School Improvement: Data-Driven And Vision-Centered, Samuel J. Smith
Dec 2018
School Improvement: Data-Driven And Vision-Centered, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
Building upon the previous chapter’s discussion of the importance of a shared vision, this chapter will address the fleshing out of that vision through a cycle of school improvement. It will explain how the school’s vision statement—if current, relevant, and understood by stakeholders—is central to all school-improvement initiatives. This chapter will present theories and practical models for data-driven decision making and will outline recommended steps for setting realistic goals, implementing those goals, and assessing the degree to which they have been met.
Mcguffey Readers: Elementary School Reading Books, Samuel J. Smith
Dec 2017
Mcguffey Readers: Elementary School Reading Books, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
With over 122 million copies sold from 1838 to 1920, the McGuffey Eclectic Readers taught more Americans to read than any other textbook. Initial publication coincided with a unique period in United States history as the West was settled, newly arrived immigrants assimilated, and the common school movement gained momentum. At this time, the nation was at a critical point of forming a distinct identity. These phenomena created a demand for textbooks that would not only meet the practical need for curriculum in developing schools but would also extend prevailing American values both to children new to the frontier and …
Experiences Of Teaching Controversial And Emotive Issues In Terrorism Studies Courses In The Politically-Charged Classroom: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Samuel J. Smith, Blake D. Devolld
Aug 2017
Experiences Of Teaching Controversial And Emotive Issues In Terrorism Studies Courses In The Politically-Charged Classroom: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Samuel J. Smith, Blake D. Devolld
Samuel James Smith
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the phenomenon experienced by faculty members in higher education who teach courses in Terrorism Studies with curriculum containing controversial and emotive issues in a politically-charged classroom. The Jurisprudential Inquiry Model and the Curricular Instructional Gatekeeper Theory was used to provide a theoretical framework to address the issue of dealing with controversy and the idea that classroom teachers have great autonomy in determining the instructional content when addressing these emotive and controversial issues. The study included 12 college faculty members who teach courses in Terrorism Studies from several institutions of higher …
Professional Ethics For Educators: Perspectives Of Christian University Students On Proethica, Harvey L. Klamm, Samuel J. Smith, Stacey Bose
Apr 2017
Professional Ethics For Educators: Perspectives Of Christian University Students On Proethica, Harvey L. Klamm, Samuel J. Smith, Stacey Bose
Samuel James Smith
In recent decades, accreditation standards have required teacher education programs to establish and implement dispositions that define and assess the demonstration of affective beliefs and values integrated within the teacher preparation process. The 2015 publication of the Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE) sought to unify the application and assessment of dispositions relating to integrity and social responsibility. In response, Educational Testing Service (ETS) developed an online program, ProEthica, to challenge individual teacher candidates and school leaders to explore potential-risk scenarios in an effort to produce self-reflection when making ethical decisions. ProEthica is currently being embraced as a …
Proethica: Advancing Teacher Candidate Ethics Assessment From Theory To Practice In Christian Contexts, Samuel J. Smith, Harvey Klamm, Stacey L. Bose
Dec 2016
Proethica: Advancing Teacher Candidate Ethics Assessment From Theory To Practice In Christian Contexts, Samuel J. Smith, Harvey Klamm, Stacey L. Bose
Samuel James Smith
In recent decades, accreditation standards have required teacher education programs to establish and implement dispositions that define and assess the demonstration of affective beliefs and values integrated within the teacher preparation process. The 2015 publication of the Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE) sought to unify the application and assessment of dispositions relating to integrity and social responsibility. In response, Educational Testing Service (ETS) developed an online program, ProEthica, to challenge individual teacher candidates and school leaders to explore potential-risk scenarios in an effort to produce self-reflection when making ethical decisions. ProEthica is currently being embraced as a …
Motivational Factors That Sustain Experienced Teachers In High-Need, Low-Performing Public Schools In North Carolina: A Phenomenological Study, Samuel J. Smith, Michelle Casey
Sep 2016
Motivational Factors That Sustain Experienced Teachers In High-Need, Low-Performing Public Schools In North Carolina: A Phenomenological Study, Samuel J. Smith, Michelle Casey
Samuel James Smith
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe factors that sustained public school teachers in high-need areas in North Carolina. Teacher sustainability was generally defined as teachers who remained in a high-need public school located in southeastern North Carolina beyond the initial three years of teaching. This study explored the following: (1) How do public school teachers describe their experience working in a high-need educational community in North Carolina? (2) How do public school teachers perceive their former life history as having an impact retaining their profession beyond the initial three years of teaching in a high-need, low-performing …
Implementing A Christian Philosophy Of Education: Teaching Through The Lens Of A Biblical Worldview, Samuel J. Smith
Apr 2016
Implementing A Christian Philosophy Of Education: Teaching Through The Lens Of A Biblical Worldview, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
In India, where 80% of the population is Hindu, how do Christian-school teachers -- many of them Hindus themselves -- carry out the school's goal to implement a Christian philosophy of education? This presentation was arranged by Leadership Development International (LDi) for teachers from five campuses of Carmel English Schools of India.
