Digital Commons Network^™

A Mixed-Methods Study Of Teacher Collaboration In A Steam Professional Development Program, Katherine B. King, Justina R. Jackson, Talia C. Kessler, Meltem Alemdar

Journal of STEM Teacher Education

Teacher collaboration can be a powerful but challenging practice for K-12 educators. This is particularly true in the context of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education, in which disciplines are integrated through innovative, student-centered teaching strategies. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was employed to understand the impacts of a 5-year STEAM professional development program on K-12 teachers’ collaboration efforts. Using quantitative and qualitative methods and social network analysis (SNA), the study explored the nature of STEAM collaboration and identified aspects that supported and hindered successful collaboration. Quantitative analyses demonstrated that, after participating in the program, the teachers engaged …

Navigating Stem Integration: Instructional Strategies Employed By Teachers In High School Classrooms, Yousef Alrashdi, Paul Asunda

Journal of STEM Teacher Education

This study examined the instructional strategies used by high school STEM teachers to incorporate real-world problem solving in their classroom teaching. A qualitative approach was utilized, and data was collected through teacher interviews, classroom observations, and documents. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data, and the following themes emerged: (a) there is no single instructional strategy, but teachers adapt their strategies to the context, (b) the importance of preparation using various sources and building on student’s prior knowledge, (c) a focus on asking "why" questions as a priority, (d) the necessity of making group work tangible, (e) the use of …

“I’M So Hungry”: Assessing Stem Sensemaking Through Data-Informed Writing, Bailey Nafziger, Alesia Mickle Moldavan, Katie Brkich

Journal of STEM Teacher Education

To engage elementary learners in the complex task of STEM sensemaking, teachers must entice and inspire learners to ask questions, explore, and communicate their findings. This article shares a 5E/3D lesson designed and taught in our elementary science methods courses to model how preservice teachers can integrate literacy and mathematics into a science investigation for STEM sensemaking. We modified a traditional lesson on bird beak adaptations to have a differentiated, interdisciplinary writing component justified by data. We discuss why data-supported literacy is a non-negotiable in science education reforms and how teachers can differentiate tasks to make scientific writing more approachable …

Ai-Supported Reflective Practice: Redesigning Teacher Education Courses For Critical Ai Integration, Nabat Erdogan

Essays in Education

This article proposes AI-Supported Reflective Practice, a design framework that positions generative AI as a secondary evaluator and reflective partner in a graduate-level online ELL assessment course. Drawing on two redesigned assignments, an ELL writing evaluation and an assessment critique, the framework asks teacher candidates first to conduct independent analyses, then to elicit, compare, and critically interrogate AI-generated evaluations. These designs aim to cultivate critical AI literacy, professional judgment, and equity-centered interpretation, particularly for multilingual learners. The article discusses emerging benefits, challenges, and program-level implications, arguing that embedding AI within authentic disciplinary tasks can deepen, rather than erode, candidates’ ethical …

Literacy And Equity: Exploring Teachers’ Lived Experiences Of Georgia Black Boys’ Difficulties With Reading Comprehension And Word Recognition, Roselle M. Caruth

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data shows that since 1992, Black male students in Georgia’s fourth through eighth grades have consistently scored low on reading assessments (The Nation’s Report Card, 2022c). Low reading achievement contributes to a persistent underachievement gap for Black boys, leading to unfavorable academic outcomes such as difficulty in phonological processing, limited fluency and comprehension, slow development of linguistic skills, lower proficiency in basic reading, and higher rates of high school dropout (Russell & Drake Shiffler, 2019; Tatum, 2024a; Washington et al., 2019). The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how teachers …

