Digital Commons Network^™

Perceptions Of First-Year College Students On Respect In The Classroom During Their High School Career, Jane Adele Bailey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the influence of teacher respect on classroom climate, student- teacher relationships, and academic performance. Through interviews with college students reflecting on their high school experiences, this research identifies specific teacher actions and communication that foster respect in the classroom. By identifying what respectful communication and actions are through the interviews, teachers will be able to use these in their classrooms.

Six themes were identified by the participants lived experiences. They are: teacher demeanor, social interaction, attitude, emotional support, instructional management and facilitation, and listening. The results gave specific actions and communication, in the eyes of the participants, …

Collaborative Action In Education: Empirical Explorations Of The Role Of Partnerships In College Readiness Programs, Jose A. Sanchez

Dissertations

Education gaps exist in the United States in large part because not everyone has equal access to the educational resources or role models that will prepare them to seek a college education. To help combat this phenomenon, Federal and State Governments have promoted college readiness programs via collaborative partnerships between school districts, on the one hand, and colleges and universities, on the other.

To better understand the role that partners can play in creating and sustaining college-readiness programs, this study focused on the history and current practices of collaborations involving oversight of college readiness programs in two school districts. Partnership …

Guide For Teaching Faculty 2025-2026, Coastal Carolina University

Guide for Teaching Faculty

The intention of the Guide for Teaching Faculty is to ensure that all faculty members have the requisite knowledge about University policies, procedures, and services to effectively carry out their instructional assignments.

Deaf Faculty Members’ Experiences In Higher Education Institutions, Stephanie Proctor Horvath

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Deaf faculty members bring diverse perspectives to higher education, yet their experiences remain underexplored in academic research. The critical first year of teaching can shape their career experiences, revealing both opportunities for growth and systemic barriers. The purpose of this study was to understand deaf faculty members’ experiences, focusing on their transition into academic roles, the accommodations provided in their workplaces, and the challenges they faced. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological design, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 15 Deaf faculty members, whose teaching experience ranges from 1 to 30 years. In the reflexive thematic analysis and AI-coding of this data, …

Internal Funding Newsletter, Academic Year 2024-2025, Office Of Research And Creative Activity, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Internal Funding Newsletters

The University of Nebraska at Omaha is committed to educating people of the world and the Office of Research and Creative Activity is proud to contribute to UNO?s exceptional education, groundbreaking research, and the life-long success of students and alumni. UNO innovates for the public good through pragmatic and impactful research and discovery. This year's programs provided over $750,000 in awards for students and faculty. These projects included recording a new album of music for a saxophone, flute, and piano trio, understanding college campus bicycle theft, studying student perceptions of the difficulty of organic chemistry concepts, evaluating a therapy program …

Learning English On The Border: Identities, Investment, And Imagined Futures In El Paso, Texas, Jennifer Lyn Mansour

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative study explores how adult English language learners living along the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas experience language learning, identity formation, and social positioning within a bilingual community. Drawing on Norton's (1995, 2013) theoretical frameworks of identity, investment, and imagined communities, the research investigates three central questions: (1) How does the relationship between English learners and the social world of a bilingual community on the U.S.-Mexico border impact their ideas about their possibilities for the future? (2) How does the use of English construct worlds that are different from those constructed in their first languages, and do learners …

Tree-Based Differential Item Functioning Detection Methods: Exploring Their Performance In Diverse Measurement Scenarios, Nana Amma Berko Asamoah

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Despite the availability of numerous methods for detecting differential item functioning (DIF), the continued development and evaluation of innovative, data-driven approaches remains essential. Tree-based methods, in particular, represent a significant advancement in DIF detection. Unlike some traditional techniques, they can simultaneously screen multiple variables for DIF without discretizing continuous variables, and do not require the pre-specification of focal and reference groups; capabilities that are especially valuable in today’s diverse and multifaceted assessment contexts. However, research systematically examining the performance of these methods under realistic measurement conditions is limited. This dissertation, in three simulation studies, critically examines the robustness and practical …

