Digital Commons Network^™

The Exploration Of The Housing Exclusion Impact Among Michigan Ex-Offenders, Jackie Adam Harris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Ex-offenders possibly felt excluded when private landlords or property managers conducted background checks and decided to immediately deny ex-offenders housing opportunities. The problem this study addressed was how landlords and property managers’ exclusion of ex-offenders impacted reentry post-incarceration. There was a gap regarding how Michigan private landlords impacted ex-offenders’ success factor in securing safe housing upon reentry back to society. The key findings related to the literature in ways that showed how landlords acknowledged outside biases, yet described ex-offender tenants as appreciative, positive, and respectful. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to explore how state and federal policies …

Artificial Intelligence In Education: The Power And Dangers Of Chatgpt In The Classroom, Muhammed Parviz

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has accelerated significantly in recent years, fundamentally shaping pedagogical practices and learning experiences. Among these advancements, OpenAI’s ChatGPT stands out as a sophisticated language model capable of generating human-like text. This capability opens new avenues for educational applications, such as personalized learning experiences and automated assessments. By embedding ChatGPT into e-learning platforms, educators can provide instantaneous feedback and foster interactive language learning. However, the deployment of ChatGPT in educational contexts presents challenges, particularly ethical issues related to data privacy and the potential for inherent biases in AI models.

In this context, the …

Surprises From The Shadows: Confronting Intrusions From Bots & Generative Ai In Survey Research, Vincent Cho, Sofia I. Duenas

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Unbeknownst to many researchers, online surveys can be vulnerable to attacks from bots and generative artificial intelligence (AI), which can generate hundreds of fraudulent responses instantly. Confronting this challenge to data integrity, we employed an adaptive approach to test the effectiveness of various anti-fraud tactics (e.g., CAPTCHA; honeypot questions; question pairs; open-ended questions) and to distinguish between good-faith human respondents versus bots or fraudsters. Findings revealed that bots with generative AI capabilities bypassed some conventional defenses, including CAPTCHA, and effectively supplied human-like responses to open-ended questions. Other tactics, like removing response incentives and verifying IP addresses, showed promise but came …

Experiences Of Early Childhood Professionals Regarding Selective Mutism, Jessica Denise Huffman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is that the experiences of early childhood professionals (ECPs) working with children with selective mutism are unknown. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory of child development, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of ECPs working with children with selective mutism. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 12 ECPs who support children with selective mutism in several districts in southern California. Through open coding, the following themes emerged: ECPs noted (a) limited knowledge about selective mutism; (b) supporting children who have selective mutism is both enjoyable and …

School Leaders’ Perceptions Of Post-Covid-19 Recruiting And Retention Of Special Education Teachers In A Local School District, Framy Diaz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

School leaders in a local school district continue to struggle keeping their special education (SPED) positions appropriately staffed. The problem was that the inability to fill these large numbers of vacancies could adversely affect the quality of services SPED students receive and impact school personnel's ability to meet legal IEP compliance requirements. Guided by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Herzberg’s two-way factor theories, the purpose of this qualitative study was to gain the perspectives of school and district leaders regarding difficulties in post-COVID-19 recruiting and retention of SPED teachers. A basic qualitative design was used to capture the insights of …

Perceptions Of Whole Plant-Based Diets And Weight Among Hispanics In Miami, Florida, Zoraida Powell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Being overweight or obese poses major public health concerns and contributes to the development of chronic illnesses. While researchers have explored how a total plant-based diet impacts excess body weight or obesity, there is still a lack of clarity about how Hispanics living in Miami, FL, perceive or understand this diet concerning overweight and obesity. Using a generic qualitative approach, this study was conducted on how Hispanics in Miami, FL, understand and view a whole plant-based diet (WPBD) for preventing and reducing overweight and obesity. Through interviews with 14 diverse Hispanic participants, the study revealed that they see WPBD as …

Association Between Embedded No-Cost Materials And Student Success For Undergraduate Students In For-Profit Universities, Gaby Gabriela Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Purchasing educational materials adds to college costs. The problem addressed in this study is the lack of research on the association between student success and the use of no-cost educational materials in for-profit universities. Grounded in Rawls’ principles of justice, the purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the association between student success as measured by pass/fail outcomes and the use of embedded no-cost educational and open educational resources (OER) materials in undergraduate courses at a for-profit university. Academic outcomes of 751 undergraduate students across three courses were analyzed using the chi-square test of association. Results showed a weak …

Mentoring Programs For Youth In Hagerstown, Maryland: Addressing The Opioid Epidemic, Stephane Reed

