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Principals’ Experiences With Implementation Practices For School Board Policies In An Urban School District, Andrea J. Richardson Aug 2026

Principals’ Experiences With Implementation Practices For School Board Policies In An Urban School District, Andrea J. Richardson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Effective policy implementation is crucial for improving educational outcomes and ensuring equitable learning environments. While existing literature has shown that policy implementation is influenced by factors such as leadership capacity, stakeholder engagement, communication, resource availability, organization context, and accountability, there is little known about how K-12 urban principals narrate, interpret, and make meaning of their experiences to implementing board-mandated policies. This study addressed this gap by exploring how principals in an urban school district in Ohio navigated the complexities of implementing school board policies amid resource limitations, stakeholder resistance, and accountability pressures. The purpose of this qualitative narrative inquiry study …


Psychosocial Experiences Of Secondary School Students Living With Sickle Cell Disease While In School In Lagos State, Nigeria, Toluwalope Yetunde Onuwe Aug 2026

Psychosocial Experiences Of Secondary School Students Living With Sickle Cell Disease While In School In Lagos State, Nigeria, Toluwalope Yetunde Onuwe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a lifelong genetic condition significantly impacting the physical, emotional, and social health of those affected. Nigeria has one of the highest global burdens of SCD, yet there is limited research on the psychosocial experiences of secondary school students living with SCD in educational settings. This qualitative study explored these experiences among students in Lagos State, Nigeria. Using the social ecological model and interpreted through the social model of disability, the study examined how school environments, educational practices, and institutional support influenced students' psychosocial well-being and perceived health. Twenty secondary school students participated in 4 in-person …


Teachers’ Experiences In Teaching Foundational Reading Skills In The General Education English Language Arts Classroom In Grades 9-12, Jodi Leigh Mckenzie Jul 2026

Teachers’ Experiences In Teaching Foundational Reading Skills In The General Education English Language Arts Classroom In Grades 9-12, Jodi Leigh Mckenzie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.


Measurement Invariance Of An Affective Engagement Scale Across Genders In Urban And Rural Secondary Schools In Cross River State, Nigeria, Victor Bassey Akpan Dr, Nsikak-Abasi Udofia Prof., Joy Dianabasi Eduwem Dr, Joseph B. Offiong, Mfonobong E. Umobong Prof., Godian Patrick Okenjom Dr May 2026

Measurement Invariance Of An Affective Engagement Scale Across Genders In Urban And Rural Secondary Schools In Cross River State, Nigeria, Victor Bassey Akpan Dr, Nsikak-Abasi Udofia Prof., Joy Dianabasi Eduwem Dr, Joseph B. Offiong, Mfonobong E. Umobong Prof., Godian Patrick Okenjom Dr

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This study examined the measurement invariance of an affective engagement scale across gender and school location among secondary school students in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study was premised on the critical role of affective engagement in educational equity and quality. Three research purposes, each with corresponding research questions and hypotheses, were formulated in the study. We used a stratified random sampling to select 500 respondents from a diverse group of students (gender and school location). The Student Engagement Instrument by Appleton et al. (2006) was the instrument adopted for data collection. The instrument underwent a validation process, resulting in …


Analytical Review Of Current Educational Public Policy For California Department Of Education Common Core Curriculum Guidelines Pertaining To Law-Related Education For Grades K–12, Aubray Mcpherson Feb 2026

Analytical Review Of Current Educational Public Policy For California Department Of Education Common Core Curriculum Guidelines Pertaining To Law-Related Education For Grades K–12, Aubray Mcpherson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was the lack of a mandated statewide law-related education (LRE) requirement within the California K–12 curriculum. Existing research linked structured LRE exposure to greater civic knowledge, stronger legal understanding, increased social responsibility, and reduced delinquency risk among disadvantaged youth. However, a gap exists due to the absence of integrated qualitative analyses combining prior LRE research with stakeholder perceptions. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the potential social, emotional, and economic implications associated with implementing a statewide LRE public policy. Guided by the conceptual framework consisting of new public administration and the …


Strategies Used By Information Technology Business Managers For Improved Competitive Drive In Organizational Culture, Kenechukwu Laura Mukaila-Lawal Feb 2026

