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The Development And Validation Of Gains-Id, A Guidebook For Adapting Intervention Sessions For Students With Intellectual Disability, Kayla Mccreadie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Targeted interventions can equip students with intellectual disabilities (ID) with essential academic skills that support positive post-secondary outcomes. However, the lack of interventions specifically designed for this population creates barriers to equitable education. Until more interventions are developed, educators may benefit from resources that help adapt evidence-based practices to meet the needs of students with IDD.

The first manuscript introduces GAINS-ID (Guide for Adapting INtervention Sessions for Intellectual Disabilities). Based on best practices and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the guide offers examples of adaptations to various intervention components—such as time, materials, environment, …

Exploring The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence Tools On Special Education Teachers’ Workload And Burnout In Colorado: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Rawa Suhail Abu Alsamah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, special education (SPED) teachers face complex workloads, high caseloads, and extensive documentation responsibilities, contributing significantly to burnout and retention issues. The recent integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational settings presents promising opportunities to alleviate teachers' instructional and administrative demands. To better understand the impact of AI on SPED teachers, this phenomenological qualitative study explored the lived experiences of licensed K–12 SPED teachers in Colorado who use AI tools in their professional practice. This study also examined how AI tools supported workload management, as well as their perceived impacts on burnout and intentions to remain in …

A Policy Analysis Of Higher Education Support For Foster Youth In The Colorado Child Welfare System, Krystal Robles

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

This policy analysis examines how two Colorado laws, House Bill 22-1374 (Foster Care Success Act), and Senate Bill 22-008 (Higher Education Support for Foster Youth), aim to improve educational outcomes and long-term stability for youth who age out of the foster care system. Critical Policy Analysis (CPA) and Resilience Theory are used in this paper to examine how these policies address systemic inequities, promote resilience, and offer protective factors that support educational attainment. Using policy review, state policy comparison, stakeholder interviews, and community perspectives, I evaluated how the implementation, effectiveness, and limitations of these bills shape real-world impact. The findings …

The Invisible Poet: Stories Of Higher Education Professional Staff Program Experiences Via Poetic Inquiry Through A Wellness Dimensions Framework, Freyja Hofler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

It is well documented that burnout and low levels of employee wellness have negative effects upon employees as well as the organizations that employ them (Gallup, 2019; Maurer, 2024; Wright & Bonett, 2007). This study was a program evaluation of the C2 Initiatives program via a constructivist paradigm, responsive evaluation approach, and summative outcome evaluation. The NWI’s Six Dimensions of Wellness model was utilized as the theoretical framework of the study and arts-based research was used as the conceptual framework.

Participants were given documents from the C2 Initiatives program as a text base to create blackout poetry, a type of …

A Bibliometric And Descriptive Analysis Of The Disciplinary Affiliations Of Research About Students With Disabilities In College-Level Science Education, Tongriang N. Daspan M.Ed, Aaron C. Wenger Phd, Brandy Pleasants Phd

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Despite the global emphasis on equity and the need for inclusive science education, students with disabilities (SwDs) encounter persistent barriers in college-level science learning environments. While prior research has explored isolated challenges faced by SwDs, few studies have examined how these challenges vary across science disciplines. Yet, science education research is often situated within distinct disciplinary traditions, such as biology education research or geoscience education research, known collectively as Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER). Understanding the disciplinary distribution of research on SwDs is essential to identifying gaps and fostering cross-disciplinary learning. This study maps trends and patterns in the disciplinary affiliations …

Learning Engineering Design Through Making: Affordances Of A Nonformal Tinkering Environment, Cristina Simarro, Digna Couso

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

The maker movement has been increasingly adopted as a means for promoting interdisciplinary approaches to STEM learning. However, empirical evidence regarding how making supports the development of engineering design skills remains limited and inconclusive. This study provides an in-depth examination of a nonformal educational initiative grounded in tinkering, a creative and improvisational subset of making, by analyzing the tasks undertaken by primary school children in a tinkering setting. Our results confirm the capacity of tinkering activities to foster specific engineering design practices and elucidate the interrelationships between them. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential of such approaches to facilitate the …

Looking Beneath The Surface: Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Through The Caregiver’S Lens—Support, Advocacy, And Self-Care, Melissa Fredin

Master of Arts in Human Services

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure that can affect cognitive functioning, adaptive skills, communication, emotional regulation, and daily living abilities. Individuals with FASD and their caregivers often face complex challenges while navigating behavioral, educational, healthcare, human service, and criminal justice systems. Although awareness of FASD continues to increase, gaps remain in caregiver education, professional understanding, and access to coordinated, trauma-informed supports. The literature indicates that caregiver education is central to improving outcomes for individuals with FASD and is associated with stronger advocacy, more effective support strategies, greater caregiver resilience, and improved …

