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Middle School Co-Teacher’S Experiences Using Restorative Practices In Inclusive Environments To Support The Learning Of Students Of Color With Special Needs, Mynda J. Massey-Vukovic

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers have shown that restorative processes in middle school improve adolescents’ social and emotional skills during a critical time in their academic development, and educational systems worldwide have developed multitiered systems of support to ensure that restorative processes are integrated into the learning culture. This narrative study aimed to explore middle school educators’ experiences with the implementation of restorative practices and their perceptions of how the strategies within the practices affected the academic engagement of students of color receiving special education services in inclusive settings. The four pillars of social control theory (attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief) and facets of …

Examining Adolescent Sexual Patterns In Creek Town, Nigeria: Insights From A Cross-Sectional Survey And Implications For Tailored Interventions, Rowland Edet, Kabiru K. Salami

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

In the dynamic landscape of global health, the sexual behaviors of adolescents are of particular significance due to their profound implications for individual well-being and public health. This article focuses on Creek Town, a vibrant community in Nigeria, and aims to provide a nuanced exploration of the sexual behaviors of adolescents within the context of local culture and socio-economic factors. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving a multi-stage sampling approach with 422 participants. A comprehensive 112-item questionnaire captured various aspects of adolescent sexual behaviors. Additionally, four focus group discussions, including both in-school and out-of-school adolescents, provided qualitative insights. The …

Pregnancy Intention, Perinatal Depression, Birth Weight, And Premature Delivery Among Black Women, Chantay Philease Mcneil

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Perinatal depression among Black women results in significant public health burdens, interacting with systemic disparities to create disproportionate risks of adverse birth outcomes. The present study explored the moderating effect of pregnancy intention on the relationship between perinatal depression and adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm delivery among Black women living in the southern United States. Using secondary data from the 2016-2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), data were analysed from 9825 black women across eight southern states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia. The statistical approach included chi-square tests and …

Urban Principals’ Leadership Practices Needed To Implement Culturally Responsive Curricula And Instruction, Dr. Shervon Thompson-Slappy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study is that the number of historically marginalized and diverse students in U.S. classrooms is rapidly increasing and schools are not prepared to address the need for culturally responsive curriculum and instruction. This study is important because K-12 principals are challenged to address equity, inclusion, and academic and behavioral barriers for this student population. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore twelve K-12 principals' leadership experiences implementing culturally responsive curricula and instruction in their urban schools. Principals, who attended a district-level CRSL professional development, were purposefully selected to participate in semistructured interviews. …

The Lived Experiences Of African Canadian Custodial Caregivers Of Minors With A Diagnosis Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Alberta, Canada, Angelina Abong Atsimbom

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a broad range of symptoms, skills, impairments, or disability. It is characterized by a persistent deficit in group communication and social interaction, limited behaviors such as walking, and less interest in interacting with others and participating in social events. Existing studies suggest that there are many unique challenges associated with caring for a child with ASD. Despite growing evidence of an increase in diagnosis and greater awareness of the challenges associated with caring for children on the autism spectrum, there remains a gap in the research about the unique experiences of custodial caregivers of minors …

Residential Street Trees And Cardiovascular Disease Among Urban-Dwelling Mexican Adults, Christine Campbell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant public health burden in Mexico despite national efforts to address traditional risk factors. With growing evidence that elements of nature can improve physical and mental health of people living in cities, this quantitative epidemiological study of secondary data examined the relationship between the presence of street trees in Mexican metropolitan areas and self-reported CVD in adults over age 40. The integrated socio-environmental model of health and well-being provided the conceptual framework for the study. A secondary data analysis was performed using combined individual health data from Mexico’s 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey and …

Shared Leadership And Its Influence On Millennials' Performance In A Work Group, Beverlyn Denise Trimble

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Millennials have been constructed in the popular imagination as self-centered, bratty, and difficult to manage. Finding ways to relate to this generation has taken on more urgency now that it is the largest in the workforce. Company leaders realize as well that they can no longer rely on traditional forms of leadership amid the proliferation of complex adaptive systems and digital technologies; one leader does not possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities to handle the complexities faced by contemporary organizations. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the behaviors and experiences of millennials who work in a shared …

Effective Strategies For Building Traditional Church Membership, Carlos Blake

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A dwindling number of congregational members poses a significant risk to the continuity of U.S. churches. Leaders in traditional congregations need effective tactics for membership expansion. Drawing upon Bolman and Deal’s four-frame theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore effective strategies leaders of traditional churches use to build membership. The participants were six leaders from traditional churches situated in the Southern and Eastern parts of the United States. Data were collected by conducting semistructured interviews and archival documents. Thematic analysis of the data revealed four prominent themes: influential leadership, community involvement, use of technology and social …

