Teacher Retention In West Tennessee: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study,
2026
Arkansas State University
Teacher Retention In West Tennessee: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study, Valeria Louise Walters
Student Theses and Dissertations
Teacher attrition is a problem that results in inequities for students in urban contexts. This study investigated factors associated with teacher retention and compared these relationships between urban and suburban school districts using Mason and Matas’s Four Capital Theoretical Model of Teacher Retention. Using a cross-sectional, quantitative research design, data was collected through a survey distributed to 124 teachers in urban and suburban school districts in West Tennessee. Descriptive, correlational, comparative, and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between retention outcomes, teacher mindset, and four subdomains of school climate: collegial leadership, achievement press, institutional vulnerability, and professional …
Teacher Perceptions Of The Motivational And Influential Strategies Of Their Principals, And That Effect On Teacher Retention,
2026
Arkansas State University
Teacher Perceptions Of The Motivational And Influential Strategies Of Their Principals, And That Effect On Teacher Retention, Carl Henry Semler
Student Theses and Dissertations
Teacher Perceptions of the Motivational and Influential Strategies of Their Principals, and that Effect on Teacher Retention This study explored the connections between perceived principal motivational and influential leadership strategies and their impact on teacher retention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 highly-qualified grades 9-12 teachers to gain insight through their perspectives of the experiences of principal leadership and how it influenced job satisfaction and teacher retention in culturally-diverse schools. Transformational Leadership Theory and Critical Race Theory were selected as the guiding framework for this study, which was best applied to comprehend the nature of the alignment between perceived principal …
Preparation Of Novice Teachers In Special Education,
2026
Arkansas State University
Preparation Of Novice Teachers In Special Education, Shayna Miles
Student Theses and Dissertations
This study investigates the perceptions of ten novice special education teachers regarding their preparation for teaching in public school classrooms. Using Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) theory as a lens, the research reveals a mixed sense of preparedness among participants, who generally felt knowledgeable about core subject areas yet struggled to apply this knowledge effectively in practice. Key gaps were identified in their training, particularly concerning technical skills related to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and communication and collaboration with other educational stakeholders. Participants expressed challenges in accessing practical assessments and highlighted the need for further training in managing classroom …
Perceptions Of Mentoring Relationships And Novice Teacher Self-Efficacy And Attrition,
2026
Arkansas State University
Perceptions Of Mentoring Relationships And Novice Teacher Self-Efficacy And Attrition, Renee Dunwoody
Student Theses and Dissertations
A study of over 400 new Level 1 licensed teachers in New Mexico found that mentorship relationships directly correlate to a teacher's self-efficacy and their likelihood of leaving the profession. The study surveyed traditionally trained and alternative licensure teachers employed in New Mexico and in their first 3 years of teaching. The results revealed that teachers who had high-quality relationships with their mentors, as scored on the Leader- Member Exchange 7 Questionnaire, had a stronger belief in their own self-efficacy and were less likely to consider leaving the teaching profession. In contrast, teachers who rated their mentors highly on the …
Relationship Between High School Science Olympiad Participation And Declaration Of A College Stem Major,
2026
Arkansas State University
Relationship Between High School Science Olympiad Participation And Declaration Of A College Stem Major, Gregory Lee Spiegel
Student Theses and Dissertations
Science Olympiad is a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competition open to middle school and high school students across the United States. Students that participate in Science Olympiad have the opportunity to explore and learn about cutting edge STEM topics in an atmosphere that promotes teamwork and opportunities to challenge themselves as they compete against other schools. This quantitative correlational study examined the relationship between participation in the Science Olympiad program and the decision to pursue a STEM-related major in college. Prior Science Olympiad participants were asked about their participation in Science Olympiad in secondary school and their current …
A Qualitative Exploration Of The Factors Influencing The Academic Experiences Of African American Division I Collegiate Athletes In Mississippi,
2026
Arkansas State University
