Digital Commons Network^™

Restoring School Librarians: Challenges And Strategies, Debrah E. Kachel

Learning Hub

The article examines efforts to restore school librarian positions across eleven urban U.S. school districts, despite significant financial and administrative obstacles. It documents strategies used by district library leaders to advocate for staffing, funding, and policy changes, emphasizing equity in access to certified school librarians. Through structured interviews and analysis, the report highlights key barriers, advocacy methods, and funding mechanisms that have influenced school library staffing. The study's findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational equity and policy reform in K-12 library services.

20250204: University Communications, 1940-2012, University Communications

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the office of University Communications at Marshall University from 1940-2012. Items were received before 2022 and include notable materials including a Marshall University Cookbook (2005), some Parthenon issues, a copy of the book "A Coach in Progress: Marshall Football: A Story of Survival and Revival" , some letters and news clippings, some Marshall University Greenline Newsletters, and a 1940 copy of the student yearbook The Chief Justice. Please download the full list of contents.

Newsletter, Wku Staff Senate

Staff Council

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

Rural Principals’ Perceptions Of Program Quality Indicators For Students With An Intellectual Disability, Jodee A. Prudente, Maryann Demchak

The Rural Educator

The use of program quality indicators (QIs) for teaching students with an intellectual disability (ID) is essential in meeting student needs and accessing curriculum. Principals who oversee and evaluate teachers of students with ID play a critical role in the implementation of QIs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate rural school district principals’ perceptions of the importance, teacher implementation, and principal ability to provide feedback on QIs for students with ID. Results indicate differences between principal perception of importance of indicators and reported confidence in ability to provide feedback on indicators. More specialized QIs received lower ratings of perception …

The Dissertation Research Proposal Process: A Systematic Approach, Dianala M. Bernard

Journal of Research Initiatives

A dissertation research proposal is more than just a document that represents the foundation of a doctoral candidate's research journey. It is essential to communicate the study's intent to be undertaken and to gain approval from an academic committee. The present analysis provides a systematic approach to writing a dissertation proposal, offering insights and strategies that align with contemporary research practices. From framing the research with an introduction and formulating research questions to outlining the methodology, this guide highlights the key components contributing to a successful proposal. Emphasizing clarity, originality, and scholarly rigor, this guide also draws from current academic …

Teacher Retention And The Future Of Learning: Alarming Concerns About Preparing The Next Generation Of Citizens, Dejuanna M. Parker, Barbara D. Holmes

Journal of Research Initiatives

Research is robust in detailing the various reasons teachers leave the profession. There is scant literature on why teachers stay and what should be done to improve teacher retention. Teacher retention is a primary concern nationally and internationally. The inability to retain teachers has resulted in a teacher shortage and significantly affects student learning. Sorenson and Ladd (2020) This study yielded three emergent themes related to integral factors of teacher retention: changing attitudes on administrative support, workplace collegiality, and persistence of passion and purpose. Recommendations offered include encouraging administrators to leverage the passion and commitment of the educators to create …

Factors Influencing Jordanian College Understudies' Impressions Of Learning Through Emergency Distance Learning (Edl), Abdelnaser Sanad Alakayleh

Journal of Research Initiatives

In this study, which used a quantitative and correlational approach, the variables influencing Jordanian university students' perceptions of their education under emergency remote learning scenarios were investigated. An online survey was administered to a sample of 765 male and female education stage students. Jordan offers higher education for both genders and at different levels in different regions. Many criteria connected to perceived learning were taken into consideration when administering the study questionnaire. It was discovered that the economics students had a more positive perception of learning than the education and science students, followed by deep learning, avoiding superficial learning factors, …

Behind The Leaders: An Assessment Of Principal Supervisor Practices, Carla Roberts Austin, Kristie Roberts-Lewis

The Guardianship Journal

This research study explored the effects of district size and region on the roles of principal supervisors. Key factors examined include district region, span of control, and allocation of time for support and development by principal supervisors. The researcher compared principals’ perceptions of support they receive from their principal supervisor across different school district sizes and district types (regions) in Georgia, framed within the sociocultural learning theory. Participants selected currently serve as principals in Georgia’s rural, urban, and suburban school districts. A total of seventy-five principals agreed to participate in this study. Data were collected through a survey instrument. Descriptive …

Faculty Senate Minutes, Georgia Southern University, Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Human-Centered Leadership: Cultivating Purpose, Empathy, And Collective Growth, Becky Evers-Gerdes, Bryan Matera

Essays in Education

Human-Centered Leadership is a transformative approach to leadership that emphasizes purpose, empathy, and collective growth, redefining success by prioritizing individual well-being and organizational inclusivity.

