Coping Strategies Of Alternatively Certified Teachers In An Urban U.S. School District,
2017
Walden University
Coping Strategies Of Alternatively Certified Teachers In An Urban U.S. School District, Paula Stanton Stanton
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Teacher attrition has continued to be problem across the United States, especially in urban, high-need districts. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to identify the coping strategies of alternatively certified teachers in urban, high-need schools in order to understand how teachers overcome factors contributing to attrition. Research questions centered on the perceived challenges and stressors of alternatively certified teachers as well as the coping strategies that support their retention. The conceptual framework was based on Bronfenbrenner's theory of ecological development. Criterion sampling was used to identify experienced alternatively prepared teachers who had persisted for at least 4 …
Pedagogical Methods Used By Probationary Elementary Teachers,
2017
Walden University
Pedagogical Methods Used By Probationary Elementary Teachers, Ronda Scarrow
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Heeding current best practice, many teachers prioritize student-centered instruction as the most effective pedagogy to achieve student learning. However, preservice teachers at a small, southeastern U.S. university have expressed reservations in executing student-centered instructional methods when they become lesson facilitators. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine whether probational elementary teachers have the knowledge and skill set to execute student-centered instruction and identify the characteristics of this method based on their preservice experiences. The conceptual framework consisted of constructivist, humanism, and social learning, theories . The four research questions focused on participants' understanding of student-centered and teacher-centered pedagogical …
A Mixed-Methods Study Of Alternate-Route Teachers' Effect On Student Learning,
2017
Walden University
A Mixed-Methods Study Of Alternate-Route Teachers' Effect On Student Learning, Cassandra Faye Spearman
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Due to teacher shortages at the study site, teaching positions in the state that is the focus of this study are filled by alternate route (AR) teachers, who earned bachelor degrees in the fields that were not related to education and received teacher certification through alternative teacher education programs. Because there is limited information about the preparation and performance of AR teachers at the site of this study, the purpose of this sequential mixed methods project study was to explore AR teachers' preparation and their effect on student learning as measured by Northwest Evaluation Association's Measures of Academic Progress/Discovery Education …
Examining The Integration Of Technology In The Early Childhood Classroom,
2017
Walden University
Examining The Integration Of Technology In The Early Childhood Classroom, Kerri Lynn Willmann
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Reading achievement scores in the United States are low and educators need more strategies to support young students in literacy. It is important to identify the technologies and implementation strategies that educators find beneficial for literacy instruction. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate perspectives on instructional technology and literacy strategies intended to promote student-centered learning opportunities. The conceptual framework was Bloom's mastery learning, Bransford's anchored instruction, and Piaget's constructivist theory. Each theorist encouraged exploration and hands-on interactive learning opportunities. The research questions addressed how teachers perceive the implementation of technology tools to enhance literary performance and engagement …
The Effect Of Ged Candidate Race And Motivation Factors On Exam Outcomes,
2017
Walden University
The Effect Of Ged Candidate Race And Motivation Factors On Exam Outcomes, Kathi L. Middleton
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Earning a General Educational Development (GED) credential can have positive results in a student's life including higher wages and better job opportunities. The 2014 version of the GED exam changed the format from a paper-based test to a computer-based test. This change coincided with a 35% decline in the pass rate indicating not all students are prepared to pass the new computer-based test (CBT). The purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate the influence of a candidate's race and reason for taking the exam on the pass or fail outcome of the new computer-based GED exam. The study used …
Facilitating Environmental Enrichment In Senior Care Activities With Professional Development,
2017
Walden University
Facilitating Environmental Enrichment In Senior Care Activities With Professional Development, Celia Mary Ross
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
There is little known about the current state of professional development and continuing education practices for empowering activity professionals to better enhance environmental enrichment in long term care. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the activity professional's perceived role and best strategies for professional development to enrich the long-term care environment. The study used social cognitive theory as its theoretical framework to develop research questions focused on the views of activity professionals concerning professional development and continuing education to support care for long-term care residents. Using a narrative approach, 9 activity professionals were recruited through networking at …
Music Teachers' Perceptions Of Targeted Professional Development,
2017
Walden University
Music Teachers' Perceptions Of Targeted Professional Development, Julie Meadows
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The fundamental purpose of teacher professional development programs is to improve instructional effectiveness and increase student learning. However, the target district offered no programs that focused on helping teachers develop strategies to meet state standards in music education. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate elementary and middle school music educators' perceptions regarding the need for targeted professional development programs. Self-determination theory served as the foundation for this study. Research questions concerned participants' views of the impact of district professional development programs on their competency in enhancing students' musical skills and their decision-making and connectedness with other …
