Digital Commons Network^™

Leading Through Language: Understanding How Presidential Leaders At Faith-Based Institutions Issue Sensegiving Statements Within A Social Justice Context, Benjamin Gibbs

Journal of Research on the College President

The landscape of leadership in higher education is becoming increasingly complex (Gagliardi et al., 2017; Jaschik & Lederman, 2016; Wesley et al., 2021). Significant instances of racial violence and geopolitical unrest have instigated conversations and ongoing movements towards greater social justice in American society and on university campuses. With these movements, higher education leaders at faith-based institutions have been called on to communicate and lead within a social justice context, through the act of sensegiving. This qualitative study investigated the perspectives and roles of presidential leaders who have provided communication regarding social justice topics. The purpose of the study was …

Examining Special Education Programming Through The Lens Of Upper Elementary And High School General Education Teachers In Select Black Rural Schools In Mississippi - Do They Feel Prepared To Serve?, Natasha Michelle Porter

Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the perceptions of upper elementary and high school general education teachers towards special education programming and whether they felt prepared to meet the needs of students with Individualized Education Plans. The literature review provided a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on the topic researched, offering an in-depth exploration of key themes, trends, and findings in the relevant academic literature. It critically examined assorted studies, theories, and methodologies researchers employ, identifying gaps and areas of consensus. The purpose of this study was to build from the foundation set by existing bodies of related literature, to gain formal …

Evaluating The Perceived Benefits Of Education In Revenue Cycle Management And The Impact On Medical Claims Reimbursement, Jessica L. Miller

Student Dissertations

Efficient Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) is essential for healthcare organizations to ensure timely and accurate reimbursement for medical claims. The research problem was the significant inadequacies in RCM process in medical billing that has resulted in financial burdens imposed on providers, patients, and the organizations that provide medical services. There are clearly identified educational gaps in RCM that contribute to claim denials, delays, and revenue loss, underscoring the need for robust training programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived impact of education in RCM on medical claim reimbursement outcomes within the U.S. healthcare system. The study …

Embracing Communal Discernment For Synodal Leadership In Jesuit Higher Education, Deogratias Fikiri Sj

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

This paper proposes a transformative shift in Jesuit higher education leadership by advocating for synodal leadership, a model grounded in Ignatian spirituality and Catholic tradition. In response to the limitations of traditional shared and collegial governance models, which often perpetuate elitism and hinder broad-based participation, this paper highlights the need for a more inclusive and adaptive leadership approach. Synodal leadership, revitalized by Pope Francis, emphasizes active participation, communal discernment, and mutual respect, diverging from hierarchical norms. It fosters a “walking together” ethos, allowing every member’s voice to contribute to a collective vision. By integrating synodal principles with Jesuit values, this …

Career And Technical Educator Transitions From Industry To Secondary Classrooms: A Narrative Study In Rural Schools, Samantha Satterfield

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Effective educators are essential to the success of career and technical education (CTE) programs, yet many schools encounter challenges in hiring and retaining qualified individuals (Peisach, 2023). CTE programs and educators provide workforce opportunities for students and rural communities. Access to evidence-based practices to support occupationally licensed teachers during the transition from industry to full-time teaching is paramount to effective professional development. Administrators play a pivotal role in supplying the guidance necessary for CTE teachers to transition successfully into the classroom. According to Bouwans et al., (2019) the inconsistency in district implementation and support has been attributed to the decline …

Exploring The Impact Of Leaders’ Emotional Intelligence On Employee Retention And Job Satisfaction: An Employee-Centric Perspective, Stacia Mccambridge

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Employee retention and job satisfaction are crucial for the success of higher education institutions, as turnover incurs high costs and disrupts operations. This qualitative phenomenological study explored how leaders’ emotional intelligence, as defined by self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management emotional intelligence, impacts employee satisfaction and retention in university settings in Southern California. The theoretical framework used for this study was the emotional intelligence theoretical framework of Goleman et al. (2002), which includes self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management competencies to conduct surveys and interviews. The two research questions that guided this study of how employees described, based …

