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Articles 1 - 29 of 29
Full-Text Articles in Education
The Impact Of Race And Interactions Between Student-Faculty On Undergraduate Student Learning And Multicultural Perceptions, Yun Zhu
Theses and Dissertations
As enrollment of minority students and recruitment of minority faculty in higher education increase, opportunities for students to interact with racially and ethnically different faculty will become more frequent and pronounced. Also, there may be expectations that these interactions will produce greater educational gains and sensitivity to racial issues. A quantitative research methodology was employed to measure the nature of the student-faculty interactions across race and to explore factors that influence undergraduate students’ GPA and multicultural perceptions in order to identify ways in which student-faculty interactions might better serve the students. Mainly, this study focused on the quantity, quality, and …
An Assessment Of Principals' Technology Leadership: A Statewide Survey, Jeffrey Duncan
An Assessment Of Principals' Technology Leadership: A Statewide Survey, Jeffrey Duncan
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to collect data about engagement and involvement around technology issues by principals in Virginia. Virginia public school administrators were surveyed using the Principals Technology Leadership Assessment (PTLA) instrument and results compared to the National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators (NETS-A) (ISTE, 2002). This study, though limited in scope, provided meaningful data for research. The study reflects that despite 10 years of having NETS-A in place, Virginia public school administrators are barely meeting minimum standards in five out of the six dimensions. The study correctly looked at the old NETS-A standards but resulted in a …
Teachers' Perception Of Computer Use And Technical Support In A Rural Virginia School Division: A Case Study, Rodney Berry
Teachers' Perception Of Computer Use And Technical Support In A Rural Virginia School Division: A Case Study, Rodney Berry
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to investigate teacher perceptions of computer-based technology and technology support provided by a rural school division; the extent of teachers’ self reported computer skills, comfort levels, perception of obstacles; and the amount of support, time, and training available to them to accomplish the integration during the course of instruction. This research was conducted during the 2010-2011 school term as a case study of a small rural K-12 school division in southern Virginia, consisting of teachers from each core curriculum from each of the three schools, selected deliberately. The study was divided into three phases: …
Cognitive Origins Of The “Bimby” Effect: A Mixed Methods Exploration Of Survey Ratings Regarding The Quality Of Public Schools, James Ellis Jr.
Cognitive Origins Of The “Bimby” Effect: A Mixed Methods Exploration Of Survey Ratings Regarding The Quality Of Public Schools, James Ellis Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
Abstract COGNITIVE ORIGINS OF THE “BIMBY” EFFECT: A MIXED METHODS EXPLORATION OF SURVEY RATINGS REGARDING THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS By James M. Ellis, Jr., Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011. Director: James H. McMillan, Ph.D. Professor of Education, School of Education Public education and public opinion are pillars of democracy. In surveys about education, respondents in aggregate almost always rate schools attended by their children highest, schools in their communities moderately, and schools in the nation poorly. …
The Decision-Making Process Of Finding Students With Significant Intellectual Disabilities Eligible For Participation In The Virginia Alternate Assessment Program, Karren Streagle
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to understand the decision-making process used by IEP teams and case managers for students with significant intellectual disabilities who participate in alternate assessments based on aligned academic achievement standards (AA-AAS). Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with case managers for students participating in the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) from school divisions in central Virginia. Traditional inductive data analysis techniques were used to analyze data collected from the in-depth interviews, the researcher’s reflexive field notes and observations, and a review of VAAP training and guidance documents provided by study participants. Findings illuminated the decision-making process …
Grading Practices: Teachers' Considerations Of Academic And Non-Academic Factors, Diana Yesbeck
Grading Practices: Teachers' Considerations Of Academic And Non-Academic Factors, Diana Yesbeck
Theses and Dissertations
In the current era of student accountability, coupled with high-stakes testing, schools have focused on the alignment of standardized curriculums and assessments. However, developing standardized grading practices are still under examination. Grading serves as an important responsibility, yet many teachers still find the process a challenge of determining which academic and non-academic factors correctly represent student achievement. This qualitative study was designed to examine the grading factors teachers consider when determining student final grades. Middle school language arts teachers from one mid-sized suburban school district in Virginia participated in qualitative interviews. The interviews addressed the following topics: (1) the purposes …
Mentoring Relationships Of Alternative Route First-Year Urban Teachers And Their Mentors, Gwendolyn Perkins
Mentoring Relationships Of Alternative Route First-Year Urban Teachers And Their Mentors, Gwendolyn Perkins
Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative study examined, described and analyzed mentoring experiences and perceptions of five first-year alternate route teachers and their five mentors within an urban southeastern school division. The researcher employed a constructivist theoretical model to analyze interview data and frame the adult learning and mentoring experiences to answer the research questions. This investigation explored the benefits, challenges and implications concerning first-year alternate route teachers and their roles in the mentoring relationships.
