Education Commons^™

An Analysis Of A Mentoring Program In A Northern New Jersey School District, Marta Yafar-Werman

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This case study examined a mentoring program in a northern New Jersey town, where experienced teachers helped novice teachers succeed in their careers. The aim of the study was to answer the following questions: What are teachers’ perceptions of mentoring programs on their development as educators? What are teachers’ perceptions of the ability of mentoring to shape their decision to remain in the profession?

Each one of the articles cited in this study, whether the mentoring program took place in Macedonia, Pakistan, Israel, or the United States of America, agreed that the mentoring of novice teachers contributes to professional development …

Exploring Learning Style Preferences Of College Age Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (Adhd), Denise Nash-Luckenbach

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

ADHD is a persistent neurobehavioral disorder in children with a prevalence rate of 5-10%. Symptoms of the disorder include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity behavior. These symptoms are believed to have a great impact on the child’s cognitive and academic functions and children with ADHD are believed to have difficulty mastering basic academic skills. Historically, ADHD was believed to be a disorder only observed in children, however, it is estimated 66% of children with ADHD continue to be symptomatic as they enter adulthood. Students with a diagnosis of ADHD have higher dropout rates, lower standardized math and reading tests scores, and …

An Analysis Of Interventions For Chronically Absent Students In Grade 6-8 Within Middle Schools In Somerset, New Jersey, Nicholas Solomon

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The aim of this research was to find effective, efficient, and practical interventions that can help educators in Somerset, New Jersey support chronically absent students by facilitating their coming to school and being productive students.

This study explored the definition of chronic absenteeism, along with the impact chronic absenteeism has on education, economically disadvantaged students’ impact on chronic absenteeism, strategies to improve chronic absenteeism, and chronic absenteeism case studies that have been utilized in schools across the nation.

Interviews were conducted with educators in order to gain a clear understanding of their perceptions/beliefs regarding the impact educators can have on …

Determination Of Predictors For Early Program Attrition In A Professional Master’S Level Athletic Training Education Program, Dawn M. Maffucci

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Making graduate level admission decisions is a complicated process. It is beneficial to the institution, the academic program and the student that every applicant who is admitted into a program is retained and graduates. The utilization of pre-admission factors can be helpful in determining who will succeed and who will not. This study was completed on a cohort of 183 students, spanning nine years. The goal was to identify variables that were predictive of student retention past the first six months of a professional master’s athletic training program (PM). Variables looked at were method of program admission (3+2 program vs. …

Perceptions: A Comparative Case Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Urban And Suburban African American Administrators, Edward E. Wilson

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Despite the research conducted on this group, African Americans continue to be underrepresented in educational leadership, particularly in districts with growing minority populations. This qualitative, narrative-based study sought to build on previous research conducted on African Americans working in education, specifically within leadership as principals. By examining the perceptions of urban and suburban African American principals, this research contributed to the understanding of an emerging need within education where many districts are becoming increasingly diverse in terms of student populations, yet still lack diversity within their leadership ranks. The purpose of this study was to be intentional in comparing the …

The Influence Of Principal Leadership Behaviors On The Development Of Professional Learning Communities In Title I And Non-Title I Schools, Alicia Kingcade

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The quest to seek effective school improvement initiatives has been an ongoing challenge for schools across the country. As we continue on this search to find strategies to promote high-quality education and improve teaching and learning for all, school leaders are implementing creative approaches to enhance collaboration, learning, and results. This study examined the influence of principal leadership behaviors on the development of professional learning communities (PLC) in Title I and non-Title I schools. The study uncovered specific leadership practices and PLC structures that positively affect the development and sustainability of professional learning communities in two schools within Alexandria City …

Dysphagia Management In The Public-School Setting: The Education And Training Needs Of Public-School Speech-Language Pathologists, Natalie P. Neubauer

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Over the past two decades, the number of children who have dysphagia attending public schools has increased significantly. Because more students with special needs are requiring these services, providing dysphagia management exclusively in the medical setting has become a thing of the past. With this transition, public-school SLPs need to be prepared and confident to provide this service should they encounter a child on their caseload with feeding and swallowing issues. The few studies that have been done up to this point have revealed concerns regarding gaps in training and overall confidence of SLPs to perform this function in the …

The Influences Of The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) And Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D) Programs On Middle, Intermediate, And Upper School Students In The State Of New Jersey In The 2016-2017 Academic Year, Renzo Accursio Trapani