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement: The goal of this social change portfolio is to help develop and promote mentoring programs for youth in Hagerstown, Maryland as preventive strategy to reduce the impact of the opioid epidemic. This initiative seeks to strengthen resilience, enhance academic performance and foster healthy decision-making among adolescents through consistent, supportive adult-youth relationships. The proposed mentoring framework to integrate culturally responsive, trauma-informed and community-based approaches address the systemic and interpersonal factors contributing to misuse in Washington County. Significant Findings: In Washington County, where Hagerstown is located, it continues to experience one of the highest opioids overdoes within Maryland which is …

Addressing Mental Health And Homelessness In The Lower Valley, Viere Arellano-Almazan

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement: To reduce homelessness in the Lower Yakima Valley by implementing early intervention and culturally responsive mental health prevention strategies that enhance access to care, reduce stigma, and strengthen community resilience. Significant Findings: The Lower Yakima Valley faces significant challenges in addressing the intersection of mental health and homelessness due to limited access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care. Research indicates that rural residents particularly Hispanic immigrant and farmworker populations experience elevated levels of psychological distress, stigma, and barriers to accessing services (Armstrong et al., 2022). Applying the Social-Ecological Model has illuminated how multiple interconnected factors influence vulnerability, including …

Veteran Suicide Prevention In Central Florida, Michael Terkos

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Goal Statement: The goal of this project is to reduce suicide rates among veterans in Central Florida by strengthening protective factors, increasing access to culturally competent, trauma- informed care, and fostering community-based resilience networks that connect veterans, families, and local agencies. Significant Findings: Veteran suicide remains a critical public health concern in Florida, which continues to rank among the states with the highest veteran suicide rates (Florida Department of Health, 2025). Research indicates that approximately 17 veterans die by suicide each day nationwide (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs [VA], 2022). Key risk factors include post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, …

Implementing Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Screening In Adult Mental Health: A Staff Education Initiative, Precious Nmachi Adaso

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project was a staff education program aimed at the use of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as a universal depression screening instrument within a mental health facility. The project was conducted in an urban area of the United States at an outpatient behavioral health facility and was focused on addressing the stagnation in the staff’s correct use of evidence-based measures of depression screening that inhibits the prompt detection and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The practice focused question was: Following participation in a staff education program, will staff demonstrate increased knowledge on depression screening and use of the …

Improving Staff Knowledge On Hourly Rounding Using The 4ps To Reduce The Fall Rate, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

I designed this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project to develop an educational program that increases staff knowledge of hourly rounding using an evidence-based approach, specifically pain, position, potty, and possession (the 4Ps), to prevent falls among residents in a long-term care facility. According to facility leadership, the observed gap in practice was the nursing staff members’ lack of knowledge in performing hourly rounding. The facility’s fall records for the lockdown units indicated a surge in fall rate, with 32 falls among 62 residents per month, reflecting a need for action. The practice-focused question guiding the project was: For staff …

Teacher Perceptions Of The Mental Health And Socio-Emotional Challenges Of English Language Learners, Nilufer Guler, Dincer Guler, Kyle Bush

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

A fast-growing percentage of students in K–12 classrooms are English language learner (ELL) students, and a large number of these students are experiencing a vast array of academic and non-academic challenges at school. Many ELL challenges involve inadequate socio-emotional learning (SEL) skill development, as well as mental health obstacles, and many schools are not equipped with the resources needed to address and resolve these challenges for ELLs.

In this study, we focus on teacher observations of the SEL and mental health challenges that K–12 students face. In the initial survey, 120 teachers participated regarding ELLs and these challenges. Following the …

Artificial Intelligence And Collaborative Learning: Impacts On Creativity, Critical Thinking, And Problem-Solving, Abderrahim Agnaou, Hayat El Asri

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

The rapid development of large anguage models (LLMs) has sparked growing interest in their potential to transform education. This study explores how LLMs influence collaborative learning, focusing on student creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collective intelligence. Specifically, it investigates whether artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted group work enhances or hinders these aspects of the learning process. We used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data from surveys, structured interviews, and analysis of student project outputs. We collected data from 102 undergraduate students via questionnaires and 15 follow-up interviews, which offered deeper insight into their experiences using LLMs in team-based projects. The …

The Perceptions Of Middle School Educators Concerning Failed Proficiency In Reading And Writing By Multilingual Learners, Carolyne Carter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Multilingual learners (MLs) education has been a topic of study among scholars for many years. The problem that was investigated is that middle school (MS) English Language Arts (ELA) teachers are challenged to improve reading and writing instruction for MLs. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the challenges MS ELA teachers face when trying to improve the reading and writing proficiency of MLs. The conceptual frameworks that guided this study were Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of literacy and Ladson-Billing’s theory on culturally relevant pedagogy. For this basic qualitative design, data were collected through 11 semistructured interviews with MS …

