Principal Leadership And School Culture With A School-Wide Implementation Of Professional Crisis Management: A Redemptive Vs. Punitive Model, 2013 University of South Carolina
Principal Leadership And School Culture With A School-Wide Implementation Of Professional Crisis Management: A Redemptive Vs. Punitive Model, Mark Thomas Adams
Theses and Dissertations
Principal Leadership and School Culture within
A School-Wide Implementation of Professional Crisis Management:
A Redemptive vs. Punitive Model
By
Mark Thomas Adams
This qualitative study investigated the nature of the relationship between principal leadership and school culture within a school-wide implementation of Professional Crisis Management (PCM). PCM is a comprehensive and fully integrated system designed to manage crisis situations effectively, safely, and with dignity. While designed primarily to assist individuals in crisis situations, much of the system is comprised of non-physical interventions in the form of crisis prevention strategies and positive reinforcement that were effective with students at all points …
Investigating Relationships Between Academic Achievement And After School Programs In A High School Environment, 2013 University of South Carolina
Investigating Relationships Between Academic Achievement And After School Programs In A High School Environment, Aaron Duke Fulmer
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to investigate if participation in an academically focused after school program could be linked with improved academic achievement as measured by a standardized test. A quantitative experimental design was utilized to explore the topic. The scale scores of participants in an academically focused after school program were compared to non participants to determine if there was a statistical difference between the groups. Additionally, the attendance level of participants in the academically focused after school program was correlated with their scale score on a standardized test in order to the relationship.
This study is significant …
Care As The Essential Element In Teacher And Student Interactions: Examining Dialogue As A Vehicle For Building A Caring Environment, 2013 University of South Carolina
Care As The Essential Element In Teacher And Student Interactions: Examining Dialogue As A Vehicle For Building A Caring Environment, Crystal Plumley Mcswain
Theses and Dissertations
This present study considers to what extent dialogue between teachers and students can support a caring environment. Research investigating behavior and qualities of effective teaching has been liked with caring relationships (Anfara & Schmid, 2007; Marzano, 2007; Noddings, 2005). "Relationships and instruction are not an either-or-proposition, but rather an incredible combination." (Brown, 2010, p. 10) The present study will examine to what extent dialogue, as one of the components of a proposed model of caring, can build a caring environment in seventh grade classrooms at a local middle school (Noddings, 2005, p.53). Specifically, dialogue skills such as intonation, empathy, respect, …
Alternative Education: A Comparative Case Study Of The Behavior Modification Programs Of Two Upstate South Carolina Alternative Schools For Youth Who Exhibit Behavior That Is Disruptive, 2013 University of South Carolina
Alternative Education: A Comparative Case Study Of The Behavior Modification Programs Of Two Upstate South Carolina Alternative Schools For Youth Who Exhibit Behavior That Is Disruptive, Timothy Lamont Scipio
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined behavior modification programs in schools designed to focus on discipline and that aim to reform disruptive behavior in students, usually over a limited period of time. This was a comparative case study of two type II alternative schools in the Upstate of South Carolina. The findings contributed to the research base regarding the practical implementation of the essential components for an effective behavior modification program in type II alternative schools. The primary research question was used to guide the study to discover the most effective components within the behavior modification program used by two leaders of Type …
An Assessment Of Instructional Coaching: Results Of A Survey Of Selected School Districts In South Carolina, 2013 University of South Carolina
An Assessment Of Instructional Coaching: Results Of A Survey Of Selected School Districts In South Carolina, Heather Clayton Gordon
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine teachers' perceptions of instructional coaching. Four research-based instructional coaching best practices were identified for the development of a survey. The four instructional coaching best practices were: collaborating with teachers to address school-wide instructional concerns and practices, collaboratively planning with a teacher to identify when and how an instructional intervention might be implemented, modeling instructional practices in teachers' classrooms, and observing teachers and providing teachers with feedback. Data were collected through the researcher constructed Teachers' Perceptions of Instructional Coaching survey. Elementary teachers in four school districts in the Upstate of South Carolina participated …
A Veterinary Science Initiative: An Analysis Of Impact And Future Directions For Humane Education And Collaborative Partnerships, 2013 University of South Carolina
A Veterinary Science Initiative: An Analysis Of Impact And Future Directions For Humane Education And Collaborative Partnerships, Brittany Watson Tisa
Theses and Dissertations
Humane education research is limited in its scope and structure and this has led to its inability to find a place in standard curriculum. As resources become scarcer for school districts and shelters, proving efficacy of programs is essential for successful partnerships and program achievements. VSI: Veterinary Science Initiative is a program developed by the education team at the Charleston Animal Society as a model for cooperative education between shelters, veterinarians, and other private organizations to collaborate with local school districts, while also conducting research about how this curriculum benefits student knowledge, organizational awareness, and community engagement.