At the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), leaders spearheaded the MAPE Local 1002 Community of Practice to integrate these principles, fostering leadership practices that align personal values with organizational goals. Facilitated by a local assistant superintendent and outside consultant, the initiative utilized action research and a Lunch and Learn framework to empower participants to reflect, listen, co-design solutions, and embrace iterative leadership cycles.

Key themes emerged, such as balancing empathy with accountability, promoting inclusivity, and addressing …

2025 January 27 - Faculty Senate Agenda And Minutes, Faculty Senate, East Tennessee State University

Faculty Senate Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

Critical Components Of Successful Cross-Race Mentoring Relationships: Perspectives Of Mentees And Mentors, Sylvia L. Mendez, Jennifer A. Tygret, Anneke Bruwer, Comas Haynes

The Qualitative Report

This intrinsic case study (Stake, 1995) explores the critical components of successful cross-race mentoring relationships from the mentees and mentors involved in the Increasing Minority Presence within Academia through Continuous Training (IMPACT) mentoring program. Stakeholders across academia need to better understand what facilitates successful cross-race mentoring, due to the underrepresentation of senior and emeriti faculty of color in engineering. Interviews with 16 Black engineering faculty mentees and 14 primarily White emeriti mentors were analyzed inductively and resulted in three interconnected themes: (a) self-awareness and empathy create trusting, honest conversations; (b) mentee career advancement must be core to the relationship; and …

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

Staff Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

Law Enforcement In Kentucky Schools - Student Interactions And Current Practices, Lee Ann Morrison

Online Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study investigates the role of school resource officers (SROs) in Kentucky and describes their interactions with students. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how SROs interact with students and the implications of those interactions. The quantitative phase of the research involved a secondary analysis of student behavior violation data and the reported outcomes for students. Data indicated that student interaction with SROs did not lead to a significant student arrest rate. In the qualitative phase of the study, a focus group was conducted with school resource officers to explore their daily interactions with students. Qualitative …

2025 January 13 - Staff Senate Agenda And Minutes, Staff Senate, East Tennessee State University

Staff Senate Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

20250109: Mu Facilities Master Plan And Sesquicentennial Coins, 2013-2022, University Communications

Guides to University Archives

These items include materials from the office of University Communications at Marshall University from 2013-2022. Items were received in 2024 and include notable materials about the MU Facilities Master Plans (from 2013 AND from 2022) and 3 silver Marshall Coins.

An Exploration Of Collaboration Between School Psychologists And School Administrators, Marian C. Fish, Nathalis Wamba, Tom Matuza, Julie Cooperstone

Publications and Research

Prior research has highlighted strong benefits from having a collaborative environment within schools. However, there has been limited research regarding factors that can promote a collaborative relationship between two key professionals within the school environment: school administrators and school psychologists. The first purpose of this study was to examine the nature of collaboration between school psychologists and school administrators. The second purpose was to explore ways to facilitate and improve this interprofessional collaboration within the school to promote safe, equitable, and supportive school climates and positive student outcomes. Using a qualitative methodology, we collected and analyzed data from three focus …

Where The Black Women At? Exploring The Narratives & Experiences Of Black Women In Higher Education Leadership, Jasmine P. Jean

All ETDs from UAB

WHERE THE BLACK WOMEN AT? EXPLORING THE NARRATIVES & EXPERIENCES OF BLACK WOMEN IN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP JASMINE P. PARKER JEAN HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION ABSTRACT This thesis explores the experiences of Black Women in mid- and senior-level leadership roles in higher education, with a focus on the unique challenges they face due to the intersection of race and gender. Black Women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership positions across the academic landscape, despite earning higher education degrees at high rates. The study seeks to amplify the voices of Black Women leaders, providing insight into the barriers they encounter, the strategies they …

Navigating The Academic Terrain: Examining The Challenges And Success Factors Of Student Veterans In Higher Education Institutions, Katherine Reyes, Corey Idleburg

Education Division Scholarship

This study investigates the academic experiences of student veterans, addressing specific challenges they face in higher education. Using Schlossberg’s adult transition theory, it explores the effects of invisible barriers, enrollment trends, and institutional factors on veteran student success, leveraging the VA’s GI Bill Comparison tool to examine public versus private school support. Findings underscore the need for targeted resources, faculty training, and institutional awareness to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that enhances veteran students' academic success and sense of belonging.

Redefining Success: Insights From Lebanese Women Leaders In Higher Education, Lina H. Safa

Education Division Scholarship

This presentation explores how Lebanese women leaders in higher education define and measure success, emphasizing their innovative approaches and transformative impact. By examining personal narratives through a phenomenological lens, the study reveals how these leaders navigate cultural challenges, offering insights into leadership dynamics in a patriarchal society and contributing to global discussions on gender equity and academic leadership.

