Digital Commons Network^™

Towards Accountability: A Primer On The Space Debris Problem And An Overview Of The Legal Issues Surrounding It, William Schonberg

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Since 1957, the near-Earth population of trackable space objects has grown in number to over 36,000. Of these 36,000+ trackable objects now in low Earth orbit, just a few thousand are working spacecraft. The rest are Earth-orbiting objects which are no longer operational and are considered to be space junk. Because this junk can no longer receive maneuvering commands from its Earth-based owners, the survivability of other spacecraft traveling through or operating in Earth orbit can be jeopardized by the impacts of any number of pieces of this space junk, whose origins can usually be traced back to defunct satellites. …

The Greenbook, Faculty Handbook, 2025-2026, Marshall University Academic Affairs

The Greenbook

This book has been published for the faculty of Marshall University for the specified period of time. This book was created by Academic Affairs and is for the period of 2025-2026.

Building Bilingual Education Programs In Japan: Insights From Administrators In Private And International Schools, Megan C. Roe

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of school administrators who lead bilingual programs in private and international schools in Japan. Through in-depth interviews with 11 administrators, the study examined how leaders navigate program design, curriculum choice, and program oversight in response to their community’s needs and stakeholder expectations. This research aimed to contribute to the limited literature on bilingual education within Japan’s unique cultural and educational context. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed using a phenomenological approach to identify four emerging themes: Designing Responsive Bilingual Programs, Instructional Approaches that Support Bilingual Learners, Aligning Expectations and Operational Realities, …

Baa Nihiłdah)Zh) - Chronicles Of Diné College Graduates In Pursuit Of Educational Attainment, Kerenthia J. Swan

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

This study investigated the educational, cultural, familial, and tribal factors that influenced the academic success of four Diné (Navajo) students who earned a college degree from the University of New Mexico. Utilizing the Diné Educational Philosophy Paradigm and Indigenous methodology grounded in Diné values and cultural perspectives, this study centered the voices and lived experiences of Diné graduates to gain insight into the supports and obstacles encountered throughout their higher educational journey. The findings highlight the crucial role of family encouragement, traditional teachings, cultural values centered on collective responsibility, and the availability of culturally supportive academic resources. A recurring theme …

Service Encounter Behavior (Seb) In Higher Education: The ‘Moment Of Truth’ From A Dyadic Perspective In Programme Administration, Lai Hong Ng, Lai Ling Ng

Journal of Global Education and Research

The global increase in demand for higher education has intensified competition and led to the marketisation of higher education. It is pertinent to manage service quality because students rely on the service encounter behavior (SEB) of employees when judging service encounters. This research gains insights into the SEB of student-employee in programme administration, which are influenced by situational definitions and situational roles (role expectations and role response), from a dyadic perspective. The critical incident technique is employed to elicit employees’ experiences in service encounters. The outcome of this research offers an SEB guide, identifying situational roles in a range of …

Contemporary Anaylsis Of Black Male Experience Through Photovoice: A Second-Year Exploration, Ashley Dillahunt Dantzler

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the second-year experiences of successful Black males at predominantly White institutions (PWIs), focusing on the University of South Carolina. While the second-year experience has gained attention in higher education research, specific insights into the challenges and successes faced by African American male students remain limited. This study highlights the critical issues surrounding sophomore retention, emphasizing that while universities often concentrate on first and final-year experiences, the second year is pivotal for academic success and continuation. Through qualitative methods, the research captures the narratives of ten participants, revealing common themes related to belonging, cultural understanding, and the impact …

Enhancing Educational Outcomes For English Learners: The Role Of Culturally Responsive Teaching And Professional Development In Texas, Elisa Garcia, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

The increasing population of English learners (ELs) in Texas public schools requires a focused approach to their education. This article explores the challenges faced by ELs, including the risk of misplacement in educational programs and the need for culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices. Drawing on recent research, the article highlights the importance of professional development (PD) tailored to the unique needs of ELs. Effective PD programs should prioritize cultural and linguistic awareness, collaborative learning opportunities, and strategies for differentiated instruction. The article also discusses the significance of engaging parents and the community in supporting ELs. By implementing these recommendations, …

Everything Is Bigger In Texas: English Learners And The Difficulty Within Assessment, Identification, And Program Development, Gloria A. Avila, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