Emotional Intelligence Deficits And Behavioral Escalation Among Justice-Involved Populations, Aleasa M. Word

Master of Arts in Human Services

This capstone examined the relationship between deficits in emotional intelligence and behavioral escalation among justice-involved populations, who frequently demonstrated challenges with emotional regulation, impulse control, aggression, and behavioral escalation. However, many correctional interventions, including traditional anger management programming, emphasized behavioral compliance rather than the underlying emotional processing deficiencies that contributed to these behaviors. This project synthesized existing peer-reviewed literature from psychology, criminology, forensic behavioral health, and correctional rehabilitation research to examine how low levels of emotional awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and interpersonal functioning are associated with aggression, recidivism, and escalating behaviors. Findings suggested deficits in emotional intelligence were consistently associated …

Healthcare Students’ Experiences Using Artificial Intelligence Simulation Tools In Clinical Simulated Laboratory Practice, Delicia S. Cousin

Student Dissertations

Artificial intelligence-driven simulation has become an important component of healthcare education by providing students with opportunities to strengthen clinical reasoning, decision-making, and technical skills in a safe learning environment. Despite its growing adoption, limited research has explored how healthcare students experience artificial intelligence-driven simulation during clinical laboratory practice. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore healthcare students’ experiences using artificial intelligence-driven simulation tools during clinical laboratory practice. Guided by Experiential Learning Theory and Transformative Learning Theory, the study examined how students interpreted, reflected upon, and learned from these experiences. Data were collected through a researcher-developed Qualtrics questionnaire …

The Effect Of Escape Room Simulation On The Self-Efficacy And Communication Levels Of Novice Critical Care Nurses, Lauren A. Femino, Kim Chapman, Julie A. Marshall, Shelby A. Trull, Jennifer A. Dibenedetto

The Lahey Journal

Abstract 

Introduction: Novice critical care nurses often report having low self-confidence and effective communication skills when transitioning to the ICU practice, often due to stress, limited experience, and unfamiliarity with critical care environments. These challenges can not only affect their job satisfaction and retention rates, but also pose serious risks to patient safety and outcomes. The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to assess the impact of an escape room simulation on the self-efficacy and communication skills of novice critical care nurses.

Methods: An evidence-based practice (EBP) project with pre-test and post-test design was conducted to …

Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Autistic Students As They Navigate Nutrition In Higher Education: A Hermeneutic Study, Amanda Beeman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to interpret how adult students with ASD in higher education navigate nutritional choices. This study was guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, which explains the relationship between environmental factors and individual health and well-being. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to examine how students with ASD experienced nutrition within the higher education environment. The central research question asked how adult higher education students with ASD experienced and navigated nutrition in the context of college life. The sample included 10 adult participants with ASD enrolled in a higher education institution. Data were collected …

Phenomenological Study Of How College Educators Perceive The Effectiveness Of Professional Development Programs In Enhancing Their Attitudes Towards Inclusive Learning Strategies, Robbi-Gail Batura

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the perceptions of college educators regarding the effectiveness of professional development programs in enhancing their attitudes towards inclusive learning strategies. For this study, the central phenomenon was defined as the influence of professional development programs on educators’ approaches to inclusive practices in the classroom. The theory guiding this study is the theory of planned behavior, which explores the relationships between individuals' attitudes and behaviors. The central research question for this study is how do college educators perceive professional development programs as influencing their attitudes toward inclusive learning practices? This study …

Preschool Teachers' Perceptions In Supporting Students Experiencing Trauma, Ann F. Gorbett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early childhood teachers are often the first to observe behaviors that could be a result of trauma. The problem that was addressed in this study is that preschool teachers are not adequately trained to effectively address the social, emotional, and academic needs of children who have experienced trauma. Framed by Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore preschool teachers’ preparedness and training needs to effectively respond to children who have experienced trauma. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 general education preschool teachers, who have at least 2 years of teaching experience. …

Secondary English Teachers' Experiences Related To Instructional Communication With Their Students In A Southeastern State: A Phenomenology, Toye L. Wheeler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore secondary English teachers’ experiences related to instructional communication with their students in a southeastern state. Guided by Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, the study examined how teachers perceive, experience, and navigate communication within contemporary secondary English classrooms. Participants included 10 secondary English teachers from two public high schools who had at least three years of teaching experience and worked with diverse student populations. Data were collected through open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups and were analyzed using phenomenological reduction, including epoché and horizontalization. Five themes emerged from the analysis: the varied …

