Other Educational Administration and Supervision Commons^™

Reading Between The Lines: A Mixed Methods Investigation Of Teachers’ Understanding And Implementation Of The Science Of Reading, Karen L. Dumas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the nation, the science of reading (SoR) is sweeping through schools, realigning instructional practices, altering curricula, and causing a shift in educators’ ideologies. Therefore, exploring teachers’ understanding of the science of reading and the classroom implementation may offer valuable insights for school leaders, policymakers, and educators during this period of transition. This explanatory sequential mixed methods investigation researched SoR knowledge and implementation of K-3 general education teachers in Pennsylvania.

This study took place in two phases: quantitative followed by qualitative. During the quantitative phase, 141 K-3 teachers in Pennsylvania participated in the Teacher Understanding of Literacy Constructs and Evidence-Based …

Culture Trap: Male Educators Of Color And The Academic Role Deficit, Javin Cotton

School of Education Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project is to investigate the systemic barriers that limit the academic career advancement of male educators of color within the educational system, specifically highlighting School District 88. This study specifically addresses the disproportionate placement of Black and Latino male educators into disciplinary roles rather than academic leadership positions. Utilizing Implementation Science principles, the project outlines a multi-faceted intervention plan designed to dismantle implicit biases, enhance mentorship opportunities, and establish structured pathways for professional growth. By promoting equity- driven hiring practices, mentorship programs, and policy reforms, this capstone seeks to increase the representation of male educators …

Internal Communication And Organizational Culture: A K–12 District Office Phenomenological Study, Jessica Coleman Scogin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study utilized motivating language theory to explore the experiences that K–12 district office staff had with internal communication. The purpose of the study was to find how these experiences impacted an employee’s feelings of safety, value, and positive emotions in the workplace. The lens of motivating language allowed for a view of how empathetic language, meaning-making language, and direction-giving language shaped experiences for employees. Communication is an integral part of the culture of an organization; yet it is often overlooked as an influencing factor in job satisfaction and well-being. In fact, poor internal communication can lead to negativity …

Maintaining Well-Being: Coping Strategies For Prolonged Traumatic Experiences From The Stories Of Ukrainian Educators During The Wartime, Natalya Rakevich

Educational Studies Dissertations

This qualitative, phenomenological study aimed to better understand how and whether educators can maintain well-being during prolonged trauma. This study examines the experiences of Ukrainian educators living in non-occupied territories during wartime. The following research questions guided the study: What coping strategies do educators use to take care of themselves? What coping strategies do educators use with their students? How do educators perceive mindfulness and storytelling? A conceptual framework was created to better understand the topics of stress, trauma, being, well-being, surviving, suffering, and coping mechanisms through a literature review. Data collection occurred in February and March 2024, two years …

A Narrative Study Of The Impact On The Mentoring And Induction Programs Of Black And Hispanic/Latino Teachers In Urban Public Schools In New Jersey, Shirley Nelson

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this study is to explore through the lived experiences of 13 Black and Hispanic/Latino teachers in Urban Public Schools, focusing on the intersectionality of gender, race, and other characteristics, and how these factors influenced their development as teachers. This study aims to examine the components of teacher mentoring and induction programs and the perceptions of the teachers who participated in the programs specifically what elements, if any, of the programs influence the transition into the teaching profession, quality teaching, continuing learning, mitigate the problems faced in the first year(s) of teaching, and remaining in the teaching profession. …

Guardians Or Bystanders? Examining School Shooting Responses In The Southern United States, Andre L. Tompkins Ed.D.

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

School shootings challenge educational safety, demanding effective leadership strategies. The Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which claimed the lives of 19 children and 2 teachers, heightened concerns about campus vulnerabilities, urging administrators to prioritize student protection. I performed a qualitative study interviewing principals, teachers, parents, and community leaders to examine their experiences addressing campus threats. The findings revealed three themes: (1) ineffective leadership affects campus safety, (2) prompt actions enhance trust in leadership, and (3) connecting with others enhances safety. In this study, I spotlight the crucial role that proactive leadership plays in building the coalitions needed to …

The Learning Crisis In The United States Three Years After Covid-19, Harry Anthony Patrinos, Maciej Jakubowski, Tomasz Gajderowicz

