Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluation Of Novice Teacher Practical Implementation Of Applied Behavior Analysis Strategies: A Single-Subject Research Design Using Behavioral Skills Training, Toniece Walker

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide a targeted training for novice teachers with the use of Behavior Skills Training model. Novice teachers struggle with behavior management in the classroom setting. While there is a growing need for strategic in-class intervention for students with problem behaviors, there is not a system training for novice and veteran teachers that prepares educators to address the increase of problem behaviors among students.

The researcher developed the targeted training that is grounded in the science of applied behavior analysis and incorporates its principles and strategies. With the use of Behavior Skills Training, the researcher …

Examining Campus Crime At Massachusetts’ Colleges And Universities, Kimberly Beskalo Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to examine the predictors of campus crime. College campuses are not immune to crime, and as such, campus crime is a concern not only for those students who reside and attend classes on the campus, but also for those who work on the campus and for the parents of the college students. The attention to crime on college campuses has increased in the recent past. This is due to events that have occurred on college campuses including the events at both Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois that resulted in the deaths of students and faculty/staff. To …

Cultural Diversity In Education: Examining The Challenges And Issues Of Lgbtq Students Enrolled In A Tertiary Education Institution In The Bahamas, Terry Laverne Rolle

Theses and Dissertations

This research study examined the challenges and issues faced by LGBTQ students attending a tertiary education institution in The Bahamas. Utilizing a phenomenological analytical process, seven individuals gave information regarding their lived experiences in a tertiary institution in The Bahamas. Data for this research study were collected through two 60-minute in-depth interview sessions. This qualitative study was guided by the theoretical frameworks of the planned approach to change and the theory of resilience, both of which were used to inform the elements of the research. Many research studies have been conducted in regard to the experiences faced by LGBTQ students …

Educators’ And Administrators’ Perceptions, Challenges, And Changes Associated With School District Consolidation, Candace L. Gillespie

Theses and Dissertations

School district consolidation has been a trend throughout the United States as state departments of education are mandating that nearby school districts consolidate with other nearby districts. This trend is being mandated in an effort to decrease funds being spent by having many small districts. This includes funds being spent on salaries and schools, as schools consolidate due to districts consolidating. Schools, central offices, parent centers, and other buildings that are related to having multiple central offices close. Jobs are lost, policies change, and sometimes leadership changes. However, change is inevitable. With change comes different concepts, policies, and in some …

Virtual School Principals: Responsibilities And Challenges, Lacresha L. Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide concise information and research to delineate the role of the virtual school principal (VSP). The research available was outdated, scarce, or inadequate. The role of VSPs and the challenges that are faced were unclear. This researcher has found very little evidence to establish whether virtual school program modifications have had any change in the digital divide. The descriptive information for the case study was gathered through interviews and a demographic survey. The analysis included use of the Innovativeness Scale, which was used to gather data on the level of innovativeness of VSPs. Participants …

Professional Development And Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Regarding Research-Based Practices For English Language Learners In Middle School, Lydia R. Escobar

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to describe the research-based practices used by middle school teachers of multilingual or ELL students in the subject area courses and the teachers’ self-efficacy to implement those research-based practices while teaching. Also, this study aimed to describe the impact of professional development regarding research-based teaching practices on the implementation of these practices and to compare the teachers’ practices, their perceptions of self-efficacy, and the impact of professional development had on their teaching.

This study followed a quantitative methodology with a survey design. A non-probabilistic sampling was used for the selection of the participants. The sample …

Relations Between On-The-Job Stress, Mental And Physical Health, And Job Satisfaction Of Correction Officers, Sarah Chandebal

Theses and Dissertations

This research study aimed to examine the direct and indirect relationships between on-the-job stress, physical and mental health, and job satisfaction for correction officers. Correction officers have one of the most stressful jobs in law enforcement, however, they are one of the most understudied groups in their field. It is therefore important to examine how stress can affect these correction officers. In this study, the predictors of stress for correction officers were discussed, along with the impact that this stress can have on their physical and mental health. Ultimately, as their health declined, it was hypothesized that the job satisfaction …

Teacher Perceptions Of The Implementation Of A Digital Token Economy In Inclusive Classrooms, Richard Thomas Richardson

Theses and Dissertations

In inclusive classrooms teachers support students with various needs. Students with exceptionalities are included in general education which can provide various challenges for teachers. A common system used by teachers to support students is a token economy. Increase use of digital technology in education has make available the use of token economies on digital platforms. More information is needed to determine how digital token economy has allowed teachers to expand their use of the system as a tool to support classroom management, student motivation, and academic achievement for students with exceptionalities. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to …

An Analysis On The Effects Of Melodic Based Communication Therapy On Verbal Behavior In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Meghan Kathleen Casperson

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to analyze the effect Melodic Based Communication Therapy has on minimally verbal children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly tact responses and their generalization in the natural environment. MBCT is a replicable protocol for pairing melodies with target words to elicit speech in children with neurodevelopmental and language impairment. There is a call for the MBCT’s replication to widen the research on this approach in natural settings and across children with ASD and other developmental disabilities.

