Education Commons^™

Exploring The Use Of Technology To Support Literacy Of Sixth Grade Students With Reading Disabilities, Jaime R. Inman

Dissertations

University of Missouri-St. Louis

College of Education

Ed.D. Learning Community of Practice

Curriculum and Instruction

Exploring the Use of Technology to Support Literacy of Sixth Grade Students with Reading Disabilities

Jaime R. Ball-Inman

Abstract

The degree to which the utilization of technology supports the academic achievement of sixth grade students with reading disabilities was examined using a quantitative research design. The data analysis involved the results from the Educational Technology Assessment Program to measure achievement. The Standardized Test for the Assessment of Reading (STAR) provided 2015-2016 scores regarding academic accomplishment of middle school students with reading disabilities. The central research …

Transformational Leadership: An Urban Leaders' Autoethnography, Joyce M. Roberts

Dissertations

My story of lived experiences is told through a transformational leadership lens whereby the leader is charged with identifying the need for change, creating the vision to guide the change through inspiration and executing the change in tandem with committed members of the group. An autoethnography is a style of autobiographical writing that explores an individual's unique life experiences in a natural setting. The researchers' lived experiences are scholarly and justifiable interpretations supported by multiple sources of evidence and artifacts.

A Qualitative Case Study: Examining The Social And Cultural Impact Of Sisters Club, Andrea L. Barrale

Dissertations

Adolescent girls face social and identity issues as they transition into adulthood and after-school programs are one venue that allows adults to help students deal with the difficulties encountered. This is a qualitative case study focused on the impact the SISTERS Club, an after-school program, had on a diverse group of middle school female students over the course of a five year period, from 2001 to 2006. This study described the impact on identity development, multicultural relationships, and the long-term impact of the after-school program on the female adolescents interviewed.

I investigated the racial, social, and cultural barriers that impacted …

A Mixed-Methods Study Of English Language Learners' Academic Achievements In A Spanish Language Immersion School, Ibtihal Salman

Dissertations

English Language Learners (ELLs) represent the fastest growing population in the public-school community in the United States (U.S.), where their academic achievements lag behind their native English-speaking peers. English Language Learners’ academic achievement gap has raised a challenging issue for U.S. educators. A convergent parallel mixed-methods study was conducted to 1) compare English Language learners’ academic achievements (mathematics and English Language Arts [ELA] scores) to non-ELLs’ academic achievements (mathematics and ELA scores) in a one-way Spanish immersion school in the Midwestern United States; 2) examine the impact of using Spanish as an instructional tool on English Language Learners’ (ELLs) academic …

Under-Representation In Autism: An Examination Of Educational Evaluation Practices For Black Students, Erika L. Ayanaw

Dissertations

Black students are negatively affected by disproportionality in school discipline practices, special education identification, and over-restrictive special education placement. Critical race theory is an operative framework that can be applied to increase understanding of such disproportionality (Blanchett, 2011). Through the use of qualitative retrospective chart review methods, this research investigated the under-representation of Black students with Autism in the context of educational evaluations, and from the Ordinariness and Social Construction Tenets of CRT. Analysis of 12 reports, six of Black students and six of White students, resulted in several findings: (1) Between group differences were present in terms of parental …

Experiences Of Former Participants In Teen Advocates For Sexual Health (Tash), Celeste Nicholas

Dissertations

This qualitative study explores the experiences of former participants in a Planned Parenthood youth development and sex education program, Teen Advocates for Sexual Health (TASH). Phenomenologically-based interviews centered the question, “What did it mean to participate in TASH?” Chapter 1 introduces the study context and synthesizes foundational literature from the fields of sex education, public health, critical pedagogy, civic engagement, youth development, and youth organizing. Chapters 2-4 each contain complete manuscripts, representing three complementary analytic approaches to a common data set and inviting multiple audiences. Chapter 2 addresses sex educators in describing TASH’s “rights-based” sex education model. Research questions included: …

Middle School Student And Teacher Perceptions About The Effectiveness Of The Technology Integration In The Classroom, David R. Irby

Dissertations

Technology in schools is not a new phenomenon, however, whether technology integration is successful or not is up for debate. Critics of technology in the classroom write about failed attempts to integrate technology into the classroom in a meaningful way. Research indicates that we still have teachers using technology in ways that may not be much different than traditional teaching practices.

The literature describes varying levels of technology usage in the classroom. Some researchers describe technology as overrated and not fulfilling the promise to improve the teaching and learning experience. Other research describes unique uses of technology that promote engaging …

The Relationship Between Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors And Romantic Relationship Quality, Dixie Dawn Phillips Meyer

Dissertations

This investigation examined the relationship between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) use and romantic relationship quality. The research sample consisted of participants in the attachment phase of their romantic relationship who had been in the same, current romantic relationship for a minimum of two years. Participants were recruited via professional listservs, electronic social networking, and prior relationships with the principal investigator. A total of 165 individuals participated in the main analysis. Results revealed no significant differences on romantic relationship quality scores by SSRI use after controlling for interest in sexual activity, sexual relationship satisfaction, depression, anxiety, paranoid, dependent, schizoid, sexual …

A Study Of Early Literacy Interventions On The College And Career Readiness Of High School Students Identified As Struggling Readers In First Grade, Ann Michele Willott

Dissertations

This study examined the college and career readiness of high school graduates who, as struggling first grade readers, successfully completed a specific, research based literacy intervention. By examining students’ Gates MacGinitie Reading Test (GMRT) scores (2002–2009), ACT PLAN test results from 10th grade, ACT test scores from 11th or 12th grade, and course enrollment throughout their high school careers, the degree to which the students were prepared to enter college or the work force was examined. College and career readiness was defined using guidelines and benchmarks outlined in the Common Core State Standards (National Governors Association Center for Best Practice, …

Important Consideration For Combining Trust, Empathy, And Sensitivity To Guide Our Facilitation Of Adult's Learning, John Henschke

Adult Education Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Workable St. Louis, John Henschke

Adult Education Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Involving The Adult Learner [Extension], John Henschke

Adult Education Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Teacher Candidates In Context: Investigating Inquiry Learning, Self-Efficacy And Stress Within Teacher Education, Sarah Coppersmith, Glenda Mccarty

Educator Preparation & Leadership Faculty Works

Global changes since the 2008 economic collapse continue to impact teacher candidates worldwide who are facing unparalleled challenges as they prepare for service in educational systems experiencing reform. Research exists on college student stress, yet absent is data showing teacher candidates in relation to stress and self-efficacy as they engage in socio-constructivist inquiry learning. Teacher candidates hold employment while taking classes and serving in schools, yet research shows that cognitive practices and critical thinking are impacted by work hours. Research demonstrates that inquiry learning can be an anxiety-producing activity for professors and teacher candidates as well. Collaboratively we examined elementary …