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Research on the effectiveness of the two most widely utilized school-based prevention programs in the state of New Jersey, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) and Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.). Research was conducted using the New Jersey Department of Educa- tion School Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse Reports for the 2016-2017 academic year to measure the influences of either program on students in public school districts throughout the state. Using District Factor Groups A-J, three-hundred four middle, intermediate, and upper schools using either programs were analyzed, with the only statistically significant variable was a relationship between enrollment and the variables …

Understanding The Biopsychological Effects Of Trauma On Learning: An Investigation Of Interventions To Support Faculty, Joan Buzick

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The current era in higher education has brought changes to the academic profession. Faculty have an increasing number of responsibilities in addition to their traditional role as an instructor. At the same time, faculty are engaging with a changing and diverse student population. The population has more challenges, with increased stressors, than have been historically observed in higher education students. For many, the stressors are trauma-related and are a growing concern. Trauma has been shown to impact cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well-being. What has been learned about trauma is, to a great extent, a result of the relatively recently …

The Effect Of A Blended Learning Instructional Model On The Mathematics Performance Of Sixth And Seventh Grade Students In A Small Northeastern Urban School District, Debra Joseph-Charles

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Closing the achievement gap has been the focus of education reform for decades. Federal educational reform policies No Child Left Behind (2002) and Race to The Top (2009) renewed attention on the achievement gap and the quest to find ways to improve student outcomes. The latter addressed the needs of 21st century learners, and as such, the need to look towards new, innovative ways of addressing students' individual needs. In 2010, in its National Educational Technology Plan, Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology, the USDOE stressed that there needed to be a shift in how students were educated, …

The Story Of Growth: A Case Study Of New Jersey Underperforming Underprivileged High School, Michelle L. Shelton

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Socioeconomics has been a factor that exposes the disparities in student achievement across communities within the state of New Jersey, and as a result of the disparities, in 1985, the Education Law Center filed the first ruling of Abbot v. Burke; this case ruled that significant funding be provided in an effort to ensure that underprivileged students within these underperforming districts receive public education in accordance with the state constitution. However, despite the funding efforts, since 1985, (87%) of the 31 school districts identified as Abbott not only remain underprivileged, but they also remain underperforming. Therefore, to remedy the underperformance …

Arming America's K-12 Teachers, The Second Amendment And The Gun-Free School Zones Act: A Public Policy Analysis, Joseph R. Uliano

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

According to the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed,” (U.S. Const. amend II), which is the absolute “right of the people.” The Bill of Rights further indicates, “Any right given to the people cannot be revoked by the government, limiting its power over the people.” However, educators and school administrators in most U.S. states must check this fundamental right at the door, as they are governed by their respective state governments …

A Study Of Curriculum Customization In The Era Of Standardization Of Education, Sylvia A. Dixon Mcinerney

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The turn of the 19th Century in the United States was a period of immense economic, social and political growth. The Progressive Era was born out of this rapid change and led to a shift in educational theory creating a debate over curriculum. Curriculum has been a fervent point of discussion among educational theorists and practitioners with politicians and businessmen having all had something to add to the fray. The current movement in curriculum content has been at the forefront since 2010 where education has been besieged by a strong impetus toward standardization. This has taken the form of the …

Does The Parcc Exam Alter The Landscape Of A School In Grades 3-6 In The Areas Of Evaluation, Curriculum, Staffing And Technology?, Michael Stefanelli

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This qualitative study explored whether the New Jersey PARCC exam altered evaluation, curriculum, staffing, and technology in Grades 3 to 6 of the state’s public schools. Semistructured interviews were implemented to determine whether administrators and teachers believed that the PARCC test changed the landscape of public schools. Fifteen administrators and teachers were recruited to participate in this study from a consortium of schools in northern New Jersey. The interview instrument for this study was based on existing literature.

Four major themes emerged from the interview data. The first related to PARCC’s influence on staff morale due to the tests direct …

Identifying Factors That Influence The Continuing Education Choices Of Municipal Police Officers, Sean O'Connor

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study was conducted in an attempt to identify factors that influence the continuing education choices of municipal police officers. By examining factors such as tuition reimbursement, educational incentive pay, CEO education level, higher education standards for promotion and hiring, rank, and length of service, policy recommendations can be made to positively impact education levels among municipal police officers. In phase one of analysis, levels of organizational education were presented along with each variable’s presence in each department. Aggregate data is provided to give the reader an overview of higher education incentives and attainment within the County. In phase two, …

Theory And Practice In Doctoral Dissertation Research, 2007-2017: A Content Analysis By Degree Type, William Friel

