Education Commons^™

An Analysis Of The Relationship Between Teacher Candidate Performance Assessment Results And Teaching Quality At The End Of The First Year Of Teaching, Joel J. Traver

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Nearly a decade after the 1983 landmark report A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Education Reform, the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (NCTAF) initiated action to reform education in the United States and established five policy recommendations “aimed at ensuring powerful teaching and learning in all communities as America’s schools and children enter the 21^st century” (NCTAF, 1996, p. 4). More specifically, NCTAF sought to reform teacher preparation, professional development, and teacher recruitment with the essential outcome of improved teaching quality and accountability (NCTAF, 1996). Increased teaching quality may have resulted in improved student learning …

Special Education Teacher Perceptions Of Effectiveness And Knowledge In Literacy Instruction: Implications Of Literacy Coaching, Sarah J. Papineau

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Students with reading disabilities need explicit and systematic instruction provided by teachers knowledgeable in effective literacy instruction (Foorman & Torgesen, 2001; Moats, 1999; Piasta, Connor, Fishman, & Morrison, 2009). The National Reading Panel report (2000) outlines five areas necessary for effective reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Knowledge in these five areas is imperative to providing explicit instruction for students’ struggling with reading (IDA, 2010; Moats, 1999). However, special education teachers often report being ill-prepared to provide the necessary instruction needed by students with reading disabilities (Amendum, 2014; Kennedy & Sheil, 2010).

Literacy coaching is an effective …

Perceived School-Associated Factors Contributing To Teacher Attrition In Southwest Minnesota, Christopher Fenske

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

In April 1983, the National Commission on Excellence in Education released the report A Nation at Risk. This report stated, “The educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a nation and a people” (United States. Department of Education, 2004, para. 3). The report was the impetus for public education in the United States to prepare youth for work and responsible citizenship, to forge a common culture within an ethnically diverse country, and to reduce inequalities for the common good of the nation (Present, 2010).

The …

Leadership For Educational Equity: Seek Understanding Beyond The Words And Beneath The Practices, Cindy N. Shevlin-Woodcock

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Current literature has identified multiple underlying causes for disproportionate and widespread underachievement between student groups: the history of inequities in American education (Noguera, 2012; Singleton, 2015), a prevailing White racial-frame worldview and systemic racism producing implicitly-biased educational policies and practices (Lawrence & Keleher, 2004; Feagin, 2014), and opportunity gaps perpetuating lower educational achievement and attainment by students of color and students from impoverished backgrounds (Jordan, Brown & Gutiérrez, 2010; Noguera, 2012). Educators must critically reflect on the obstacles to achieving educational equity and the lack of access to quality instructional opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and the impact these …

Defining, Practicing, And Assessing Innovation By Minnesota’S Local Government, Reginald M. Edwards

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The purpose of the study was to examine, summarize, and categorize how leaders of select cities, counties, and school districts (kindergarten through 12^th grade) in Minnesota define, practice, and assess innovation.

The significance of the study was two-fold: 1) the findings may add to the body of research regarding innovation in local government, and 2) may contribute to the understanding of innovations by local government officials.

The study engaged 81 local units of government (i.e., cities, counties and school districts – kindergarten through 12^th grade) in the State of Minnesota via electronic survey. Of the 81 local units …

Teachers' Perceptions Of Barriers, Strategies, And Professional Development In Addressing Reading Deficiencies Displayed By Struggling Pre-Kindergarten-Second Grade Readers, Melissa J. Tellinghuisen

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The purpose of the study was focused on examining perceptions of a sample of primary level rural Minnesota teachers of the common reading deficiencies displayed by struggling preschool through second grade readers, barriers experienced in delivering reading instruction to struggling readers, and strategies determined to be most effective in addressing reading deficiencies displayed by struggling readers. Furthermore, the study examined the types of staff development Minnesota teachers and their principals identified as most valuable in addressing reading deficiencies among preschool through second grade students.

The study employed a mixed methodology, which included the use of a closed-ended response survey and …

The Impact Of Mentorship On Women Superintendents In Minnesota, Amy Denneson

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Problem

Mentorship [was] commonly cited in the research as one of the most effective supports available to women in attaining the superintendency. Research has shown that women more actively use mentoring systems than men in their career paths, but the effectiveness of their mentoring practices is unclear.