Access Barriers To Early Childhood Development Surveillance And Screenings: Insights From Pediatric Office Providers, Pamela Russell Ledesma

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Scholarly literature review found a gap in the identification of barriers experienced by pediatric office providers (POPs) for the provision of early childhood development (ECD) surveillance among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children under the age of three years. The barriers may inhibit access to recommended screenings at defined milestones during the state of neurogenesis, whereby a child’s life trajectory may be negatively impacted and further handicap society at large. This qualitative study aimed to explore the access barriers and remedial strategies identified in the reconstructed narratives of southeast Florida POPs. The research design was premised on the behavioral model …

Experiences Of Immigrant Adults About English As A Second Language Classes With Instructors Who Do Not Speak Learners’ Languages, Gatluak Pal

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was the lack of research on the experiences of adult immigrant English language (EL) learners regarding their engagement in college-level English as a second language (ESL) courses with instructors who do not speak the learners’ native language. Researchers have reported that EL-learning immigrant adults are not actively engaging in their learning process. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate the experiences of EL-learning adult immigrants regarding their engagement in ESL college classes with instructors who do not speak the native language of their learners. A basic qualitative study was conducted using …

Premenopausal And Postmenopausal Malignant Cervical Cancer Diagnosis Among Disaggregated Subethnic Groups Of Asian American Women In The United States, Nilofar Haider Mirza

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite being the United States' fastest-growing and diverse population, Asian Americans are often aggregated with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in prior research, resulting in masking disparities in cervical cancer screening/diagnosis among Asian American subethnic groups. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, the association between disaggregated subethnic groups and cervical cancer diagnosis among Asian American women aged 20+ in the United States was examined using binary logistic regression. How histology type/behavior and age at diagnosis moderate the relationship between disaggregated subethnic groups and cervical cancer diagnosis was also explored. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using cases (N=1014) from the U.S. …

Implementation Of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy In Elementary Reading Instruction, Chelsea Renae Little

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) has been shown to help educators address the unique educational needs of African American students. While research has supported the belief that CRP promotes a sense of belonging and positively influences academic achievement, there remains a lack of research regarding elementary teachers’ perceptions of their implementation of CRP specifically when teaching reading to African American students. Framed by Ladson-Billings’s CRP framework, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore elementary teachers' perceptions of their implementation of CRP when teaching reading to African American students. Using a basic qualitative design, data were collected through semistructured …

Effects Of Summer School Attendance On The Assessed Reading Proficiency Of Third Grade Students, Lydia Evers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Evidence shows students who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are more likely to eventually drop out of high school or be considered illiterate as adults, making it challenging to function adequately in society. The problem addressed through this study was that as many as 60% of U.S. third-grade students scored below proficiency on annual standardized reading assessments. Guided by faucet theory by Alexander et al., the purpose of this causal-comparative quantitative study was to compare reading standardized test scores of third-grade students who participated in a summer school program (SSP) in the summer following second …

Understanding Loss To Follow-Up: The Role Of Social Determinants Of Health In Infants Referred After A Positive Newborn Screening – A Quantitative Analysis, Betsy Graham-Moeller Graham-Moeller

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Newborn screening (NBS) is a vital U.S. public health initiative that identifies medical conditions shortly after birth. Patients with positive screenings are referred for medical follow-up or evaluation. However, many patients do not receive the recommended long-term follow-up, posing concerns for healthcare providers and public health professionals working to ensure timely treatment and care continuity. Based on the Social Determinants of Health framework, this quantitative, retrospective cohort study aimed to examine demographic and clinical factors associated with follow-up adherence among 691 infants identified through NBS in Colorado and Wyoming. The purpose of the study was to determine whether race, ethnicity, …

Reconciling Harm Reduction Philosophy And Approaches Among Abstinence-Only Substance Abuse Treatment Professionals, Amy Rose Ashton-Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Historically, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in the United States has been firmly grounded in abstinence-only treatment approaches. Harm reduction as a treatment model has gained additional traction. With increased rates of opioid use, overdoses, and advancements in medications for SUDs, harm reduction treatment approaches are becoming more important to improve lives of people who use drugs. Little is known about how counselors who have been educated, trained, and deliver abstinence-based SUD treatment reconcile use of harm reduction into their practice. To address this gap in literature, a generic qualitative study was conducted using the social constructivism theory. A purposive …