Strategies Used By Information Technology Business Managers For Improved Competitive Drive In Organizational Culture, Kenechukwu Laura Mukaila-Lawal

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Poorly managed organizational culture changes can weaken competitive drive in information technology business organizations, limiting their ability to respond effectively to rapid technological advancements. This problem affects information technology business leaders, employees, and organizations operating in competitive markets, as a misaligned culture reduces innovation, employee engagement, and long-term sustainability. Grounded in organizational culture theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry project was to explore effective strategies that information technology business managers use to improve competitive drive in organizational culture in the Southwestern region of Nigeria. The participants were seven information technology business leaders who devised and implemented strategies to …


Invisible Man: Mental Health Providers And How Implicit Bias Manifests When Treating African American Men, Jamila Kali Robinson Feb 2026

Invisible Man: Mental Health Providers And How Implicit Bias Manifests When Treating African American Men, Jamila Kali Robinson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American men continue to face disproportionate barriers to engagement, accurate diagnosis, and equitable nonbiased treatment in mental health settings. The purpose of the qualitative narrative inquiry was to explore how implicit bias and sociocultural assumptions manifest among mental health providers who diagnose and treat African American men. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, which considers the influences of all the systems that shape an individual’s lived experiences, was the study’s theoretical framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five licensed mental health providers who worked in large hospital systems, private practice, or community-based clinics. The interview data were analyzed using Braun and …


Employers’ Best Practices For Retaining Women Employees With Dual Responsibilities Post-Covid-19 Pandemic: A Multiple Case Study, Wenoka E. Nieves Dec 2025

Employers’ Best Practices For Retaining Women Employees With Dual Responsibilities Post-Covid-19 Pandemic: A Multiple Case Study, Wenoka E. Nieves

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The challenges women face with dual responsibilities during a crisis often force them to take on additional or multiple responsibilities at home. The specific research problem is that although researchers have investigated job loss during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the topic of how employers can retain women with dual responsibilities, caring for their family members in their household and working during crises, has not been explored. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore the best practices that employers use to retain women employees with dual responsibilities who are caring for their household family members …


An Examination Of Psychosocial Factors Related To Male Serial Killers, Rachael Elizabeth Tubbs Dec 2025

An Examination Of Psychosocial Factors Related To Male Serial Killers, Rachael Elizabeth Tubbs

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Historically, studies on serial murderers have not concentrated in depth on analyzing what psychosocial factors are or how they could influence a man to become a serial killer. The focus of this qualitative study was on the psychosocial characteristics of male serial killers that are from, and based in, the United States. Using a case study analysis approach, the life course of serial killers in the FGCU Radford Database was analyzed to identify themes of adverse childhood experiences such as physical, emotional, or psychological abuse; abandonment by parent or guardian; limited or no social bonds; witnessing abuse; and signs of …


Impact Of Community Factors On Naloxone Overdose Reduction In Ohio, Theophilus Oduro Frimpong Nov 2025

Impact Of Community Factors On Naloxone Overdose Reduction In Ohio, Theophilus Oduro Frimpong

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The opioid crisis in Ohio, driven by fentanyl, persists due to inequitable access to naloxone despite its proven effectiveness. This study examined how socioeconomic status (SES), race/ethnicity, population density, and hospital availability per capita predicted naloxone overdose reversals (dependent variable) in Ohio. Social-ecological theory guided this quantitative historical correlational analysis of Ohio’s Project DAWN index data (N = 5,280). Inclusion criteria included individuals ages 18 to 65 with naloxone-related overdose reversals (dependent), naloxone distribution (moderator), and community factors (independent). Multiple linear regression results showed that SES (p >.50), race/ethnicity (% White, p = .588; % Black, p = .495; % …


Home Health Agency Ownership As A Predictor Of 30-Day Readmissions In Illinois, Tonya Gray Oct 2025

Home Health Agency Ownership As A Predictor Of 30-Day Readmissions In Illinois, Tonya Gray