Instructional Strategies That Promote Cultural Competence In Nutrition And Dietetics Education,
2017
Walden University
Instructional Strategies That Promote Cultural Competence In Nutrition And Dietetics Education, Cecile Adkins
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Changing demographics in the United States to a minority-majority culture require health care professionals who are culturally competent to provide appropriate care to patients. In a university in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, a gap existed between student education and the culturally competent professional practice of entry-level registered dietitians. Using Freire's notion of social justice and Vygotsky's constructivist theory as the conceptual frameworks, the purpose of this study was to explore educators' instructional strategies that promoted cultural competence in nutrition and dietetics education. The research questions examined how educators described the instructional practices they employed to promote cultural …
Women In Stem: The Effect Of Undergraduate Research On Persistence,
2017
Walden University
Women In Stem: The Effect Of Undergraduate Research On Persistence, Jodi Christine Wilker
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers constitutes a major issue in postsecondary science education. Perseverance of women in STEM is linked to a strong science identity. Experiential learning activities, such as undergraduate research, increase science identity and thus should help keep women in STEM. Most studies on research program development are from 4-year institutions, yet many women start at community colleges. The goal of this study was to fill this gap. Science identity and experiential learning theories provided the framework for this case study at a local institution (LECC). Semistructured interviews determined college science …
A Comparative Study Of Elementary Mathematics Specialists And Mathematics Coaches On Fourth Grade Students' Mathematics Achievement,
2017
Walden University
A Comparative Study Of Elementary Mathematics Specialists And Mathematics Coaches On Fourth Grade Students' Mathematics Achievement, Tiffany D. Tynes Curry
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Federal dollars are utilized to develop instructional programs for students not demonstrating mathematical proficiency on state standardized mathematics assessments, but there is a lack of empirical data on the effectiveness of two different approaches that were used in the local context. The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental, casual-comparative study was to determine if state achievement test scores of students in fourth grade who received instruction from a Mathematics Specialist (MS) during the 2007-2009 academic years demonstrated a statistically significant difference from the mathematics state achievement test scores of fourth grade students who received instruction from Grades 1-8 credentialed teachers supported …
Faculty Perspectives Of Academic Preparedness Of Nontraditional Students Who Earned Prior Learning Assessment Credits,
2017
Walden University
Faculty Perspectives Of Academic Preparedness Of Nontraditional Students Who Earned Prior Learning Assessment Credits, Kerri Moseley-Hobbs
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Through prior learning assessment (PLA) programs, students' professional and life experiences are evaluated to determine if they equate to college program courses-removing the need for the student to complete traditional college courses to earn a postsecondary degree. The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives of faculty at the study site on the academic preparedness of nontraditional students. Knowles' andragogy theory guided the research questions on the academic preparedness of students earning prior learning credits and what characteristics of PLA programs faculty believe contribute to the academic success of these students. Thirty-six participants completed a survey where they …
Effect Of Contemplative Pedagogy On The Ecoliteracy Of Undergraduate Public State University Students,
2017
Walden University
Effect Of Contemplative Pedagogy On The Ecoliteracy Of Undergraduate Public State University Students, Michael Vincent Lees
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Undergraduate students lack the opportunity and environment to contemplate and develop ecoliteracy skills that serve to integrate subject matter into their everyday experiences. Ecoliteracy is grounded in Capra's web of life theoretical framework and represents students' capacities to read world systems objectively with their head, heart, hands, and spirit. Contemplative pedagogy provides educators with exercises that give students time to reflect on the integration of learning. Ecoliteracy and contemplative pedagogy research has shown little quantitative data pertaining to how contemplative pedagogy affects undergraduate student ecoliteracy. To address that gap, this causal-comparative study measured the use of contemplative pedagogy exercises relative …
A Case Study Of Middle School Teachers' Preparations For High-Stakes Assessments,
2017
Walden University
A Case Study Of Middle School Teachers' Preparations For High-Stakes Assessments, David Lee Yeary
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Students, educators, and schools across the country have been presented with challenges as a result of rigorous standards and high-complexity tests. The problem addressed in this case study was that teachers in a rural middle school in a southeastern state were preparing students to take a new high-stakes state-mandated assessment in English language arts with very little information about what should be done to best prepare students to perform well. Danielson's work on instructional leaders, Webb's work on alignment of standards and assessments, and Tankersley's research on alignment of instruction and assessment provided the frameworks for the study. The participants …
Pre-College Program Students' Academic Engagement And Persistence In Higher Education Studies,
2017
Walden University
Pre-College Program Students' Academic Engagement And Persistence In Higher Education Studies, Deborah Ann Bers
