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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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The Impact Of Co-Teaching On Mathematics Achievement Of Middle School General Education Students, Jarrod Bingham Apr 2019

The Impact Of Co-Teaching On Mathematics Achievement Of Middle School General Education Students, Jarrod Bingham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

To accommodate the presence of special education students in general education classrooms, many schools have implemented collaborative teaching or co-teaching, a model in which two or more teachers share responsibility for a group of students. While myriad research has demonstrated that this model benefits special education students, very little researchers have examined the effect of co-teaching upon the general education student, who often outnumber the special education students. The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to investigate co-teaching’s impact upon the mathematic achievement of general education students. The independent variable in this study was students’ placement into either a) …


Family Achievement Guilt As Experienced By First-Generation College Students: A Phenomenology, Melissa C. Cloyd Apr 2019

Family Achievement Guilt As Experienced By First-Generation College Students: A Phenomenology, Melissa C. Cloyd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study is to describe how family achievement guilt is experienced by first-generation college students (FGCS) at a less selective, public, mid-Atlantic university. Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance was used to guide this study that explored the central research question: How do FGCS at a less selective, public, mid-Atlantic university describe their experiences with family achievement guilt? Sub-questions included (a) What factors do participants describe as contributors to their family achievement guilt?, (b) How do participants describe the impacts of family achievement guilt to both their home and college lives?, and (c) How do participants …


Unleashing Top-Of-License Registered Nurse Practice: An Integrative Review, Michelle Dickerson Apr 2019

Unleashing Top-Of-License Registered Nurse Practice: An Integrative Review, Michelle Dickerson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In light of a well-renowned report, “The Future of Nursing” released by the Institute of Medicine (2010), recommendations were suggested that nurses should practice at, and to, the full extent of their licensure, also referred to as top-of-license nursing practice. Transforming nursing care models coupled with strong leadership support is critical to fostering an environment where top-of-license practice can be fully achieved and sustained. This integrative review provides a compilation and synthesis of the available published evidence regarding the best practices for fostering environments conducive to top-of-license nursing practice. Results of these studies strongly supports the notion of nurses practicing …


A Correlational Study Of Preadmission And Early Program Predictors Of Physician Assistant Certification Exam Scores, Jennifer Pack Apr 2019

A Correlational Study Of Preadmission And Early Program Predictors Of Physician Assistant Certification Exam Scores, Jennifer Pack

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As the physician assistant profession continues to grow, the number of physician assistant programs and the number of applicants to these programs are increasing dramatically. Programs should be diligent to choose students who are likely to be successful in the program and on passing the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam. In addition to selection processes that consider preadmission criteria, programs should also have processes in place to identify students at risk of failure to allow time to implement remediation plans. This study employed a correlational research design, attempting to demonstrate a predictive relationship between the predictor variables, undergraduate science GPA, …


A Content Analysis Of Disability Due Process Cases In Missouri From 2008-2018, Monica Erica Barnes Apr 2019

A Content Analysis Of Disability Due Process Cases In Missouri From 2008-2018, Monica Erica Barnes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Students with disabilities are significant members of the American population; consequently, provisions for their inclusion in the learning community as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are relevant. The purpose of the study was to track disability trends in due process cases from 2008-2018 in Missouri for students in public schools from grades K-12. The researcher undertook a descriptive content analysis of archived data from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Descriptive data collected for each case included the date of the case, the district case number, the age, gender, grade level, disability, and brief …


A Comparative Study Of Special Education Teachers’ Inclusion Perceptions: The Role Of Certification Routes, Dannette Taylor Estes Apr 2019

A Comparative Study Of Special Education Teachers’ Inclusion Perceptions: The Role Of Certification Routes, Dannette Taylor Estes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A primary goal of education is to increase student achievement. Many school districts are addressing increased student achievement by hiring and retaining effective teachers. Teacher effectiveness and student achievement are both influenced by teacher perception. Teachers with positive perceptions have been shown to contribute to increased student achievement and are perceived to be effective educators. Special education teachers hold both positive and negative perceptions about inclusion. In addition to varied perceptions of inclusion, teachers have taken different routes to obtain special education teacher certification. The purpose of this causal-comparative, quantitative study was to determine whether a statistically significant difference exists …


