Education Commons^™

Perceptions Of County Extension 4-H Agents/Educators Regarding Essential Elements And Delivery Modes Of Positive Youth Development And Their Collective Impact On Character, Kellye Rembert

All Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to investigate the perceptions of county 4-H agents/educators regarding the level of emphasis placed on the eight elements (caring adult, safe environment, mastery, service, self-determination, inclusiveness, futuristic view, and engagement) in each of the four delivery modes (clubs, special interest, school enrichment, and camping). Participants were also asked to give their perceptions of the character in action of the youth participating in the county 4-H program. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was used to collect data regarding agent/educator perceptions. Participants responded to a web-based survey and provided 4-H youth demographic information from ES237 Federal …

Exploring Pre- And Post-Admission Characteristics Of Retained First-Year Students Enrolled In Non-Proximal Distance Learning Programs Within Public, 2-Year Colleges, Laurie Hillstock

All Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to explore pre- and post-admission characteristics of retained first-year students enrolled in non-proximal distance learning programs within a public, 2-year college environment. Pre-admission characteristics included student attributes, such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, GPA, and technology experience. Post-admission characteristics included lifestyle variables (i.e., employment status, family obligations, and finances) and student perceptions regarding institutional variables (i.e., academic integration, commitment and technology access). The sample for this study consisted of 197 first-year students enrolled in non-proximal distance learning programs from among five, public, 2-year colleges in Virginia during the 2008-09 academic year.
A quantitative data …

A Phenomenological Study Of Balanced Leadership, Ann K. Christy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe, interpret and analyze the experiences of six elementary principals in the Stewart district who have effectively balanced the instructional and managerial roles of the principalship. The research question for this study is: How do effective principals balance managerial tasks and instructional leadership responsibilities?

By analyzing these experiences, principals would be able to provide valuable insights into principal's needs and feelings about instructional leadership. This study centers around six elementary principals that provided information regarding the skills needed to become an instructional leader and their interpretation of experiences that contributed to their development …

Ethical Perspectives And Leadership Practices In The Two-Year Colleges In South Carolina, Shirley Butler

All Dissertations

This study examined the ethical perspectives and leadership practices of leaders in community colleges. The participants consisted of 68 presidents and chief institutional officers from the two-year colleges in South Carolina. All participants completed the Ethics Position Questionnaire and the Leadership Practices Inventory. Demographic data were also gathered on the participants. The survey responses were collected electronically, and analyzed to determine what relationships existed between the leaders' ethical ideologies and perspectives and their leadership practices. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's Product-moment Correlation tests, and ANOVA tests were computed to examine the data. The findings from the study indicated several associations between leadership …

The Alabama Advanced Placement Initiative: The Roles Of The Principal, Teacher, And Student In Bridging The Racial And Socio-Economic Gap In College Preparatory Curricula, Kimberly Laraine Walker

Dissertations

This research study was designed to determine leadership and instructional behaviors of administrators and teachers who are participants in the Alabama AP Initiative, as well as evaluate the perceptions of the AAPI with regard to student performance. The importance of this research was three-fold. First, this study provided principals, as well as aspiring principals, with statistical research for developing a new AP Program or other advanced curricula. Second, the results of this research provided statistical research for teachers, both experienced and those new to the AP Program, who are developing and/or improving instructional strategies that will become an effective means …

Middle School Cultures And Student Achievement, Nichel Holland Swindler

Dissertations

School principals have the daunting task of improving their schools and ensuring that student performance increases. Many principals are using their understanding of leadership and culture to transform their schools in order to provide high-performing educational services. The primary purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of those middle school cultures that do in fact, facilitate student performance and achievement.

This study was conducted using information from middle schools in three southeastern states, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Teachers completed a 35-question school culture questionnaire designed by Dr. Jerry Valentine. Three research questions were proposed and answered …

The Learning Curve: The Thinking And Learning Styles Of Selected Student Athletes At Rowan University And The Impact On Academic Achievement, Robert Bullard

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to determine if thinking and learning styles of selected student-athletes at Rowan University impact academic achievement. Ninety-six undergraduate student-athletes from Rowan University participated in the study completing both the Inquiry Mode Questionnaire (InQ) and the Learning Connections Inventory (LCI) to measure thinking and learning styles. The InQ consists of 18 statements which are followed by five possible endings in which respondents indicate the degree to which each statement is most like you (5) or least like you (1). The LCI is a 28 Likert item self-reporting instrument that allows the respondent to learn of their learning …

A Longitudinal Study Of The Educational Advancement Alliance, Inc. Afterschool And Summer Enrichment Programs, Karen E. Nicholas

Theses and Dissertations

By all accounts there is a crisis in the American educational system. From government officials at all levels to educators, both practitioners and researchers, the question of how to reconnect with America's youth is debated on a daily basis. Solutions to the problems are suggested, debated, and sometimes tested. One of the topics that is often deliberated is the impact of supplemental educational programs. In an effort to address issues of academic skill deficiencies and college preparedness, the Educational Advancement Alliance (EAA) was founded in 1990.

