological study of five Grade 12 students and their perceptions of the factors in their Christian school that have contributed to their spiritual development. Through interviews with each of the students, the details of the students’ perceptions revealed how and why specific people, practices, and elements of school culture affected their spirituality. All of these students provided keen insights through honest and vulnerable reflection. The major thematic categories that emerged were teachers, peers, spiritual practices, and the positive school community and ethos. The major recommendations for practice is to consider how the school can find avenues for …

Pedagogy For Christian Worldview Formation: A Grounded Theory Study Of Bible College Teaching Methods, Rob Lindemann

Doctor of Education (EdD)

To date, only emerging qualitative data exist on pedagogy employed specifically for worldview formation, especially in Christian contexts. Using a grounded theory approach, I carried out this qualitative research using personal interviews with the goal of discovering a theory for the processes expert teachers use in employing effective worldview pedagogy. Data was gathered through personal interviews with six participants who were nominated by their presidents or deans as suitable candidates according to the criteria of an expert teacher in this aspect of Bible college teaching.

The process of qualitative coding led to a theory of pedagogy for Christian worldview formation …

Why Knowing How To "Engage" Cross-Culturally Matters: Kenyan Principals' Experiences In Cross-Cultural Collaboration, Andrea Nelson

Doctor of Education (EdD)

How Kenyan principals engage cross-culturally may provide applicable approaches for others in education. This study sought to examine how Kenyan principals navigate the complexities of working in such a diverse country as Kenya, with over 40 native tribes. Through the interview process the principals shared their many challenges working cross-culturally, but more importantly, what strategies and approaches they use to navigate these complex relationships. This study also examined how these strategies and approaches align with the current cultural frameworks; cultural competence, cultural intelligence and cultural humility. The findings show that Kenyan principals use multiple approaches that align with all three …

A Critical Analysis Of Multiculturalism, Cultural Competence, And Cultural Humility: An Examination Of Potential Training Opportunities For Pre-Service Teachers, Elizabeth A. Nolan

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This dissertation is a critical analysis of the concepts of multiculturalism, cultural competence, and cultural humility. The intent is to examine the historical background of these concepts, the changing demographics of the United States that are forcing an assessment of the meaning of these terms (especially the frequently used notion of multiculturalism), and comparison of cultural competence and cultural humility. The dissertation also engages in a reflection on new possibilities and opportunities offered by a focus on cultural humility for pre-service teacher training.

Examination Of The Psychometric Properties Of An International School Survey Of Parent Experience, Angela D. Patterson

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Given the stakes regarding parent involvement, satisfaction, and choice in international schools, information regarding the measurement of parent perception and experience is highly desirable. Though International Schools of China (ISC) collected data from parents annually, little was known about the survey instrument. Therefore, this study examined the psychometric properties—the underlying latent structure and internal reliability—of the ISC Parent Survey. Using existing data obtained from the 2014 collection cycle (N=309), an exploratory factor analysis was conducted on 72 likert-scale items. Results from this study identified 13 (including 11 well-defined and internally consistent) factors that measure various concepts of parent experience in …

"This Is New To Me": The Importance Of Coaching For First- Time Technology Use In Primary Grades, Randall J. King

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This exploratory, qualitative case study conducted in an urban elementary school examined a second-grade teacher’s experience of first-time Chromebook use. The teacher implemented Chromebooks with the support of a technology coach, using them with her students for reading responses during guided reading. Students comprised a mixed group of twenty-five students from four second-grade classrooms. This study explored the teacher’s perspective as to possible advantages and disadvantages of Chromebook use through teacher interviews, lesson observations and debriefs, and classroom observations. Findings included: a) Despite her limited experience with Chromebooks, the teacher was willing to implement new technology, b) The technology coach …

A Phenomenological Study On Parents' Advocacy Experiences For The Inclusion Of Children Experiencing Disability In The General Education Setting, Elaine Fox

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Recent changes to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) position parents as a mandatory participant in the special education process. Additionally, these revisions to laws mandating increased student access to general education environment have served to increase interest on the topic of inclusion. Despite this legislation, the field of special education continues to be ripe with controversy about parent advocacy. Especially contentious is parental advocacy for inclusive placements for their children. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to learn about the lived experience of five parents advocating for inclusion of their children who experience disability within a …

Measuring Millennials: Teenage Idleness In The Digital Age, Victoria Freitag, Emma Newman

Student Scholarship - College of Business

This research aims to model the relationship between factors contributing to situational privilege and teenage idleness. We will study the impact of race, income, household type, unemployment, and education on teenage idleness across 348 Metropolitan Statistical Areas within the United States. It is important to identify influential factors on teen idleness in order for government and community leaders to implement successful policies to get teenagers off the streets and into the workforce. Factors that were found to have a significant impact on teen idleness included the MSAs makeup of household types, race, median income, unemployment, and attainment of a bachelor’s …

An Econometric Model Of High School Graduation Rates In Oregon, Emily Mavrakis, Elizabeth Miller

Student Scholarship - College of Business

This study aims to analyze potential factors causing low high school graduation rates in the state of Oregon. We developed an econometric model measuring six independent variables: violent crime rates; income per family, the percentage of the population that is Hispanic, the percentage of family households with only one parent, alcohol use in adults, and teen pregnancy. Our dependent variable was measured as the percentage of the population between 18 and 24 without a high school diploma. From our results we found two of our variables to be economically significant: family structure and alcohol. However, the coefficient for alcohol suggested …

Factors Of Educational Attainment, Connor Hansen, Sarah Ng

Student Scholarship - College of Business

The following research has been conducted in order to establish both the economic and statistical significance of certain factors that affect the percentage of those who hold a bachelor’s degree by age 25. We look at what demographics are/are not important when predicting who will obtain a bachelor’s degree by age 25, and list some options we think would increase the percentage of those who hold a bachelor’s degree, based on our research. We stipulate that increasing the percent of the population holding a degree will better prepare people for success and a higher standard of living in our rapidly …

Efficacy Of Concreteness Training With Persons Qualifying For Palliative Care: Piloting An Ios Application, Diana Zarb

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Palliative care services (PCS) seek to increase quality of life and manage symptoms of persons with chronic illnesses. Depression and anxiety are common concerns for persons receiving PCS. One intervention that has demonstrated some effectiveness and requires further research is a brief concreteness training (CT) intervention based on cognitive-behavioral techniques. This study piloted the implementation of a brief CT intervention via an iOS application for persons qualifying for PCS. Forty-one people completed all of the pretest measures, and 9 participants completed the entire study. Variables measured were anxiety, depression, spiritual well-being, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and patient activation. Participants …