A Multiple Case Study On Fifth-Grade Teachers' Perceptions Of Scripted Reading Programs' Impact On Reading Comprehension, Antonio Tyrone Hairston Apr 2019

A Multiple Case Study On Fifth-Grade Teachers' Perceptions Of Scripted Reading Programs' Impact On Reading Comprehension, Antonio Tyrone Hairston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple case study was to examine fifth-grade Read 180 teachers’ perceptions of a commercial scripted reading program and how their perceptions might influence implementation at eight elementary schools in only one school district in Virginia. The theoretical framework of this study was adapted from Lave’s (1991) situated learning theory grounded in constructivism. According to Lave, situated learning should occur in an environment where the instructor provides a learning situation that embodies problem-centered activities that support knowledge. The study assessed how perceptions of a commercial scripted reading program impacts student comprehension for fifth-grade Read 180 elementary teachers …


Worship Ministry Leadership: Principles For Age-Related Transition And Succession, John Rollin Mohler Apr 2019

Worship Ministry Leadership: Principles For Age-Related Transition And Succession, John Rollin Mohler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The tenure of a long-serving worship pastor is affected by many variables, but few are as impactful, challenging, yet unexamined, as the pastor’s age. In this historical research study, the researcher assesses the best strategies of professional development necessary for aging worship pastors as they transition for lasting relevance and honorable succession. This study focused on the necessities of cultural engagement and people development as a means to maintain, among other things, platform credibility and leadership reproduction. Historic rationale and precedent was established through the examination of principles of age-related recalibration, transition, and succession from the researcher’s own experience, as …


Implementation Of A Basic Exegetical And Hermeneutical Class For Students: To Interpret God’S Word Exegetically And Apply God’S Word Hermeneutically, Casey Whiteis Apr 2019

Implementation Of A Basic Exegetical And Hermeneutical Class For Students: To Interpret God’S Word Exegetically And Apply God’S Word Hermeneutically, Casey Whiteis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A course to use in student ministries that addresses the capabilities of students in being able to interpret and apply the Bible for themselves. The rationale for choosing this topic is that students are aging out of the student ministry without a basic understanding of how to read, interpret, and apply God’s Word for themselves. All too often, while attending the student ministry, students understand topics that relate to what they are experiencing in high school; however, are they receiving the tools required to continue applying God’s Word to their lives? Tools are provided to students that will guide them …


A Transcendental Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Christian School Teachers Educating Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Gale Dionne Hall Apr 2019

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Christian School Teachers Educating Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Gale Dionne Hall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study is to describe the experiences of 13 Christian school teachers, who for at least six months, educated students with ASD in three Christian Schools in Hampton Roads Virginia. While information is available for the experiences of public school educators, the experiences of Christian school teachers who educate students with ASD has yet to be examined. Thus, the central research question addressed how Christian school teachers describe their experiences with students with ASD and was guided by the theoretical framework of Milton Rokeach’s theory of organization and change within value systems. I obtained …


A Comparative Study Of Teacher Efficacy In Charter And Traditional Public Schools, Sara Capwell Apr 2019

A Comparative Study Of Teacher Efficacy In Charter And Traditional Public Schools, Sara Capwell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a significant difference exists between classroom teacher efficacy in traditional public schools and public charter schools as an overall measure as well as in the specific areas of student engagement, instructional strategies, and classroom management. The methodology was that of a quantitative causal comparative ex post facto study with sample participants located in school districts in central Florida. The accredited districts included more than 300 schools, more than 50 of which were charter schools. The results of the independent t-tests for overall teacher efficacy, teacher efficacy for student engagement, teacher efficacy …


A Causal-Comparative Analysis Of Mathematics Self-Efficacy Based On Gender And Math Acceleration, Jacqueline Renee Probst Apr 2019

A Causal-Comparative Analysis Of Mathematics Self-Efficacy Based On Gender And Math Acceleration, Jacqueline Renee Probst

