Digital Commons Network^™

Older Adults' Access To Medicaid's Home-And Community-Based Services, Joe Henry Horton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

As the U.S. population ages, the need for public policies regarding long-term care increases, as the need is unequal to demand. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and describe the role of senior service providers (SSPs) who have dealt with health policies from being responsible for the decision-making processes of implementing federal and state guidelines in Michigan on access and wait-listing of older adults for home and community-based services (HCBS). The theoretical foundation for this study was the social construction and policy design theory. The central research question sought perceptions of SSPs as to their ability to …

Investigating How Teachers Meet State Standards For Multicultural Curriculum, Richard Olufemi Adelani

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem of this study was the lack of evidence on how teachers, who teach world languages and English language learners in middle and high schools in a local district, use multicultural resources to supplement state of New Jersey core curriculum students learning standards and meet the cultural and linguistic needs of students they teach. School library online circulation files showed that few world languages teachers checked out library resources for their classrooms between August 2014 and May 2018. The purpose of this case study was to investigate how teachers supplement core curriculum to meet state standards regarding cultural diversity. …

Prekindergarten Teachers' Perspectives Of Supporting The School Readiness Of English Language Learners, Shannon Rice

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem examined in this study was that English language learners (ELLs) are not meeting readiness proficiency, which contributes to the growing learning gap between ELLs and their native English-speaking peers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of prekindergarten teachers' perspectives about what is needed to increase their effectiveness in teaching ELLs. The conceptual framework for the study was Vygotsky's sociocultural theory. Prekindergarten teachers' perspectives were examined to understand how they assess, create goals, and monitor the learning progress of ELLs as well as how they can be further supported by colleagues and administration. Data …

Perceptions Of African American Males On Teaching In Elementary Schools, Reggie Wicker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is a shortage of African American males teaching in primarily minority student population elementary schools. Understanding why the current African American male teachers accepted positions in schools will provide insight into what attracted them to the school systems and the pros and cons for retention. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of African American male teachers on the challenges and benefits of teaching at a predominately minority elementary school, and to ascertain strategies for recruiting and retaining African American male teachers in the profession. These views and strategies can help gain perspectives on attracting more …

Perspectives Of Mentor Teachers For Early Childhood Teacher Preparation, Shannon J. Rivera

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early childhood (EC) teacher education programs and public-school partnerships have broadened preparation of preservice teachers by providing more learning opportunities during preservice field experiences. These experiences require mentoring from highly qualified supervising teachers. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore mentors’ perspectives of their qualifications to mentor EC preservice teachers in a 4-year university laboratory school. Ambrosetti’s theory of mentor preparation guided this study. The research question addressed mentor teachers’ perspectives of their mentoring qualifications for EC preservice teachers. A snowball sample of 8 mentor teachers, with at least 4 years’ experience mentoring EC preservice teachers, volunteered …

The Perspectives Of Early Childhood College Faculty On The Role Of Play, Susan Paula Mckoy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractEarly Childhood and Care Education (ECCE) educators are expected to understand the role of play and implement play in their classrooms, but specific classes on the role of play at the college level are not offered. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to examine the perspectives of full-time ECCE faculty at a Southeastern state technical college teaching preservice teachers to determine their students’ understanding of the role of play, the inclusion of play in their lesson plans, and how play is being implemented in their classrooms. The conceptual framework guiding the study was Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development. …

Instructors’ Perceptions Of Differentiated Instruction At Four Universities In The United States, Brandy Waldron

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

According to a 2015-2016 fall term end-of-course survey at a university in the southern United States, differentiated instruction (DI) was minimal and student participants reported that they may have performed better on coursework if given a variety of learning options. The purpose of this study was to determine how instructors at 4 U.S. universities perceive use of DI and their ideas about the necessary tools and strategies to practice it. Research needed to be conducted so instructors could successfully meet the diverse needs of students by having the necessary tools to practice differentiation. Tomlinson’s theory that focuses on the need …

Teacher And Administrator Perspectives On Low Reading Achievement Among Middle School Hispanic Students, Erica Criswell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Hispanic middle school students in Southeast Texas were scoring below their peers on the Texas standardized reading exam, and the study site was placed on the Texas Education Agency needs improvement list. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to identify the perceptions of reading teachers and administrators regarding Hispanic students’ low reading achievement. Cummins’ empowerment of minority students formed the conceptual framework that guided this study. The research question focused on the teacher and administrator perceptions about low reading achievement of Hispanic students in grades 7-8. A basic qualitative design was used to capture the insights of 3 …