This report explores the critical components of effective program placement for English learners, emphasizing the need for accurate assessment and identification processes to ensure appropriate placement. It highlights the rapid growth of the EL population, particularly in the state of Texas, and underscores the importance of developing tailored educational programs that meet the unique needs of English learners. By examining current practices and identifying key areas for improvement, this paper aims to enhance the academic and linguistic outcomes for English learners, ultimately fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Why The “Whole Language Approach” To Reading Fails Ell Students & Instructional Strategies To Employ Instead, Caitlyn E. Petrus

Journal of English Learner Education

The research presented in this article demonstrates a qualitative view of the science of reading for phonemic awareness instruction, phonics instruction, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension strategies for English Language Learners (ELLs) in PK-12 schools. The research builds upon esteemed writers Dr. Sharon Vaughn and Dr. Sylvia Linan-Thompson’s work in their book Research-Based Methods of Reading Instruction for Learners, Grades K-4 and other reading experts such as Dr. Wiley Blevins and Dr. Lisa Moats to apply to the growing population for ELLs in PK-12 schools and how to shift from a “whole language classroom” to a classroom built on the …

Aligning Models Of Competency-Based Education With Skills For The Future, Teresa M. Ober, Lei Liu, David Nitkin, Ou Lydia Liu

Chinese/English Journal of Educational Measurement and Evaluation | 教育测量与评估双语期刊

Essential competencies such as collaboration and critical thinking, integral to long-term success, have been notably absent from traditional curricula, as the current instructional materials largely focus on disciplinary domains. Previous research, as highlighted by Liu, Kell, Ling et al. (2023), established a compelling link between these competencies and success across educational, occupational, civic, and health and wellbeing outcomes. The Skills for the Future, a joint initiative by ETS and Carnegie Foundation, presents a comprehensive approach to transform skills identification, demonstration, and verification. The initiative aims to create an ecosystem for skills consisting of a skills framework, assessment, extraction, and insight, …

Wmu Board Of Trustees Formal Session Thursday June 26, 2025, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Acceptance of the Agenda
Approval of the Minutes (April 17, 2025 and April 23, 2025)
Remarks by the Chair of the Board
Remarks by the President
Updates by the Faculty Senate President
Updates by the Western Student Association President
Updates by the Graduate Student Association President
Western Michigan University Employee Graduates
Montgomery Essential Needs Program Presentation
Public Comments Regarding Action Items

Action Items

• Academic Tenure and Promotion
• Student Housing and Meal Rates 2025/26
• Fall 2025 Differential Tuition Rates
• Fall 2025 Tuition and Required Fee Rates
• General Fund Fiscal Year 2025/26 Operating Budget
• President Emeritus Status for Edward Montgomery

Consent Items …

Learning Analytics: An Innovative Technological Tool To Help Increase Student Retention And Graduation Rates In Us Higher Education Institutions, Fednold Thelisdort

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have embarked on a journey of innovation by adopting learning analytics (LA) in their operation, offering a more sustainable and innovative technological tool to increase student retention and graduation rates in US HEIs. LA, an emerging academic and technological tool, equips HEIs to gather, analyze, and interpret their students’ data. Since the publication of the first (conceptual) framework by Burke (2019), LA has matured into a research focus and practice, implemented in several institutional contexts at different scales and disciplinary/pedagogical contexts. This study explored the impact of the use of LA on student retention and graduation …

“You Learn To Control What You Can Control”: A Mixed-Methods Examination Of Burnout In Rural Pk–12 Administrators Using The Pillar-Integration Process, Brooke Hildebrand Clubbs, Eu Gene Chin, Rollin D. Nordgren

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Teacher burnout is a growing concern among educators and the communities they serve, due to a nationwide shortage of teachers. Burnout of principals and other school administrators, however, is relatively unexamined. This mixed-methods study of pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade (PK-12) administrators in rural Midwestern school districts found that contributors to burnout included safety concerns and student behavior, lack of resources and support, and mandatory assessments of student learning. Factors that mitigated burnout included choosing to protect personal energy, getting support from colleagues and administrators, and making a difference in students’ lives. Forty-three administrators completed a survey adapted from the Maslach …

The Squandering Of Critical Thinking In Our Schools And What We Can Do About It, Nick Pocius