A Qualitative Exploration Of The Factors Influencing The Academic Experiences Of African American Division I Collegiate Athletes In Mississippi, Deshannon Smith
Student Theses and Dissertations
African American collegiate athletes make up a large percentage of Division I athletic programs in Mississippi, particularly in high-revenue sports such as football and basketball. Despite access to strong coaching, facilities, and support services, African American collegiate athletes graduate at lower rates than their peers. The problem addressed in this study was the consistently low academic achievement among African American collegiate athletes in Division I athletic programs in Mississippi. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research study was to investigate the lived experiences that contributed to the academic achievement of African American collegiate athletes in Division I athletic programs in …
The Adverse Mental Health Effects Caused By Acculturative Stress And Its Influence On First- And Second-Year Immigrant Students In The United States,
2026
Arkansas State University
The Adverse Mental Health Effects Caused By Acculturative Stress And Its Influence On First- And Second-Year Immigrant Students In The United States, Sara Sparks
Student Theses and Dissertations
Relevant literature points out the adverse effects of acculturative stress, particularly on the mental health of immigrants. Recent studies also emphasize that immigrant students are academically behind their U.S.-born, native English-speaking peers. However, few studies explore how the adverse mental health effects of acculturative stress influence immigrants’ academic performance. This gap in literature is significant given the academic disparities. Applying Berry et al.’s (1987) acculturative stress conceptual framework, as well as Sirin et al.’s (2019) framework on the mental health outcomes caused by acculturative stress, research was conducted focusing on factors that cause acculturative stress, its mental health implications, and …
Vertically Aligned Curriculum In The Rural Education Setting And Its Effect On Student Achievement,
2026
Arkansas State University
Vertically Aligned Curriculum In The Rural Education Setting And Its Effect On Student Achievement, Jordan Palmer
Student Theses and Dissertations
This study examined vertical curriculum alignment in rural education settings and its impact on student achievement. Rural school districts in Missouri often lack cohesive curricula, leading to students’ lower performance on standardized tests compared to suburban areas. This situation hinders students' postsecondary readiness and sustains achievement gaps, especially affecting underserved rural populations. The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to determine whether a relationship exists between vertically aligned math curricula and student achievement in rural public schools. The study was guided by vertical curriculum alignment theory, which stresses a systematic content progression across grades, and critical theory, which highlights …
Mississippi Teachers' Perspective Of Professional Learning Supports And Their Effects On Student Learning Outcomes When Implementing High-Quality Instructional Materials,
2026
Arkansas State University
Mississippi Teachers' Perspective Of Professional Learning Supports And Their Effects On Student Learning Outcomes When Implementing High-Quality Instructional Materials, Mandy Michael Johnson
Student Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify and describe the perspectives of Mississippi teachers on the professional learning support and outcomes associated with implementing high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) in their classrooms. Grounded in Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of cognitive development, this study surveyed eleven elementary teachers from a Mississippi school district to determine their perspectives on the professional learning support provided for an HQIM, based on their experiences, and its effects on student learning outcomes. After analyzing the data using Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis method, it was concluded that teachers rely heavily on state-level literacy coaches for …
Why Black Teachers Decide To Stay: A Phenomenological Study To Understand Retention Of Black Teachers In The Suburban School Setting,
2026
Arkansas State University
Why Black Teachers Decide To Stay: A Phenomenological Study To Understand Retention Of Black Teachers In The Suburban School Setting, Chere Swearingen
Student Theses and Dissertations
Retention rates of Black teachers in suburban schools are significantly lower than their White teacher counterparts. For Black teachers the assumption has always been that Black teachers wanted to teach in Urban schools who have a majority Black student makeup. This phenomenological study offers a counter-story to the commonly told narrative of Black teachers. Black teacher retention in the suburban locale was addressed with the intent to support a school system that is more reflective of student demographics. Utilizing aspects from both Job Embeddedness and Critical Race Theory, this study examined the lived experience of 8 Black teachers working in …