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The health outcome of reducing 30-day Medicare readmissions continues to be a constant measurement of quality patient care. Post-acute services, like home health care, play a vital role in national efforts to improve patient care, contributing to cost reductions. This quantitative study explored the relationship between home health agency (HHA) ownership (for-profit vs. nonprofit) and Medicare 30-day readmissions by race, age, and gender. The three research questions addressed the independent variable, type of HHA ownership (for-profit vs. nonprofit), and the impact on the dependent variables, 30-day Medicare readmissions by race, age, and gender in Illinois. Binomial logistic regression was used …


Enhancing Reading Comprehension And Critical Thinking Skills Through Lms Integration In An English For History Course For Non-Efl Undergraduate Students, Izzatul Fajriyah, Silvi Nur Afifah Jul 2025

Enhancing Reading Comprehension And Critical Thinking Skills Through Lms Integration In An English For History Course For Non-Efl Undergraduate Students, Izzatul Fajriyah, Silvi Nur Afifah

Higher Learning Research Communications

This study addresses the challenges faced by non-EFL undergraduate students in enhancing reading comprehension and critical thinking skills within an English for History course. While existing research has explored reading comprehension and critical thinking in EFL contexts, there is a notable gap in understanding how these skills can be developed in non-EFL students through the integration of learning management systems (LMS). The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of LMS on improving reading comprehension and critical thinking skills among non-EFL undergraduate students who are enrolled in an English for History course. A sequential mixed-methods approach was employed, …


Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives On The Challenges Of Teaching Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Karen Denise Buchanan Jun 2025

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives On The Challenges Of Teaching Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Karen Denise Buchanan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives on the Challenges of Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Karen D. Buchanan Ed.S. Mercer University 2017 MA, Mercer University, 2016 BA, Mercer University, 2012 AS Georgia Perimeter College, 2009 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Education Walden University August 2025


Teacher Perceptions On The Low Enrollment Of Students Of Color In High School Computer Science, Wiley J. Cruse, Jr. Jun 2025

Teacher Perceptions On The Low Enrollment Of Students Of Color In High School Computer Science, Wiley J. Cruse, Jr.

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The rapid evolution of computer science (CS) as an integral part of K-12 public education in the United States has highlighted significant equity and diversity issues. Guided by critical race theory and community cultural wealth, this basic qualitative study explored high school CS teachers’ perceptions of the challenges and opportunities related to recruiting, retaining, and ensuring the success of students of color. Thematic analysis of data collected using semistructured interviews with 12 high school CS teachers revealed key challenges, including curriculum rigidity, funding inequities, and lack of administrative support. Participants reported that systemic barriers limit access to CS education for …


School Principals’ Perceptions Of Hiring School Counselors, Wendy Carol Vaughn May 2025

School Principals’ Perceptions Of Hiring School Counselors, Wendy Carol Vaughn

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

School principals are the primary hiring authorities in U.S. K-12 public schools when employing school counselors. Despite the expansion and diversification of schools’ qualifications, characteristics, and roles, there is a gap in knowledge about principals’ hiring perspectives, priorities, and specific criteria. These elements provide vital information for school counseling educational programs and organizational advocacy for hiring school counselors based on current standards and qualifications. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the perceptions of school principals regarding the hiring of school counselors. Targeting the research question “What are the perceptions of principals interviewing and hiring school counselors …


Well-Being In Disney Animated Feature Films, 2013–2023, Ruth Zeman Apr 2025

Well-Being In Disney Animated Feature Films, 2013–2023, Ruth Zeman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Most existing research on Disney animated films has concentrated on problematic themes, including stereotypical portrayals of romantic relationships or aggression, while comparatively little attention has been given to how these films may also convey positive messages and promote prosocial behavior. Research on well-being is particularly relevant, given its strong association with improved health outcomes and the development of positive interpersonal relationships. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore how well-being is portrayed in Disney animated feature films released between 2013 and 2023. Seligman’s model of well-being, which consists of the pursuit and attainment of five core pillars—positive …


Socially Learned Eating Pathology In African American Women (50+): A Narrative Inquiry, Patricia Ann Parker Jan 2025

