Digital Commons Network^™

Examining The Impact Of Restorative Practices On Student Behavior, Discipline, And Relationships In A K–5 Elementary School, Kathleen Tomaszewski

Dissertations

This study examined the implementation of restorative practices in a K–5 elementary school and their influence on student behavior, disciplinary actions, and teacher–student relationships. Restorative practices in schools focus on building a positive school climate and addressing student behavior through community and relationship-building rather than punitive measures. The rationale for the study was grounded in concerns regarding the use of exclusionary discipline practices and the need for proactive, student-centered approaches to improving school climate. Two main research questions guided the inquiry: To what extent do restorative practices impact student referrals and disciplinary actions in a K-5 elementary school? How do …

We Are Each One Second Away From Being Someone Else's Patient, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Editorial

Edu 31 Introduction To Learning Disabilities And Inclusive Education Syllabus, Moet Bolden

Open Educational Resources

The syllabus for EDU 31 contains a course description, course objectives, course readings divided by week and links to ZTC readings.

Edu 40 Field Work Seminar, Tonya L. Johnson

Open Educational Resources

The syllabus for EDU 30 contains a course description, course objectives, course readings divided by week and links to OER textbooks and ZTC readings.

The First 3 Years: Novice Teacher Perspectives On Staying In Education, Tammy M. Allen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teacher attrition presents a persistent challenge for educational systems, with novice teachers leaving the profession at disproportionately high rates during their first 5 years. Rural schools face compounded difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified educators due to geographic isolation, limited resources, and additional workload demands. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate novice secondary teachers’ perceptions of factors influencing their intent to remain in education. In this study, self-determination theory, which examines autonomy, competence, and relatedness as psychological needs supporting intrinsic motivation, and four capital theory, which addresses human, social, structural, and positive psychological capital as interconnected components …

Want To Be A Higher Education President? A Comparative Case Study Of The Traits, Attributes, And Skills Of Four Current Higher Education Presidents, Brian C. Nees

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

This qualitative study is a comparative case study of higher education presidents. It examines how current higher education presidents described the essential traits, attributes, and skills of the position and whether these presidents have always possessed them or acquired them over time and through experience. This topic is essential, as it appears that presidents are leaving their positions sooner, and this research provides incoming presidents with preparation advice and current presidents with advice to help them stay in their positions longer. The data were obtained through resumes, a trait questionnaire, and interviews with current higher education presidents. These three data …

The Vital Role Of Communication In Elementary Education: Strategies For Bridging Language, Cultural, And Diversity Gaps To Strengthen Family-School Partnerships, Daniel H. Rack

Dissertations

This study examines how communication systems in elementary schools influence equitable family engagement within a linguistically and culturally diverse, Title I context. The purpose of this research is to evaluate how communication practices support or limit access, participation, and partnership between schools and families. The overarching research question guiding this study is: How do current communication systems support or constrain equitable family engagement? A convergent mixed-methods design was utilized to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. Data sources included educator surveys, family surveys, and focus group interviews, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of communication practices from multiple stakeholder …

Reimagining Civic Readiness: Middle School Teachers’ Definition And Perceptions Of The Importance Of Civic Readiness, Razak K. Dwomoh

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

This article examines how middle school social studies teachers define “civic readiness,” how teacher motivation shapes civics instruction, and why middle-level civics is integral to engaged citizenship. The paper presents teachers as “curricular instructional gatekeepers” and argues that civic readiness (preparedness/willingness) differs significantly from civic competence (mastery) in terms of meaning, scope, and outcomes, proposing a four-staged pathway from readiness to engagement, then development, and finally to competence. It further provides an overview of three interrelated concepts (academic readiness, college readiness, and career readiness) to juxtapose civic readiness within the larger literary discourse. The …

Strengthening Students' Political Thinking Skills By Researching The Annexation Of Texas, Rebecca Macon Bidwell, Jeremiah Clabough