The Relationship Between Principal Longevity And Student Achievement In Middle Schools In South Carolina, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
The Relationship Between Principal Longevity And Student Achievement In Middle Schools In South Carolina, David Dewayne Mcdonald
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between the longevity of a middle school principal and student achievement. Three research questions guided the research to determine if there is a relationship. To complete the study, the researcher used data collected from the South Carolina Department of Education including PASS scores in reading and mathematics, ESEA index, gender of principals, poverty index of schools, and school size to determine the relationships. Data were collected using the South Carolina School Report Card for 2012.
Middle Schools in South Carolina were used for the study. The results …
Successful Title One Schools: What Works And Why? An Exploratory Case Study Of A Distinguished Title One School In South Carolina, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
Successful Title One Schools: What Works And Why? An Exploratory Case Study Of A Distinguished Title One School In South Carolina, Dawn Hooker
Theses and Dissertations
The amount of research on successful Title One Schools is woefully inadequate. Because so much money has been allocated for this program, more in depth research is imperative. A qualitative exploratory case study of one school and eight participants, including a principal, an assistant principal, a math coach and four teachers, focuses on the journey of one Title One school to becoming a Distinguished Title One School. The theoretical framework constructed to examine the experiences of these seven participants relied on the findings of an educational reform expert, Michael Fullan (2007) and his theory of Educational Change, along with Marzano's …
An Analysis Of The Current Use And Future Intentions To Use Mobile Learning Strategies Among Full-Time Community College Faculty, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
An Analysis Of The Current Use And Future Intentions To Use Mobile Learning Strategies Among Full-Time Community College Faculty, Stephanie Denise Frazier
Theses and Dissertations
This quantitative study examined how full-time community college faculty members in southern states use mobile learning (m-Learning) strategies as tools for student engagement. Specifically, research questions were designed to measure the current use of six key m-Learning strategies: augmented reality, file/resource sharing, gaming/simulation, reference/research applications, social media, and text messaging. This study also probed into faculty attitudes and beliefs in four areas: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine existing relationships between these four determinants and the intentions of faculty members to use m-Learning strategies in the forthcoming academic year. Additionally, research …
Perceptions Of Innovations: An Examination Of South Carolina Superintendents, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
Perceptions Of Innovations: An Examination Of South Carolina Superintendents, Alfred Lamont Williams
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of South Carolina public school superintendents regarding individual and organizational attitudes toward innovation. Specific characteristics of South Carolina public school superintendents and public school districts, including enrollment, poverty level, school report card grades, age, gender, and years of experience, were analyzed to determine individual superintendents' and their school districts' orientations toward innovation. The findings have the potential to provide much-needed guidance to superintendents in training so that they may be better equipped to meet the challenge of school reform and innovation in relation to student achievement. In addition, the study …
Lessons In Success: A Multi-Campus Study Of Factors Influencing Academic Accomplishment Among High-Achieving African American Students At Private Liberal Arts Colleges, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
Lessons In Success: A Multi-Campus Study Of Factors Influencing Academic Accomplishment Among High-Achieving African American Students At Private Liberal Arts Colleges, Ryan Andrew Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to explore the academic experiences of highly successful African-American male graduates of small, private liberal arts colleges using a qualitative approach. Fourteen highly successful alumni from selective, private colleges were purposefully selected for the study, including seven African-American males and seven white males. In semi-structured interviews, participants retrospectively described positive experiences they associated with their academic success in college. The study observed the importance of the small college in creating a deep sense of connection across the campus, empowering students to take risks that helped them succeed academically. This research also explored the idea …
An Analysis Of Achievement Between Single Gender Education And Coeducational Models In Select Middle Schools In South Carolina, 2013 University of South Carolina
An Analysis Of Achievement Between Single Gender Education And Coeducational Models In Select Middle Schools In South Carolina, Roy Lee Givins Jr
Theses and Dissertations
he purpose of this study was to examine the effect of single gender education on the overall academic achievement of students in reading and mathematics. Four research questions, focused on math and reading assessment scores, were developed to guide the study. The research was focused on the results of the Measures of Academic Progress assessments administered to students each academic year. The population of student scores selected to be studied were those of seventh grade students in two middle schools in the Upstate of South Carolina. The reason for studying this grade level was due to the fact that it …
Teacher Silence In South Carolina Public Schools, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
Teacher Silence In South Carolina Public Schools, Daniel Crockett
Theses and Dissertations
This quantitative study of South Carolina public school teachers investigated how comfortable educators are raising problems or concerns to their administration. Five variables, including years of experience, trust in administration, mobility aspirations, relationship with principal, and content of message were examined to see their influence on teachers' comfort levels when voicing such problems or concerns. In addition, teachers were asked to identify the reasons for being hesitant about raising organizational concerns. The study concluded by determining if comfort level varied in different public school settings (elementary, middle, and high).