Socially Learned Eating Pathology In African American Women (50+): A Narrative Inquiry, Patricia Ann Parker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative narrative study explored the lived experiences of African American women aged 50 and older who self-reported eating pathology and body image dissatisfaction. Disordered eating behaviors, including starvation, binge eating, excessive dieting, and purging, often function as maladaptive coping mechanisms for managing stress, regulating emotions, or responding to traumatic events. The study contributed to the literature by capturing detailed narratives that traced the development of disordered eating behaviors and body image dissatisfaction from early life through adulthood and across the lifespan. Grounded in Albert Bandura’s social cognitive and social learning theories and intersectionality theories, the research employed a robust …


Socially Learned Eating Pathology In African American Women (50+): A Narrative Inquiry, Patricia Ann Parker Jan 2025

Socially Learned Eating Pathology In African American Women (50+): A Narrative Inquiry, Patricia Ann Parker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative narrative study explored the lived experiences of African American women aged 50 and older who self-reported eating pathology and body image dissatisfaction. Disordered eating behaviors, including starvation, binge eating, excessive dieting, and purging, often function as maladaptive coping mechanisms for managing stress, regulating emotions, or responding to traumatic events. The study contributed to the literature by capturing detailed narratives that traced the development of disordered eating behaviors and body image dissatisfaction from early life through adulthood and across the lifespan. Grounded in Albert Bandura’s social cognitive and social learning theories and intersectionality theories, the research employed a robust …


Solutions To Mitigate Information Security Breaches And Protect Personally Identifiable Information In A Public-Sector Cloud Computing Environment, Valerie Johneeda Rountree Dec 2024

Solutions To Mitigate Information Security Breaches And Protect Personally Identifiable Information In A Public-Sector Cloud Computing Environment, Valerie Johneeda Rountree

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Information is a significant asset to organizations because more organizations are moving data and applications to the cloud, so it is critical to ensure the protection of personally identifiable information (PII) stored in the cloud. The specific research problem was that information technology project managers (ITPM) lack a unified approach to protecting PII stored on the cloud. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand how ITPMs may implement viable solutions to mitigate the frequent occurrences of information security breaches in a public cloud environment. The National Institute of Standards and Technology provided the conceptual framework for the …


Barriers And Facilitators To Culturally Appropriate Cancer Health Education For Kenyan Immigrants In Washington State, Rael Kobe Odengo Oct 2024

Barriers And Facilitators To Culturally Appropriate Cancer Health Education For Kenyan Immigrants In Washington State, Rael Kobe Odengo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Access to culturally linguistically appropriate services, such as cancer information in languages other than English that consider a group's cultural beliefs, traditions, values, and practices, is increasingly recognized as a global health communication priority. However, African immigrants face significant barriers to accessing these resources, making it difficult for them to make informed healthcare decisions. Grounded in the conceptual framework of the Andersen behavioral model of health care utilization and the social determinants of health, the purpose of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators to accessing culturally appropriate cancer health education by Kenyan immigrants in Washington State. The …


Examining School To Home Transference Of Behavioral Interventions Provided To Elementary Students With Autism, Andre Lamar Patterson Aug 2024

Examining School To Home Transference Of Behavioral Interventions Provided To Elementary Students With Autism, Andre Lamar Patterson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Parent–teacher collaboration is crucial for optimizing outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorder (SWAs). This qualitative study addressed perceptions among parents of elementary-aged SWAs regarding the lack of transfer of school-based behavioral skills to the home environment. Parental perceptions of the transfer of behavioral interventions, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), from school to home for SWAs aged 6–12 years were explored. Using a basic qualitative methodology, data were gathered using semi structured in-depth interviews of eight participants with elementary aged children with autism: Member checking, peer debriefing, and triangulation provided validation. Two major themes emerged: (a) the importance of regular …


K-3 Teachers’ Perspectives Of Response To Intervention In Closing Reading Achievement Gaps, Sarwat Suraiya Jul 2024

K-3 Teachers’ Perspectives Of Response To Intervention In Closing Reading Achievement Gaps, Sarwat Suraiya

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

General education teachers are directly responsible for implementing the Response to Intervention (RTI) process to close achievement gaps for their struggling readers. The problem in this study was the experiences of K-3 teachers with inconsistent implementation of RTI to support struggling readers at a southeastern school. When the RTI process is not implemented consistently, results can adversely affect closing achievement gaps of struggling readers. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore K-3 teachers’ experiences with inconsistent implementation of the RTI process for struggling readers in a southeastern school. This study was based on Ely’s conditions of change …