The Ai Litmus Test: Humanize, Deepen, And Delight K12 Learning, Scott H. Sorvaag

Essays in Education

This article introduces the AI Litmus Test, a practical framework designed to help educators evaluate when artificial intelligence meaningfully enhances K–12 learning. Grounded in a human-centered leadership stance, the framework asserts that effective AI use in schools must humanize learning, deepen student thinking, and reduce unnecessary burdens. Through conceptual framing, implementation guidance, and classroom snapshots, the article shows how AI can support connection, cognitive rigor, and joy when used with intentional pedagogical and ethical design. It also highlights risks such as dehumanization, cognitive offloading, and over‑automation, offering safeguards including verification routines, human‑authored feedback, and transparent ethics notes. The article concludes …

Understanding The User Approach In Introductory Accounting: Insights From Practice, Leigh C. Moon

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The accounting profession faces an insufficient supply of accounting majors to meet the demands of industry. While the number of accounting majors has historically been cyclical, professional accounting organizations and educational institutions have continually sought ways to increase the number of accounting majors. One area that has received continuous attention has been introductory accounting courses because of their ability to both attract and deter possible accounting majors. Discussions and studies around the approaches of teaching introductory accounting have mostly focused on quantitative outcomes, with researchers demonstrating that the user approach does not negatively impact students. However, the user approach has …

Development Of A Problem-Based Learning Model Assisted By The Interactive Canva Application To Improve Critical Thinking And Collaboration Skills Of Fourth Grade Elementary School Students, Fitri Dwi Utami, Heris Hendriana, Galih Dani Septyan Rahayu

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Penelitian ini dimotivasi oleh rendahnya kemampuan berpikir kritis dan kolaborasi siswa kelas empat sekolah dasar yang disebabkan oleh pembelajaran konvensional dan kurangnya penggunaan media pembelajaran interaktif. Studi ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan model Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah (PBL) yang dibantu oleh aplikasi interaktif Canva yang layak dan efektif untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kritis dan kolaborasi siswa. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah model Penelitian dan Pengembangan (R&D) Borg & Gall yang meliputi tahapan analisis kebutuhan, perencanaan, pengembangan produk, validasi ahli, revisi produk, dan uji lapangan. Subjek penelitian terdiri dari 21 siswa pada uji terbatas, 30 siswa pada uji luas, dan 60 siswa pada …

Exploring The Roles Of The Coach Developer: A Uscce White Paper, Christine Nash, Melissa Thompson, Sean Dahlin, Andrea Woodburn, Jeremy Elliott

Journal of Coach Development

Organizational white papers serve as a mechanism for strategic communication and to establish thought leadership, build credibility, and drive informed decision-making across stakeholder groups. It is the belief of the USCCE that the official launch of the Journal of Coach Development offers the appropriate outlet and timing to publish this official stance of the organization to explore the multiple roles of the coach developer. As the field continues to evolve, our shared understanding of the roles and responsibilities of those serving to support the growth and development of sport coaches will be essential. Further, as a critical focus of the …

The Growth Of Latino Students In South Carolina Public Schools: Challenges And Opportunities, Louise B. Jennings

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

This article provides data regarding Latinos in South Carolina schools, discusses some of the educational challenges involved, then offers recommendations for policy and practice that support not only Latino learners, but all our students and communities.

Starting Early: Building A Systemic Approach To Universal Pre-Kindergarten In South Carolina, Cathy R. Jones

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

A well-funded, universally available, voluntary pre-kindergarten program for South Carolina’s three- and four-yearold children could be fundamental to positively changing educational and social outcomes for its children. Research on brain development and the benefits of early childhood education highlight the value of enriched pre-kindergarten environments for children. South Carolina’s state funded pre-kindergarten scored nine out of ten on an indicator scale for quality. However, in 2007, less than 40% of four-year-olds and 1% of three-year-olds in the state had access to state funded pre-kindergarten.

From The Classroom To The Computer, Tina S. Herzberg, Laura M. Hooks

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

This article investigates the increased use of technology to provide distance education within the School of Education at the University of South Carolina (USC) Upstate. Interestingly, graduate education programs have been receptive to distance learning and now offer various courses each semester via distance education. This has allowed the university to provide flexibility and attracted graduate students throughout the Upstate region. Currently, there is a need for faculty in undergraduate programs at USC Upstate to explore if and how methodology courses could be developed as distance education courses while maintaining academic integrity.