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

The unit plan in this manuscript uses best practices from the C3 Framework published by the National Council for the Social Studies and Wayne Journell’s ideas about political thinking to engage students in discussion of the politics leading to the nomination of Governor James K. Polk as the Democratic Party nominee for president in the U.S. 1844 presidential election. Students explore the impact of candidates’ views of the annexation of Texas during this election as well as the influence of President Jackson on the nomination process in the Democratic Party. Ultimately, the election pitted Governor James K. Polk, the dark …

Influence Of Restorative Justice Practices On Student Behavior, Shawn N. Clemons

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore how teachers in culturally diverse suburban U.S. elementary schools perceive the implementation of restorative justice practices as an influence on student behavior. The researcher collected data through questionnaires and semistructured interviews of 14 elementary teachers currently employed in a suburban elementary school who actively use restorative justice with students. Findings from the study indicated the restorative justice practices contribute positively to school culture by prioritizing relationship building, structured conflict resolution, and inclusive practices. The findings from this study can be used with teachers, administrators, district support, and school board …

Being Compassionate Helps Improve College Students’ Perceived Well-Being. The Mediating Role Of Cognitive Flexibility And Perceived Anxiety, Saurabh Singh, Sarath Nonis

AMTP Proceedings 2026

Perceived well-being of college students is crucial to the success of students and institutions of higher education alike. Through this study we assert that promoting compassion among college students can improve their perceived well-being. Furthermore, the effect is mediated by cognitive flexibility and anxiety felt by students. The study has theoretical and managerial implications. The results can guide educators and university personnel to better craft curriculum and university communication.

The Role Of Autonomy And Motivation On Teacher Retention: A Mixed Methods Study, Jordan Overton

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

Teacher retention remains a persistent concern in the United States, with nearly 13% of classrooms unfilled by licensed teachers. Grounded in self-determination theory and basic psychological needs theory, this mixed methods sequential explanatory study examined the relationship between teacher autonomy, motivation, and intentions to leave, while also exploring the contextual factors that shaped teachers’ perceptions of autonomy within their work environments.

In the quantitative phase, survey data were collected from 123 elementary and middle school teachers across three school divisions in Southeastern Virginia. Measures included teacher autonomy, work motivation, and intentions to leave one’s school or division and the teaching …

Deferred Action Theory As A Framework For Adaptive Educational Procurement: Navigating Uncertainty And Digital Transformation In Education Systems, Herdiana Herdiana, B. Yuliarto Nugroho, Andreo Wahyudi Atmoko

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Public procurement constitutes a significant portion of national expenditure and directly affects economic growth, service delivery, and governance quality. In Indonesia, education sector procurement absorbs more than half of the allocated budget but remains vulnerable to inefficiencies, rigid procedures, and corruption risks. This study aims to conceptualize an adaptive framework for Public Procurement Business Process Management (PP-BPM) that addresses environmental uncertainty, digital transformation, and governance challenges. This conceptual study integrates Deferred Action Theory (DAT), Emergent Business Processes (EBP), and Business Process Management (BPM) to develop a multi-level framework for procurement. The analysis covers strategic, managerial, and operational dimensions, emphasizing deferment …

Teachers’ Use Of Student Voice In Behaviour Management Practices: An Exploratory Study, Sue Thompson, Ellen Larsen

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The importance of effective classroom management practices in schools has been well-documented in the literature. However, at a time when research points to the importance of engaging student voice across teaching and learning practice, student voice has not been a focus of behaviour management practice, particularly in mainstream classrooms. This paper reports on a study exploring teachers’ understandings and experiences of incorporating student voice into behaviour management practice at one Australian primary school. Survey data collected from 14 teachers were analysed using simple descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. While teachers were generally supportive of embedding student voice in behaviour management …

From Arrival To Opportunity: A Policy Analysis For Supporting Newly Arrived English Learners In California, Valeria Gabrielli, Stephanie Mendoza Hernandez

School of Public Policy Capstones

Newly arrived immigrant students, commonly referred to as “newcomers,” represent a notable portion of the English Learner (EL) population in California’s K–12 public schools. As of Fall 2023, the California Department of Education reported that newcomers comprised 3.27% of total student enrollment. Although enrollment is projected to decline in the near term, the potential for future increases highlights the need for sustainable, evidence-based support systems. This study examines how California K–12 public schools with large EL populations provide academic and trauma-informed support services to newcomer students, with a particular focus on early intervention in grades K–5. Using the Bardach policy …