K-3 Southern, Rural, Public-School Teachers’ Perspectives On Literacy Post Covid,
2026
Arkansas State University
K-3 Southern, Rural, Public-School Teachers’ Perspectives On Literacy Post Covid, Venesia Dreon Griffin Brown
Student Theses and Dissertations
Over the years, research has been undertaken to find what works to improve proficiency in literacy skills. However, most of the research has been done in urban areas. Therefore, the problem addressed in this study is K-3 literacy in southern, rural areas where students are below grade level and falling further behind, increasing the risk of student-drop out in their later years. The research is rooted in the interviews of 11 teachers in four states, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisianna, and Mississippi. They gave their perspectives and experiences on literacy education post Covid. Consequently, the purpose of the qualitative phenomenology study was …
Examining The Influence Of Cultural Sameness Or Difference Of Principals And Teachers On Students Perceived Connectedness,
2026
Arkansas State University
Examining The Influence Of Cultural Sameness Or Difference Of Principals And Teachers On Students Perceived Connectedness, Asmaa Fahmy Kabel
Student Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative, phenomenological study explores how cultural sameness or difference between students and their teachers and principals influences students’ perceived sense of belonging and connectedness to their school community. Drawing on Cultural Intelligence Theory (Earley & Ang, 2003) and Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977), this study investigates the nuanced ways in which students internalize and interpret their relationships with school personnel, with attention to shared and differing cultural attributes beyond race alone. Twelve participants, all one to five years post–high school graduation from traditional public schools, were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire followed by …
The Impact Of Applying For A Post-Secondary Opportunity When Coming From A Low Socioeconomic Status,
2026
Arkansas State University
The Impact Of Applying For A Post-Secondary Opportunity When Coming From A Low Socioeconomic Status, David Marlow Price
Student Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of high school seniors attending a socioeconomically disadvantaged high school as they navigated the process of applying for postsecondary education. Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 2001) and Achievement Motivation Theory (McClelland, 1968), the study examined the barriers and motivators influencing students’ pursuit of higher education. Despite national efforts to improve college access, significant gaps persist for students from low-income households due to limited financial resources, inadequate guidance, and minimal exposure to postsecondary options. The study was conducted at a rural high school in western Tennessee where …
The Impact Of Alternative Education Campuses Of Choice On A District’S Graduation Rate,
2026
Arkansas State University
The Impact Of Alternative Education Campuses Of Choice On A District’S Graduation Rate, Joshua Paul Gossett
Student Theses and Dissertations
This quantitative study investigated how Alternative Education Campuses (AECs) are associated with high school graduation rates in Texas. Two research questions guided the study: (a) whether districts' five-year extended graduation rates differ five years before versus five years after establishing an AEC, and (b) whether four-year graduation rates differ between districts that offer AECs and those that do not. District-level, TEA-reported graduation rates were analyzed for five AEC-adopting districts for Research Question 1 and for eleven districts (five with AECs, six without) for Research Question 2. Analyses included paired-samples and independent-samples t tests, with multiple linear regression to corroborate group …
The Influx Of Public-School Students In Private Schools And The Effects On The Classroom Management Strategies Used By Private School Teachers,
2026
Arkansas State University
The Influx Of Public-School Students In Private Schools And The Effects On The Classroom Management Strategies Used By Private School Teachers, James Moore
Student Theses and Dissertations
In the current climate of expanding school choice, epitomized by Arkansas’s LEARNS Act, a significant number of students are transitioning from public to private schools. With policy debates centering on access and funding streams, the impact of this demographic shift remains critically underexplored by researchers. This interpretive phenomenological study addresses the significant gap that exists in examining the classroom management strategies and lived experiences of 12 private school teachers in Central Arkansas. The common misconception is that behavior may be the biggest challenge for teachers; however, findings indicate that the most significant challenge for students transitioning is the academic rigor. …