Reinventing The Educational Landscape In South Carolina Through E-Mentoring, Diana L. Treahy, Steven Thomas, Genevieve H. Hay

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

The paper describes the development and implementation of an online mentoring program for students at low performing middle schools. These middle level students were mentored by preservice education students at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. A comparison of the e-mentoring model versus traditional face-to-face mentoring is discussed. Positive outcomes of the program are described providing support for future development, expansion, and implementation of the model. Program development suggestions are provided as a guide for educators who would like to implement an e-mentoring program at their institution.

Teachers Who Seriously Considered Leaving The Profession But Ultimately Chose To Stay, Greta G. Freeman

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

In an effort to provide information to help understand and slow the rapid turnover and decline of quality educational professionals and to aid in the quest to stock our classrooms with the very best teacher educators, this research examined public school teachers who at some point in their career seriously considered leaving the profession, but for one or more of the reasons described in this study, ultimately chose to stay. This phenomenological case study focused on a sample of twenty-five kindergarten through grade five teachers employed by one Western North Carolina school district. A series of written and oral responses …

How Autism Is Changing The Landscape Of Speech-Language Services Provided In The South Carolina Public Schools, Julie S. Ray, Leigh Ann Spell

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

This study is a compilation of anonymous surveys that were sent out to speech-language pathologists/therapists (SLP/Ts) working in South Carolina public schools who have students with autism on their caseloads. The surveys focused on the speech services that South Carolina public schools offer students with autism, SLP/Ts’ confidence levels in working with students with autism, and each SLP/T’s personal rating of his/her preparedness level in providing therapy for students with autism. The study indicates the findings of the surveys and provides recommendations for communication services in South Carolina public schools.

Full Issue: Volume 1, 2008, Christopher Burkett

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

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

What Is Coach Development? A Uscce White Paper, Melissa Thompson, Christine Nash, Sean Dahlin, Andrea Woodburn, Jeremy Elliott

Journal of Coach Development

Organizational white papers serve as a mechanism for strategic communication and to establish thought leadership, build credibility, and drive informed decision-making across stakeholder groups. It is the belief of the USCCE that the official launch of the Journal of Coach Development offers the appropriate outlet and timing to publish this official stance of the organization defining the term ‘coach development.’ As an emerging term in the field, there is need for clarity around what coach development is and what it looks like in practice. Further, as a critical focus of the Journal of Coach Development, this paper will serve to …

Analysis Of Student Satisfaction With The Ppg Student Registration Process At Universitas Negeri Malang Using The Servqual And Delone & Mclean Models, Dedi Prestiadi, Darmawan Satyananda, Dedi Tiarno

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

This study aims to analyze student satisfaction levels with the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) registration system at Universitas Negeri Malang using an integration of the SERVQUAL and DeLone & McLean models, as well as to develop a strategy for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) using Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach with 10,701 student respondents from three registration stages (BGT 1, Kemenag, and BGT 2). The data collection instrument is a 1–5 Likert questionnaire covering three main aspects: requirements, process, and registration application. Data analysis was conducted through validity and reliability tests, multiple linear regression, and Principal …

Bridging The Gap: Early Childhood Reading Instruction Grounded In The Science Of Reading, Delilah A. Davis Gonzales, Ingrid Haynes Ph.D.