Generational Differences And Teacher Burnout In The Post-Pandemic Era, Michelin Springer

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the intricate relationship between generational cohorts and the efficacy of technology integration in the context of teacher burnout, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As educators transitioned from virtual online instruction back to blended or traditional face-to-face learning environments, this study explored teachers’ sense of technological efficacy in adopting and integrating various technological strategies and its relationship with their experiences of burnout during these shifts. Additionally, this study examined how different generational groups may experience teacher burnout and report their efficacy in technology integration in the post-pandemic context. Surveys which …

An Organizational Approach For Teaching, Coaching And Empowering Displaced People, Tiffani J. Holloway

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This document will describe the issue of homelessness, the needs of the homeless/ displaced people, and how those needs can be addressed by creating a program. The purpose of the Transformational Home Empowerment Services for Everyone (THESE) program is to provide valuable resources to displaced individuals living within a shelter or transitional housing. The leader of this program used transformational and servant leadership skills, which will be described in the text. This program's vision, objectives, outputs, and outcomes will be listed. Details about the collaborating organization, Alice’s Home of Hope shelter, and information about the organization’s leadership and program participants …

Understanding The Barriers Of General Education Teachers Implementing Inclusive Practices, Sonya Garrette Woodfork

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The inclusion of students with disabilities has become more prevalent in general education classrooms advocating for children to be educated in the least restrictive environment. This participatory action research aimed to investigate the effects of general education teachers’ lack of sufficient preservice training and attitudes on learning outcomes for children with special needs placed in inclusive learning environments. The participatory action research took place on one elementary and one early childhood campus. Data collection methods took place via triangulation using data from interviews, journals, and surveys. There are many barriers to successfully implementing inclusion in general education classrooms. This study …

Superintendents’ Perceptions Of Strategies For Implementing Social Justice Leadership For Diverse Student Populations, Stefani Mcdade Morrow

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore superintendents’ perceptions of implementing social justice leadership strategies within their K-12 school systems. The study sought to identify how superintendents leveraged the components of social justice leadership in the pursuit of equity for diverse student populations. The researcher conducted the study using interpretive phenomenological analysis methodology to examine the lived experiences of eight Texas superintendents with experience leading equity-focused agendas in their respective districts. The study’s participants included superintendents with experience ranging from 18 months to 16 years, representing districts from small rural areas to major suburban regions. Each participant engaged …

Institutional Pressures On School Leadership And Innovation After Pandemic-Related School Closures: A Phenomenological Study, Gary Eugene Skeen

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic was a phenomenon that caused immediate change to global institutions, including education. As schools created new systems during the pandemic, as restrictions began to be eased, many divisions felt pressure to continue virtual options after schools fully reopened to students. This pressure influenced the decisions made by school leaders, with internal and external pressures dictating how leaders navigated the decisions made regarding virtual learning after pandemic-related school closures. In the presence of the widespread phenomenon of the pandemic, school leaders faced pressures to reimagine learning through innovation or revert to institutional structures normalized prior to pandemic closures. …

Revealing The Key Ingredient: Understanding How Teachers In Challenging School Environments Navigate School Culture To Enhance Learner Retention, Babalwa Kafu-Quvane Dr

Journal of Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership in Education

This paper explores teachers’ professional practices to gain a thorough grasp and a deep understanding of what it takes to retain learners in an environment where most schools fail to do so. I approach the study using a qualitative multiple case study design and position it within the interpretive paradigm. I purposively selected 50 post-level one teachers from five schools. Cavanagh and Dellar’s theory on culture of school improvement, which emphasizes the transformation of schools into learning communities through social interaction, interpersonal relationships, and support among various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and learners, was used as theoretical lens for this …

Identifying School-Wide Inequities: Action Research Conducted Using An Equity Audit To Inform Annual School Planning For A Pre-K–8 School, Janine Casella