Interview With Orca Award Winner David Forsythe, Unl Political Science; International Human Rights, Mark A. Griep, David Forsythe

UNL ORCA Interview Series

Prof. David Forsythe was awarded the ORCA in 1982. He was born in North Carolina and earned a bachelor’s in political science from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. Next, he earned a master’s and doctorate in Politics from Princeton University in New Jersey. In 1973, he joined UNL as an associate professor of political science and was soon promoted to full professor. In 1993, he became chair of his department and received the Charles J. Mach Distinguished Professorship of Political Science. He has authored, co-authored, or edited about 30 books on was International Human Rights, Law, and Politics, and has …

Interview With Orca Award Winner David Hage, Unl Chemistry; Drug-Protein Interactions, Mark Griep, David Hage

UNL ORCA Interview Series

Prof. David Hage was awarded the ORCA in 2018. He was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and earned a bachelor’s in chemistry at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse. Next, he earned a doctorate from Iowa State University and did postdoctoral work at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In 1989, he joined UNL as an assistant professor of chemistry and quickly rose through the ranks. He has won many awards and, for the past 13 years, has been the James Hewet University Professor of Chemistry. Allow me to share some remarkable facts about Dave before we get into …

Pre-Service Teacher Perceptions, Katie Swart

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

Several studies over the past five decades have shown that when families are involved in their child's education, it improves academic achievement (Barger et al., 2019). Beyond academic achievement, family and community engagement is also associated with better behavior, increased attendance and graduation rates, social skills, and mental health (Hiatt-Michael, 2001). Educator preparation programs (EPPs) can play a vital role in shaping pre-service teachers' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and values (Darling-Hammond & Baratz-Snowden, 2007). Moreover, researchers claim that teachers' beliefs are among the most important predictors of their classroom behaviors and practices (Buchanan et al, 1998; Vartuli, 1999). As such, pre-service …

Lessons Learned From Field Experiences Of Special Education Preservice Teachers During A Pandemic, Rhonda D. Miller, Meaghan S. Avery, Nicole Uphold, Jamia Thomas-Richmond

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

Field experiences provide opportunities for preservice teachers to apply instructional procedures and theories in authentic classroom settings (Leko & Brownell, 2011). The ever-changing landscape of public school classrooms makes teacher preparation a challenge. In this study, ten participants, special education preservice teachers (PSTs) in the semester before student teaching, recorded their experiences from their field experiences during a pandemic. We explored the types of activities that PSTs engaged in, the challenges that they faced, and lessons that were learned as a result of the experience. Results showed a reduced number of hours in the field, challenges with instructional practices and …

Highlighting Leadership Competencies On Principal Practices In A Rural School District, Shannon Goodacre, Jeremy Watts

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

The purpose of this research was to describe how high school principals in rural, high-performing high schools in Fee County Schools practice leadership to promote a positive school environment. The emphases on high-performing schools and a rural school district are inclusive to why these leaders were chosen. Assuming the leaders who influence the learning environment in these schools could be considered experts, the researchers endeavored to understand what these experts notice about their leadership methods that positively affect the learning environment. The goal of the study was to determine what skills high school principals employ to promote a positive learning …

Dare We Imagine The Future Of Scate?, Benjamin Parker

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

As the newly elected President of the South Carolina Association of Teacher Educators, I have troubled myself with the task of communicating my vision for the future of our organization. It is with great honor and respect for those who have forged the path to our present state that I ask that we collectively endeavor to imagine how a united and energized group of educational experts can positively affect change by embracing a mantra of, “what if?”. In service of that goal, I humbly ask you for two things; an open-mind toward the usefulness of futurism as an orienting approach …

Full Issue: Volume 19, Number 1, Winter 2025, Judith Collazo, Suzanne Horn

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

This file contains the full issue of TEJSC, including front matter, table of contents, editorial notes, and articles.

