Secondary Education Commons^™

“Community Thinking Spaces”: Exploring The Openings And Possibilities Of A School-Based Intergenerational Community Of Practice, Lucy A. Robins

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This exploratory case study examines the possibilities of creating generative, collaborative, intergenerational learning communities within a traditional public 6-12 school in the United States, as an antidote to the ideologies of adultism, systems of whiteness, and settler colonial logics. The study is situated within a single public school site, where I have been a science teacher and teacher leader for the past eight years. The school, which self-identifies as a “progressive” public school, serves to reify the history of schools as sites for control through what I term a “we know best” ideology. This ideology serves to dismiss and devalue …

Experiences With Coming Out: A Study Of Lgbtq+ Music Students’ Perceptions Of Music Education Pedagogy, Sid Adams

Educational Studies Dissertations

Because LGBTQ+ people are disclosing their non-heterosexual and/or non-cisgender identities at younger ages, music educators should consider how their pedagogical decisions impact an LGBTQ+ person’s decision to disclose their identity (come out). Previous research has explored how to create affirming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students to learn within music education spaces. However, past research has been limited on how those decisions impact the LGBTQ+ student’s decision to disclose their identity. I used data from five participants to discover how they perceived music education pedagogical practices and how those practices facilitated or hindered their decision to disclose their LGBTQ+ identity. …

Thai Parents’ Reasons For Sending Their Children To Premium-Fee International Schools: Strategies For Establishing International Schools, Issara Wongcharoensin

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

The study investigates the factors influencing Thai parents’ decisions when selecting international schools in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. It examines how parents’ preferences for educational outcomes shape their choice among UK, US, or IB programs. Key findings reveal that dissatisfaction with Thai public schools drives many families to enroll their children in international schools. These institutions are valued for their supportive community atmosphere, opportunities for foreign college placements, and superior infrastructure. Preferences for different programs reflect distinct priorities: UK programs are preferred for their extracurricular activities, punctuality, and academic reputation; US programs for their emphasis on critical thinking, multiculturalism, and …

Is Science For All An Elusive Goal? Disparities In U.S. Science Education, David Devraj Kumar, John L. Pecore

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

An examination of published reports on Free or Reduced-Price Lunch (FRPL) regarding Per Pupil Spending, Technology Resources, Science Course Offerings, and Race and Ethnicity Distribution in FRPL Groups shows that science for all remains an elusive goal in the United States. Science for all requires long-term solutions, including adequate fiscal resources for high FRPL quartile schools and effective policies to ensure quality science learning experiences for low-income students. Teachers in high FRPL schools need access to high-quality instructional resources, technology tools, and effective strategies to engage students in science learning. Schools should invest in technology tools like virtual reality and …

Incorporating Diverse Multimodal Texts Within A Seventh Grade Language Arts Classroom To Increase Comprehension Accessibility And Improve Engagement, Kaitlin Maher

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines if diverse, multimodal texts have an effect upon student engagement while increasing comprehension for students with varied learning styles. Applicable theories that gave direction to this research study were Multiliteracies Pedagogy, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Funds of Knowledge, and Constructivism. Throughout the unit’s duration, students were instructed with various types of multimodal texts that included song, video, graphic novels, and performance while also working with modern authentic, diverse traditional texts. Students were also given a choice of mode in how to respond and demonstrate understanding. The qualitative research study analyzed data sources such as student surveys; my teacher …

Perceived Factors Impacting Teachers’ Pedagogical Decision-Making Pertaining To The Use Of Pbl In The Classroom: A Dissertation, Amanda Slaughter

Dissertations

There is a consistent body of research evidence citing the potential of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) as a viable instructional tool to raise student engagement with challenging content (Saye & Brush, 2017; Strutchens and Martin, 2017; Wynn, 2015). According to the National Council for the Social Studies, “The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world” (NCSS, accessed 2023, March 1, para. 2). Scholars like Engle (1960) called for instructional strategies that raised the …

An Occupational Therapy Perspective Of Post Secondary Transitions For High School Students: Considering Socioeconomics And Opportunities, Aubrie Howell, Mary Greer, Kelley Spell-Hernandez

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

In most cases, an occupational therapist’s role in a post-secondary transition includes improving adolescents with disabilities’ functional preparedness to transition from a special education setting, into adult-based roles. Much of this work is explained by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), and only encompasses occupational therapy’s role in post-secondary transitions for adolescents with a diagnosed disability. Unfortunately, these resources, programs, and services are not available to adolescents who do not have a disability. This barrier of not providing similar services or programs to adolescents without a disability creates a lack of opportunity for these individuals to explore possible career paths. …

Stakeholders’ Perspectives On Motivational Support For Economically Disadvantaged High School Students, Jenny Evans

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A discrepancy in high school graduation rates for low socioeconomic students has been a historical trend. Despite evidence that reduced high school completion rates limit these students' career options and earning potential, state and national data consistently show a higher failure-to-graduate rate for them despite government interventions to reduce it. Studies have investigated various contributing causes for the gap in completion rates, but few studies have focused on schools that have filled that gap. The purpose of this study was to explore stakeholders’ perspectives on motivational support in schools that have successfully created graduation equality for economically disadvantaged students and …

Teacher-Researcher As Indicator: Developing A Third Space For Newcomer Youth In A Secondary Classroom, Gabriel Andres Chen Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

This paper was written to reveal answers to the Problem of Practice identified at the site school as it has experienced a steady growth in newcomer multilingual learners. This minority-majority group of students at the school have underperformed academically despite the use of varied teaching strategies. In an effort to help newcomer students through intentional sheltered instruction, I held the believe that as a former multilingual learner now serving as their classroom teacher, I could be an indicator for the classroom allowing me to realize there may be hopes, needs, and attitudes that were hidden from current pedagogical practices.