The Association Between Sunlight Exposure Duration, Region Of Birth And Skin Conditions Linked To Skin Cancer Risk Among Migrant Hispanic Farmworkers, Uchechukwu Fidelia Nnoruka

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prolonged exposure to sunlight increases the risk of developing skin conditions linked to skin cancer. Migrant Hispanic farmworkers are especially at risk due to extended outdoor labor, limited access to preventive care, and minimal occupational protections. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the association between sun exposure duration and region of birth with the presence of skin conditions associated with skin cancer among migrant Hispanic farmworkers in the United States. This study was grounded by the Social Ecological Model, which provided a comprehensive framework for examining multilevel factors influencing skin health outcomes. Using a cross-sectional design, secondary …

Developing Cross-Cultural Competence And Media Literacy Through Multi-Modal Instruction And Projects, Michelle Verbitskaya, Alla Kourova, Irina Pidberejna

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

We explore the integration of Media Literacy in the 2-year Russian language STARTALK program, “How Words Shape People: Understanding Business Russian Through Proverbs.” Given the current geopolitical climate, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine, fostering critical engagement with media has become more essential than ever. By encouraging students to interact with multimedia resources—including animated videos, podcasts, news articles, and the Russian National Corpora—the curriculum aims to enhance both language and media literacy skills. Media Literacy’s Five Key Framework is applied to guide students in analyzing media critically while producing academic projects and cultural responses. We present a curriculum that fosters …

Teachers’ Challenges In Implementing The New Mexican School’S Educational Model, Mayra Margarito Gaspar

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

This scholarly essay explores the challenges that teachers face in implementing the Nueva Escuela Mexicana (NEM) [new Mexican school] educational model, which prioritizes project-based and interdisciplinary learning over subject-based instruction. The NEM’s flexible approach requires teachers to independently structure lessons, ensuring continuity without a predefined thematic sequence. Collaboration is essential, yet many educators struggle with interdisciplinary coordination, especially in secondary education. Limited planning time and curricular flexibility further complicate implementation. Teachers in marginalized areas also face resource constraints, which hinders project-based learning. Additionally, the NEM’s textbooks, which are designed for integrative learning, lack clear organization and guidelines and make them …

Teachers’ Perceptions On Implementing Iready To Support Elementary Mathematics Instruction In Georgia, Cassandra Denise Walker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this study was that a significant number of 3rd to 5th grade students score below grade level on the mathematics portion of the Georgia Milestones assessment within a Georgia School District, despite the training and implementation of iReady. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore 3rd to 5th grade teachers’ perceptions of their successes, challenges, and suggestions for implementing iReady in their mathematics instruction. The study was grounded in Chomsky’s concept of competency-based education, which asserts that as long as students can progress at their own pace, the majority of students will achieve competency …

Educational Leaders’ Perceptions Of Disproportionality In The Identification Of Elementary Gifted Students, Vincent Corrigan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite years of research on best practices in gifted program identification, racially diverse, linguistically diverse, and socioeconomically disadvantaged student populations continue to be underrepresented in elementary gifted programs. Guided by Renzulli’s three-ring conception of giftedness and practical system for identifying gifted and talented students, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore local educational leaders’ perceptions of disproportionality in the identification of students for elementary gifted programs in a large public school system in the Eastern United States. For this basic qualitative design, data were collected through semistructured interviews with 18 educational leaders from the local elementary principal population. …

Effective Strategies For Mitigating Skills Gaps Postpandemic In The Automotive Industry, Neil Shah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Inadequate approaches to filling employee skill gaps can seriously weaken workforce stability and organizational performance. Canadian automotive sector leaders are concerned about the risk of persistent employment shortages, high employee turnover, and decreased productivity. Grounded in Alderfer's existence, relatedness, and growth theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to identify and explore the strategies employed by Canadian auto manufacturers to address skill shortages in their workforce in the wake of the pandemic and subsequent digitalization. Six senior executives from Canadian auto manufacturers who led successful skill-development and retention initiatives participated in semistructured interviews, complemented by a review of …

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, …

Fathers’ Experiences With Reunification With The Massachusetts Child Welfare System, Phernel Joseph Manigat

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study focused on fathers’ experiences with the Massachusetts child welfare system (MCWS) or the Department of Children and Families (DCF) during the reunification process with their children, particularly those fathers who received sole custody of their children during this process. Researchers have demonstrated that fathers are minimally engaged and mostly ignored in the child welfare system (CWS). A research gap was identified regarding the experiences of fathers who received sole custody of their children through the CWS. The purpose of this study was to explore these fathers’ experiences with the MCWS or the DCF during the reunification process with …