Elementary Principals’ Instructional Support To Teach Science, Alfred Lewis Jul 2024

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 …


Exploring The Role Of Intrinsic Motivation In Elementary Public-School Educators’ Willingness To Remain In Teaching, Lynnette K. Steinhoff Apr 2024

Exploring The Role Of Intrinsic Motivation In Elementary Public-School Educators’ Willingness To Remain In Teaching, Lynnette K. Steinhoff

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The experiences and perceptions of novice educators’ willingness to remain in teaching have been without clear research. The problem addressed by this study was the need to understand why novice educators remain in the field in order to support districts and legislators in updating policies and funding measures. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how the intrinsic motivation of novice elementary educators within a K–12 public school influences their willingness to remain in teaching. Self-determination theory (SDT), with its psychological principles of autonomy, competency, and relatedness, was selected as the conceptual framework. Two research questions addressed intrinsic …


Effective Strategies Leaders Use To Enhance The Retention Of Frontline Workers In The Fast-Food Industry, Kimberly Jean Nzuwah Jan 2024

Effective Strategies Leaders Use To Enhance The Retention Of Frontline Workers In The Fast-Food Industry, Kimberly Jean Nzuwah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.


Effects Of Public Policy On Family Planning For Millennial Women In The United States, Rachel Marie Cole Jan 2024

Effects Of Public Policy On Family Planning For Millennial Women In The United States, Rachel Marie Cole

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.


Strategies To Improve Employee Retention In Nonprofit Organizations, Robert A. Thornburg Jan 2024

Strategies To Improve Employee Retention In Nonprofit Organizations, Robert A. Thornburg

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Talented employee turnover in nonprofit organizations has the potential for excessive costs and unfavorable outcomes. Nonprofit organization managers are concerned with retaining talented employees not only to sustain competitive advantage but also to continue to provide essential services. Grounded in person-organization fit theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies that four nonprofit organization managers in the southern United States use to increase employee retention. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of organizational retention documents. Through Yin’s five-step data analysis process and thematic analysis, four themes were identified: (a) employ competitive benefits …


Social Networks And Self-Efficacy Among Hawaiian Homeless, Blake Shavers Jan 2023

Social Networks And Self-Efficacy Among Hawaiian Homeless, Blake Shavers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractHomelessness affects over half a million people in the United States and millions worldwide. While permanent supportive housing initiatives like Housing First have successfully improved homeless wellbeing, recent research has shown that housing alone is not a solution; it requires add-on programming to assist in mitigating the causal factors. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the social networking and self-efficacy of currently homeless and those who have successfully transitioned to supportive housing in the unique social and geographical environment of O’ahu, Hawai’i. A phenomenological study design using criterion sampling for semi structured interviews of four houseless …


Associations Of Stress, Health Behaviors, And Obesity Among African American Immigrants, Wole David Akinsola Jan 2023

Associations Of Stress, Health Behaviors, And Obesity Among African American Immigrants, Wole David Akinsola

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractObesity has been identified as a predisposing factor that poses a serious threat for the development of chronic diseases and contributes to health disparities affecting both minority and vulnerable populations. Though previous studies reported the association of stress with health status and behavior, there is little or no research on the heterogeneity of obesity predictors in specific minority populations in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictors of obesity among adult African American immigrant populations in the United States. Studying obesity in this population may help policymakers tailor interventions that could reduce obesity prevalence. …


Social Networks And Self-Efficacy Among Hawaiian Homeless, Blake Shavers Jan 2023

Social Networks And Self-Efficacy Among Hawaiian Homeless, Blake Shavers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractHomelessness affects over half a million people in the United States and millions worldwide. While permanent supportive housing initiatives like Housing First have successfully improved homeless wellbeing, recent research has shown that housing alone is not a solution; it requires add-on programming to assist in mitigating the causal factors. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the social networking and self-efficacy of currently homeless and those who have successfully transitioned to supportive housing in the unique social and geographical environment of O’ahu, Hawai’i. A phenomenological study design using criterion sampling for semi structured interviews of four houseless …