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study tested the theories of self-efficacy and cognitive-stage that compare gender and degree of mathematics acceleration to mathematics self-efficacy for math students. The participants for this study were 158 Algebra 2 and Precalculus students enrolled at three different private, metropolitan, secondary schools in the same northwestern state during the 2018-2019 school year. A causal-comparative group comparison design was utilized to determine mathematics self-efficacy differences among math students in relation to gender and degree of mathematics acceleration. Student mathematics self-efficacy scores from the Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES) were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare means and …


How Participation In The Arts Impacts Learning Comprehension For High School Students During Stem Coursework At Two High Schools In Southwest Florida: A Case Study, Tiffany Lynn Jennings Apr 2019

How Participation In The Arts Impacts Learning Comprehension For High School Students During Stem Coursework At Two High Schools In Southwest Florida: A Case Study, Tiffany Lynn Jennings

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand how participation in the arts impacts Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) coursework for students at two Southwest Florida High Schools. Within the context of the study, the term “arts’ was used to collectively refer to all visual and performing arts courses, including painting, drawing, graphic arts, two-dimensional and three-dimensional, music, and theatre. Studies show that in order to be innovative, students need to have the experiences that the arts can foster in the right side of the brain, the side associated with creativity (Eisner, 2002). I chose a case study …


Facilitating Transition To Practice For Millennial New Graduate Nurses, Tiffani Marie Wise Apr 2019

Facilitating Transition To Practice For Millennial New Graduate Nurses, Tiffani Marie Wise

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the growing nursing shortage and the dire need for a full nursing workforce, attrition rates among new graduate nurses (NGNs) continues to be of concern. One answer to the nursing shortage includes the next generation of nursing graduates: millennials. It is vital that nursing administrators and educators collaborate to develop a transition-to-practice process that meets the unique needs of millennial NGNs to increase job satisfaction, thereby increasing intent to stay in the profession. The MSPM was implemented in an NGN medical-surgical residency as a means of maintaining job satisfaction, perceptions of support, and intent to stay, among NGNs. A …


A Phenomenological Study Of Graduated Nursing Student Athletes' Experiences Balancing Academics And Athletics, Robert E. Steed Apr 2019

A Phenomenological Study Of Graduated Nursing Student Athletes' Experiences Balancing Academics And Athletics, Robert E. Steed

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of eleven graduated nursing student athletes who completed traditional, four-year nursing programs while concurrently finishing four years of athletic eligibility in their respective sport at three private, Christian, Midwest universities and across three different competitive collegiate athletic divisions. The theories guiding this study are Tinto’s Theory of Individual Departure from Institutions of Higher Learning, Astin’s Theory of Student Involvement, and Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress Response, as they relate to student athletes’ persistence to graduation and to nursing students who reportedly experience higher levels of …


Reducing High School Dropout: An Instrumental Case Study Of Successful High School Dropout Prevention, Sasha Davila Crocker Apr 2019

Reducing High School Dropout: An Instrumental Case Study Of Successful High School Dropout Prevention, Sasha Davila Crocker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to understand the dramatic reduction in dropouts in a rural high school in central North Carolina. Dramatic reduction in dropouts is generally defined by having reduced the school’s dropout rate by at least 50% in less than three years. The theories guiding this study were social learning theory and the stage theory of organizational change. The research questions were as follows: (1) How did the high school drastically reduce the dropout rate? (2) What was the role of each key informant in reducing the dropout rate? The data collection processes included individual …


An Exploration Of Musical Influences Throughout Worship: Enhancing Worship Experiences Via Hymns Encompassing Spiritual Gifts, Nina Marie Tedeschi Apr 2019

An Exploration Of Musical Influences Throughout Worship: Enhancing Worship Experiences Via Hymns Encompassing Spiritual Gifts, Nina Marie Tedeschi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

One of the most important aspects of the role of worship leader, is that of choosing relevant worship materials. The use of hymns has enhanced worship for ages. The trends of the current age have precipitated a concern and need for conscientious selection of music, along with appropriate application of the singing of hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs. A major consideration in worship planning is to utilize music which reaches all generations. The impetus of this study is primarily based upon biblical, historical, theological, philosophical, methodological, and observational practice of worship. The research focuses upon the importance of planning and …


The Relationship Between Years Of Homeschool And Self-Esteem Of Freshmen College Students, Sheryl Welfel Apr 2019