A multiple baseline design across participants was used to determine the impact MBCT has on the tact responding in …

First-Line Police Supervisors’ Utilization Of Criminal Justice Higher Education, Dennis George Hippert

Theses and Dissertations

A first-line police supervisor holds a large influence over street-level police officer behavior (Ingram, et al., 2014), but little consistency exists between police agencies regarding the minimum educational requirements necessary to successfully perform the functions of a first-line police supervisor. This study explored the experiences of criminal justice degree holding first-line police supervisors in using the content of their college curriculum to guide street-level officers in acceptable use of force practices, professional communication with the public, and discretionary decision-making. Employing a grounded theory method of inquiry with a constructivist approach, this study utilized semi-structured, one-on-one interviews to examine the ways …

State Attorneys’ Perceptions On The Role Of Racial Disparities In The Juvenile Justice System, Allison Cohen

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation was prepared to offer a scholarly investigation on the justice officials’ consideration of race in making decisions for sanctions and sentencing of African American juveniles. The research provided an extreme review of the justice system to place in context the differential treatment of Black youths. African American juveniles’ cumulative experience of discrimination and racial disparities in the juvenile justice system and adult criminal justice system. An examination of the overrepresentation of African Americans in the justice system. A journey from juvenile delinquency to adult criminality. An early destination starts at arrest to intake to juvenile court then transfer …

Living A Nightmare: A Study On The Reluctance Of Native American Women To Report Violent Crimes To Police, Misty Marie Neal

Theses and Dissertations

To address this problem, this study will explore, if at all, the differences and relationships between Native American women’s reluctance to report a violent crime to the police with their perception of police, previous interactions with police, prior victimization, tribal affiliation, and specific demographic factors. The population for this research will be Native American women from federally recognized tribes between 18 and 55 years of age. In addition, the participant's marital status, sexual affiliation, religion, level of education, and geographic location will be examined. From this population, a sample size of 500 - 600 participants will be constructed for this …

Targeting Parental Behavior: Contingency Contracting To Increase Parental Competence And Adherence, Sara Clasky Richardson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of using behavior contracts specifically targeting parental behavior and providing reinforcing consequences for the parent’s behavior on parental adherence in implementing behavior contracts to address their child’s behavior problems. Parents used identical procedures to implement behavior contracts with their children to address their child’s noncompliance and associated problem behavior. A secondary purpose of this study was to determine parent perceptions about the impact their use of behavior contracts had on the behavior of their children.

This study used a multiple baseline across participants design to measure the effectiveness of a …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of African American Female Educators Becoming Urban School Principals, Tondra Bailey-Collins

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the problem of why there are so few African American women in urban school principal roles in comparison to other racial groups. African American educators have a significant impact on African American students. Additionally, the need for diversity is not exclusive to African American educators and children, but diverse staff overall impacts student achievement levels and improves equity in disciplinary practices. The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences of African American women who are currently or were previously urban school principals. Through the theoretical lenses of critical race theory and social inclusion theory, …

Human Trafficking: The Impact Of Covid-19 On Labor Trafficking In The Us, Anthony A. Mottola

Theses and Dissertations

Human trafficking is a global phenomenon where traffickers prey upon their victims without discriminating against age, gender, ethnic background, or nationality. The United States (US) is not immune to the human rights violations of human trafficking. The victims of human trafficking are coerced into a life of exploitation through forced labor or sexual exploitation. Many victims are migrants from disadvantaged countries that travel to the US seeking employment but end up the victims of abuse, both physically and mentally, at the hands of traffickers. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the global economy, forcing quarantines, travel bans, and social distancing. …

Nivel De Adaptación De Los Empleados Del Gobierno De Puerto Rico Con Respecto Al Teletrabajo A Través De Su Desempeño Laboral, Ricardo Guzman

Theses and Dissertations

Esta investigación tuvo como propósito identificar el nivel de adaptación que ha tenido la modalidad del teletrabajo en el servicio público a través del desempeño laboral mostrado por un grupo de empleados que rinden funciones de manera remota en una agencia del gobierno de Puerto Rico. En la Isla, el tema del teletrabajo, tanto en el sector privado como en el público, no ha sido abordado científicamente por lo que no hay una referencia clara sobre el manejo de esta modalidad y la manera en la que los empleados la han acogido. Al tomar como fundamento el hecho de que …