In …

Beyond The Canon: Intertextuality, Diversity, Student Engagement, And Combatting Polarization In The Secondary Humanities Classroom, Francis Ellinwood

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

This thesis addresses the need for an inclusive, interdisciplinary approach to secondary humanities education in response to contemporary American social polarization and the influence of digital media. Traditional humanities curricula, often centered on a Eurocentric canon, fail to foster critical thinking and empathy in an era of identity politics and algorithm-driven social media. Advocating for a curriculum that integrates diverse cultural narratives and various storytelling mediums, this thesis combines theoretical analysis, pedagogical experimentation, and case studies. Drawing on cultural critics and theorists like bell hooks, Paul Gilroy, and Tricia Rose, the thesis underscores the importance of diverse narratives in education. …

White Paper: Embracing Responsible Use Of Chatgpt In Education, Monica J. Weir

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

This white paper presents challenges and opportunities for integration of ChatGPT, an artificial general intelligence (AGI) model developed by Open AI, in education. Drawing parallels to prior technological innovations in education including handheld calculators, the author asserts that the primary solution lies in guiding students to develop skills for responsible use of available resources. While debates surrounding the use of ChatGPT and plagiarism, misinformation, and ethics are valid, this paper stresses the importance for open conversations and growth mindset. The proposed solution includes a responsible use policy for ChatGPT in the classroom, which emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, continuous feedback, ethical …

Developing Alternative Grading Strategies, Brian M. Sackett

Masters Projects

Traditional grading strategies may not accurately reflect student knowledge. Educators are beginning to develop more accurate and efficient methods for grading students. These alternative methods include; standards based grading, content based grading, portfolio assessment, narrative feedback, and minimum grading. These grading strategies focus more heavily on content mastery, rather than non-academic variables such as student behavior. This project will provide a thorough training session to teachers to give them the confidence to implement the new alternative grading strategies. The goal of this project is to have a lasting impact on students’ academic success as well as their motivation and engagement. …

The Perspective Of An Alumnus, Rifah Tasnim

Early College Folio

No abstract provided.

Editor’S Note, Amanda Landi

Early College Folio

No abstract provided.

Contributors

Early College Folio

Contributors, Early College Folio, Volume 3, Issue 1 (2024).

The Importance Of Critical Thinking Skills In Secondary Classrooms, Clinton T. Sterkenburg

Masters Projects

According to research, many students lack effective critical thinking skills. The ability to think critically is crucial for individuals to be successful and responsible. Many students have difficulties understanding this important skill and especially lack the ability to initiate and apply the process. Although a difficult task, educators have the responsibility to teach critical skills to students and to discern when certain instructional methods or activities are not helping students. Each student is different, and their needs must be considered, this correlates with how they learn and process information. Research has shown that traditional teaching methods that require students to …

Impact Of Teacher Support Systems On Advanced Placement Achievement Outcomes, Yolanda Gomez

Education Theses and Dissertations

In the realm of Advanced Placement (AP) education, a persistent achievement gap exists, with low-socioeconomic students consistently underperforming compared to their affluent peers. This disparity is particularly notable in AP English Language and Composition, where 93% of students fail to achieve a score of three or higher, the score for earning college credit. This study hypothesizes that this gap is partly due to inadequate support for AP teachers, particularly the lack of collaborative planning time. In most high schools, AP English Language and Composition teachers have no dedicated time for collaboration, instead focusing on other areas like End of Course …

A Seat At The Table: Illuminating Student Voice In Restorative Justice Processes, Nicole J. Reda

LMU Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the perspectives and lived experiences of urban youth in relation to Restorative Practices at a free public charter school in Los Angeles, California. This qualitative study used a series of semi-structured interviews with four high school students. This adaptable design allowed for the nature of questions to evolve and shift in accordance with emergent themes and patterns. After a detailed inductive analysis of the data, major themes emerged related to students’ aversion to punitive discipline, their preference for conversation-based Restorative Practices, and their desire to have more agency as school community members. Moreover, participants reported that they …

Introduction To Landscape Architecture State Standards And Curriculum For Utah High Schools, Joseph Pancoast

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Utah State University (USU) offers a successful Introduction to Landscape Architecture class for college students; this class increases awareness and understanding of landscape architecture as a profession. Though this is a wonderful resource offered at the college level, high school is a key time for career awareness. Unfortunately, there is a lack of student awareness surrounding the profession of landscape architecture. In Utah and the rest of the United States, there are currently no in-person Introduction to Landscape Architecture classes available in a high school setting to increase awareness and understanding for students in a high school setting. Providing a …

Does The Doctrine Of "Separation Of Church And State" Matter?: Examining The Experiences Of Black Christian Families In Massachusetts Public School System, Stephanie Denise Okwudi

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Students have full freedom under the law to practice religion in public schools. This is especially important for Black students, for whom religion has been shown to improve academic achievement and to mitigate many stressors they face. However, due to misinterpretations of the “separation of church and state” (or the “establishment clause” of the First Amendment), schools may inadvertently suppress the religious freedom of students instead of actively providing a safe space for religious practice. For this research, a single embedded intrinsic case study was conducted to determine how the separation of church and state doctrine manifested in the experiences …