A Second Chance To Graduate On Time: High School Students’ Perceptions On Participating In An Online Credit Recovery Program, Eric Jones
Theses and Dissertations
High schools in the United States are facing increased scrutiny to increase the number of students graduating with a diploma in four years. This pressure comes from many sources. First, the No Child Left Behind Act instituted graduation as a measure of a high school’s success at the federal level. States soon followed by increasing accountability in this area. Differences in how graduation rates were measured and advancements in data tracking technology led to many states measuring cohort groups of students who enter high school in the ninth grade and tracking them to see how many graduate in four years. …
Secondary History/Social Studies Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Regarding Geography Teaching, Yan Gao
Secondary History/Social Studies Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Regarding Geography Teaching, Yan Gao
Theses and Dissertations
Teacher education remains a significant issue affecting the quality of geography instruction in the United States. Teachers’ self-efficacy has been identified as a crucial factor for improving teacher education and promoting educational reform. This study intended to develop a better understanding of the relationships between teacher education programs and secondary history/social studies teachers’ self-efficacy regarding teaching geography, and other demographic factors that could be a possible influence on geography teachers’ self-efficacy. A quantitative research methodology was employed to measure geography teacher efficacy and to explore factors that influence geography teachers’ efficacy in order to identify ways in which preservice and …
The Content Of Electronic Mentoring: A Study Of Special Educators Participating In An Online Mentoring Program, Roberta Gentry
The Content Of Electronic Mentoring: A Study Of Special Educators Participating In An Online Mentoring Program, Roberta Gentry
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to describe the content and frequency of interactions that occurred in an electronic mentoring program involving beginning special educators and their mentors. In addition, the characteristics of mentors’ and mentees’ and perceived outcomes of mentees’ were provided. This study sought to address questions about the types of support that new special educators seek and receive. A mixed method research design was utilized to explore the archived transcripts of mentors’ and mentees’ discourse as well as mentees’ and mentors’ post-surveys. Data were analyzed through the use of quantitative and qualitative methods and interpreted through the …
The Role Of Faith Leaders In Partnerships Among Health Promotion Researchers And Faith Communities, Rebecca Foco
The Role Of Faith Leaders In Partnerships Among Health Promotion Researchers And Faith Communities, Rebecca Foco
Theses and Dissertations
Faith communities are often used as used as sites for health promotion research and the leaders of those faith communities play an important role in successful campus/faith community partnerships. This study examined (a) faith leaders’ definitions of health, (b) ways in which faith leaders envision campus/faith community partnerships to be structured, and (c) faith leaders’ perceptions of the roles that faith leaders may assume in such partnerships. Grounded theory methodology was used. In depth interviews were conducted with ten clergy members. The findings revealed that clergy embraced a holistic definition of health. They expressed a desire to participate in studies …
Accommodations For English Language Learners With Disabilities On Federally Mandated English Language Proficiency Assessments, Laura Kuti
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research study was to conduct exploratory research to examine federally-mandated annual English language proficiency (ELP) assessment of English language learners (ELLs) and their use of accommodations on the assessment. First the researcher provides a review of the literature regarding accommodations provided for ELLs, students with disabilities on English assessments, and ELLs with disabilities on ELP assessments. The researcher examined the literature for differences and similarities between the three types of testing scenarios as well as identifying gaps in the literature for students who are both ELLs and who also have a disability and how their ELP …
To The Ages Of Ages: Reconceptualizing High School Art History Curriculum, Amy Bergh
To The Ages Of Ages: Reconceptualizing High School Art History Curriculum, Amy Bergh
Theses and Dissertations
Through this curriculum study, I explored the application of ideas found within contemporary art education to a course of traditional secondary art history. These contemporary art education ideas included: visual culture instruction, interdisciplinary instruction, contemporary art instruction, curriculum development, the use of enduring ideas, and the inclusion of a variety of perspectives based on gender and ethnicity. Through these art education ideas, a new curriculum was formed, that pushed both the students and the teacher toward a more inclusive art history course that made real connections for students and allowed students to be active members in their own learning. Instruction …
Teaching Mourning, Julie Crowder
Teaching Mourning, Julie Crowder
Theses and Dissertations
Abstract TEACHING MOURNING By Julie Ann Crowder, MAE A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Art Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Major Director: Sara Wilson McKay, Ph.D. Interim Department Chair and Associate Professor, Art Education As a researcher I sought to understand the following research questions: 1) What were the official policies and protocols that went into effect at William Fox Elementary School after the murder of the Harvey family in January of 2006? 2) What were the experiences of the staff and parents at William Fox Elementary …
Teaching English Language Learners In The Art Classroom: A Survey Of Approaches, Alana Greer
Teaching English Language Learners In The Art Classroom: A Survey Of Approaches, Alana Greer
Theses and Dissertations