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study aims to identify and address equity gaps within a PK-8 New Jersey school by leading a professional learning community (PLC). The study will use action research methods to conduct an educational equity audit, which will inform the annual school plan and create a leadership action plan to stimulate organizational change. Traditionally, teachers at the research site have used Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM) cycles, but this study will integrate Critical Data-Driven Decision Making (CDDDM) cycles, including an equity audit analyzed in PLCs. The audit will identify patterns of inequity and identify strategies to address them. The study …

Principals Leading Change Toward Anti-Racist, Equitable Schools, Carolyn Fitzpatrick

Doctorate in Education

In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic and the murder of George Floyd sparked a review of racial inequities in the United States of America. There was a push to advance anti-racism and a pull to revert to the status quo of following White norms. However, many school leaders could not ignore the racial disparities plaguing the education system. They strived to support necessary change toward anti-racist, equitable schools. To achieve such transformation, organizational change was required. This qualitative study intended to understand the leadership of six principals committed to anti-racist, equitable education while responding to resistance.

Principals’ interviews were analyzed critically …

Transformational Leadership Teams And Implementing Multi-Tiered Systems Of Support [Mtss] In The Context Of An Urban All-Male Catholic High School: Bridging The Gap To Academic Identity And Student Efficacy, Markeise R. Russell

Dissertations

This study explored the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) at Garfield High School, an urban all-male Catholic high school in Chicago. The study aimed to understand the perceptions and experiences of school leaders and stakeholders in facilitating MTSS implementation. Using Tony Wagner's 4C Framework of Context, Culture, Conditions, and Competencies, the researcher assessed the current state ("As-Is") of the MTSS and envisioned the desired future state ("To-Be"). A qualitative research design was employed, involving interviews, focus groups, and document analysis to gather in-depth insights from administrators, teachers, and support staff. The purpose of the study was to identify …

Executive Leader Perspectives Of Rural School District Organizational Resilience: A Qualitative Multiple-Case Study Inquiry, Todd S. Burke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative embedded multiple-case study was to explore and describe how rural executive school district leaders overcome significant organizational adversity (low-income student factors) and sustain high student achievement outcomes. Organizational resilience theory provided the basis for the qualitative embedded multiple-case study. The multiple-case study design explored the perspectives of rural school district executive leaders at three levels of qualitative meaning: a) individual-level executive leader perspectives, b) organization function-level (program and department) perspectives, and c) district-wide organizational perspectives. Three small Utah rural school districts with higher-than-average student achievement trends, all of which have student populations experiencing low-income factors, …

A Comparative Analysis Of Teacher Innovative Practices And Principal Leadership Strategies In Microsoft Showcase Schools Implementing The Microsoft School Transformation Framework For Up To Two Years And More Than Two Years, Ibrahim Soykan

Theses and Dissertations

As global challenges such as climate change, shifting job markets, and technological advances intensify, educational systems must adapt to equip students with essential 21st-century skills. While countries like Singapore, Ireland, Australia, and Finland have created flexible education systems to meet these demands, the United States faces a fragmented and decentralized system that struggles to keep up with global changes (Wehling, 2007). This study investigates how the Microsoft School Transformation Framework (MSTF) is addressing these issues within Microsoft Showcase Schools (MSS). The purpose of this research was to evaluate how principals and teachers perceive the implementation of the MSTF and to …

Can You Hear Me Now? An Improvement Science Study On Policy Change In Public Schools, William G. Rhoden Jr.

All Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to discover what the perceptions of music teachers, specifically high school band directors in upstate South Carolina (S.C.), on their ability to affect meaningful policy change in SC public schools and what roadblocks exist or remain in the way of affecting policy change. Using improvement science as the methodology, this study employed the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle to discover the effectiveness of this study, make recommendations for future research, and plan for future PDSA cycles. This study used interviews to collect initial data on the participants’ perceptions on their abilities to affect …

How Teachers Perceive Teacher Leadership In A Massachusetts Urban Turnaround High School: A Concurrent Mixed-Methods Case Study, Matthew Lawrence Mccarthy

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Turnaround schools represent a strategy for swiftly revitalizing underperforming educational institutions. This study examined how teachers perceived the role of teacher leadership within one urban turnaround high school. The study addressed the following research questions: 1. How do teachers within an urban turnaround high school conceptualize the role of teacher leadership? 2. In what ways does teacher leadership influence and contribute to the improvement of student performance in turnaround schools? This research was conducted through a concurrent mixed-methods case study that involved one urban turnaround high school. The findings offer valuable insights into teachers' perceptions of teacher leadership and its …

Elementary Principals’ Instructional Support To Teach Science, Alfred Lewis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Principals serve as the instructional leader of their schools and teaching staff, a critical role in leading science achievement. In a racially diverse K-8 public school district in New Jersey, elementary principals are challenged to provide instructional support to teachers who are struggling to teach science to elementary students performing below proficiency on the state’s standardized assessment for science. The research questions focused on principals’ perceived challenges to support elementary science teachers, as well as recommendations for improved training and resources to support teachers. A basic qualitative study consisted of semistructured interviews with 12 elementary principals and assistant principals. The …

Department Of Defense Project Management Team Leaders: Team Dynamics And Teamwork Strategies During Complex Construction Projects, Shane Frey

Dissertations

Purpose: This qualitative multi-case study explored the challenges, strategies, and recommendations that DOD project management team leaders experienced as they made complex decisions leading successful construction projects based on Parker’s (2008) model.

Methodology: A qualitative multi-case study research design described the challenges, strategies, and recommendations Department of Defense project management team leaders used as they made complex decisions leading successful construction projects.

Findings: Close examination of data collected from interviews and artifacts yielded 117 frequencies for DOD project management team leader's team characteristics, and six themes regarding the lived experiences, challenges, strategies, and recommendations. Five key findings and one unexpected …

Introduction: Leading Social Change From The Lived Experience Of Intersectionality, Margaret Grogan, Aubrey H. Wang

Education Faculty Books and Book Chapters

This introductory chapter explains why education leadership for social change is an urgent priority and how principals, superintendents and other leaders who identify as anti-racist, inclusive, and activist can conceptualize their work. To frame the examples of Critical Leadership Praxis (CLP), (Pak & Ravitch, 2021) that the seven practitioner-scholars write about, Grogan and Wang describe the current context of leadership expectations and review the development of leadership theories alternative to the mainstream discourse. They outline current theories of intersectionality, and consider how storytelling and counter stories can illuminate the value of lived experiences of multiple marginality. This introduction also describes …

Effective Leadership And Its Impact On The Educational Community, Betti Shahin, Susan Rowan, Toleen Mazloum, Nadia Kawar

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Background: In the contemporary era characterized by globalization and rapid technological advancement, education is a paramount force driving human progress, with academic performance as an essential metric for its efficacy. Researchers have diligently investigated various factors affecting academic performance, encompassing environmental and student-centered variables. Objective: This paper undertakes a distinctive exploration, directing attention to the nuanced impact of the principal's leadership on the overall performance of the educational community, including educators and students. Delving into factors beyond conventional metrics, such as the principal's leadership style, classroom size, teacher's salary, and faculty development and mentoring, the study unravels the complex dynamics …

Transforming School Leadership: An Examination Of The Impetus And Evolution Of An Internal District Principal Preparation Program, Whitney Szoke

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

School districts, faced with increasing shortages in the education profession, are leveraging internal district strategies to recruit and grow their educators. In addition to preparing and credentialing new educators, districts are turning inward to cultivate their leadership pipeline. This case study explores a post-credential inner-district principal preparation program in a large school district in the Mid-Atlantic region. Participants were central office leaders involved in creating and developing the program. This study's findings reveal insights into the creation and development of an inner-district principal preparation program and how initiatives are shaped and influenced during the development phase. Central office leaders were …