Student Response To Varied Instructional Methods In Level I Fieldwork Experiences, Camille Cj Turner

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to investigate student responses to three different instructional strategies used to fulfill level I fieldwork requirements: traditional in-clinic rotation, a combination of virtual simulation and traditional in-clinic rotations, and virtual simulation. A multi-decade occupational therapy (OT) fieldwork shortage was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, in which OT education programs struggled to provide accreditation-required clinical education. Virtual simulation programs were utilized to fulfill some requirements, particularly more introductory-level fieldwork. Several cohorts of a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy “bridge” program for licensed, practicing Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and Physical Therapist Assistants were the subjects of …

An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study Of Elementary Teachers’ Uses Of Technology-Based Assessments, Karmel Davis

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide access to current information for administrators, teachers, and staff in an elementary school that is relevant to technology and assessments. The purposes of this study were (a) to examine how the decomposed determinant factors of the DTPB influence the teachers’ intention to adopt technologybased assessments and (b) to explore teachers’ perceptions regarding the benefits and detriments of using technology-based assessments to measure learning outcomes. The Technology-Based Assessment Use Survey (TBAUS) used for this study was adapted from the Ajjan and Hartshorne Questionnaire (AHQ) (Ajjan & Hartshorne, 2008). Convenience sampling was used to select …

Understanding The Circumstances That Contribute To Teacher Retention And Attrition In An Urban School District And The Impacts Of Financial Incentives On Teacher Retention, Meshelley Sams

Theses and Dissertations

This study is aimed at understanding the circumstances that contribute to teacher retention and attrition in urban schools in the Southwestern United States. Harris et al. (2019) reported that at the national level, 16% of all teachers attrit yearly. Attrition contributes to the increasing teacher shortage problem that many districts face. The purpose of the study, guided by Chris Argyris’ organizational theory, examined the circumstances that contribute to the attrition of highly qualified teachers and the extent financial incentives are linked to the retention of highly qualified teachers. This qualitative phenomenological study involved 9 teachers, interviewed with a researcher designed …

A Mixed-Method Study On Social Media’S Role In The Health Decision-Making Practices Of Black Millennial Women In South Florida, Sashah Damier

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to examine health care decision-making practices of Black millennial women in South Florida, based on their social media use. The study contributed to understanding of how cultural components contribute to health care disparities for people of color because health care providers lacked information on how to reach Black millennial women with accurate and helpful information through social media.

The design for the study included a convergent parallel mixed-methods design using a web-based quantitative cross-sectional survey along with embedded qualitative telephone interviews and NVivo software. This mixed-methods methodology provided rich data and new understandings …

Comparison Of Achievement Differences Based On Years Of Participation In A One-To-One Laptop Program, Anne Petersen-Carnell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to determine the extent to which a statistically significant difference existed in eighth-grade English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics achievement between groups of students of low socioeconomic status (SES) who participated in a Washington school district’s one-to-one laptop program for 1 year versus 3 years. Siemens’ (2005) connectivism theory served as the theoretical framework for the study. The problem addressed by the study involved the digital divide. According to van Dijk (2006), the digital divide is defined as unequal access to computers and the Internet based on economic status. The research questions asked …

Improving The Quality Of Academic Advisors' Practices To Aid Distance Learners’ Retention, Kenyeta R. Pino

Theses and Dissertations

The popularity of distance learning has increased among higher education students owing to its flexibility and convenience, as it enables learning from any location and at any time. Despite the substantial number of enrollments, distance learners are experiencing high attrition rates, leading to low completion rates compared to students enrolled in traditional in-person courses.

Academic advising is a significant contributor to student retention and an effective intervention used to support students at-risk of dropping out; therefore, advisors must provide the same degree of support to their distance learners as they do to their face-to-face advisees. This applied dissertation was designed …

Examining The Impact Of Postsecondary Correctional Education Programs On Participant Self-Stigmatization: The Student Perspective, Christal M. Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Legislators and correctional administrators are tasked with problem-solving current issues of mass incarceration and high criminal recidivism rates. Part of the solution is to implement successful rehabilitative initiatives through reentry programming. While Postsecondary Correctional Education programs are proven to reduce recidivism and assist formerly incarcerated persons in obtaining employment, little is known about the effects of obtaining a college degree in prison on individual self-stigmatization. Self-stigmatization can occur when a member of a marginalized group experiences poor self-concept. Those with mental illness, criminal histories, addiction, etc. are often viewed as undesirable by mainstream society. In an attempt to manage negative …