A Meta-Analysis Of Treatment And Housing For The Severely Mentally Ill, Val Major

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This systematic literature review and quantitative meta-analysis focused on homelessness for severely mentally ill (SMI) individuals with such conditions as schizophrenia, bipolar, and major depressive disorders. The conceptual groundwork for the study was based on humanism as expressed in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The research question explored whether there was a relationship between Housing First program interventions and outcomes for the SMI client in housing programs for the unhoused. The interventions identified were Housing First, transitional housing with and without case management, and standard treatment. The outcomes identified were mental health symptoms measured by symptom scales, emergency services use, quality …

Native American Higher Education Students’ Perspectives Of Preparation And Encouragement Received Prior To College Entrance, David Edward Marshall

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this study was that Native American students in the area surrounding a local university participated in higher education at low levels. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore local Native American college student perspectives about becoming a college student, including their individual experiences and recommendations for increasing future Native American college participation. The conceptual framework for the study included Tinto’s model of student integration and Bandura’s social learning theory. Three research questions were addressed regarding Native American college student perspectives on becoming a college student; the experiences, programs, and support that led to …

Psychological Impact Of Ebola Disease On Survivors: A West Africa Study, Babatunde Moses Irinoye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Survivors of Ebola virus disease often experience social isolation. Understanding the psychological impact of Ebola virus disease on these survivors was the focus of this study. The study encompasses assessment of experiences in re-integration back into communities, and psychological implications (post-recovery), among Ebola infection survivors (EIS) in Republic of Liberia. The purpose of the study was to explore the psychological impact of Ebola as the EIS continue their re-integration journey in their communities in Liberia. The conceptual framework for this study was based on principles of system theory, based on interrelatedness of the biopsychological experience of the EIS, and the …

Kindergarten Through Third-Grade Teachers’ Perceptions Of Implementing The Science Of Teaching Reading Practices, Shari Yvonne Ehly

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2019, declines in reading achievement across Texas motivated changes for teacher recertification, which required 60-hour professional development in the science of teaching reading (STR). The problem this study addressed was the challenges K-Grade 3 reading teachers encountered when implementing the recently adopted Reading Academy content at a large urban school in Texas. The purpose of this basic qualitative project study was to explore the challenges K through Grade 3 reading teachers encountered when implementing the recently adopted Reading Academy content at a large urban school in Texas. The implementation science conceptual framework guided this study on the fidelity of …

Use Of A Community-Based Mentoring Program To Reduce Juvenile Delinquency And Crime In Adolescents, Andida Prince

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The risk factors of juvenile delinquency and crime fail to acknowledge the systemic injustices, environmental stressors, and challenges youths bring to mentoring programs. Community-based mentoring programs are in place to assist with deterrence and reduction of juvenile delinquency and crime. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand delinquency and crime in adolescents through the theoretical lens of social control theory. The goal was to explore the theories and understand what can be done to counteract the risk factors from the perspective of mentoring professionals. The research questions focused on community-based mentoring programs’ role in an adolescent’s life and …

Exploring Strategies Leaders Use For Enforcing Cybersecurity Policies To Protect Information Systems And Data, Ma'risa Lashawn Young

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cybersecurity policies are critical for organizations to protect their digital assets and sensitive information. Leaders must explore and implement effective cybersecurity policies because the lack of effective strategies will lead to increased security risks. Grounded in the social cognitive theory, the purpose of this qualitative, pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies cybersecurity leaders use to enforce cybersecurity policies in organizations to protect organizational information systems and data. The participants were cybersecurity leaders associated with cybersecurity policies and their implementation and enforcement in different organizations located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Data collection included semistructured interviews of five …

To Resist Or Persist? An Examination Of Interpersonal Relationships Formed In Prison, Kamecia S. Blake

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prison is an important component of the criminal justice system. The structure and functionality of prison is tailored towards incapacitation, rehabilitation, and deterrence, which are goals of punishment. However, prison can have unintended consequences which increase the criminogenic risk of offenders causing inmates to become career criminals. This study examined the role of prison socialization, particularly the influence of interpersonal relationships formed while incarcerated on recidivistic behavior. It is important to investigate interpersonal relationships formed while incarcerated so that prison administrators can better realize its goal to rehabilitate offenders and prepare them for reintegration into society. The study was grounded …

Exploring Pre-Service Elementary Teachers’ After Student-Teaching Content Knowledge And Teaching Knowledge Of Fraction Operations, Elizabeth Salgado