Human Resource Management And Black Teachers’ Employee Experience In K-12 Urban Public Schools, Danielle Renee Cooper-Williams

Dissertations

National teacher data indicate that publicly funded schools in the United States struggle to retain Black teachers in high-need urban areas and in comparison to other groups (Carver-Thomas & Darling Hammond, 2017). This qualitative investigation employed case study methodology. The case study focused on one school within a charter management organization (CMO), exploring interactions among Black teachers and their supervising administrators at the site and management organization levels. The study was organized around concepts articulated at the nexus of teacher retention scholarship and human resource management theory, two bodies of literature yet to be substantially integrated to understand Black teachers’ …

Does Teach Lead To More Teachers? Evaluating The Effects Of The Federal Teach Program, Daniel Sparks

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods Faculty Publications and Presentations

Teachers are critical to education production. Yet, recruiting and retaining teachers has remained challenging, particularly in high need fields, at schools serving a high proportion of students from low-income backgrounds, and from racially diverse backgrounds. To incentivize enrollment in teacher preparation programs and to support teacher candidates through degree completion, the federal government implemented the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant in 2008. The TEACH Grant offers undergraduate and graduate students up to $16,000 and $8,000 in grant aid, respectively, to pursue degrees in high need teaching fields. I use difference-in-differences analyses to estimate the effects …

From First-Generation To Flourishing: Exploring The Influence Of Academic, Social, And Deeper Life Interactions In Higher Education, Melissa Jean Overton

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Despite comprising half of all undergraduate students (RTI International, 2024) and being widely studied in higher education literature, first-generation students experience many barriers to success and are less likely to graduate than continuing-generation students (Engle & Tinto, 2008; Fry, 2021; Kezar et al., 2023). Social science and higher education scholars have identified flourishing, the presence of complete mental health and holistic well-being (Keyes & Haidt, 2003), as an important outcome of higher education beyond more traditional success metrics, with the thought that flourishing promotes success in other areas.

This study explored how first-generation students’ academic, social, and deeper life interactions …

Exploring The Impact Of Generative Ai To Mitigate Educator Burnout, Katie E. Acevedo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study examined how sixth–12th grade educators at a single-gender public school in West Texas perceived the role of generative AI in reducing workload, minimizing stress, and supporting professional autonomy. The study focused on concerns related to teacher burnout and the time demands of instructional and noninstructional responsibilities, exploring how emerging technologies might offer practical relief. The study aimed to understand how educators use generative AI tools and identify both the benefits and challenges associated with their integration. Framed by job demand-resource theory, connectivism, and heutagogy, the research explored how generative AI can function as a job resource, …

Reflection On The ‘Power Of Us’ Conference: How Mainstream Schools In England Offer Provision To Children With Special Educational Needs (Sen), Grace H A Cooper

Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal

The majority of children in England with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) are educated within mainstream schools. Due to the broad range of needs of children, it is essential that mainstream schools are provided with adequate funding, preparation and training to ensure that the inclusion of every child is achievable and expected. Furthermore, sometimes schools feel that they cannot offer ample provision to give every child an equitable access to learning and therefore they are directed to SEND schooling – can a mainstream school be considered inclusive if they cannot support all children? This article will consider these arguments …

Breaking The Cycle Of Burnout In Financial Aid, Ashlee Thayer

Masters Projects

The purpose of this project is to explore the causes and effects of burnout in financial aid staff and what potential strategies could be implemented to support staff experiencing burnout. Lack of work-life balance and increased work-related stress are a few causes of burnout seen throughout the literature. The intention of this project is to create a workshop that provides managers and directors with the necessary tools to identify the sign of burnout in their employees and provide the necessary support to mitigate the effects of burnout. Addressing and preventing burnout in financial aid staff will increase staff retention and …

The Evolution Of Schooling: From Industrial Obedience To Techno-Autonomy, Seb Taylor, Ron Roberts Ii