Evaluating Higher Education In Prison Effectiveness By Modality Through Student Success And Retention Rates In California Community Colleges, Peter Michael Fulks

Theses and Dissertations

There is a strident body of empirical research evidence that Higher Education in Prison (HEP) has a direct impact on reducing recidivism. Additionally for participants, it also increases the economic mobility and employability post-release. However, the ability to conduct randomly controlled trials with a distal measurement of recidivism is hindered due to the inconsistent industry definitions of recidivism. Considering the implementation of credit bearing college programs from California Community Colleges since Senate Bill 1391 in 2014, the study conducts statistical analysis through independent and paired t tests to determine which modality of delivery, face-to-face (F2F) or correspondence (COR), to provide …

Teacher Perceptions Of Preparedness To Teach A Diverse Group Of English Language Learners With Different Literacy Levels And Languages In The Mainstream Elementary Classroom, Jennifer Mehu

Theses and Dissertations

All across the United States, increased numbers of English language learners (ELL) are entering schools with limited formal education or proficiency in the English language at alarming rates. This new shift has affected school districts that are not prepared to address the needs of these ELL students due to the lack of preparation of mainstream teachers in their districts and schools. The problem addressed in this study was that many ELLs were not making adequate progress academically in mainstream classes. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore teachers’ perceived preparedness to teach ELLs in mainstream classes in the …

Exploring The Influence Of School Location On School Resource Officers’ Perceptions Of Their Roles And Priorities, Larry A. Potts

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the widespread presence of school resource officers (SROs) in public schools for decades, their proper roles and priorities have remained unsettled because those roles are often varied, complex, conflicting, and ambiguous. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how SROs perceive their roles and priorities and whether school location influences those perceptions. Qualitative research methods provided opportunities for one-to-one interviews with SROs and their supervisors. Two elements embedded in the design consisted of a descriptive questionnaire provided to the SROs before their interviews, and a qualitative interview question designed to elicit a percentage estimate response from SROs. …

Novice Teacher Experiences Of Online Reading Instruction During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Deyanira M. Echevarria Candales

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation documented novice teacher experiences providing online reading instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the researcher captured educators’ first-hand accounts of their experiences shifting to fully online reading instruction, adapting instructional materials that were designed for in-person instruction for online learning, confronting challenges and successes during this period of uncertainty, and transitioning back to in-person instruction amidst the then ongoing pandemic.

The following research questions were posed: 1. How do novice elementary reading teachers, in a large public school district in South Florida, describe their experiences teaching reading online during a global pandemic? 2. How do novice elementary …

Perceptions Of School Resource Officers On Their Role In Southern Maryland Public Elementary Schools, Lori B. Lodge

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to investigate the perceptions of school resource officers (SROs) in Southern Maryland regarding the support SROs could provide elementary schools to foster positive interpersonal relationships while maintaining school safety and what additional resources that the SROs needed to support their job.

The overall school climate and morale at some elementary schools have significantly decreased due to increased student-aggressive behaviors. The school climate is correlated to student academic success (Sanders et al., 2018). School climate can include safety, interpersonal relationships, teaching and learning, and the school environment.

There is a need for school resource officers in …

Retaining Instructional Staff In Public Schools During And After The Pandemic: A Phenomenological Perspective, Debbie Irene Brockett

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigated the critical issue of staff retention during and after the pandemic in public schools. Focusing on instructional staff, the study explored the impact of self-efficacy, relationships within the school setting, and administrators' support on their decision to remain in or leave their positions during these unprecedented times.

To comprehensively explore these factors, the research adopted a mixed methods approach. The quantitative component involved analyzing retention rates of instructional staff in public schools, taking into account variations in self-efficacy perceptions and the influence of supportive measures provided by administrators during and after the pandemic.

The qualitative component was …

Law Enforcement Training On Suicide By Cop: Implications Of Mental Health Crisis And Encounters With Those Individuals Who Want To Die, Juan C. Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

There is a high prevalence of suicide in people who engage in Suicide by Cop (SbC), a method of suicide that involves provoking law enforcement into fatal use of force. This research study aimed to examine the changes in knowledge about SbC, self-efficacy when dealing with SbC offenders, and empathy toward SbC offenders in response to law enforcement officers’ (LEO) participation in a 30-minute SbC intervention training. This dissertation first introduced information about defining features and prevalence of suicide as a whole and SbC in particular. SbC factors include SbC intent, mental health history, noncompliance with LEO commands, and multiple …