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

In response to the overwhelming presence of professional practice doctoral degrees in the early 2000s, universities offering Doctor of Education (EdD) and/or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in higher education studies began to question the purpose and value of each degree. These universities asked: What is the value of academic research if it does not aim to improve the condition of what is being studied? This led to a theory-practice debate among departments offering the EdD and the PhD from the perspective of the goal of the dissertation research: Truth or improvement. To address this tension, the Carnegie Project on …

Designing A Curriculum In Active Shooter Behavioral Indicators For Students In Institutions Of Higher Education In The State Of New Jersey, David J. Sierotowicz

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The research in this study was conducted to explore proactive preventative measures to address the increasingly violent problem of active shooter scenarios for institutions of higher education within the State of New Jersey. Colleges and universities pose a unique threat when assessing risk factors, as these venues are open and, as a result, do not afford substantial protection against a violent assailant. The State of New Jersey has traditionally embraced a reactionary model of response, learning from past incidents and adjusting necessitated tactics accordingly. Active shooter training has become commonplace on college campuses in the State of New Jersey, and …

Leaving Stem: An Examination Of The Stem To Non-Stem Major Change And How The Stem Curriculum Relates To Academic Achievement In Non-Stem Fields, Zachary M. Romash

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The lack of student persistence in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields has been widely researched in recent years. Due to the high attrition rates in STEM fields and the shortage of STEM workers in the United States, research on STEM attrition has focused on identifying factors that cause STEM attrition and ways to increase STEM persistence. While these studies are helpful to understand STEM attrition, researchers have ignored what happens to the students who fail to persist in the STEM fields. Instead of focusing on the causes of STEM attrition, this study focused on the STEM to …

The Effect Of Coaching On Teachers’ Instructional Technology Use In A 1:1 Environment, Michael L. Mitchell

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Current research has reported the benefits of integrating technology into the learning experience for students to promote greater engagement and collaboration. Schools across the country have begun implementing one-to-one learning environments in which each student uses a mobile computing device. However, use of technology in the classroom has failed to produce the expected transformational benefits. In order for technology to be integrated effectively, current research suggests that teacher pedagogy must adjust to the one-to-one classroom approach, and requires professional development to facilitate growth in their instructional practices while integrating technology. Research shows that coaches working one-to-one with teachers can be …

Preparing Students For The Real World: Analyzing Public Relations (Pr) Education For Entry-Level Practice In The Health Industry, Olivia Maria Lason

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Public relations (PR) agencies are often called upon to service the needs of niche industry areas of practice. These areas include healthcare communication which generates over 15% of firm revenue alone. Agencies are also top-employers of PR graduates, yet literature shows students are not meeting the skills and abilities expected of an entry-level practitioner. This study examined whether entry-level foundational skills and abilities (FSAs) are taught to PR students interested in the health field. Through a content analysis of undergraduate health communication syllabi in PR programs, the study found most FSAs were addressed; however, some areas were lacking. As such, …

The Influence Of Open Access On Advanced Placement Achievement, Shanna Howell

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Preparing students for higher education is a primary aim of K-12 education. However, some high school graduates do not meet college readiness benchmarks and must take remedial noncredit courses in college (Adams, 2013; Butrymowicz, 2017). One of the strongest predictors of student success in college is rich and rigorous high school curriculum (Adelman, 1999; Adelman, 2006). The Advanced Placement (AP) program offers high school students college-level courses that can earn them college credits from participating institutions (Kolluri, 2018; Rothschild, 1999). College Board research overwhelmingly has indicated that the AP program is beneficial for students (Casserly, 1986; Dodd et al., 2002; …

How Does The High School Redesigned Learning Space Influence Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, And Critical Thinking, P. Erik Gundersen

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study examined the affect that redesigned learning spaces might have on student engagement levels, specifically the extent to which redesigned learning spaces facilitate the 21^st Century Learning and Innovation Skills known as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Using David Ross’s work with the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills, the study observes the efforts of a suburban high school that has redesigned traditional classrooms into progressive and innovative learning spaces. This qualitative study utilized seventeen, face-to-face interviews with teachers who are teaching in redesigned classrooms to collect their impressions of how such learning spaces influenced engagement. The …

The Influence Of An Abstinence-Only Intervention On The Risk Behaviors Of Urban Middle School Students, Alison J. Wakefield

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

In this dissertation, findings on the factors that influence risk-avoidance behaviors among Hispanic and African American middle-school students are presented. The findings were based on a randomized study in which middle-school students were randomly assigned to receive either an abstinence-only curriculum or a comprehensive health curriculum.