Use Of Spanish Audio Podcast To Educate Visually Challenged Hispanics With Diabetes, Baiju Issac

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Diabetes is the leading cause of death among the Hispanic population, requiring solutions at the individual, community, and population levels. Self-management helps to manage diabetes and prevent complications, but it is a challenge in nursing practice. Health care providers use printed information to teach patients about self-management of diabetes. However, patients with visual impairment are not able to use these resources. Limited English proficiency, low health literacy, and visual challenges result in the underutilization of health care services within Hispanic communities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a Spanish audio podcast and lesson plan as teaching tools …

Elementary Content Teacher Perceptions Regarding Their Ell Instructional Practices, Collier Wesley Owens

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Instructional practices of elementary content teachers of English language learners (ELLs) and their alignment with improved ELL academic performance need to be explored. The purpose of this case study was to explore the instructional practices of elementary teachers of ELLs and how those practices are perceived by the teachers to be aligned with improved ELL academic performance. The study is grounded in Ladson-Billings’ theory of culturally relevant pedagogy which holds that student academic achievement and cultural identity should be affirmed. The research questions focused on exploring instructional practices used by teachers to support ELL learning and the teachers’ perceptions regarding …

Strategies To Mitigate Negative Social Media Communications In Collegiate Athletics, Jennifer A. Parks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Harmful social media communications in collegiate athletics are challenging, compelling athletic administrators to implement strategies to mitigate costly damage to the university. Grounded in framing theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies some collegiate athletic administrators use to mitigate negative social media communications by their student-athletes and coaches that may cause problems resulting in reputational damage to the brand, negative publicity, financial loss, sanctions, and fines for the university or college. Participants were 4 collegiate athletic administrators located in the southeastern United States, who had a social media policy and strategies to successfully mitigate …

Previously Incarcerated Individuals’ Perceptions Of Decision-Making Leading To Their Solitary Confinement, Rita Pavone

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explored the issue of communication in prison systems in conjunction with an overextended utilization of isolation confinement methods. Using Sexton’s conceptualization of the penal subjective consciousness model as a guide, the purpose of this phenomenological study was to better understand the experiences of confined offenders related to their experiences regarding the perspectives of prison officials based on a variety of factors including criminal background, social status, and programming needs. Data from semi-structured interviews with 25 participants addressed the process of communication between prison personnel and inmates from the time of incarceration through placement in isolation confinement, and then …

The Influence Of Age And A Self-Actualizing Workshop On Adult Self-Actualization Scores, Tami Amelia Michelle Harris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Seeking self-fulfillment is a relevant goal among many adults but one that is often not attained. Existing literature includes research on programs that enhance the well-being of participants but does not teach how core self-actualization attributes are significant in developing self-fulfillment. The main theoretical framework for this study was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs concentrating on the internal and external schemas of self-actualizing attributes. Using a snowball sample, the total number of qualified participants for this study was 80; the study was a cross-section sample of adults using a between group, single group, pre-/posttest, quantitative design. The 10 items of the …

Understanding A Transitional Educational Program For Students With Autism And Intellectual Disabilities, Robin E. Ruiz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of children in U.S. schools diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities disorders is increasing and they face low levels of employment after graduation. Without a viable education, including work skills training, these students cannot be successful citizens. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of educators implementing an innovative transitional secondary education program designed to prepare students who have intellectual disabilities and autism to be successful in college or the workplace. The conceptual framework for this study included the theory of self-efficacy, sociocultural learning theory, differentiated instruction, and experiential learning theory. …

Perceptions, Potholes, And Possibilities Of Using Digital Voice Assistants To Differentiate Instructions, Adrian A. Weir

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Access to technologies and understanding the potential uses of technology to differentiate instruction have been a concern for the teachers and students in a local school district located in the southeastern United States. Despite the emergence of digital voice assistants (DVAs) as tools for instructions, teachers lack knowledge and strategies for using DVAs to differentiate instruction in their classrooms. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify teacher knowledge and strategies employed among special education (SPED) teachers using DVAs to differentiate instruction in their classrooms. The concepts of Carol Tomlinson’s differentiation theory and Mishra and Koehler’s TPACK framework served …

Rural Elementary Educator Perceptions About Mathematics Instructional Resources And Strategies, Kristina Gabrielle Anderson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