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruptions to education, with school closures affecting over one billion children. These closures, aimed at reducing virus transmission, resulted in significant learning losses, particularly in mathematics and science. Using United States data from TIMSS, this study analyzes the impact of school closure on learning outcomes. The losses amount to 0.36 SD for mathematics and 0.16 SD for science. The declines are similar across grades. The average decline in mathematics performance among U.S. students is substantially greater than the global average. n science, the decline observed among U.S. students does not significantly differ from the global …

Board-Head Relationships: The Role Of Relational Trust And Intentional Care In Fostering Head Of School Well-Being, Cassidy Klutts, Albert Cheng

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

Given the challenges of school leadership and high rates of school leader attrition, scholars have increasingly given attention to the wellbeing of heads of schools. However, that research has not considered the way governing boards potentially influence head of school wellbeing. We fill this gap by examining how relational dynamics between heads of school and governing boards are associated with head of school wellbeing. Using data from about 140 heads of schools who participated in the Society for Classical Learning’s 2023 Thriving Schools Survey, we find that (a) relational trust between heads and boards and (b) care of the head …

Widening The Net: How Cogat And Act Aspire Compare In Gifted Identification, Al Mansor Helal, Jonathan Wai, Andy Parra-Martinez, Sarah Mckenzie, Dustin Seaton

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

Previous research indicates that many academically accomplished students from disadvantaged backgrounds are not identified for gifted and talented (G/T) programs. This study examines a large sample of students (N = 10,508), many of whom took both the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and the ACT Aspire test. We examined test similarities and differences with an eye to widen the net for G/T identification in practice. This study demonstrates that the ACT Aspire and CogAT have a significant correlation in our sample of r = .59. However, the correlation varies across cohorts noticeably from r = .72 to r = .49. This …

Teaching And Normalizing Digital Accessibility For Students In The Chemical Sciences, Stefano C G Biagini

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Digital accessibility is the inclusive practice of ensuring that all people can equally access digital information. However, this good practice has yet to be fully embraced by practitioners and educators in the chemical sciences. This article will describe and explain the key requirements of digital accessibility and how they apply to educators in the chemical sciences, with the emphasis on supporting visually impaired students; it will illustrate a case study of training students in adopting digital accessibility good practices in order to enable a culture change of greater inclusivity for the next generation; and finally illustrate low cost laboratory adaptations …

Leadership Approaches Implemented Within K-12 Schools, Marian E. Truehill

Journal of Research Initiatives

Educators often consider the importance of leadership approaches in effectively operating K-12 schools in their state districts. However, traits, skills, and behavioral leadership styles all seem relevant to faculty, staff, and students surrounding how principals interacted with their employees in K-12 schools. One ineffective decision by principals can lead to unfavorable school climates, low teacher morale, and student discipline issues within classrooms on K-12 campuses. A pseudonym, Ms. Ladd, will be used as an example of how leadership approaches to operate a good junior high school effectively. This paper will describe the characteristics of leadership approaches, experiences of leadership approaches, …

Teacher Retention And The Future Of Learning: Alarming Concerns About Preparing The Next Generation Of Citizens, Dejuanna M. Parker, Barbara D. Holmes

Journal of Research Initiatives

Research is robust in detailing the various reasons teachers leave the profession. There is scant literature on why teachers stay and what should be done to improve teacher retention. Teacher retention is a primary concern nationally and internationally. The inability to retain teachers has resulted in a teacher shortage and significantly affects student learning. Sorenson and Ladd (2020) This study yielded three emergent themes related to integral factors of teacher retention: changing attitudes on administrative support, workplace collegiality, and persistence of passion and purpose. Recommendations offered include encouraging administrators to leverage the passion and commitment of the educators to create …

The Dissertation Research Proposal Process: A Systematic Approach, Dianala M. Bernard

Journal of Research Initiatives

A dissertation research proposal is more than just a document that represents the foundation of a doctoral candidate's research journey. It is essential to communicate the study's intent to be undertaken and to gain approval from an academic committee. The present analysis provides a systematic approach to writing a dissertation proposal, offering insights and strategies that align with contemporary research practices. From framing the research with an introduction and formulating research questions to outlining the methodology, this guide highlights the key components contributing to a successful proposal. Emphasizing clarity, originality, and scholarly rigor, this guide also draws from current academic …