Initial findings suggest that middle-school students and their attitudes toward sexual activity were closely associated with their relationships with both their parents and peers. The pivotal indicator for student engagement research indicated that the higher the level of engagement between teen and parent, the more likely the teen is to follow the interventions. Should …

Understanding High School English Learners’ Chronic Absenteeism, Patricia A. George

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Chronic absenteeism has significant implications for both the individual student and society at large and has been receiving attention for over a century. Every school day counts. Regular attendance provides students with opportunities to learn and has a strong link to achievement. Conversely, poor attendance has serious implications for high school students. For each subgroup of students there is a similar pattern: the likelihood of chronic absenteeism increases as students progress through high school. Notably, the U.S. Department of Education found English learners experience higher chronic absenteeism than their non-English learner peers when they reach high school. Furthermore, compared to …

The Implementation And Operation Of Three School-Based Health Centers In New Jersey, Joseph Howe

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

There is a construct of causation between common health issues affecting children and the corollary effects on a student’s ability and motivation to learn, including impaired sensory perceptions, cognition, connectedness and engagement with school, absenteeism, and dropping out (Basch, 2011b). What is more, causal connections have been found between a students’ health, their socio-economic status (SES), and the achievement gap that exists in education between students with a low-SES and others (Basch, 2011a). To address deficiencies in health care, some school districts have begun providing medical and mental healthcare in school buildings by opening school-based health centers (SBHC; Bains & …

Ap Stem Course-Taking And College Stem Major Selection: An Examination Of The Relationship And How It Differs By Gender And Race/Ethnicity, Elizabeth C. Jewett

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The United States must expand the STEM pipeline in order to meet the growing demand of the STEM workforce and maintain our nation’s prosperity and competitiveness in the global economy. The urgency of this need has been proclaimed by policymakers, business leaders, politicians, and educators. Despite the growing demand for STEM professionals, women and minorities are an underutilized source of intellectual capital that can and should be tapped into to meet the demand. Doing so creates equity across genders and racial/ethnic groups as well as fosters inclusion of more diverse perspectives to enhance STEM innovations. Efforts to expand the number …

Exploring The Decisions Involved In Evidence-Based Practice Adoption By Athletic Trainers, Brittany Vorndran Allard

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: The governing bodies of athletic training have been putting an emphasis on evidence-based practice (EBP) through college curriculum changes and continuing education requirements. Research has shown these interventions are increasing knowledge, but there is still a knowledge to practice gap.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the decisions involved in EBP adoption by practicing athletic trainers (ATs).

Methods: This study utilized a general qualitative approach that was exploratory in nature. Fifteen participants participated in the study, and all were practicing certified athletic trainers who stated they were using EBP when making treatment decisions.

Data Collection …

Examining Stem Undergraduate Persistence And The Differential Relationships Across Sex, Race, And Ethnicity Through Two-Factor Theory, Leo D. Pedraza

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study investigated the persistence of undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors through two-factor theory. Proxies for STEM persistence factors were used as hygiene and motivator factors, which were categories of two-factor theory originally conceptualized to understand workplace determinants that extrinsically and intrinsically motivate employees. A two-block entry model was used to test multinomial regression analysis with outcomes for persisting in STEM, degree incompletion, and changing to a non-STEM major. This study also examined differential relationships of motivator factors across sex, race, and ethnicity due to underrepresentation in STEM fields. Data for this study were extracted …

Peer Observation As A Job-Embedded Professional Development Tool, Daniel J. Breiman

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Teacher professional development is typically provided outside of the workplace, and is therefore disconnected to daily classroom practices. An alternative model of professional development is peer observation, which is contextualized through coaching and collaboration in the classroom. To date, research and investigation into the practice of peer observation is lacking. To fill that gap, this study examined the influence of peer observation on teacher practice, while identifying factors that were most beneficial and challenging about peer observation and its influence on workplace collegiality.

This study used qualitative methods and action research that allowed teachers to be part of the research …

Technology Counts: Assessing Barriers Of Integrating Technology Into Instruction At A Private University In New Jersey, Benjamin Zirra

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Information technology has evolved enormously over the past three decades. Throughout the world, information technology has become important in all aspects of life, including all strata of education from primary through higher education. With the worldwide circulation of technology, it is expected to be utilized effectively in institutions of higher education and to offer many advantages. The perceived benefits of technology in higher education are not limited to instruction and learning. Despite such optimistic views of the benefits of technology in higher education, several problems remain in determining whether such benefits are actually occurring. According to the literature, reasons for …