Faith, Function, Formality: Integrating Gospel Vocal Techniques Into Western Classical Pedagogy, Korwind Z. Stokes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This applied qualitative case study explored the integration of gospel-derived vocal techniques within Western classical choral pedagogy in a secondary music education setting. The study addressed a gap in music education literature concerning the intentional use of gospel-derived vocal practices as pedagogical resources within formal secondary choral instruction. Guided primarily by constructivist learning theory and informed by culturally responsive teaching, the study examined how students’ prior musical experiences could serve as a foundation for learning Western classical vocal concepts. The study was conducted within a public high school choral program and focused on the intentional incorporation of gospel-derived techniques during …

Exploring The Influence Of Organizational Leadership On The Educational Experiences Of Impoverished Urban Children: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Tanmai Talari Pena

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological case study was to understand the educational experiences of impoverished urban children as perceived and addressed by school administrators in a K–12 school within the United States. The theory guiding this study was Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory, which emphasizes the importance of social interaction, cultural context, and community in shaping learning and development, and aligns with the study’s focus on how educational leaders interpret and respond to the needs of marginalized student populations. The central research question guiding this study was: How do school administrators perceive and address the educational experiences of impoverished urban children …

Stem Afterschool Enrichment Programs On Post-Secondary Minority Students In Southern California And Their Educational And Professional Pathway: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Lavar Jamaall Watkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of ethnically and racially minority students who participated in STEM afterschool enrichment programs at middle schools in Southern California. Guided by social cognitive career theory (SCCT), this phenomenological study addressed how participation in STEM supplemental programming served as a predictive motivator that encouraged ethnically and racially minority students to pursue careers in STEM professions. SCCT provided the theoretical framework for understanding how self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and contextual influences shaped students’ perceptions, motivations, and career decision-making related to STEM. The central research question guiding this inquiry was: What …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of The Effect Of Developmental Education Courses On College Persistence In Higher Education Among First-Year College Students, Tosha J. Mobley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to examine differences in institutional integration scores among first-year college students based on enrollment status and gender assigned at birth at a public southern university. This study was important because previous reform efforts intended to improve college persistence and graduation rates have not eliminated the need for developmental education or learning support courses within higher education. The independent variables included enrollment status and gender assigned at birth. Institutional integration was measured using the Institutional Integration Scale–Revised (IIS-R). The sample was composed of 107 first-year college students enrolled in developmental (support) and traditional …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Perceptions Of Teachers On Utilizing Art Therapy To Help Students With Ieps And Emotional Dysregulation, Lisa Marie Powell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to focus on the perceptions of teachers observing and implementing art therapy interventions with their students in the classroom setting. This study will aim to provide students with IEPs between the ages of 5 and 18 more support with emotional dysregulation by bringing more awareness to teachers on how to manage these concerns in their classroom using art therapy (Bosgraff et al., 2020). The study will aim to unveil the challenges of art therapy efficacy, based on teachers' perception of therapeutic art interventions for elementary through high school-level students. Through teacher observations …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Single-Parent Students Who Attend Higher Education Institutions With Support Services Tailored To Their Demographic, Autumn Inteso

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences utilizing parenting student support programs for single-parent students at higher education institutions in the United States. At this stage in the research, the lived experiences of utilizing parenting programs were generally defined as those students who had utilized programs or interventions that had been created or employed to directly or indirectly address the challenges faced by single-parent students while pursuing their advanced education. The theory guiding this study was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The study sought to answer the question: What are the lived experiences of single-parent …

Integrating Transformative Social-Emotional Learning In The Orchestra Classroom Of Title I Schools, Amy Valena Ellington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this historical, secondary, qualitative study was to explore the evolution of integrating transformative Social-Emotional Learning in the music classrooms of Title I schools. The aim was to determine which social and emotional skills have been taught in the music classroom, what barriers have been encountered in integrating SEL, and which assessment measures have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of SEL integration. The CASEL model was used because it supports ongoing critical analysis to ensure students’ social and emotional needs are met. Music educators are uniquely poised to provide instruction to students and equip them with essential …

An Analysis Of The Influence Of Physical Environment In The Classroom Setting On Student Behavior: A Case Study, Lora Jane Moliterni

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this study, the relationship between the physical learning environment and student behavior in 6:1:1 and 12:1:1 special education programs in public schools in a northeastern state is analyzed. The research question addresses how the physical special education learning environment that teachers create influences student behavior outcomes. The design relates to how a flexible learning environment appears to influence the behaviors of special education students, teachers’ standards for organizing the physical learning environment based on students' needs, and students' ownership of that environment. Social learning theory correlates with the study by analyzing how the physical environment contributes to on-task focus …