Horace Bushnell: Advocate Of Progressive Orthodoxy And Christian Nurture, Samuel J. Smith, Elmer L. Towns
Dec 2015
Horace Bushnell: Advocate Of Progressive Orthodoxy And Christian Nurture, Samuel J. Smith, Elmer L. Towns
Samuel James Smith
Disparaged by his critics as a liberal, Calvinist, mystic, and heretic, Horace Bushnell’s theology—particularly his notion of Christian nurture—has prevailed as a significantly influential model for religious education. His legacy reveals one who attempted to bridge the divides of his time, including the chasm between Orthodox Calvinism and Unitarianism. Though many were confused by his language theory and mediating stance on doctrinal issues, his principles of Christian nurture clearly served as a pilot light that ignited the flame of the twentieth-century religious education movement.
Challenges For Novice School Leaders: Facing Today’S Issues In School Administration, Andrea P. Beam, Russell L. Claxton, Samuel J. Smith
Dec 2015
Challenges For Novice School Leaders: Facing Today’S Issues In School Administration, Andrea P. Beam, Russell L. Claxton, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
Challenges for novice school leaders evolve as information is managed differently and as societal and regulatory expectations change. This study addresses unique challenges faced by practicing principals (n=159) during their first three years of the principalship. It focuses on their perceptions, how perceptions of present novices compare to those of experienced school leaders, and how pre-service programs can better prepare them for these challenges. Findings revealed that two themes shared relatively the same prominence among experienced leaders as they did with novices: navigating politics and gaining a sense of credibility. Experienced leaders expounded more on specific political hurdles with school …
Nurturing Dispositions In Teacher Education Candidates: Challenges Of Identifying And Assessing Dispositions, Samuel J. Smith, Harvey L. Klamm
Dec 2014
Nurturing Dispositions In Teacher Education Candidates: Challenges Of Identifying And Assessing Dispositions, Samuel J. Smith, Harvey L. Klamm
Samuel James Smith
Teacher preparation programs identify knowledge, skills, and dispositions as desired outcomes in preparing candidates to impact student learning. Of the three outcomes, dispositions are by far the most subjective and challenging to identify and assess. This paper outlines the process by which Liberty University developed its dispositional model, known by the acronym SCRIP: social responsibility, commitment, reflective practice, integrity, and professionalism. It details how the dispositions, which are based on the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, are assessed, and analyzes the results of candidate development in each of the five areas. Implications for Christian schools are presented.
Challenges For Novice Principals: Facing 21st-Century Issues In School Administration, Russell L. Claxton, Samuel J. Smith
Sep 2014
Challenges For Novice Principals: Facing 21st-Century Issues In School Administration, Russell L. Claxton, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
Challenges for novice school leaders evolve as information is managed differently and as societal and regulatory expectations change. This study addresses unique challenges faced by practicing principals (n=159) during their first three years of the principalship. It focuses on their perceptions, how perceptions of present novices compare to those of experienced school leaders, and how pre-service programs can better prepare them for these challenges. Findings revealed that two themes shared relatively the same prominence among experienced leaders as they did with novices: navigating politics and gaining a sense of credibility. Experienced leaders expounded more on specific political hurdles with school …
Imagining Safer Schools: An Analysis Of The Comprehensive Nature Of Crisis Management Plans, Russell L. Claxton, Samuel J. Smith
Jul 2013
Imagining Safer Schools: An Analysis Of The Comprehensive Nature Of Crisis Management Plans, Russell L. Claxton, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
School should be a safe place for students to learn and interact, but far too often there are reports of instances in which students end up in harm’s way. From natural disasters to school violence, a crisis can occur at any time, without warning, and in unlikely locations. Although there is no way to prepare for every possible emergency that could occur on a school campus, having a comprehensive emergency plan can help avoid, or prepare for, some of the most common crisis situations. A well-thought-out plan can also provide general guidance for unusual situations that cannot be anticipated. This …
Success Despite Socioeconomics: A Case Study Of A High-Achieving, High-Poverty School, Thomas Brent Tilley, Samuel J. Smith, Russell L. Claxton
Dec 2012
Success Despite Socioeconomics: A Case Study Of A High-Achieving, High-Poverty School, Thomas Brent Tilley, Samuel J. Smith, Russell L. Claxton
Samuel James Smith
This case study of a high-achieving, high-poverty school describes the school’s leadership, culture, and programs that contributed to its success. Data were collected from two surveys, observations at the school site, and interviews with school personnel. The two survey instruments were the School Culture Survey and the Vanderbilt Assessment of Leadership in Education (VAL-ED). The study revealed school leadership that had high expectations for staff members and emphasized small group instruction, collaboration, and continuous improvement in instructional practices. The culture of the school was that of excellence, continuous improvement, school pride, and collaboration.