Examining The Influence Of Principals’ Perceived Authentic Leadership And Teachers’ Psychological Capital On Teachers’ Burnout Syndrome And Turnover Intentions In Catalan Schools,
2026
Arkansas State University
Examining The Influence Of Principals’ Perceived Authentic Leadership And Teachers’ Psychological Capital On Teachers’ Burnout Syndrome And Turnover Intentions In Catalan Schools, Eduardo Torrecillas Sanchez
Student Theses and Dissertations
This study was performed in the Spanish region of Catalonia. The purposes of the current study were fourfold: Firstly, the study explored whether authentic leadership, psychological capital, or burnout syndrome differed between teachers' genders or experiences. Secondly, the current study investigated whether aggregate measures and/or the dimensions of authentic leadership and psychological capital were associated with burnout syndrome. Third, this study examined whether burnout syndrome predicted turnover intentions. Lastly, this study examined whether authentic leadership moderates the relationship between psychological capital and burnout syndrome, as well as turnover intentions. The multidimensional Maslach’s theory of burnout was selected as the guiding …
Investigating The Challenges That Black Female Superintendents Face While Navigating Local School Boards,
2026
Arkansas State University
Investigating The Challenges That Black Female Superintendents Face While Navigating Local School Boards, Eric Dailey
Student Theses and Dissertations
For the past twenty years, Black women have increasingly ascended to the role of school district superintendent. Black female superintendents navigate education systems that were not built with them in mind creating unique challenges. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to investigate the challenges that Black female superintendents face while navigating local school boards. This study was informed by glass ceiling theory, gendered organizations theory, and a black feminist framework establishing a research base for this study’s focus. Eight Black female superintendents were interviewed using an interview protocol. This study reveals that Black female superintendents experience similar challenges …
A Phenomenological Inquiry Into Kindergarten Teacher Perceptions Of Literacy Skills,
2026
Arkansas State University
A Phenomenological Inquiry Into Kindergarten Teacher Perceptions Of Literacy Skills, Angela Shelton
Student Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative phenomenological study explored kindergarten teachers’ perceptions of the literacy skills of students from households with limited financial resources, compared to students who attended the universal preschool program located in District A with those who did not. The study addressed three research questions: 1. How do teachers perceive the literacy skills of these students? 2. How do teachers describe their experiences teaching literacy to these students? and 3. What resources or professional development do teachers identify as helpful in supporting literacy instruction? Semi-structured interviews with kindergarten teachers were conducted and analyzed to identify common themes. Participants reported that children …
Factors Affecting Teacher Satisfaction At Two School Districts In North Carolina Post Covid-19 Pandemic,
2026
Arkansas State University
Factors Affecting Teacher Satisfaction At Two School Districts In North Carolina Post Covid-19 Pandemic, Thomas Young
Student Theses and Dissertations
The COVID-19 pandemic caused an interruption to instruction for teachers and students across the United States and left educators unsure of the future as they returned to in-person classes. This phenomenological qualitative study concluded on the lived experiences of middle school teachers in two North Carolina districts to help uncover the reasons why they are satisfied or dissatisfied with their jobs after returning to the classroom since the pandemic. Inspired by Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory, this research investigated the extent to which working conditions influence teacher morale, retention, and job satisfaction. Fourteen teachers of various subject areas, years of experience and …
Online Student Perspectives Of Impactful Feedback,
2026
Arkansas State University
Online Student Perspectives Of Impactful Feedback, Kathleen Mcnichols Irvin
Student Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative study examined how online graduate students perceived and experienced instructor feedback, focusing on its role in learning, the challenges of applying it, and preferences for formative, summative, or blended approaches. Fifteen students participated in semi-structured interviews, and four joined a follow-up focus group. Findings revealed that students viewed feedback as fundamental to understanding course expectations, improving academic work, and fostering motivation. However, vague or delayed feedback was seen as unhelpful and discouraging, often limiting opportunities for improvement. Three central themes emerged: the value of feedback as a learning tool, barriers to engaging with feedback effectively, and preferences for …