An increasing number of students in a rural elementary school have not met the mathematics proficiency benchmark. Despite these changes made to mathematic curriculum and instruction, student data continued to indicate an increasing number of students in Grades 3–6 had not met the mathematics proficiency standard. The purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of elementary mathematics teachers in Grades 3–6 and administrators regarding instructional resources, strategies used to teach mathematics, and professional development for teaching mathematics. Archer and Hughes’ concept of explicit instruction formed the conceptual framework that guided this study. The research questions for this study addressed …

Educator Perceptions Of Transition Programming For Youth With Disabilities, Jessie C. Reeves

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A local problem exists with transition service providers lacking the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively implement transition planning practices, ensuring youth with disabilities experience positive in-school and post school success. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate transition service provider perceptions of implementation variables that impact the transition service providers' use of evidence-based practices with youth with disabilities. Kohler, Gothberg, Fowler, and Coyle's Taxonomy for Transition Programming 2.0 was used as the conceptual framework for this study. Interview participants included 5 special educators, 4 general educators, 2 district administrators, 2 child study team members, and 2 …

Experience Of Academic Motivation Among Disadvantaged High School Graduates, Jamaal Anthony Thomas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Impoverished students face obstacles that influence academic achievement and motivation. These young people are disadvantaged by their circumstances and are at risk for missing opportunities that could prepare them for meaningful careers and improved quality of life. The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain a deeper understanding of academic motivation in academic scholarship students who attended disadvantaged schools. Social identity theory provided the theoretical framework for a narrative analysis of the experience of academic motivation, academic achievement, and social identity. Five female and 4 male college students were interviewed. The thematic analysis revealed 4 themes: motivated by overcoming …

Canadian Postsecondary Leaders’ Understanding And Promotion Of Social Justice And Educational Equity, Pamela Jacqueline Cawley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Canadian universities are educating an increasingly diverse student body and have a role in rectifying inequities and educating students to contribute to a democratic and inclusive society, but little is known about how mainstream leaders understand such leadership. The purpose of this study was to examine how mainstream Canadian postsecondary leaders in Canada describe and understand their leadership related to social justice and educational equity. Critical social theory and applied critical leadership theory guided this study. This basic qualitative study using semistructured interviews explored how 11 mainstream postsecondary leaders have understood and promoted social justice and educational equity. Data analysis …

Clinician Perspectives On Gender Bias In Diagnosis Of Borderline Personality Disorder, Carl N. Modeste

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Healthcare systems across the globe strive to provide equal treatment for all patients irrespective of their status; nevertheless, disparities occur. Gender-based prejudices are present in many cultures and often affect clinicians’ diagnostic and treatment practices. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients represent a category that is more prone to gender biases. With a focus on Canada, this study was designed to contribute to currently limited evidence on BPD gender biases by addressing the knowledge gaps in clinical gender-based studies. The study was an exploration of forensic psychologists’ and psychiatrists’ methodology leading to making a diagnosis of BPD and the factors that …

Motivations And Experiences Of Female Expatriate Educators Teaching In Saudi Arabia, Tahira Hoke

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is a significant gap in the literature regarding women's lived experiences and work motivation in Saudi Arabia. In order to address this gap, this qualitative study explored the lived experiences of female expatriates who chose to teach and live in Saudi Arabia for longer than 1 year. Using Moustakas' phenomenological method, a purposive sample of 10 female educators who worked in Saudi Arabian higher education institutions were recruited and interviewed. Although English teachers were not targeted, all of the participants recruited were primarily English teachers (5 North Americans, 5 Europeans). With Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory as the conceptual …

Principals' Behaviors And Practices In Closing Gaps Of English Language Learners, Cathy L. Hernandez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractStudents in the United States who are English language learners (ELLs) are increasing in number, and they lag in academic performance in comparison to native English speakers. Educators and community members need to know more about how school personnel address closing the achievement gap as defined by local, state, and national assessments. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the behaviors and practices principals used to address the instruction of ELLs in their schools. The conceptual framework was based in Hallinger’s model of instructional leadership with emphasis on instructional supervision and management. Data were collected during interviews …

Factors Affecting Cervical Cancer Screening Among Dominican Women Living In The United States, Cybil Bonhomme