Essays in Education

In the face of increasing disinformation, reduced student engagement, and rigid educational structures, this article critiques the current U.S. public school system’s failure to cultivate critical thinking in students. Drawing from over two decades of classroom experience, the author argues that the systemic emphasis on standardized testing, prescribed curricula, and diminished access to arts and physical education have contributed to a decline in curiosity and creative inquiry. Furthermore, the omnipresence of smartphones and social media has robbed students of the boredom that often sparks critical thought. The article proposes several pragmatic solutions, including banning phones during school hours, reintroducing recess …

Caught In Citizenship Limbo: Lessons From The 2025 International Student Visa Crisis In The U.S, Jinke He

Critical Internationalization Studies Review

No abstract provided.

2025-06-20 Agenda Book, Morehead State University. Board Of Regents.

Morehead State Board of Regents Agenda Books and Meeting Minutes

Agenda booklet for the Board of Regents meeting of June 20, 2025, which includes the minutes of the meeting held on March 28, 2025.

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

Staff Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

Sustainability Of Private Historically Black Colleges Or Universities, Herbert A. Stewart

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, private Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been declining in enrollment, revenues, and profitability, and many have closed permanently. The problem, which is important to HBCU leaders, is the lack effective strategies for sustainability. Grounded in the transformational leadership theory as the conceptual framework, the purpose of this pragmatic inquiry research project was to explore the successful strategies some successful HBCU leaders have used to increase enrollment and maintain profitability for sustainability. Data were collected through personal interviews and publicly available documents or documents provided by participants. Yin’s 5-step process was used for data analysis, which …

2025 June 16 - Academic Council Agenda And Minutes, Academic Council, East Tennessee State University

Academic Council Agenda and Minutes

No abstract provided.

A Toolkit For Improving School Climate: Lessons Learned From Action Research In A Network Of 16 Charter Schools, Grant E. Erwin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Educators today face daunting challenges, especially in addressing persistent gaps in outcomes for historically underserved students from low-income and minority backgrounds. Practitioners often cite school climate as a key barrier to student success—an assertion supported by research linking school climate to students’ academic and personal outcomes. This study sought to improve school climate across 16 urban middle and high schools within one charter network. Using a mixed methods Collaborative Action Research (CAR) design over multiple years, the study triangulated academic research, external resources, and on-the-ground lessons to provide practical guidance for other educators. Data were collected from multiple stakeholders and …

Elevating After-School: Addressing After-School Program Quality Through Improvement Design, Kate Marie Vincent

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how Pathfinders After School, a national after-school provider can improve program quality amid rapid expansion. As enrollment has grown, program quality has declined, evidenced by decreasing net promoter scores (NPS), rising student behavior incidents, and terminated district partnerships. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (1979), this mixed-methods study uses improvement science methodology to test systemic interventions that empower key user groups and enhance program effectiveness. An improvement team, composed of crossfunctional organizational members, conducted root-cause analysis to identify primary drivers of after-school program quality. Core focus areas included staff training, student engagement, feedback mechanisms, and implementation fidelity. …

Marketing Management Of Cemetery-Based Religious Sites To Improve The Economic Level Of Society, Dian Mohammad Hakim, Imam Wahyudi Karimullah, Winarto Winarto, Maskuri Maskuri

International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

This study discussed the potential of cemetery-based religious tourism as an economic development strategy, with the Sunan Ampel Cemetery in Surabaya, Indonesia, as a case in point. By analysing its marketing management strategies, the study demonstrates that successful tourism development requires more than just pulling in tourists; it requires an integrated approach that includes infrastructure and technology development, stakeholder collaboration, and local community involvement. With close to two million visitors each year, Sunan Ampel is an excellent example of the huge economic gains from successful religious tourism efforts. This paper emphasises the need to convert historical religious sites from passive …

Contributions Of California Teacher Librarians To Student Achievement, Keith Curry Lance, Caitlin Gerrity

Learning Hub

This article assesses the contributions of California Teacher Librarians (TLs) to student achievement, specifically in the area of English Language Arts and Literacy. This comparison-of-means analysis employed two major datasets: the California Department of Education (CDE) school library evaluation survey and California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data, both for the 2022-23 school year. This study found that students who met or exceeded ELA standards were more likely to be in schools with: a full-time, certified TL rather than a part-time TL or no TL; a TL–full- or part-time–rather than no TL; a TL staffing a single library …

Report On 2024-2025 Compliance With Continuous Quality Improvement Legislation, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

A report provided to the Iowa Board of Regents regarding continuous improvement processes in courses at the University of Northern Iowa.