From Third Grade To The State House: An Interview With Mr. Craig King, Rebecca Raab

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

This interview with SCATE member Mr. Craig King—former third-grade teacher, advocate, public speaker, and founder of Craig King Group—offers a powerful exploration of what it means to lead through service in today's educational landscape. Mr. King currently serves as the Columbia College Call Me MiSTER Site Coordinator and the Director of Teacher Leadership for the Palmetto State Teachers Association (PSTA), where he mentors aspiring educators and champions teacher voices at the local and state levels. Recently named one of South Carolina's "12 Black Leaders to Know." In this conversation with Dr. Rebecca Raab, Mr. King underscores the importance of teacher …

Pre-Service Teachers’ Academic Success: Paying Attention To The Importance Of Basic Literacy Skills For Future Teachers, Nan Li, Jada Williams

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

The A-Nation-at-Risk report in 1983 shocked the nation. This report was an open letter to the American public. "America as a nation is at risk and that our once unchallenged preeminence in commerce, industry, science, and technological innovation is being overtaken by competitors throughout the world" (Park, 2022, p. 9). An important reason was that American students lagged behind the P-12 students of other nations in the third international literacy competition. The U.S students were ranked lower than 40 other nations.

Teacher Retention: Supporting New Teachers, Kathy Sobolewski, Amanda Butler, Jennifer Zakrzewski

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

Our nation is undergoing a severe shortage of teachers. According to Think Impact, K-12 classroom teachers are the most burned out in comparison to every other profession, with about 40% of teachers leaving the education field in the first five years (Craft, 2024). Starrett et al. (2023) identified school factors such as dissatisfaction with the school administration, work-life balance, and school discipline problems as reasons for teachers to choose a second career. The researchers also found that class size and limited autonomy are strongly associated with emotional exhaustion, thus contributing to teachers exiting the field...

Technology In The Classroom: Opportunity Or Obstacle?, Amariya Benson, Kinzly Cohen, Gretchen Whitman

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

The issue of technology in the classroom holds much significance because technology is continuing to advance at a rapid pace. As it is being woven more and more into the fabric of classroom learning, its impact is becoming increasingly profound. This growing integration needs to be studied because it brings up significant questions regarding the most effective ways to support and enhance the learning process with each new digital advancement...

The Teachers Are Gritty, Austin M. Hitt, Suzanne Horn

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

In this study, researchers explored whether the GRIT survey (Duckworth, 2016), predicted whether teacher education students would be successful in their program of study and student teaching. The GRIT survey was used to judge if West Point students would succeed in graduating from their program. Through quantitative analysis, the researchers found in this study that teacher education students who were in their final year of education were gritty. Students with high grit accomplished their goal of graduating and receiving a license to teach. The students with high grit were also successful on the instrument (state rubric) that measured their teaching …

Does Story Time Matter?, Stacy Burr, Emma Wells Davis

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

Four decades ago, author Harry Allard captivated young readers through his classic book, Miss Nelson is Missing! Miss Nelson was a young teacher whose students took advantage of her calm demeanor and nice nature, which in turn, summoned her inverse, Ms. Viola Swamp, the meanest substitute teacher in the world. Just as the adored Miss Nelson mysteriously vanished, another essential component of classrooms has slowly diminished. This missing piece, reading aloud to students, is a vitally important element of literacy instruction, paving the path to academic success...

Full Issue: Volume 18, Number 2, Spring 2025, Judith Collazo, Suzanne Horn

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

This file contains the full issue of TEJSC, including front matter, table of contents, editorial notes, and articles.

The Power Of Mentorship: Lessons From A Scate Cooperating Teacher Of The Year, Rebecca Raab

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is vital for students with complex communication needs, but its success in classrooms requires collaboration between AAC users, educators, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). This review examines existing literature on AAC integration through SLP-educator collaboration, addressing barriers and strategies for effective implementation. An extensive literature search identified 16 studies on AAC and SLP-educator collaboration highlighting barriers, facilitators, and strategies to improve the partnerships, enhancing AAC use in classrooms. Successful AAC integration requires robust collaboration, and future research should focus on targeted interprofessional training and evaluating the impact of improved collaboration on AAC outcomes in classrooms.