The intent of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the impact of the Educational …

Exploratory Study Of The Relationship Between State Fiscal Effort And Academic Achievement, Timothy A. Goodale

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

Prior empirical research has taken many varying approaches to determine if differences in funding significantly impacts student academic achievement. However, much of these studies exhibit weak generalizability due to their limited scope, timeframe and dissimilar achievement measures. To expand upon the already robust literature in education finance this study measures interstate funding disparities via state fiscal effort and determines its impact on several measures of student academic achievement. To control for threats to external validity the research investigates the variables over ten years to determine if the relationships hold over time. Statistical measures employed within the research include bivariate correlation, …

Changing Diversity In U.S. Schools: The Impact On Elementary Student Performance And Achievement, Jennifer Karyn Clayton

Educational Foundations & Leadership Theses & Dissertations

Schools in the United States have experienced changes in their demographic profile during the last half century. During this changing time, schools have experienced court involved desegregation and have experienced fluctuations in their populations with regard to both race and socioeconomic status. Existing studies on segregation have focused primarily on Black and White students, neglecting the increasing Hispanic population of U.S. schools. This study provides more data to the expanding research on the impact of diversity on student performance. The study examined whether diversity and teacher quality of a school can predict academic performance on state-mandated tests, while controlling for …

Technology Education Teacher Supply And Demand In The United States, Johnny J. Moye

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

This research investigated the supply and demand of technology education teachers in each of the United States. The research goals guiding this study were to determine (1) the number of technology education teachers produced in the United States, (2) the number of technology education teachers employed in the United States public schools during the spring of 2009, (3) the number of vacant technology education teacher positions in United States public schools during the spring of 2009, and (4) the projected number of technology education teacher vacancies for the fall semesters of 2009, 2012, and 2014. The 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, and …

A School Leadership Perspective On Cultural Competencies And Self-Regulation In A Government-Funded Preschool Setting, Anita B. James

Educational Foundations & Leadership Theses & Dissertations

At four years of age, young children in government-funded preschool programs are suspended or expelled from school more frequently than their school-aged counterparts. These students comprise a largely minority enrollment that does not reflect the demographic of the teachers and administrators implementing the preschool program. The purpose of this case study research was to investigate the trend of behavior-related expulsions in a government-funded preschool program and to examine the impact of culture on this phenomenon. The study examined the lack of cultural responsiveness as a potential barrier to student success. Research literature provides common strategies to address the dual concepts …

A Longitudinal Study Of The Enrollment Patterns Of Fulltime, First-Time Degree-Seeking Recent High School Graduates At A Community College, Ramsaran Ramoutar

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the enrollment patterns of first-time, full time recent high school graduates enrolled a community college. This longitudinal study focused on students who were enrolled at Cumberland County College in the fall of 2002 through the fall of 2008. Enrollment and transfer patterns and graduation rates were explored for the sample population of 209 students who came from all ethnic background. The databases of the Cumberland County College and the New Jersey Higher Education Clearing House were examined in order to retrieve the relevant information. The study revealed that although financial concerns impacted the educational outcomes, there was …

The Effectiveness Of Incident Command Systems Training For Residential Learning Personnel At Rowan University, Lori Ann Troise

Theses and Dissertations

Emergency Response is a topic addressed by colleges and universities across the country. Adequate training for response personnel is encouraged by the institutions and, in some cases, enforced by state and federal governments. On college campuses, emergencies occur at all areas and can occur at any given time, which includes residential areas. At Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, these residential areas are staffed by undergraduate and graduate students.