Holistic Student Discipline: How A Proactive Empathetic Approach To Discipline Combined With Restorative Practices Can Change The Discipline Landscape, Melissa A. Dunworth

Education Dissertations

Student discipline in the United States consists of a myriad of methods, including suspension, corporal punishment, isolation, seclusion, and restraint. Since the onset of COVID-19, students and staff have experienced an increase in trauma which has impacted the social-emotional skills of students and teacher burnout. Post-COVID student discipline requires a different approach to discipline combined with restorative practices, which can alter the discipline landscape. This qualitative case study investigates the impact of proactive empathetic discipline and Restorative Practices on student discipline, executive functioning, and school culture.

Grounded in Social Learning Theory, Self-Regulation Theory, and Respect for Children, this study examines …

Se Quema: Burnout In Undergraduate Latiné Students, Shirley Victoria Celi-Landeo

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past five years, Latiné students have contributed most of the nation’s increase in college degrees earned. But even with more people enrolling in college, undergraduate retention remains a concern, raising critical questions about equity in higher education (The Pell Institute, 2023). This thesis examines burnout among Latiné undergraduates, who face financial strain, familial responsibilities, and lack of representation in resources, contributing to their underrepresentation in graduation rates. The study emphasizes the need to understand and address these stressors to support the success of Latiné students, who are under-represented in graduation rates compared to their counterparts (Excelencia in Education, …

Global Voices Of Research Fellows: Evaluating Learning Gains From International Research Presentations, Jennifer Butcher, Berenice Casas, Sandra Cleveland, Stacie Shelby

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

The underlying assumption of all study abroad programs is that they provide extraordinary benefits to students who participate in them with benefits that far exceed a course of study that is strictly domestically based. The concept of learning gains, briefly summarized as the improvement in knowledge, skills, work-readiness and personal development made by students during their time spent in higher education, has been hailed by some as an opportunity to measure “excellence” in teaching. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning gains acquired by research fellows through the process of developing and presenting projects internationally. The following …

Online Learning And Private Christian Hispanic Serving Institutions: A Narrative Review Of The Literature, Daniela A. Hernandez, Brandi R. Munoz, Stephanie Ferrell

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

This narrative literature review explores the intersection of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), online education, and the role of private Christian universities in addressing educational disparities for Hispanic students. It synthesizes existing research on the challenges Hispanic students face in higher education, including financial barriers, limited digital access, underutilization of student support services, and institutional identity issues. Drawing on social capital theory and student engagement theory, this review highlights how HSIs, particularly private Christian institutions, can develop culturally responsive initiatives and leverage federal Title V funding to support Hispanic learners. The paper also examines emerging efforts such as the “Seal of …

Research Integrity In The Era Of Generative Artificial Intelligence, Andrea Wilson, Cheryl Burleigh

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Protecting research integrity is crucial for maintaining trust in the scholarly record. Historically, threats to research integrity stemmed from deliberate human actions, such as data manipulation and misrepresentation. Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is increasingly prevalent in higher education and is capable of generating research data and scholarly papers almost instantly. The immediate production of research data challenges traditional standards of academic rigor and integrity. The purpose of this study was to explore the role and impact of GAI on research integrity and the scholarly record, emphasizing the need for robust safeguards. For this study, we submitted Likert-type survey questions to …

Examining The Relationship Between Perceptions Of Service Quality, Student Satisfaction, And Intention To Persist At Different Higher Education Institutions, Denise Hardesty, Aaron W. Hughey

Counseling & Student Affairs Faculty Publications

Using a correlational research design, this quantitative, descriptive study was conducted at a two-year community college and a four-year public university. A modified version of the Perceived Service Quality (PSQ) instrument was used to survey full-time, undergraduate students at each institution to examine perceptinos of service quality and whether those perceptions impact a student's decision to return the next semester. Students at both institutions in the study reported a high level of satisfaction in all three primary dimensions of service quality; no significant differences were found to exist in the way in which service quality is perceived by students based …