Digital Laboratory: Publisher of Internet Journal

This paper examines the enduring architecture of the American education system as a mechanism designed for compliance, not creativity. Rooted in 19th-century industrial logic, the structure of schooling, its physical design, time constraints, and assessment methods, has remained largely static despite seismic cultural and technological shifts. Through historical analysis and contemporary critique, this work interrogates the persistence of standardized methods, institutional prestige, and top-down instruction as barriers to meaningful learning and value creation. Drawing from interdisciplinary research and live case studies, including Alpha School’s AI-powered, mastery-based model, the paper advances the concept of techno-education: a student-centered paradigm informed by feedback …

14-Year Retrospective Review Of Audiology Graduate Admission Data: Comparative Analysis With Other First Professional Health Programs, Alyssa R. Needleman, Patricia A. Gaffney, Erica B. Friedland, Josiah Alamu

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Demographic and cognitive data on students entering audiology programs is incomplete, and there is a lack of comparison among audiology students and those entering other first professional health (FPH) programs. This paper is the first of a multi-part series to provide evidence into the characteristics of the typical audiology student and their graduate outcomes. This is valuable for improving recruiting, admissions, retention, and success rates of audiology programs. A comprehensive descriptive analysis of admission criteria was performed for students who entered the NSU Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program over the last 14 years. Additionally, NSU admissions data was compared …

Teacher Inquiry: How Mathematics Discourse And Hands-On Learning Impact Student Outcomes And Teacher Attitudes, Mary-Katherine Miller

Journal of Practitioner Research

In this inquiry, the teacher worked alongside a university mentor to develop, monitor, and analyze the teacher’s wonderings. In a 3rd grade classroom, the teacher wanted to explore how hands-on and discourse strategies could impact mathematics achievement for all students. Specifically, the teacher explored how utilizing hands-on activities and discourse strategies in collaborative groups could lead to increased engagement and better outcomes for her exceptional student education (ESE) population in learning multiplication and division. Throughout the inquiry, the teacher used checklists, anecdotal notes, and student exit ticket scores to monitor student progress. At the end of the inquiry cycle, the …

Exploring Teachers’ Experiences With Augmented Reality (Ar) Implementation: A Phenomenological Study, Sulaimon Aremu Jimoh

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to investigate public secondary school teachers’ incorporating (AR) into their teaching practices. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of public secondary school teachers using AR in the classroom? The research leveraged for this study was found through social networks, including LinkedIn and Teacher Social Network to specifically target and recruited 10 public secondary school teachers who have proven experience in incorporating augmented reality. These platforms offered me a unique opportunity to access a diverse pool of teachers across the United States. LinkedIn, as a professional networking platform, provides …

From Perception To Retention: The Influence Of Campus Culture And Climate On Teacher Attrition, Stephany D. Brown

Education Theses and Dissertations

This improvement science dissertation in practice investigated the influence of leadership support, collaboration, and recognition on teacher attrition. The study occurred over the course of two years on two suburban secondary campuses, in neighboring independent school districts. Voluntary participants included certified teachers, administrators and counselors. The two-phase, Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles involved the collection of quantitative and qualitative data emphasizing teacher perceptions through surveys and focus groups to evaluate campus culture and climate before and after implementation of the intervention. Phase two incorporated the targeted intervention; focused on public recognition of teachers within the school setting; specifically examining whether public recognition …

A Cancer Education Needs Assessment: Informing Middle-Aged Female Patients About The Relationships Between Obesity And Women’S Health Concerns In The Reproductive System, Breast, And Endometrial Health, Batul Mirza

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Obesity significantly impacts women’s health, particularly among middle-aged women, by increasing the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, endometrial, and reproductive system cancers. This study examines the educational needs of this demographic group regarding obesity-related cancer risks and explores effective intervention strategies. Obesity-induced mechanisms – hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance – drive cancer susceptibility, emphasizing the need for targeted health education. The study employs a qualitative design, which includes interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs) and surveys of middle-aged women. The goal is to assess awareness, perceived barriers, and preferred learning methods. Findings suggest that with many …

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Staff Council Meeting, July 2025, Marshall University Staff Council