Behind The Leaders: An Assessment Of Principal Supervisor Practices, Carla Roberts Austin, Kristie Roberts-Lewis

The Guardianship Journal

This research study explored the effects of district size and region on the roles of principal supervisors. Key factors examined include district region, span of control, and allocation of time for support and development by principal supervisors. The researcher compared principals’ perceptions of support they receive from their principal supervisor across different school district sizes and district types (regions) in Georgia, framed within the sociocultural learning theory. Participants selected currently serve as principals in Georgia’s rural, urban, and suburban school districts. A total of seventy-five principals agreed to participate in this study. Data were collected through a survey instrument. Descriptive …

Human-Centered Leadership: Cultivating Purpose, Empathy, And Collective Growth, Becky Evers-Gerdes, Bryan Matera

Essays in Education

Human-Centered Leadership is a transformative approach to leadership that emphasizes purpose, empathy, and collective growth, redefining success by prioritizing individual well-being and organizational inclusivity.

At the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), leaders spearheaded the MAPE Local 1002 Community of Practice to integrate these principles, fostering leadership practices that align personal values with organizational goals. Facilitated by a local assistant superintendent and outside consultant, the initiative utilized action research and a Lunch and Learn framework to empower participants to reflect, listen, co-design solutions, and embrace iterative leadership cycles.

Key themes emerged, such as balancing empathy with accountability, promoting inclusivity, and addressing …

Field Note, January 2025, Bob Gallagher

Journal of Inquiry and Action in Education

Bob Gallagher's reflections on educational beliefs, inspired by the book The Teacher You Want to Be, offer a profound critique and vision for what schools could be. Here's a detailed breakdown based on the themes and beliefs discussed

Navigating The Academic Terrain: Examining The Challenges And Success Factors Of Student Veterans In Higher Education Institutions, Katherine Reyes, Corey Idleburg

Education Division Scholarship

This study investigates the academic experiences of student veterans, addressing specific challenges they face in higher education. Using Schlossberg’s adult transition theory, it explores the effects of invisible barriers, enrollment trends, and institutional factors on veteran student success, leveraging the VA’s GI Bill Comparison tool to examine public versus private school support. Findings underscore the need for targeted resources, faculty training, and institutional awareness to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that enhances veteran students' academic success and sense of belonging.

Redefining Success: Insights From Lebanese Women Leaders In Higher Education, Lina H. Safa

Education Division Scholarship

This presentation explores how Lebanese women leaders in higher education define and measure success, emphasizing their innovative approaches and transformative impact. By examining personal narratives through a phenomenological lens, the study reveals how these leaders navigate cultural challenges, offering insights into leadership dynamics in a patriarchal society and contributing to global discussions on gender equity and academic leadership.

Phenomenological Study Of Lived Experiences: The Educational Journey Of An Effective Community And Technical College Board Member, Lori Ann Midkiff

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This dissertation is a phenomenological study exploring the educational lived experiences of institutional community and technical college Board of Governors members in relation to their preparation and training to serve. Board of Governors members carry a great deal of responsibilities serving in this role. The researcher will investigate the educational backgrounds of institutional board members who serve in this capacity. This dissertation will cover the history and background of board members, the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, the legislation that requires members to receive education and training while serving on the board, and whether the board members themselves …

The Impact Of Administrator-Led Walkthroughs On Teacher Self-Efficacy, Kerri Templeton

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This qualitative phenomenological study explored how administrator-led instructional walkthroughs influence teacher self-efficacy in one public school district located in West Virginia. Guided by Bandura’s (1977) framework of self-efficacy, the research examined the lived experiences of teachers and administrators who participated in regularly scheduled walkthroughs as part of a district-wide instructional leadership initiative. Data were collected through open-ended surveys with PK–12 teachers and administrators and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes related to the perceived impact of the walkthrough process.

Findings revealed that when walkthroughs were conducted with clear purpose, relational trust, and consistent, meaningful feedback, they …