Journal of Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership in Education

The Science of Reading (SoR) has become central to literacy research and practice, yet many early childhood classrooms struggle to integrate its principles in developmentally appropriate ways. Recent advances in cognitive science, culturally relevant pedagogy, and digital literacy highlight the need for instructional approaches that bridge research and practice. This manuscript examines how the five core components of reading—phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency—can be meaningfully implemented in early childhood education through structured literacy practices that remain play-based and culturally sustaining. A qualitative, illustrative approach is used, drawing from classroom-based case examples, professional observations, and current research. These examples …

The Transformative Power Of Concepts Of Print: Connecting Theory, Practice, And Professional Development To Advance Early Literacy, Cheryl R. Couch

Journal of Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership in Education

Abstract Many kindergarten students continue to enter school below literacy readiness benchmarks, notably lacking Concepts of Print skills despite decades of research affirming their role as predictors of later reading achievement (Economic Policy Institute, 2015; Justice & Ezell, 2001; Justice & Sofka, 2010; National Survey of Children’s Health, 2022). Concepts of Print provide the foundation for children’s understanding of how print works, laying the groundwork for decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension (Lentsch, 2018; Moats, 2023a; National Research Council, 2000). This mixed-methods historical reflective report examines explicit Concepts of Print instruction through two cases: archival records from a 2003–2004 kindergarten classroom …

“These Kids Can’T Access The Information”: A Case Study Of Teacher Understanding Of Foundational Reading Skills At The Secondary Level, Stevy Schliewe, Emily Zoeller

Journal of Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership in Education

National literacy reforms aim to improve students’ basic reading skills, yet adolescent readers and teachers have not been adequately included in the conversation. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of foundational reading skills at the secondary level among high school literacy practitioners. The study used a case study method to learn participant understanding of foundational skills and contextual factors surrounding their ability to teach them. Findings revealed how participants recognized the need for foundational reading skill development in their high school students. However, participants reported not feeling prepared to design this instruction and barriers presented in standards, …

The Meaning Of The Practicum In Initial Teacher Training. The Educational Value Of Tutoring, María Pilar Sepúlveda-Ruiz, María José Mayorga-Fernández, Elena García-Vila

Higher Learning Research Communications

The theory-practice and practice-theory relationship is a fundamental axis in the learning of trainee teachers; therefore, the practicum must constitute the key element in their university training. The research described in this paper, in which students and teachers from the bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education and primary education programs at the University of Huelva in Spain have participated, has been carried out through a descriptive and interpretative qualitative study focused on case studies. This study highlights the need for greater communication between the work experience centers and the university and between the professionals who tutor the work experience period. …

Exploring The Experiences Of Physically Challenged Students Enrolled In Path-Fit Courses: A Case Study, Princess Jhoarn A. Sarael, Shermina C. Yusop, Jessel A. Lapinig, Chandelyn C. Linto, Vanessa Lynne C. Seville

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

This qualitative case study explores physically challenged students’ experiences in PATH-fit courses within Philippine higher education, investigating their challenges and adaptive strategies. Through in-depth interviews with five students and two instructors in Pagadian City, researchers uncovered significant barriers, including exercise difficulties, physical discomfort, and social exclusion that profoundly impacted course participation. Despite facing substantial obstacles, students demonstrated remarkable resilience by developing innovative coping mechanisms such as proactive instructor communication, creative alternative activity engagement, and strategic leveraging of written assignments. Employing Resiliency Theory, the research challenged conventional disability perspectives, emphasizing that students’ true potential lies in psychological flexibility and problem-solving skills …

Social Studies Teacher Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Professional Development To Support The Facilitation Of Controversial Conversations, Kristen Mast

Doctorate in Education

Funding and support for social studies instruction have dwindled in most public schools in the United States over the past two decades, leaving social studies teachers without high-quality curriculum materials and professional development opportunities. Without proper training, many social studies teachers are using ineffective instructional strategies and are not regularly utilizing best practices, including the facilitation of controversial conversations in the classroom. In a time when the political divide in the United States continues to increase, these skills can help strengthen American democracy in the long term. This study investigated professional development as a possible pathway to improve the facilitation …

Acquisition Of Basic Clinical Skills Among Japanese Novice Rehabilitation Therapists: A Retrospective Study, Kenta Fujimura, Hiroaki Sakurai, Soichiro Koyama, Kenji Kawakami, Kazuya Takeda, Takuma Ii, Shota Suzumura, Shigeo Tanabe, Yoshikiyo Kanada