Public And Private School Administration: An Overview In Christian Perspective, Samuel J. Smith (Editor), James A. Swezey (Editor)
Dec 2012
Public And Private School Administration: An Overview In Christian Perspective, Samuel J. Smith (Editor), James A. Swezey (Editor)
Samuel James Smith
Whether preparing for a future position as a principal or presently beginning to navigate the complexities of school administration, readers will find Public and Private School Administration: An Overview in Christian Perspective to be a resourceful tool. It speaks to the practical-mindedness of administrators while also grounding best practices in theory, research, and Biblical principles. Contributing authors share the rich diversity of their experiences from public, charter, magnet, alternative, secular private, church-sponsored, and independent Christian schools. For readers who view school administration not only as service to students, parents, and faculty but also as service to God, this book will …
Success Despite Socioeconomics: A Case Study Of A High-Achieving, High-Poverty School, Thomas Brent Tilley, Samuel J. Smith, Russell L. Claxton
Aug 2012
Success Despite Socioeconomics: A Case Study Of A High-Achieving, High-Poverty School, Thomas Brent Tilley, Samuel J. Smith, Russell L. Claxton
Samuel James Smith
Effective school leadership is becoming more difficult than ever with the challenges of increased accountability and high stakes testing that are components of federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation. These challenges are more pronounced in schools with high rates of poverty. This was a case study of a high performing, high poverty school that has consistently been one of the highest performing elementary schools in the state. The purpose of the study was to describe the leadership that exists at the school, the culture of the school, and programs that contribute to the school’s success. The researcher conducted observations …
Establishing Special Education Programs: Experiences Of Christian School Principals, Gary Cookson, Samuel J. Smith
Dec 2011
Establishing Special Education Programs: Experiences Of Christian School Principals, Gary Cookson, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
This phenomenological study investigated the experiences of principals who initiated special education programs in Christian schools. Principals described efforts involved to effect changes in the school and noted difficulties in dealing with reluctant staff members. Principals described academic and social rewards of providing services and the satisfaction of parents who found it possible to send their children with special needs to a Christian school. A prominent theme evidenced in this study was the spiritual change in the school as all students interacted and cared for each other.
Susan Miller Dorsey (1857-1946): Trailblazer For Women School Superintendents, Samuel J. Smith, Joseph Steven Strickland
Jul 2011
Susan Miller Dorsey (1857-1946): Trailblazer For Women School Superintendents, Samuel J. Smith, Joseph Steven Strickland
Samuel James Smith
Though women are increasingly breaking the glass ceiling into the position of school superintendent, the profession continues to be predominately occupied by men. More historical biographs of successful female superintendents may encourage women to pursue the role. To that end, this study examined the impact of a progressive-era trailblazer for women in educational leadership, Susan Miller Dorsey, superintendent of Los Angeles City Schools from 1920 to 1929. Two critical questions were addressed: What factors influenced Dorsey? Can her experiences in administration reveal any critical influences for present-day female teachers who pursue administrative positions?
Death Of A Child, Samuel J. Smith
Dec 2010
Death Of A Child, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
Of the possible losses one might experience, the death of a child is among the most intense. For a parent to bury a child screams against the order of the universe, beginning a journey of bereavement that may linger in varying degrees and manifestations throughout a parent’s lifetime. Specific circumstances prior to and surrounding the death of a child—such as the manner of death (e.g., sudden accident, suicide, or prolonged illness) or preexisting family stress—may complicate the grieving process for both relatives and friends.