Purpose

The purpose of this study [was] to gather information from practicing female superintendents in Minnesota about the extent to which they were mentored and the mentor qualities they perceived as most effective. This study was quantitative in nature and designed to answer four research questions: (1) How extensive is mentoring among women …

Impact Of Media Culture On Influence, Tenure, And Professional Aspirations Of The School Superintendent, Judy Beaton

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Abstract

School superintendents in the 21^st century face a prolific media culture with widespread and easy public access to information. The internet allows instantaneous dissemination of information and news about educational issues (Kowalski, 2005). Because community members, staff, parents and students can quickly communicate using the internet and cell phones, modern day superintendents need to be adept in dealing with both internal and external communication (Kowalski, McCord, Peterson, Young & Ellerson, 2011). Internal stakeholder groups include school staff, parents and students. These communications also arise and originate from external stakeholder groups which include the information and social media networks, …

An Evaluation Of Novice Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding Teacher Induction And Teacher Leadership, Beth J. Bergren-Mann

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Abstract

Background

Classroom teachers have the most influence on student learning (Goldrick, 2009). In order for new teachers to be effective, they require support through comprehensive induction programs during the first three years of teaching (Stanulis & Floden, 2009). Induction and enculturation will happen with or without a formal program, and states and school districts have the opportunity to be at the forefront, developing quality, comprehensive systems of support that will set the stage for a life-long career of effective teaching (Feiman-Nemser, 2001).

Problem

In examining the literature on a leadership pathway for novice teachers, there appears to be little …

An Evaluation Of Implementation And Effectiveness Of Professional Learning Communities In Minnesota Public Schools, James R. Johnson

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Abstract

In 1985, professional learning community (PLC) pioneers, Shirley Hord, Richard DuFour and Robert Eaker undertook an exploration of the concept of teachers working in small groups or learning communities. Participants in these initial learning communities shared common experiences, ideas, practices, and developed strategies to address issues they faced in their work with students (Hord 1997; DuFour & Eaker 1998). This concept was supported by McLaughlin and Talbert (1993) when they suggested that, given the opportunity for collaborative inquiry, veteran teachers will share the wisdom they have gained through experience in a way that allows improved teaching practices for all …

The Merge Of Social Network Sites And Professional Development: A Case Study Of Twitter Usage Among Minnesota K-12 Principals, Nathan D. Rudolph

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Over past decades, the position of principal, like that of technology, has evolved and changed drastically. Today, the changing face of Internet technologies is merging with the changing face of educational professional development (United States Department of Education, 2010; Veletsianos, 2012). Due to rapid growth and change within the technology industry, there is limited research about the relationship of technology and professional development.

Although some research can be found regarding the manner in which scholars, academics, educators, and students are using [Social Network Sites] in education,there is little research that pertains specifically to usage of this tool by school principals. …

The Influence Of Society's Perceptions And Stereotypes On African American Women Administrators' Leadership Practices, Kim Hiel

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Abstract

African American female educational leaders have historically faced multiple racial and gender challenges (Murtadha & Watts, 2005). These perceived challenges could bear impact on African American women’s actual leadership practices. African American women experience daily, the challenges of duality in their roles: the color of their skin (Meyerson, 2001) and their gender (S.N. Jones, 2003). The challenge of navigating the world through the lens of race and gender continually plays a part in the lived experiences of African American women; placing them at an intersection between race and gender across specific social contexts.

An examination on literature related to …

The Relationship Between Middle School Design Implementation And An Open Organizational Climate, James Russell Lehman

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The concept of middle school design found its origin through the early work of noted curriculum authority, Dr. William Alexander (Lounsbury, 2009). Recognizing the fact that preadolescents represented a time when young people were facing what may be the most difficult time in their lives, he challenged the educational community to provide a different type of instruction. Child-centered in philosophy, and centered around teacher-teacher, teacher-student, and student-student relationships, its central focus is to create a climate for personal growth and intellectual development. By its very nature it requires that people are willing to work together.

The concept of school climate …

A Study Of The Principals’ Perceptions Of The Impact Of The Decentralization Reform In Albania, Eralda Jesku

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of decentralization reform on the principals’ perceptions about their role(s) and capacities, and decentralization‘s strengths, weaknesses, and barriers that principals experienced in a southern Albanian school district from June 2008 through June 2013. The results of this study will be used to assist educational leaders in the implementation of decentralization reform in Albania as it moves toward its next phase.

A wealth of studies have identified differences in the role(s) and capacities of principals, as well as their perceptions of the strengths, weaknesses, and barriers resultant from decentralization reform in …

Minnesota Public School Consolidation: Factors Most Influential When Voting In Favor Of Consolidation, Lowell A. Haagenson

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The purpose of this study was to ascertain and rate the importance of factors which were perceived by school board members as pivotal in their decisions to consolidate their school districts with one or more other school districts. Additionally, this study intended to determine whether or not school board members – serving at the time of a school district’s consolidation–continued to agree with the value of that consolidation decision and if so, the comparative strength of their perceptions of the outcomes of consolidation of the school district at the time of consolidation and the degree to which those perceptions continued …

A Case Study Of Principals' Perceptions In Supporting Teacher Leaders, Melissa K. Johnson