Embracing Change With Power And Love: Shifting Organizational Paradigms Leveraging Systems Thinking, Brandi R. Muñoz

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

This article delves into the complexities of organizational change, emphasizing the critical roles of power and love in facilitating successful transitions. It distinguishes between the generative and degenerative effects of power and love within organizational contexts and underscores the importance of balancing these elements to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable change. Furthermore, the principles of systems thinking are highlighted, advocating for a holistic approach to understanding and analyzing organizational systems. The interconnectedness of system components and the necessity of feedback loops for informed decision-making and strategic planning are examined. Additionally, the article discusses the detrimental impact of overconfidence bias on …

The Future Of Nursing Leadership: Incorporating E-Learned Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Pathways With A Precautionary Focus On Patient-Centered-Care, Jamie Anne Marcus Dr., Bonnette Villalba Webb

FDLA Journal

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a data-driven mathematical process that incorporates machine-based-logic, usually in the form of algorithms. Education, training, and competencies are now conducted through virtual reality, robotics, simulation, and technology learning-based-platforms by healthcare organizations. This represents a significant change in the future of nursing practice. The adaptability of technology-based-learning platforms can impact the quality and efficiency of learning for some of the workforce population. Nurses' perception of technology and AI-driven nursing practice may vary based on generational orientation and can be a potential barrier to learning, practicing, and adaptability of this framework. The forging of well-trained resilient nurse leaders …

Exploring School Leadership Styles Used To Improve Instruction And Learning In Schools, Nana Yaw Agyeman Mr, Venessa Aphane Ms

Journal of Research Initiatives

Schools are under intense pressure to improve quality and achieve long-term educational outcomes. To improve education, schools' teaching and learning environments must be improved. This research evaluated the various leadership philosophies used in South African schools to improve teaching and learning. The study's qualitative methodology included in-depth interviews with open-ended questions. A purposeful technique was used to select 16 participants from four different schools. The participants included four principals, four school management team members, four department heads, and four teachers. Themes guided the data analysis, focusing on patterns and resemblances while maintaining data quality. The study's findings revealed that school …

Black Superintendents’ Perceptions On The Effectiveness Of Diversity And Equity Professional Development In New Jersey Schools, Tanisha Hinton

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Providing an accessible and equitable education for all students has been an ongoing process mandated by the Managing for Equality and Equity initiative to close the achievement and opportunity gaps among students. This qualitative study examined Black superintendents' perspectives about the effectiveness and impact of diversity, equity, and inclusive initiatives in majority White staffed school districts in New Jersey. Furthermore, the study explored the perceptions of Black superintendents across different regions of New Jersey to understand if there were significant differences in how DEI initiative was perceived. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 Black superintendents and the data was analyzed …

Principals As Instructional Leaders: Supporting New Middle School Principals To Implement Systems Allowing For Instructional Leadership, Jason Kaiz

Dissertations

This study is a collection, interpretation, and, eventually, recommendations based on data collected through interviews with current middle school principals. The research questions examine how middle school principals can increase their effectiveness as an instructional leader within the building. The research begins by examining the factors contributing to the principal being an instructional leader and what systems can be implemented to support this goal. These systems should include the ability for principals to facilitate learning for staff, just as staff facilitate learning within their classroom. Policy implications and recommendations highlight the need to look at resources available for principals as …

Virtual Coaching, Self-Directed Learning, And The Implementation Of Evidence-Based Practices: A Single Qualitative Case Study, Elisabeth Myers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single instrumental case study was to understand how a virtual coaching program provides opportunities for self-directed learning during the implementation of evidence-based practices for adults at Navigator Coaching. The theory guiding this study was Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory as conceptualizations of self-directed learning described in the literature mirror descriptions of self-determination. The central research question was: How does a virtual coaching program provide opportunities for self-directed learning during the implementation of evidence-based practices? As a single instrumental case, the setting for this study was one virtual life-coaching program in North America. The sample of participants …