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The Caribbean University's Pre-College Program (PCP) served as the conduit for the nation's academically underprepared high school graduates to matriculate to university and earn a degree. The PCP student enrollment increased annually since 2010; however, less than 70% of the total PCP students matriculated to an associate degree. Without a formal program evaluation, the empirical evidence into the factors that influenced PCP students' progress remained unknown. The purpose of this participatory-summative logic outcomes program evaluation was to measure stakeholders' perspectives of the ways in which the PCP's purpose, structure, and outcomes were manifested in the practices at the Caribbean University. …
Assessing Teachers' Confidence In Implementing Food Allergy Emergency Plans,
2017
Walden University
Assessing Teachers' Confidence In Implementing Food Allergy Emergency Plans, Keturah Elizabeth Hawkins
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Food allergies are an increasing health concern in the United States, affecting nearly 6 million children under the age of 18 years. Research has suggested that 18% of school-age children will have their first allergic reactions at school. Life-threatening allergic reactions experienced by children in the school setting are on the rise; however, little is known about how schools implement policies and practices in response to this issue. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to narrow the knowledge gap by examining teachers' knowledge, ability, and confidence level caring for students with food allergies. Bandura's social cognitive theory, which …
The Perceptions Of New Middle School Teachers Regarding Teacher Job Satisfaction,
2017
Walden University
The Perceptions Of New Middle School Teachers Regarding Teacher Job Satisfaction, Paula Joan Evans
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Teacher attrition has been a problem for school systems for more than 30 years. Large numbers of new teachers leave the profession within their first 5 years of service, creating a significant cost associated with hiring and training of replacement teachers. Attrition is problematic for a middle school in the state of Georgia. New teachers at the school have disclosed that induction did not meet their needs. In addition, the district has experienced budget cutbacks and demographic shifts in the student population, increasing the rate new teachers have left the school. The purpose of this study was to explore and …
University Professors' And Department Directors' Perceptions Regarding Support For Freshman Academic Performance,
2017
Walden University
University Professors' And Department Directors' Perceptions Regarding Support For Freshman Academic Performance, Karen Sauer
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
In Chile, 50% of students who enroll in Chilean colleges do not graduate, negatively impacting their families' economic situations as well as national development. The purpose of this qualitative bounded case study was to gain a deeper understanding of the perceptions held by math, English, and general education professors regarding the support provided to freshman students in a program at 1 campus of a private Chilean university. Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory emphasizing internal and external motivations and social constructivism theory emphasizing development as a process comprised the conceptual framework. Both theories provide meaningful understanding of the drivers that support …
Critical Media Literacy Instruction With Teacher Residents In Urban Catholic Schools: A Comparative Case Study Approach To Implementation And Critical Transformational Learning,
2017
Loyola University Chicago
Critical Media Literacy Instruction With Teacher Residents In Urban Catholic Schools: A Comparative Case Study Approach To Implementation And Critical Transformational Learning, Jennifer K. Shah
Dissertations
Critical literacy is a cultivated habit that students learn in order to read media texts in their world more consciously. The Catholic context is ideal for work around critical media literacy due to a continued mission and vision around social justice. This research fills gaps in literature relating to critical media literacy in Catholic schools. The goals are threefold: (1) to study the transformational learning of teacher residents as they learn about and implement critical media literacy in urban Catholic schools, (2) to identify supports and barriers related to this process in order to better address critical media literacy implementation …
Awareness And Understanding Of A College Active Shooter Crisis Plan,
2017
Walden University
Awareness And Understanding Of A College Active Shooter Crisis Plan, Christopher Brian Williams
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Gun violence on college campuses has gained the attention of campus leaders, leading to an active shooter policy and procedure development and implementation. There was little awareness within the campus leadership of a college in the Southeast United States on the college's active shooter policy and procedures. Guided by Coomb's crisis management plan model, the purpose of this case study was to explore how information was provided to students, faculty, and staff regarding how to respond to an active shooter on campus. Purposeful sampling was used to identify 16 participants (6 students, 5 faculty, and 5 administrator/staff) who were interviewed …
Exploring Effective Professional Development Strategies For In-Service Teachers On Guiding Beginning Readers To Become More Metacognitive In Their Oral Reading,
2017
Indiana University Northwest
Exploring Effective Professional Development Strategies For In-Service Teachers On Guiding Beginning Readers To Become More Metacognitive In Their Oral Reading, Sharon M. Pratt, Anita M. Martin
Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts
This case study explored professional development centered on explicit teaching strategies with in-service first-grade teachers as they engaged beginning readers to consider stronger self-awareness of their thinking processes as they read. In this paper, we report on how teacher beliefs shifted regarding the impact of explicit versus implicit instructional practices that increased their students’ metacognitive awareness and regulation. Teachers adopted specific instructional strategies over the course of the professional development that positively impacted their students’ achievement, including one teacher’s use of peer coaching. As teachers observed their students doing more than they thought they were capable of, their beliefs about …