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The purpose of the study was to examine select principal’s perspectives of the role of principals in supporting teacher leaders in one Midwestern public school district. The researcher intended to explore the conditions principals employed to support teacher leaders, the communication channels employed to support teacher leaders, and principals’ perceptions of the work of teacher leaders. A case study was used to examine the research questions that relate to the role of the principal in supporting teacher leaders. Four principals from one school district were selected as study participants. The case study format allowed for the collection of individual interview …

Teachers’ And Administrator’S Perceptions And Concerns Of Reciprocal Peer Review Program, Gracious Anderson Msuya

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

This study examined a pilot Reciprocal Peer Review Program (RPRP) that was implemented for 1 year by a mid-size suburban school district in Minnesota. In the RPRP two teachers were paired up for the purpose of observing each other and “exchanging feedback in an alternating fashion” (Kohler, Ezell, & Paluselli, 1999, p. 154). The study reviewed the pilot program to determine teachers’ and administrator’s perceptions and concerns of the program. The study also sought to determine features of the pilot program that participants considered to be effective and worth keeping and features of the program that were considered not effective …

Factors Of Sustainability For S.T.E.M. Themed Magnet Schools, Penelope S. Olson Howard

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The STEM concept is a means of providing an alternative, interdisciplinary program using inquiry and project based learning or other forms of advanced learning methodology. According to Thomas & Williams (2010), an educational concentration on the sciences and technology is not a new initiative; it was first introduced during the second half of the twentieth century. By the 1980s, it quickly became an educational trend that prompted governmental support for STEM programs (Thomas & Williams, 2010).

As recently as 2009, President Obama promoted his goal of moving United States students to a top international ranking among comparable nations by providing …

An Examination Of Student Teacher Reflection, Eric M. Williams

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The purpose of this study was to examine the thoughts about reflection among a group of student teachers that recently completed their clinical teaching experience. This study sought to explore: the characteristics that student teachers believe represent a "reflective teacher"; the focus and frequency of student teachers’ use of reflection during their clinical teaching experience; the purpose and frequency of student teachers’ use of reflection and the extent to which they found the reflective activities to be helpful. The research also examined what student teachers found to be the most challenging aspect of maintaining a written record of their reflections, …

A Study Of Usage And Implementation Of Flexbooks Among High School Algebra And Biology Teachers And Principles In Arizona, Shawn Hoffman-Bram

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The purpose of this study is to discover the challenges, advantages and disadvantages regarding the implementation and usage of customized digital curriculum called Flexbooks or Open Education Resources (OER) in select high school biology and algebra courses in Arizona. The results of this study will be used to assist educational leaders in the implementation of Flexbooks into their respective educational systems.

While economics is a driving factor behind the Flexbook movement, many school systems are struggling with the technology support and necessary infrastructure in order to begin adoption. Studies conducted in higher education systems indicate that technology infrastructure enhancements and …

Perceptions Of Middle School Principals As Instructional Leaders: A Case Study Of Two Schools, Todd J. Van Erp

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate the perceptions of middle school teachers and principals regarding the instructional leadership behaviors of the middle school principal in two top performing Minnesota middle schools. Similarities and differences in those perceptions were explored. Multiple data collection methods were used. The Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale (PIMRS) was used to measure the perceptions of Minnesota middle school teachers and principals in relation to the principal's instructional leadership behaviors. Interview questions were based on the ten subscales of the PIMRS survey. Interviews were conducted in both schools with the principal, randomly selected …

Establishing Behavior Chains As Staff Training, Nathan G. Searle

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Behavior chains are widely used for individuals with developmental disabilities and chaining has been successfully applied to establish a variety of skills for individuals with developmentally disabilities (Hagopian, Paclawskyj, & Contrucci Kuhn, 2005). Contrary to wide application of behavior chains with individuals with developmental disabilities, little application has been researched in areas of staff training. One exception was the van den Pol, Reid, and Fuqua (1983) study that demonstrated the effectiveness of establishing behavior chains of three task analyses in a peer training model. The present study examined the effectiveness of behavior chains as a staff training technique and compared …

The Relationship Between Decision And Teacher Morale, Roger M. Esterbrooks

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

THE PROBLEM:

Participative decision-making and morale have been proposed as variables that may significantly affect- the ability of an organization to achieve its end, the educational achievement of its students. One's decisional condition can vary, however: he/she could participate in decisions less than, as much as, or more than he/she preferred. These conditions are labelled decisional deprivation, decisional equilibrium, and decisional saturation. This study tested for significant differences in levels of morale among those three groups. A lesser consideration was the correlation of two continua of decisional condition with morale, ranging from: (1) deprivation through equilibrium to saturation, and (2) …