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

With the changes in Common Core State Standards, it was essential to explore how elementary pre-service teachers’ sense of fractions is developing and their thoughts about how to teach fractions. A gap in practice exists because it is unknown how pre-service elementary teachers, after student-teaching, perceive their level of in-practice knowledge in (a) knowledge of content and (b) knowledge of pedagogy in fraction operations. The three research questions centered on content knowledge, pedagogy knowledge, and knowledge of students, and the study was guided by the concepts of Lee Shulman’s categories of teacher knowledge. The purpose of this study was to …

Exploring Teacher Practices Used To Support Black Students In Two Early College High School Programs, Raquel Hairston

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early college high schools (ECHS) have contributed to the increased number of Black students earning associate degrees. However, data show that students considered college and career-ready upon entering the ECHS/dual enrollment program are underperforming in college classes, hindering their acceptance into higher education institutions and bachelor’s degree attainment. This qualitative exploratory study aimed to understand the academic and social practices teachers used to support Black students in college classes and to see if additional resources were needed. Tinto’s student integration theory examined the connection between social and academic integration and student retention. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with seven …

Successful Strategies Government Executive Stakeholders Use To Mitigate Higher Project Costs And User Adoption Failure Rates, Kimberly Rauscher

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

U.S. government agency projects are under intense scrutiny due to historical reporting of overspending and significant delays; however, only 13% of U.S. government information technology projects over $6M succeed, costing taxpayers money. Grounded in the theory of constraints, the purpose of this qualitative, pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies that U.S. government executive stakeholders use to mitigate higher project costs and user adoption failure rates. The participants included three U.S. government agency executive stakeholders in Raleigh, North Carolina, the United States, who successfully implemented strategies to mitigate higher project costs and user adoption failure rates. Data were collected data using …

Relationship Between Respect, Trust, And Turnover Intentions, Christina Love Harmon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Leaders in the U.S. federal government are concerned with employee intent to leave, as it is the number one predictor of actual employee turnover. Grounded in social exchange theory, the purpose of this quantitative ex-post facto correlation study was to examine the relationship between social exchange and employee intent to leave. The participants were 256 employees from all agencies within the U.S. federal government who completed the 2022 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, including the Intent to Leave Scale. The results of the multinomial logistics regression were significant, χ² (4) = 87.875, p = <.001. In the final model, two predictors were significant, respect for department leaders, χ² (12) = 43.631, p = <.001, and trust in direct supervisor, χ² (12) = 32.513, p = 001. A key recommendation is for business leaders to model positive attitudes and behaviors by fostering a culture of trust, respect, and integrity to contribute to employee satisfaction and retention significantly. The implications for positive social change include the potential to retain valued employees who are committed to achieving organizational goals and improving productivity for organizational success

Ecological Factors And Minority Young Adults’ Trust In Law Enforcement, Jason Boswell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Throughout the past decade, studies have shown that the relationship between police organizations and community members has developed mistrust as more citizens begin to document misconduct by law enforcement officers. Studies have also proven that community members trust the police when they feel the police are fair and just. Distrust of law enforcement undermines the legitimacy of police officers, and without this trust legitimacy, police officers lose their ability and authority to perform their jobs effectively. To help bridge the gap between minority communities and law enforcement agencies, this qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to examine the trust within law …

Challenges Black Males Face At Predominantly White Institutions, Jerrell Lamon Starling

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem is that Black males in higher education have declining retention and graduation rates compared to other ethnic groups. Over the past two decades, Black males have declined in enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. Colleges and universities have struggled to attract, keep, and graduate Black male students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research has shown that Black male students have experienced the most challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today's educators and practitioners have emphasized the need to do more to keep Black male students and help them complete college. Framed by Critical Race Theory, this study investigated first-generation, …

The Lived Experience Of Stigmatization Due To Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss For Young Women With Cancer Who Attend College, Challna Blair

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study investigated the stigmatization experienced by young women in college due to chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Previous research primarily focused on older women, adolescents, and men, leaving a gap in understanding the impact on young college-age women. Using Goffman’s theory of stigma and Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method, six young women were interviewed confidentially. The primary research question asked what is the experience of stigma in young women in college who have hair loss during or following chemotherapy cancer treatment? The study revealed that these women often faced being ostracized by peers, received minimal family support, and experienced distressing scrutiny from …