This study consisted of an online survey of members of the National Art Education Association Elementary Division in which 29 participants answered questions related to their instruction of English language learners in the elementary art classroom. Four participants participated in follow-up interviews as the researcher sought to answer the research questions: What pedagogical and curricular adaptations in the art classroom may be effective strategies for teaching English language learners? What are the perceived challenges of having a linguistically diverse art classroom? Participants offered a variety of pedagogical adaptations but suggested few curricular adaptations. Participants revealed challenges related to their teacher …
Gifted Students' Perceptions Of High School Transition, Beverley R. Smith
Gifted Students' Perceptions Of High School Transition, Beverley R. Smith
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the perceptions of gifted middle school students who attended one of two middle school gifted service options as they transitioned into high school. Gifted middle school students from either a center-based gifted service option or a school-based gifted service option from middle schools in a suburban district in Central Virginia participated in the study. Participants who had completed three consecutive years within the gifted service option were purposively selected for the study. Students completed a pre-transition survey at the end of their eighth grade year and a post-transition survey early in their ninth grade year. The survey …
What Are The Educational Aspirations Of African American Males Raised In Mother-Only Households?, Patsy Chavis
What Are The Educational Aspirations Of African American Males Raised In Mother-Only Households?, Patsy Chavis
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of Black males being raised in a mother-only household and their career aspirations. The absence of the father in a home stands at the forefront as the cause of family dysfunction, which subsequently leads to the destruction of many hopes and dreams of the Black male.Is a mother-only household a preconceived environment for failure for the Black male?
The Sustainability Of A Coaching Model For Beginning Principals, Virginia Loving
The Sustainability Of A Coaching Model For Beginning Principals, Virginia Loving
Theses and Dissertations
Abstract THE SUSTAINABILIY OF A COACHING MODEL FOR BEGINNING PRINCIPALS By Virginia F. Loving A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Director: R. Martin Reardon, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Education This phenomenological study sought to determine what coaching-induced practices are acquired during novice principals first year as principal, and the sustainability of coaching-induced practices once the coach has been removed. This study identified skills learned while novice principals participated in a coaching program, and the extent to which these practices continued into …
The Privatization Of Special Education, Judith Mckinney
The Privatization Of Special Education, Judith Mckinney
Theses and Dissertations
This study, The Privatization of Special Education, addresses a shift in the provision of special education and related services to students with disabilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Students with disabilities are being publicly placed in private day and residential schools at public expense. In Virginia, 125 private schools are licensed by the Virginia Department of Education to serve students with Disabilities. The purpose of this study was to develop a profile of programs, services, and interventions offered in private education schools. This nonexperimental design study focused on a secondary data source: the Virginia Department of Education, Private Schools for …
Factor Analysis Methods And Validity Evidence: A Systematic Review Of Instrument Development Across The Continuum Of Medical Education, Angela Wetzel
Factor Analysis Methods And Validity Evidence: A Systematic Review Of Instrument Development Across The Continuum Of Medical Education, Angela Wetzel
Theses and Dissertations
Previous systematic reviews indicate a lack of reporting of reliability and validity evidence in subsets of the medical education literature. Psychology and general education reviews of factor analysis also indicate gaps between current and best practices; yet, a comprehensive review of exploratory factor analysis in instrument development across the continuum of medical education had not been previously identified. Therefore, the purpose for this study was critical review of instrument development articles employing exploratory factor or principal component analysis published in medical education (2006-2010) to describe and assess the reporting of methods and validity evidence based on the Standards for Educational …
Fifth Year Teacher Perceptions Of Induction Programs Upon Teacher Retention, Arleen Reinhardt
Fifth Year Teacher Perceptions Of Induction Programs Upon Teacher Retention, Arleen Reinhardt
Theses and Dissertations
Due to teacher shortages, school districts have offered incentives and alternative licensure programs. Recently, however, school districts have shifted the focus from recruitment to one of teacher retention which places an emphasis upon beginning teacher induction programs. These programs help teachers improve in their craft of teaching, help teachers remain satisfied with their jobs, help teachers enculturate into the districts in which they work, and help to improve student achievement. This quantitative study examined fifth year teachers’ perceptions of their induction programs in terms of teacher retention. The 280 eligible teachers from three different school districts were asked to participate …
Preparing Early Childhood Special Educators For Inclusive Practice, Belinda Hooper
Preparing Early Childhood Special Educators For Inclusive Practice, Belinda Hooper
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to describe experienced practitioners’ beliefs about inclusion and their perceptions of what early childhood special education (ECSE) preservice teachers need to know and be able to do to effectively support early childhood inclusion. This study used a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach to describe the perceptions of ECSE practitioners currently participating in the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) statewide initiative, Inclusive Placement Options for Preschoolers (IPOP). The study occurred in two stages: 1) a survey of ECSE IPOP planning team members, and 2) focus group interviews with ECSE IPOP planning team members. Data were …