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between basic clinical skills and clinical experience among novice rehabilitation therapists in Japan. Methods: Twenty-one novice rehabilitation therapists who joined a general hospital and underwent annual practical examinations during each of their three years of clinical experience were included. This retrospective longitudinal single-center study followed the same novice therapists throughout the study period. The practical examination was based on the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and included exercises for joint range of motion (ROM), muscle strengthening (MS), getting up (Getting Up), standing up and sitting down (Standing/Sitting), and transferring from a wheelchair to a …

Early Childhood Echo (Ec Echo) Start-Up & Operations Manual, Lisa Long, I. Michelle Gaither, Ruby Brenner, Bradley Long, Emily Mcclelland, Malcolm Huell, Lauren Elliott, Katerina Sergi

Publications

The Early Childhood ECHO (EC ECHO) Start-up & Operations Manual is a practical guide to launching case-based telementoring and professional development using the Project ECHO® model. Prepared for early childhood programs and agencies. Adapted from Mississippi’s EC ECHO implementation (2023–2025) and aligned with Project ECHO® guidance.

“It’S A Lot More To It Than Just Research”: Integrating Critical Data Literacy And Reasoning With Data Into A Stem Summer Camp, Marc T. Sager, Saki L. Milton, Candace Walkington

Publications

Purpose: This study explores how middle-grade girls from predominantly underrepresented and underserved racially and ethnically minoritized (UUREM) backgrounds developed critical data literacy (CDL) through participation in a week-long residential STEM camp. Given the increasing importance of data science education in a data-driven world, this research examines how informal learning environments can support CDL development among youth from historically marginalized groups.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study draws on qualitative interview data from eleven participants, and their group-produced artifacts to investigate how the camp experience supported engagement with data and the development of CDL. Interviews explored participants' experiences with data collection, organization, analysis, and …

Building Buy-In For Student Support Teams: Lessons From Givhans To Carolina Springs, Patrice Green

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

This article examines strategies for cultivating staff buy-in and sustaining effective Student Support Teams (SSTs) within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework at the middle school level. Drawing from the author’s personal experiences of overcoming adversity and his leadership journey from rural Givhans, South Carolina, to serving as principal of Carolina Springs Middle School, the narrative highlights the critical role of intentional, data- driven interventions in promoting equitable student outcomes. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of proactive identification, individualized support, and collaborative problem-solving among educators. Common implementation challenges—such as staff resistance, initiative fatigue, and inconsistent follow-through—are addressed through actionable …

South Carolina Middle School Student Performance In Ela And Mathematics: The Imperative Of Assessment For Learning, Olivia S. Ochoo

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

Despite broad access to middle school in South Carolina, recent SCReady assessment data indicate persistent literacy and numeracy achievement gaps, with so many students performing below grade level in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. This article evaluated five years of state- and district-level data, highlighting steady but small gains, and explored how current assessment practices failed to fully inform instruction to accelerate learning. This paper used a mixed-methods research design, particularly a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, in which both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to collect and analyze data. To be specific, document analysis and both open- and …

Examining How Continuous Professional Development Shapes Teaching Practice And Student Learning Outcomes, Jane Rarieya, Mary Oluga, Nyagwegwe Wango

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Purpose: This study examines how Teacher Continuous Professional Development (TCPD) initiatives implemented through the Strengthening Education Systems in East Africa (SESEA) and Foundation for Learning (F4L) projects influence teaching practices and foundational learning outcomes in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

Methodology: The study employed a mixed-methods research design using longitudinal data from classroom observations, teacher questionnaires, student assessments, and key informant interviews. Data were collected from trained teachers, teacher educators, school leaders, and learners across selected project regions to evaluate changes in instructional practices and learning outcomes.

Findings: The findings indicate that TCPD significantly improved teachers’ adoption of child-centered, play-based, inclusive, …