Effects Of School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Programs On Teacher Morale, William A. Royal, Samuel J. Smith
Aug 2010
Effects Of School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Programs On Teacher Morale, William A. Royal, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
The effect of School Wide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS) on teacher morale was examined using the Purdue Teacher Opinionnaire (PTO). Faculty members of two rural Tennessee middle schools participated. The treatment group experienced initial implementation of a SW-PBS program and was both pretested and posttested. The middle school where the control group taught was posttested without implementation of SW-PBS. A paired t-test was applied to analyze the data, showing improvements at a significance level of .05 in the factors of facilities, rapport with the principal, and community pressures. Findings suggest that teachers are likely to have increased levels of morale …
Preservice Second-Career Teachers In A Blended Online-Residential Preparation Program: Profiling Characteristics And Motivations, Samuel J. Smith, John J. Pantana
Apr 2010
Preservice Second-Career Teachers In A Blended Online-Residential Preparation Program: Profiling Characteristics And Motivations, Samuel J. Smith, John J. Pantana
Samuel James Smith
This study examines preservice second-career teachers (SCTs), their motivations for switching careers, and their perceptions of the profession. Participants were graduate students in a blended online-residential Master of Arts in Teaching program (n=311). Profiles, characteristics, motivations, and perceptions were explored using the FIT-Choice (Factors Influencing Teaching Choice) Scale and focus groups.
Preservice Second-Career Teachers In A Blended Online-Residential Preparation Program: Profiling Characteristics And Motivations, Samuel J. Smith, John J. Pantana
Dec 2009
Preservice Second-Career Teachers In A Blended Online-Residential Preparation Program: Profiling Characteristics And Motivations, Samuel J. Smith, John J. Pantana
Samuel James Smith
This study examines preservice second-career teachers (SCTs), their motivations for switching careers, and their perceptions of the profession. Participants were graduate students in a blended online-residential Master of Arts in Teaching program (n=311). Profiles, characteristics, motivations, and perceptions were explored using the FIT-Choice (Factors Influencing Teaching Choice) Scale and focus groups.
Called To Teach: Interpreting The Phenomenon Of Calling As A Motivating Factor, Samuel J. Smith, Jared T. Bigham
Aug 2008
Called To Teach: Interpreting The Phenomenon Of Calling As A Motivating Factor, Samuel J. Smith, Jared T. Bigham
Samuel James Smith
This hermeneutic phenomenological study examines the phenomenon of the calling to teach. Nine participants were interviewed, and the dialogue was analyzed for themes uncovered from participants’ interpreted experiences. The following themes were revealed: the calling experience as a process, esteem for the teaching profession as a calling, the use of spirituality for affirmation, and the direct impact of spirituality on career choice.
Navigating Religious Rights Of Teachers And Students, Samuel J. Smith
Aug 2007
Navigating Religious Rights Of Teachers And Students, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
Despite the notion that First Amendment rights are established, valued, and respected in the United States, there continues to be confusion in public schools that leads to legal conflict over issues associated with freedoms of speech and expression, especially as they relate to religious issues. Navigating the religious rights of teachers and students can be a precarious undertaking, as administrators’ decisions regarding the expression of religious beliefs continue to be highlighted in the media and many times are resolved in the court system at great expense to school districts. The purpose of this paper is to clarify religious rights issues …
Navigating Religious Rights Of Teachers And Students: Establishment, Accommodation, Neutrality, Or Hostility?, Samuel J. Smith
Dec 2006
Navigating Religious Rights Of Teachers And Students: Establishment, Accommodation, Neutrality, Or Hostility?, Samuel J. Smith
Samuel James Smith
Despite the notion that First Amendment rights are established, valued, and respected in the United States, there continues to be confusion in public schools that leads to legal conflict over issues associated with freedoms of speech and expression, especially as they relate to religious issues. Navigating the religious rights of teachers and students can be a precarious undertaking, as administrators’ decisions regarding the expression of religious beliefs continue to be highlighted in the media and many times are resolved in the court system at great expense to school districts. The purpose of this article is to clarify religious rights issues …
The Transition From Practitioner To Professor: The Struggle Of New Faculty To Find Their Place In The World Of Academia, Gary Kinsey, J. Craig Coleman, Effie Christie, Mary Culver, Deborah Erickson, John P. Hunt, Frankie Williams, Samuel J. Smith, Janet Tareilo
Dec 2005
The Transition From Practitioner To Professor: The Struggle Of New Faculty To Find Their Place In The World Of Academia, Gary Kinsey, J. Craig Coleman, Effie Christie, Mary Culver, Deborah Erickson, John P. Hunt, Frankie Williams, Samuel J. Smith, Janet Tareilo
Samuel James Smith
Becoming a college professor brings both the feeling of self-accomplishment and discernment regarding this prestigious achievement. Most doctoral candidates are practitioners in the #28;eld of public education and will hopefully transition from a principalship to the o#30;ce of a college professor. While this journey is #28;lled with personal attainment, some of the doctoral graduates experience a variety of struggles along the way to their positions in higher education. This study examined this journey for some of those who have made the move. The questions posed to the participants centered on the benefits, disadvantages, and suggestions on ways to assist fellow …