This study analyzed the effectiveness of Incident Command Systems training for personnel hired to work within the residential areas at Rowan University. Incident Command Systems is a national emergency management structure adopted …

The Impact Of Injuries On Division Iii Student-Athletes, Danielle Lodics

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to examine emotions and processes of 21 Rowan University student athletes that experienced a minor or major injury during the fall and spring semester of the 2008/2009 academic year. A minor injury is defined as an injury that keeps the student athlete out of competition for 7 to 10 days. A major injury is defined in this study as an injury that is season-ending or surgical. Of the 21 student athletes 13, experienced a minor injury and eight student athletes experienced a major injury. The major injuries in this study were: a torn …

Educational Leaders Perceptions Of Emotional Intelligence And How It Effects Their Professional Practice, Yaffa Krugliak Lahat

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

Researchers argue that Emotional Intelligence (EI) plays a key role in effective and successful leadership (Goleman et al., 2004; Rosete & Ciarrochi, 2005; Chan, 2007). Although other researchers claimed that these assertions lean "little empirical support" (Ciarrochi, Deane & Anderson, 2002), Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee (2004) assert that EI is essential for leadership because leaders work through emotions and their primal job is emotional. With most of this research done in the business world, this study focuses on the role of EI in educational leadership. The purposes of this study are to explore and to construct new knowledge regarding educational …

The Role Of A Literacy Coach In Supporting Instructional Improvement And Student Achievement, Holly Jo Murer

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

Using qualitative research methods, this study examines the professional development model of literacy coaching. Literacy coaches and classroom teachers were interviewed to explore the work of literacy coaching. The findings of this study indicate the importance of relationship building as part of the work of literacy coaching. It also indicates that literacy coaching is ongoing and requires a significant amount of time for implementation. Additionally, the principal not only has a significant impact on setting the purpose and providing support for literacy coaching but also impacting the teachers’ use of time within a school. Also, systemic support within a school …

Building School Connections Through Integrating Extracurricular Programs, Grete E. Gerber

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop an integrated extracurricular program and evaluate its effectiveness on improving middle school students' emotional connectedness to the school. The integrated extracurricular program provided an opportunity for a diverse group of students to work cooperatively as a team toward a common goal.

The program's first extracurricular activity was a Haunted House event which was utilized for this study. Participants in the study included 232 students and 21 staff members. Two separate surveys were administered to the student and staff participants. Each survey resulted in general opinions about the effectiveness of the integrated extracurricular …

Assessing Undergraduate Student Involvement: A Closer Look At The African American Pattern, Adam M. Jordan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement patterns of selected African American undergraduate students and explore the reasoning as to why they choose to participate in certain groups and abstain from others. Data were collected through a three part survey with 60 Likert-type items used, and through a series of interviews. The population used was a convenience sample of 178 students at Rowan University's main campus in Glassboro, NJ. Eight students of that sample were purposely selected to participate in interviews. Data analysis of the surveys showed positive relationships between students who worked with classmates outside of …

Motivations For Participation In Adult Education Of Predominately African Americans In A Religious Organization, Shirley S. Farrar

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to research (a) the participation patterns of selected predominately African American adults in a religious-based educational program (n=225), (b) determine relative motivational patterns, (c) to compare the 'most' and 'least' of importance of motivations, and to identify if the samples' demographics are related to these motivations. This study was administered in a selected church in Deptford, New Jersey in March 2009. The African American adult population with an average age of 42 demonstrated similarities of participation to a previous study. To measure motivations to participate and patterns of participation in African American adults, data …

How Do Kentucky Educators' Opinions Of Single Sex Classrooms Differ Between Those With Experience In Sex Classes And Those With No Experience In Single Sex Classes?, Dewey R. Ward

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

An applied project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Education Specialist at Morehead State University by Dewey Ray Ward on May 7, 2009.

Student-Athletes At Rowan University: Assessing Involvement Factors And Opportunities Provided Through Athletic Participation, Mark Fusiak

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the attitudes of student-athletes toward their involvement in intercollegiate athletics. Student-athletes were surveyed from all sports sponsored by Rowan University. The survey included several measures to determine hours spent on academic and athletic pursuits, academic support and success, missed opportunities, and factors relating to personal development. Data analysis suggests that student-athletes spend equal amounts of time on academic and athletic pursuits. The study showed that female student-athletes reported missing out on opportunities because of their participation in athletics more than male student-athletes. The data also indicate that coaches, athletic administrators, and other …

A Study Of The Impact Rowan University's Alcohol & Other Drug Program Has On Behaviors, Dispositions & Attitudes Among Students, Jessica P. Havery