Joint Attention Interventions For Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Caregiver And Child Actions And Transactions, Abigail Vo
Theses and Dissertations
Early intervention is a critical component of efforts to optimize outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families. One promising target for early intervention is joint attention, an early developing social-cognitive competency that is foundational to many other social, communicative, and cognitive skills; and a core deficit in children with ASD. While joint attention interventions are gaining interest among researchers, many are limited by their failure to situate joint attention development within the caregiver-child relationship and to adequately examine child and caregiver outcomes and transactional processes. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in child …
The Perspectives Of Practicing African American Female Superintendents In The Commonwealth Of Virginia Regarding The Impact Of Spirituality On Their Leadership Practices, Shannon Smith
Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological approach to discover how African American female superintendents in Virginia integrated spirituality into their leadership practices. The struggles and experiences of these women as a population have been uniquely marginalized by both race and gender. These distinct influences have resulted in the development of generations of women who freely proclaim to be grounded in the spiritual. To investigate this topic, data were collected in face-to-face interviews conducted on site in the school division where each superintendent was employed. The data were analyzed using a modified version of Moustakas as proposed by Creswell (2007). Once …
How Virginia Public School Superintendents Spend Their Time, Eric Armbruster
How Virginia Public School Superintendents Spend Their Time, Eric Armbruster
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research is to examine how Virginia public school superintendents spend their time. The primary goal of this study is to determine the differences in how superintendents allocate their time in regards to their involvement with specific tasks. This descriptive study is designed to determine the level of involvement of superintendents throughout the state of Virginia in the areas of fiscal management, facility management, personnel, student personnel and special services, support services, instruction and curriculum, and community relations. This study investigates how much time is spent by superintendents in specific performance areas as defined by the Guidelines …
Interdisciplinary Teamwork Pedagogy, Carole Ivey
Interdisciplinary Teamwork Pedagogy, Carole Ivey
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to describe the interdisciplinary teamwork pedagogy of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) training programs, specifically the content focus, instructional methods, and assessment practices. LEND programs are a national network providing long-term, graduate interdisciplinary training through federal funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal Child Health Bureau. This study used a mixed method approach to describe the interdisciplinary teamwork pedagogy of LEND training programs. The study occurred in three stages: 1) a survey of LEND training directors, 2) a survey of LEND interdisciplinary teamwork instructors, and 3) document review …
Giving Voice To Student And Alumnae Opposition During The Transition To Coeducation By A College For Women, Rebecca Grandstaff Clarke
Giving Voice To Student And Alumnae Opposition During The Transition To Coeducation By A College For Women, Rebecca Grandstaff Clarke
Theses and Dissertations
GIVING VOICE TO STUDENT AND ALUMNAE OPPOSITION DURING THE TRANSITION TO COEDUCTION BY A COLLEGE FOR WOMEN By Rebecca Jean Grandstaff Clarke, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011. Co-Director: Mary Hermann, J.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Counselor Education School of Education Co-Director: Teresa J. Carter, Ed.D. Assistant Professor and Adult Learning Program Coordinator, Teaching and Learning Department School of Education This dissertation provides insight into students‘ and alumnae‘s experiences during the transition and legal proceedings as their former college for …
The Effect Of Test-Wiseness On Self-Efficacy And Mathematic Performance Of Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities, Phyllis Haynes
The Effect Of Test-Wiseness On Self-Efficacy And Mathematic Performance Of Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities, Phyllis Haynes
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the Test-Taking Strategy would improve performance on math curriculum-based assessments of students with disabilities, and if students reported an increased sense of math self-efficacy as a result of learning the Test-Taking Strategy. The Test-Taking Strategy uses mnemonics to teach strategies to help students successfully navigate through assessments. This study used an experimental, single-subject, multiple-probe, multiple base-line design (Horner & Baer, 1978). The design featured multiple participants, and followed the design features of quantitative research (Horner & Baer, 1978, McMillan, 2004, & Mitchell & Jolley, 2004). The Test-Taking Strategy did result in …
Learning Communities Or Support Groups: The Use Of Student Cohorts In Doctoral Educational Leadership Programs, Christy J. Brown
Learning Communities Or Support Groups: The Use Of Student Cohorts In Doctoral Educational Leadership Programs, Christy J. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
This mixed-method study explored how students in a doctoral educational leadership cohort at one university used the cohort structure as a learning community or as a method of social support. Survey data were collected from 45 past and present cohort students and qualitative data were collected from three focus groups of 15 participants total. The survey measured four factors: General Cohort Experience, Trust Within the Cohort, Network, and Community of Learners. Quantitatively, one cohort was found to be significantly different from the others in terms of Trust Within the Cohort; and the 60 hour cohorts were found to be more …