The sample consisted of 595 South Carolina public school teachers and …
Perceptions Of Elementary School Principals: Turning High Poverty Elementary Schools In South Carolina Into High-Performing Elementary Schools, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
Perceptions Of Elementary School Principals: Turning High Poverty Elementary Schools In South Carolina Into High-Performing Elementary Schools, Katie Wall Barber
Theses and Dissertations
There is no question that economic deprivation has an adverse impact on student achievement. In the United States, the gaps in achievement among poor and advantaged students are substantial. Through multiple studies, the United States Department of Education (2006) indicated results that "clearly demonstrated that poverty adversely affected student achievement." Closing the achievement gap and achieving success for all students presents a challenge for schools, particularly those located in high-poverty areas (Brock & Groth, 2003). Current research illustrates that some schools, often referred to as high-performing, high-poverty schools, have led their low-income student populations to high levels of achievement, matching …
The Impact Of Poverty, School Enrollment, And Ninth-Grade Transition Programs On Promotion To Tenth Grade In Thirty South Carolina High Schools, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
The Impact Of Poverty, School Enrollment, And Ninth-Grade Transition Programs On Promotion To Tenth Grade In Thirty South Carolina High Schools, Mark Shannon Hopkins
Theses and Dissertations
This study attempted to determine the impact of poverty, school size, and the presence of a ninth grade transition program (independent variables) upon promotion to tenth grade (dependent variable). Three sets of ten South Carolina high schools were purposefully selected for the study: one from high, one from medium, and one from low poverty index ranges. Poverty information was gathered from SCDE Poverty Index lists, and school size and tenth grade promotion rate were calculated from enrollment data supplied by the SCDE. A ninth grade transition was defined by identifying eight common transition practices in current literature and sample school …
Perspectives On Transitioning To The Assistant Principalship Among Peers: A Qualitative Study Of Six New School Administrators, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
Perspectives On Transitioning To The Assistant Principalship Among Peers: A Qualitative Study Of Six New School Administrators, Everette Hix Workman
Theses and Dissertations
The role of the assistant principal in the public schools is under studied and undervalued. As the largest group of school administrators and as future principals in training, the assistant principals' socialization process begs understanding. This study questions the transition from teacher to assistant principal, accounting for the setting and context of the move into school administration. Through a qualitative, in-depth phenomenological interview study of six assistant principals in their first years as public school administrators, this study focuses on their lived experiences with the transition. The theoretical framework constructed to examine the lived experiences of these six recently transitioned …
The Effects Of Ability Grouping On Gifted & Talented Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Students In Selected South Carolina Public School Districts, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
The Effects Of Ability Grouping On Gifted & Talented Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Students In Selected South Carolina Public School Districts, Tammy Tara White
Theses and Dissertations
This is a quantitative research study using archival data to focus on the achievement of Gifted & Talented students in two South Carolina public school districts. The researcher used an open cohort comparative research design for this study. This study attempted to find if differences in student performance existed between students labeled as Gifted & Talented in South Carolina based on their model for instruction. The researcher used their Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS) test scores in English Language Arts (ELA) and math achievement scores and compared them to the students' placement in special class model Gifted & Talented …
Dialogue In The Relationships Between Principals And Teachers: A Qualitative Study, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
Dialogue In The Relationships Between Principals And Teachers: A Qualitative Study, Tracie Shelley Prichard
Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative case study examines dialogue and discourse patterns between principals and teachers. It analyzes daily verbal interactions in order to identify shared meanings, hidden messages, and the dynamics of power. This study is also based on the belief that democracy in education is vital to maintaining a collaborative, people friendly approach to working together to improve learning for all students.
Although much has been written on the importance of school culture and collaborating effectively, little has been written about the role dialogue plays in shaping school culture. While we know many successful leadership paradigms, including distributed leadership and collaboration, …
The Glass Cliff: An Examination Of The Female Superintendency In South Carolina, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
The Glass Cliff: An Examination Of The Female Superintendency In South Carolina, Blanche Boyd Bowles
Theses and Dissertations
South Carolina public school districts are confronted with a series of difficult circumstances and rely more on female superintendents than the national average. The investigation of female South Carolina superintendents was guided by the glass cliff conceptual framework. The glass cliff represents situations where females are promoted over males to risky or precarious leadership positions where the chance of failure is high
The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental study was to examine the relationship between the sex of South Carolina public school superintendents to (a) self-reported transformational leadership behaviors and (b) select district indicators indicative of the difficult circumstances confronted …
The Financial Nexus Of College Choice And Persistence At For-Profit Institutions, 2013 University of South Carolina - Columbia
The Financial Nexus Of College Choice And Persistence At For-Profit Institutions, Benjamin James Bryan
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined student persistence to attainment at for-profit institutions of higher education using the financial choice-persistence nexus theoretical framework (St. John, Paulsen, & Starkey, 1996). Nexus theory predicts that when students' experiences are not consistent with expectations, students perceive that their implicit contract with the institution has been violated and may choose to leave. This phenomenon has not previously been studied in the for-profit sector. This study examined how students' expectations of college, related to their choice of institution, subsequently impact their persistence decisions at for-profit schools, and how students' expectations affect the way that financial influences such as …