Education Commons^™

Examining The Impact Of K-5 Literacy Coaches On Teachers' Implementation Of Literacy Practices And The Role Of Leadership In Maintaining High Literacy Expectations Supported By Instructional Coaches, Jenny Bushman

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Teaching matters and research shows school-based coaching responds to the national priority of improving instruction (Bright &Hensley, 2010). Research confirms the importance of developing strong, collaborative work environments such as a long-standing potential for change that positively impacts teachers' facilitation of student learning (Dixon & Palmer, 2002; Fullen, 2008; Guskey, 2003). The goal of instructional coaching is to foster and support professional development. What's more, the coach can help guide teacher learning experiences into purposeful instructional targets and goals (Brown, 2016). Literacy coaching can support the goal of developing a collaborative work environment where teachers have sustained support in meeting …

Level Of Preparedness For Conducting Teacher Evaluations As Reported By Minnesota School Principals, Zachary Dingmann

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The significance of a principal as an instructional leader became a concept over 40 years ago (Jenkins, 2009). Edmonds (1982) noted one of the top five effective school characteristics was a “principal’s leadership and attention to the quality of instruction” (p. 4). Part of being an instructional leader for a principal is performing teacher evaluations by observing teachers’ instruction.

The process in which principals conduct teacher evaluations and observe most teachers is useless, unproductive, and a waste of a principal’s time (Marshall, 2005). According to Marshall (2005), principals need to improve in how they observe, support, and evaluate teachers to …

Teachers’ Perceptions And Experiences In Cultural Awareness Professional Development, Carissa Tebben

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The United States has experienced an increase in the number of immigrants arriving from various countries around the world over the last several decades. In fall 2014, 30 percent of all public schools in the United States reported student populations of at least 75 percent minority compared with 24 percent in fall, 2004. The percentage of students enrolled in public schools increased from 2004 to 2014 across all racial/ethnic groups (U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2014-2015). The process of changing teaching and learning practices occurs through professional development. The Every Student Succeeds Act relies on the …

Digital Game-Based Learning: Teacher Training, Perceptions, Benefits, And Barriers, Aspen Easterling

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine current teacher training practices, both preservice teacher preparation programs and school district professional development, aligned to digital game-based learning (DGBL). The study surveyed Northern Minnesota teachers in grades P-12 to determine their perceptions related to the benefits of DGBL and the barriers they face to the implementation of DGBL. Respondents (N = 345) rated trainings, resources, and supports which they felt would encourage their use of digital games to deliver educational content and facilitate learning.

The results of the study revealed the majority of respondents perceived numerous benefits to DGBL including: …

Teachers And School Administrators Who Carry Concealed Handguns At School, Patrick Scudder

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Fifteen states in America have laws that allow schools to arm their workforce and legislation to allow teachers to carry a concealed weapon is pending in at least nine other states (Owen, 2018). Still, no studies were found in the literature that listed the challenges and experiences of educators who carry concealed handguns into school buildings. Therefore, it is desirable to conduct research that examines the perspectives of these teachers and school administrators in order to provide information that may be of interest to educational leaders and the wider community.

This qualitative study conducted interviews with six classroom teachers and …

The Influences Of Social Capital On College Enrollment For First-Generation College Students, Sarah Behrens

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

The purpose of the study was to examine the influences of social capital on college enrollment for first-generation college students. The qualitative study allowed the researcher to examine the perspectives of 12 first-generation college students during the first semester of their freshman year at a four-year institution in Minnesota. Through a focus group, the participants identified who was influential and the resources they provided that assisted in the college-going process.

Research indicates that higher education is believed to be one of the main paths to opportunity and economic progress in the United States (Blackwell & Pinder, 2014). While more and …

An Evaluation Of Minnesota Principal Characteristics Needed For Effective Implementation Of School-Based Problem-Solving And Intervention Processes, Lisa Whitney

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Abstract

Serving students in their quest to learn and succeed in life are basic goals of public education (Honig, 2016). The simplified purpose for public education, then, is to provide equal opportunity for all children to learn the basic skills needed to be self-sufficient adults and productive citizens in an ever-evolving society (Darling-Hammond et al., 2019). Early acquisition of basic academic skills, such as reading, writing, and mathematical computation, are considered essential to completing this goal.

Booth and Rowsell (2007) maintain that effective leadership is key to achieving process change and for improving learning outcomes for all students. Research shows …

An Evaluation Of Beginning Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding The Implementation Effectiveness And Outcomes Of Teacher Induction Programming In Minnesota Public School Districts, Shorena Dolaberidze

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Background

“No matter the quality of their preparation, new teachers encounter many distinct challenges as they navigate their first months and years in the classroom” (New Teacher Center, 2015, p.1). To empower new teachers and strengthen their performance during instructional times, as well as enhance the effectiveness of their contribution school wide, many school districts implement induction programming. “Research demonstrates that comprehensive, multi-year induction programs accelerate the professional growth of new teachers, reduce the rate of new teacher attrition, provide a stronger return on states’ and school districts’ investment, and improve student learning” (New Teacher Center, 2015, p. 2)

Wong …

Minnesota Secondary Principals Reported Discipline Decision Making From A Culturally Responsive School Leadership Approach, Lydia Kabaka

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Abstract

The use of discipline within the school setting dates back as long as schools have been in existence (Brown & Payne, 1988). There is a wide array of discipline that is enforced from the use of corporal punishment to more modern practices of suspension and expulsion (Middleton, 2008; Noltemeyer et al., 2012). The use of such disciplinary practices has resulted in unintended consequences directly correlated to race, disability status and income; with an overrepresentation of students of color, students receiving special education services and low-income students receiving higher levels of discipline than their peers (Skiba et al, 2011).

Patterns …

Evaluation Of The Implementation Of Understanding By Design Processes In Select Minnesota Public Schools, Sangeeta Pradhan Joshi

Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership

Abstract

An effective educational process demands a strong curriculum framework, quality instruction and appropriate assessment for successful teaching and learning and holistic development of students (Tomlinson et al., 2003). A quality curriculum is designed around the core concepts of a subject focusing on in-depth understanding of the key concepts and providing students abundant opportunities to transfer their understanding in various contexts (National Research Council, 2002). Understanding by Design (UbD) is a backward design curriculum framework that supports teachers and curriculum leaders in designing curriculum, instruction, and assessment with the aim of enhancing students’ understanding and performance (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005). …