Staff Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Case Study Of Mentoring Practices By National Board Certified And Non-Certified Teacher Mentors, Bethany Mcclure

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

As preservice teacher candidates engage in field experiences that shape their development of teacher identity, it is important to examine their perceptions of the mentoring process. This study explored how preservice teacher candidates construct their own knowledge about mentoring as a process, as well as explored the perceptions of mentor teachers, both National Board Certified, and non-National Board Certified, as they facilitated the learning and growth of their mentees. Many prior studies on the mentoring process exist, however, a gap in the literature that was identified and explored through this study included the impact that National Board Certified Teachers have …

Examining The Superintendent Search Process: A Sequential Mixed Methods Study On Superintendent Consultant Perspectives, Melissa A. Torrence

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the Texas superintendent search process through a sequential mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights from superintendent search consultants. Based on human capital theory, this research examines how candidate qualifications, experience, and perceived value influence selection decisions. The first phase analyzes archival data on Texas superintendents, using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify patterns and trends in hiring practices. The second phase gathers insights from superintendent search consultants through a semi-structured digital discussion, exploring their interpretations of the data and perspectives on key factors influencing the selection process. The combination of statistical analysis and consultant …

A Case Study In Evolving Academic Governance: Democratic Accountability And Academic Capitalism, William C. Schulz, Denise Dezolt

Higher Learning Research Communications

As the higher education market becomes both more competitive and fragmented (as well as controlled through uncertain and changing regulatory regimes), and as those whom the higher education market serves become more discerning as consumers who apply proven customer behaviors within the market, universities must re-evaluate their internal governance systems. Re-evaluation of customer behaviors and governance systems may allow universities to become more inclusive, responsive, and adaptive within an academic capitalism setting.

In this case study, we present a research-based and integrated “Shared, Informed, Stakeholder-Engaged Governance” model. We describe how a large online university developed and implemented a model that …

Du Rural Summit 2025: Full Conference Proceedings, 2025 Du Rural Summit

DU Rural Summit Conference Proceedings

Proceedings of the DU Rural Summit 2025, held June 27-27 in the Pueblo Convention Center. A gathering dedicated to addressing the unique opportunities and challenges facing rural schools and their communities.

Newsletter, Wku Staff Senate

Staff Council

Newsletter created by WKU Staff Council to report on work accomplished.

2025-2026 - Family Medicine Operating Budget (July), Budget And Financial Planning, East Tennessee State University

Family Medicine Operating Budgets and Analysis

No abstract provided.

2025-2026 Quillen College Of Medicine Operating Budget (July), Budget And Financial Planning, East Tennessee State University

College of Medicine Operating Budgets and Analysis

No abstract provided.

2025-2026 Etsu General Academic Operating Budget (July), Budget And Financial Planning, East Tennessee State University

ETSU General Academic Operating Budgets and Analysis

No abstract provided.

A Quantitative Study Of Presidents At Public And Private 4-Year Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Richard J. Gallot, Jr.

PhD in Organizational Leadership

There has been a notable increase in presidential turnover at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), leading to significant leadership challenges (Freeman & Gasman, 2014). Abrupt leadership changes create instability that impacts recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff, as well as overall morale on campuses (Gasman et al., 2010). Despite the importance of effective leadership, there is limited research specifically focusing on HBCU presidencies (Freeman & Palmer, 2020). Although the American Council on Education (ACE) has surveyed college and university presidents every 5 years since 1986, few studies have investigated HBCU presidents as a distinctive group. Existing research …

Swosu Fact Book Summer 2025, Joel Harrel Kendall, Diane Fitzsimmons, Kelsi Burghardt

Fact Books

The 2nd annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University Summer Fact Book provides a ready source of information to answer frequently asked questions about the University and its operations. The Summer Fact Book is compiled annually by the Office of lnstitutional Research to assist the university with strategic planning, academic program reviews, grant writing, accreditation, and institutional information to help guide decision-making. The report uses data collected from 2016 to 2025 and is designed to help faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders better understand the student body and university trends.