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The highest incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer are seen among minority women groups in the United States. Hispanic women have the highest rate of cervical cancer, contributing to the 2nd highest mortality rate of the disease. Researchers have examined the lower rates of cervical cancer screening among Hispanic women, as compared with other groups of U.S. women, but researchers have not examined cervical cancer screening practices, specifically for U.S. Dominican women. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between compliance with cervical cancer screening and major influences including acculturation, socioeconomic status, immigration status, and usual …

Key Strategies For Successful Information Technology Projects, David Morris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe successful implementation of information technology (IT) projects globally depends on the increasing reliance of project managers on IT innovations. Some project managers and business leaders do not possess the strategies to effectively manage and successfully implement IT projects. Grounded in coordination theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies used to successfully implement IT projects. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and from company documents. The participants comprised 6 IT project managers in Northeast Ohio who successfully implemented IT projects. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Four themes emerged: communication amongst all …

Early Childhood Educators’ Use Of Students’ Assessments For Data-Driven Decision Making, Brandy Shanice Jones

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The research problem addressed by this study is that educators do not know how students’ assessments are being used for data-driven decision making to plan for instruction and design curriculum. Data-driven decision making has been implemented throughout the Southeastern region of the United States for several years as part of public-school reform efforts. The purpose of this basic qualitative study with interviews was to explore how early childhood principals, academic coaches, and teachers used students’ assessment data for data-driven decision making to plan for instruction and design curriculum in two rural schools. This study addressed local concerns about how educators …

After-School Enrichment Programs And Secondary Education Achievement Among African American Males, Willis Roger Carter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this single case study, at one high school in the Midwest region of United States, was to examine after-school enrichment programs and their connections to improving academic achievement for African American (AA) male students. The central question of what factors in structured after-school enrichment programs (ASEPs) contribute to academic achievement for AA males was studied using social learning theory and punctuated equilibrium as the theoretical guide. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews and surveys administered to 10 administrators, 10 parents, and 10 teachers who met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Data collection also included classroom …

How Elementary School Principals Perceive Teachers’ Literacy Teaching Strategies, Cherron Lynnette Ukpaka

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Principals are expected to serve as the lead instructional leaders on the campus, ensuring

academic growth for all students. The research problem of this study was the lack of

understanding of the perceptions of elementary school principals regarding teachers’

literacy teaching strategies. The purpose and research question of this study were to

understand the instructional leadership practices of elementary school principals

regarding teachers’ literacy teaching strategies. The conceptual framework was based on

constructivism. Ten principals participated in semistructured, face-to-face, audio-taped

interviews. Thematic analysis revealed that school principals: (a) focus on how to

increase literacy state scores, (b) struggle to apply …

Exploring Head Start Teachers’ Challenges Working With Dual Language Learners, Jolene Andriaschko

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although the number of dual language learners is increasing in the United States, little is known about the challenges Head Start teachers and education coordinators face in working with this population. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore Head Start teachers’ and education coordinators’ perspectives regarding the support teachers need to meet the challenges of working with dual language learners. This study was grounded in Jim Cummins’s language acquisition framework, which suggests that dual language learners benefit from instruction in their native language and the language of the classroom. A basic qualitative study design was used with …

Mental Illness Awareness In The State Of New Hampshire, Susan Pomerleau

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

New Hampshire is a small state with 1.36 million people reported in 2019. In New Hampshire, 4% of adults live with serious mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression (Resources to Recover, 2020). The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) has a chapter in New Hampshire to help support, promote, and educate on the topic of mental illness. I would like to partner my effort with NAMI NH and also with the STAMP OUT STIGMA Campaign through the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW) to bring greater awareness of serious mental illness (SMI) and any …

Assessment Of Self-Reported Mental Health And Acculturation Stress Among Foreign-Born And U.S.-Born Latinos In Immokalee, Florida: A Pilot Study, Payal Kahar, Lirio K. Negroni

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

The population of Immokalee in Southwest Florida is 75% Latinos, with nearly half being foreign-born. Several documented stressors contribute to poor mental health among Latinos. However, little is known about Latinos’ mental health in this region. This study sought to assess self-rated mental health (SRMH) and acculturation stress (AS) and predict SRMH based on stress from life events, AS, sociodemographic characteristics, and social support among U.S.-born and foreign-born Latinos. Face-to-face interviews and assisted self-administered surveys were used to collect information among 158 Latinos on sociodemographic characteristics, AS, major life events that caused stress, social support, and SRMH. AS was elicited …