The Impact Of A Label: The Relationship Between Perception Of Care And Outlook Of Future Aspirations As Influences Of Identity For Students Who Receive Special Education Services, Tamara Dobbins

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between students who receive special education services and students who do not, their perception of care from adults and peers, and their future outlook. Students want to feel care from adults and peers. Positive relationships lead to increased confidence and a stronger sense of self. The culmination of interactions with others forms an individual’s identity. A healthy identity and strong sense of self lead to a positive outlook for the future. This study analyzed the perception of care from adults and peers and the future outlook between middle school students who do and do not …

Why I Stay: A Qualitative Appreciative Inquiry Study Exploring Teacher Longevity In An Urban Educational Settings, Rachel Renee Jorgensen

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teacher shortages have become a critical issue across various educational settings, with urban schools experiencing disproportionate levels of teacher attrition (Lamboy, 2023; Wiggan et al., 2021). This study investigated the philosophical and pedagogical perspectives of teachers who demonstrated longevity in urban educational settings. The research focused on the following question: how do teachers who sustain long-term careers in urban schools approach their work? Sub-questions explored the relationship between teacher beliefs, preparation, and perspectives in fostering job satisfaction and career commitment in these settings. The study employed a qualitative approach that included semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to explore the lived …

Uncovering Potential: How Kentucky Districts Identify And Support Hispanic Students In Gifted And Talented Programs, Melanie Gilzene

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This qualitative study investigates the strategies and processes utilized by six school districts in Kentucky to identify Hispanic English Language Learner (ELL) students for gifted and talented services. Using interviews with gifted and talented coordinators, the research explores how certain Kentucky districts address challenges in traditional identification methods, such as language and cultural biases, through specific tools and practices. Key themes include the limitations of standardized assessments, the significance of professional learning and cultural competency training for educators, and the implementation of inclusive and equitable referral processes. The findings underscore the importance of culturally responsive assessments, local norms, and alternative …

Newsletter, Wku Staff Senate

Staff Council

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

The Impact Of Administrator-Led Walkthroughs On Teacher Self-Efficacy, Kerri Templeton

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This qualitative phenomenological study explored how administrator-led instructional walkthroughs influence teacher self-efficacy in one public school district located in West Virginia. Guided by Bandura’s (1977) framework of self-efficacy, the research examined the lived experiences of teachers and administrators who participated in regularly scheduled walkthroughs as part of a district-wide instructional leadership initiative. Data were collected through open-ended surveys with PK–12 teachers and administrators and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes related to the perceived impact of the walkthrough process.

Findings revealed that when walkthroughs were conducted with clear purpose, relational trust, and consistent, meaningful feedback, they …

Ua51 Topscholar, Wku Archives

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created about the TopSCHOLAR institutional repository.

Student Affairs Professionals' Perspectives As First-Generation College Students, Tiffany Lynn Hartman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The qualitative study aimed to investigate the perceptions of student affairs professionals (SAPs) who identify as first-generation college students (FGCSs). SAPs are essential in supporting institutional missions, yet the field faces high attrition rates, particularly among earlycareer professionals. By examining these SAPs' perceptions regarding their professional experiences, along with the support received and influences on their career paths, we may better understand the barriers to workplace inclusion and career readiness. Although much research explores the factors driving attrition among SAPs, limited attention is paid to the SAPs whose identities as FGCS impact their professional experiences and influence their decisions to …

Ua68/6 Newsletter, Wku Gender & Women's Studies

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about the WKU Gender & Women's Studies program.

Special Education Student Success Factors For The Online K-12 Learning Setting, Cassie Castro

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the dynamics of teacher-student communication and its impact on the academic success of students receiving special education services in grades 6–12 within an online school setting. With the growing adoption of online education, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding how communication frequency, types of communication, and the mode of interaction (e.g. synchronous versus asynchronous) affect student outcomes is important. Grounded in the CoI Framework, this quantitative analysis examines the relationship between teacher-student communication and course passing rates for students receiving special education services. The analysis addresses three key questions: how the frequency, type, and mode of communication …

Barriers To Success In Higher Education For Second-Generation Caribbean American Men, Leonard S. Breton

Theses and Dissertations

While the United States may be progressing, second-generation Caribbean American men, those with at least one foreign-born parent (US Census Bureau, 2016), are a population that, despite literature addressing benefits and detriments of their cultural experiences, still warrants continued examination through empirical testing (Lyttle et al., 2011). These students have a range of factors that make them nontraditional students. Challenges such as racism, sexual and ethnic identity, and generational status in this country can be compounded when cultural perspectives of immigrant families are factored in. Caribbean American men are guided by learned behaviors and cultural traditions that influence training and …