Relationships Between Environmental Pollution And Corporate Environmental Violence Within The Florida Energy Sector, Lynne Hodalski-Champagne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Environmental pollution and corporate environmental violence (CEV) have become a primary motivator for research, activism, and policy initiatives. Prior research has involved environmental crime, environmental injustice and racism, its origins, history and applications, and effects on public perceptions leading to recommendations for policy implementation. The purpose of the study was to address environmental pollution in terms of total toxic emissions and CEV through analyses of harm inflicted on life, health, and physical integrity of humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. A quantitative correlational design was used with a Pearson’s r correlation coefficient to determine significance with a 95% confidence interval. Routine activities, …

Attitudes Of Algerian Emi And Non-Emi Lecturers And Students Toward English, Sana Touahmia, Farhana Bakar

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the attitudes of English medium instruction (EMI) lecturers and students and non-EMI lecturers and students toward English in Algeria. The Algerian government plans to implement English as a medium of instruction in higher education.

Methods: The research was carried out at an Algerian university where French is the primary language of instruction, but English is used as the medium of instruction for certain courses in the engineering department. Data were gathered through a questionnaire, which was distributed to a group comprised of 52 EMI lecturers, 226 EMI students, 70 …

Challenges Black Males Face At Predominantly White Institutions, Jerrell Lamon Starling

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem is that Black males in higher education have declining retention and graduation rates compared to other ethnic groups. Over the past two decades, Black males have declined in enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. Colleges and universities have struggled to attract, keep, and graduate Black male students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research has shown that Black male students have experienced the most challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today's educators and practitioners have emphasized the need to do more to keep Black male students and help them complete college. Framed by Critical Race Theory, this study investigated first-generation, …

Relationships Between Environmental Pollution And Corporate Environmental Violence Within The Florida Energy Sector, Lynne Hodalski-Champagne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Environmental pollution and corporate environmental violence (CEV) have become a primary motivator for research, activism, and policy initiatives. Prior research has involved environmental crime, environmental injustice and racism, its origins, history and applications, and effects on public perceptions leading to recommendations for policy implementation. The purpose of the study was to address environmental pollution in terms of total toxic emissions and CEV through analyses of harm inflicted on life, health, and physical integrity of humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. A quantitative correlational design was used with a Pearson’s r correlation coefficient to determine significance with a 95% confidence interval. Routine activities, …

Evaluation Of Flooding Disaster Risk Initiatives In Vulnerable Homeless Communities, Nicholas W. O'Clair

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Homeless individuals, who have limited resources and lack stable lodging, are particularly vulnerable during disasters, further jeopardizing their already precarious health conditions. By examining the effectiveness of existing preparedness and response strategies on the readiness of homeless individuals during flood events, insights can be gained to enhance emergency operations. The purpose of the study was to investigate the experiences and vulnerabilities of homeless populations in a northeastern U.S. city with the goal of promoting inclusivity and resilience. Research questions involved understanding knowledge of dangers of flooding disasters; disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; and how current public promotion practices of disaster …

Evaluation Of Flooding Disaster Risk Initiatives In Vulnerable Homeless Communities, Nicholas W. O'Clair

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Homeless individuals, who have limited resources and lack stable lodging, are particularly vulnerable during disasters, further jeopardizing their already precarious health conditions. By examining the effectiveness of existing preparedness and response strategies on the readiness of homeless individuals during flood events, insights can be gained to enhance emergency operations. The purpose of the study was to investigate the experiences and vulnerabilities of homeless populations in a northeastern U.S. city with the goal of promoting inclusivity and resilience. Research questions involved understanding knowledge of dangers of flooding disasters; disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; and how current public promotion practices of disaster …

Ecological Factors And Minority Young Adults’ Trust In Law Enforcement, Jason Boswell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Throughout the past decade, studies have shown that the relationship between police organizations and community members has developed mistrust as more citizens begin to document misconduct by law enforcement officers. Studies have also proven that community members trust the police when they feel the police are fair and just. Distrust of law enforcement undermines the legitimacy of police officers, and without this trust legitimacy, police officers lose their ability and authority to perform their jobs effectively. To help bridge the gap between minority communities and law enforcement agencies, this qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to examine the trust within law …

The Lived Experience Of Stigmatization Due To Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss For Young Women With Cancer Who Attend College, Challna Blair

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study investigated the stigmatization experienced by young women in college due to chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Previous research primarily focused on older women, adolescents, and men, leaving a gap in understanding the impact on young college-age women. Using Goffman’s theory of stigma and Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method, six young women were interviewed confidentially. The primary research question asked what is the experience of stigma in young women in college who have hair loss during or following chemotherapy cancer treatment? The study revealed that these women often faced being ostracized by peers, received minimal family support, and experienced distressing scrutiny from …