The Impact Of Choral Participation On The Mental Health Of Adolescents, Sheila L. Ramsey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adolescent anxiety and depression continue to present significant challenges for schools, prompting increased interest in educational experiences that may support students’ psychological well-being. The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to examine the relationship between participation in school-based choral ensembles and the mental health of adolescents. Grounded in Social Identity Theory, the study compared depression and anxiety symptoms between choir participants and nonparticipants and examined whether the length of choir participation was associated with these outcomes. Participants included 26 students enrolled in Grades 9-12 at a public high school in Mississippi. Data were collected using the Patient Health Questionnaire …

Exploring The Student Experience Of Academic Confidence Through The Integration Of Informed College Placement And Support In The Admissions Process: A Collective Case Study, Hunter Lee Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand the experience of students, specifically due to the integration of informed college placement and support in the admissions process, and their perceptions of their experiences of academic confidence from identifying and responding to education functioning levels for newly admitted students at a community college. The theory guiding this study was Piaget's theory on constructivist learning theories. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of academic confidence through informed college placement and admissions support for newly admitted students? The methodology used for this qualitative study was a collective …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Transition Assistance Program Counselors After Their Related Training And The Challenges Of Transitioning Service Members From The Military, Paul Emmanuel Joseph Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to address gaps in the education and training provided to Transition Assistance Program (TAP) counselors at Crestview military base. A phenomenological research approach was used to discover themes and experiences shared amongst said counselors. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of transition assistance counselors in supporting service members’ transitions to civilian life? This study was conducted at a South-Central United States military installation that was one of the largest and most diverse military bases in the U.S. The Schlossberg transition model guided the research and included dimensions such as …

A Qualitative Case Study Exploration Of Secondary Educators' Implementation Of Multicultural Education In A Public School District, Chiquita Apollos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to discover how multicultural education influences teaching practices for secondary educators at Achieve School District in the southeastern United States. The theory guiding this study was James A. Banks’ multicultural education theory, as it provided the framework for implementing the histories, customs, and perceptions of ethnic minority and racial people into the curriculum. The central research question was: How does multicultural education influence the teaching practices of secondary teachers in the Achieve School District? Data were collected through individual interviews, observations, and journal prompts. Thematic analysis of the data revealed multicultural education influenced …

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion: A Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Phenomenological Study, Paul Bagsby Iv

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of K–12 STEM teachers as they cultivated inclusive and diverse classrooms in alignment with culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP). Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of learning guided the study. Purposeful sampling with maximum variation was used to recruit 10 secondary STEM teachers from public schools in Riverside County, Southern California. Data were collected through individual interviews, focus groups, and journal prompts and were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Seven themes emerged: CRP as an embedded and intentional practice; CRP as difficult but necessary work; student ownership as engagement; student reactions as …

The Lived Experiences Of Special Education Teachers Regarding The Influence Of Transformational Leadership: A Phenomenological Study, Jaleesa Glover

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of school leadership among special education teachers in inner-city charter schools in the United States. At this stage in the research, the lived experience of school leadership support is generally defined as how special educators perceived, interpreted, and responded to the leadership behaviors of their school administrators within their professional roles. The theory guiding this study was Burns’ transformational leadership theory. The central research question addressed in this study was: What are the lived experiences of special education teachers in inner-city schools with school leadership support? Data …

Predicting Fourth-Grade Mathematics Performance: Disability Status And Udl-Aligned Pedagogy In Inclusive Elementary Classrooms, Shannon W. Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, non-experimental, predictive correlational study examined the extent to which student disability status and mathematics instructional pedagogy predicted fourth-grade mathematics performance in inclusive elementary classrooms. Persistent mathematics achievement gaps between students with disabilities and their nondisabled peers highlight the need to identify instructional and student-level predictors of academic outcomes. The sample consisted of 109 fourth-grade students from inclusive elementary classrooms in a large southeastern public school district. Mathematics performance was measured using the Winter i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment for Mathematics scores. In contrast, instructional pedagogy was measured using a validated teacher self-report survey assessing alignment with Universal Design for Learning …

Learner-Centered Pedagogies In A Secondary Choral Classroom, Bobby Matthew Reidling

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research is to develop practice-informed recommendations for integrating learner-centered pedagogical approaches within secondary choral education. Secondary choral instruction has generally been organized around teacher-centered rehearsal models in which teachers retain primary responsibility for musical and instructional decision-making. While teacher-centered approaches remain widely used, learner-centered models described in broader educational literature have been less frequently examined in ensemble-based choral contexts, particularly regarding their alignment with the collaborative nature of choral instruction. This study is guided by the following research question: How can learner-centered pedagogical approaches be integrated into secondary choral classrooms to support student participation, engagement, and …