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the impact that Rowan University's Alcohol & Other Drug program had on the behaviors, dispositions and attitudes of students responsible for violating the institution's alcohol policy. The study focused on the changes among students that attended the new program, instituted in the Spring 2008 semester, during the 2008-2009 academic year. Data on the behaviors, dispositions and attitudes were collected using a pre and post-test instrument, which consisted of 53 questions composed in both close-ended and Likert form. Data analysis suggests that the most significant changes among students were behavioral in nature. …

Student Leadership: The Influence Of Television And Film On Today's Student Leaders, Alissa Krutoff

Theses and Dissertations

The primary focus of this study was to explore the role the media has on undergraduate student leadership. The study investigated traditional undergraduate student's understanding of leadership, personal leadership identities, perceptions of the media, and media viewing habits. Data about student views were collected by means of a survey using a series of Likert-style questions on a 5-point scale. Data were also collected with a two-part focus group series, investigating student's opinions on television, film, and leadership. Students reported the importance of leadership for undergraduate students, while identifying themselves with many of the characteristics of a leader. Students reported watching …

Impact Of New Financial Aid Trend: Attitudes And Opinions, Rihab Ezzat Saadeddine

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of administrators towards the new financial aid trend that was initiated by some well-endowed private universities, and its impact on colleges and universities. The study also explored personal attitudes towards need and merit based aid, and recommendations to improve students' accessibility and affordability in higher education.

Data analysis suggests that the majority of administrators have a positive attitude towards the general principle behind the new financial aid trend. However, they stated that this new trend is not broad and that it does not address the financial aid need of most …

The Influence Of Career-Related Motivation On Academic Success, Freda Yeh

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between career-related motivation, defined by the constructs of career insight, identity, and resilience, and academic success of undergraduate students at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ. Influences on the development of these career and academic motivations were also studied. Furthermore, the study assessed the relationship between career-related motivation and academic success for students when grouped by academic years and major colleges.

A survey with eight demographic questions, including self-reported GPA, and 21 Likert-style items on a five-point scale was used to gather data on students' career and academic goals. For undergraduate students …

Leadership Continuity: Enhancing The Cycle Of Leadership In Academic Departments, Nancy Buffone

Open Access Dissertations

In the corporate world, leaders typically plan for succession, carefully grooming their heir apparent. In academia, however, it is rare for such planning to occur at the institutional level, much less the departmental level. This multiple case study explores how twelve department chairs in one public research university think about leadership development for their departments. While succession planning - as defined in traditional management literature - does not occur in academic departments, current chairs are active in promoting leadership continuity - purposefully preparing and cultivating potential leaders who have the skills and knowledge to most readily step in as chair …

A Case Study On Graduates From An Online Certificate Program And Their Experiences Related To Engagement Practices, Lorraine Angelino

All Dissertations

The number of students taking online courses increased 146% from fall 2002 through fall 2007. In addition, the number of distance education programs increased 299% from 2000–01 through 2006–07. As the number of students taking online courses continues to increase, institutions of higher education will need to focus on increasing student retention and increasing student success. Low retention rates plague online programs that lack engagement practices. One method to achieving student success is engaging online learners early and often using engagement practices focused on increasing interactions with faculty, other students, course content, and members of the community.
Angelino and Natvig's …

Ethical Leadership In Higher Education: Evolution Of Institutional Ethics Logic, William Hanson

All Dissertations

In higher education, we face a decade in which institutional integrity and legitimacy is under fire. In the words of Charles Dickens, this is certainly 'the worst of times' both economically and ethically for our nation, as well as for our colleges and universities. While members of higher education call for student academic ethics reform, ethical infractions by institutional leaders and faculty permeate professional literature and news--student loan scandals, charges of plagiarism, and falsified research, are but a few. This study begins with the premise that perhaps our efforts toward reform should focus on a better holistic understanding of system …

A Study Of The School Principal Labor Market In Arkansas: Implications For Incentive-Based Compensation Policies To Improve Principal Quality, Marc Jacob Holley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Improving principal quality in Arkansas may be a partial solution to the public policy problem of low performing public schools. Just as policymakers in other states are beginning to explore incentive-based compensation policies to improve principal quality, education policymakers in Arkansas should look to these policies as a way to align goals and minimize agency costs. Setting incentives tied to transparent, publicly available performance measures can resolve monitoring difficulties inherent in principal-agent relationships and can improve goal congruence by signaling clearly about policy priorities. Before plowing forward with performance pay reforms for school principals, Arkansas policymakers could make better decisions …