The Relationship Between Years Of Homeschool And Self-Esteem Of Freshmen College Students, Sheryl Welfel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Since the number of homeschooled students choosing to attend college is increasing, there continues to be a need to identify potential self-esteem issues in homeschooled freshmen college students (Smith, 2013). This study investigated if years of homeschool had a relational effect on self-esteem in homeschooled college freshmen students attending a college campus. In this quantitative study, the sample population was comprised of freshmen college students between the ages of 18 and 22, have been homeschooled for at least one year, and were currently attending a college campus with under thirty hours of college credit. Participants received the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale …


A Phenomenological Study Of Novice Teachers' First-Year Experiences In Curriculum Development In International Schools, Rachel Morgan Pedigo Apr 2019

A Phenomenological Study Of Novice Teachers' First-Year Experiences In Curriculum Development In International Schools, Rachel Morgan Pedigo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the experiences of teachers in Christian international schools during the process of developing curriculum for their classes during their first-year of teaching at the school. In light of the purpose of the study, the following research questions framed this investigation: How do first-year teachers describe their experiences developing curriculum during their first year of teaching at an international Christian school? What challenges do first-year teachers encounter when beginning to develop curriculum for their classes? What are first-year teachers’ expectations of support during curriculum development? How do first-year teachers describe their experiences …


The Transformational Leadership Practices Of A College President: A Case Study Of Dr. James L. Doti, Adejoke Katherine Kassim Apr 2019

The Transformational Leadership Practices Of A College President: A Case Study Of Dr. James L. Doti, Adejoke Katherine Kassim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single instrumental case study was to explore the transformational leadership practices of Dr. James L. Doti, the president emeritus of Chapman University, Orange County, California. The theory that guided this study was the transformational leadership theory by James McGregor Burns and Bernard M. Bass. The central question for the study was, “How did Dr. Doti lead the transformation of Chapman University between 1991–2016?” This study investigated the president’s demonstration of the four components of transformational leadership as identified by Bass: Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, and Individual Consideration. The setting was at Chapman University, Orange …


A Causal-Comparative Study Of The Effect Of Cultural Identity And Gender On Emotional Intelligence Levels Of Christian College Students, M Teresa Dustman Apr 2019

A Causal-Comparative Study Of The Effect Of Cultural Identity And Gender On Emotional Intelligence Levels Of Christian College Students, M Teresa Dustman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

To date, very little research has joined the topics of Christian college students’ emotional intelligence (EI) levels, gender and cultural identity. This study was grounded in the Social Cognitive Theory which states that the environment, cognitive factors, and personal factors inform the learning process. The dependent variable was EI and the two independent variables were cultural identity and gender. The literature review identified varying results where EI, culture and gender are concerned, as well as a documented need for EI to be present both during and after college. Utilizing SurveyMonkey, this study was comprised of an instrument to measure participant …


Join The Band: Benefits Of Engaging Intergenerational Volunteers In The Local Church Worship Ministry, Jamie R. Coates Apr 2019

Join The Band: Benefits Of Engaging Intergenerational Volunteers In The Local Church Worship Ministry, Jamie R. Coates

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Throughout the Bible and much of church history, intergenerational ministry was the common practice. However, in recent decades many local evangelical churches have abandoned the practice of intergenerational ministry and have instead embraced age-segregated ministry models. Reflecting this shift, age-segregated worship ministries within the local evangelical church have become the norm. This qualitative study examined biblical examples and teachings regarding worship and ministry and examined worship and ministry practices from throughout church history. Analysis of the research findings addressed the characteristics of an effective intergenerational worship ministry. Although facilitating an intergenerational worship ministry is a complicated endeavor, this study revealed …


A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Teachers Who Form Positive Relationships With At-Risk Students In Title I Middle Schools In The Southeast, Natasha Brown Apr 2019

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Teachers Who Form Positive Relationships With At-Risk Students In Title I Middle Schools In The Southeast, Natasha Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of teachers who form positive relationships with at-risk students in Title I middle schools. The theory guiding this study was Nel Nodding’s ethic of care as it relates to the teacher as a caregiver interested in the expressed needs of the students. Using a qualitative transcendental phenomenological design, 15 southeastern Title I middle school teachers were selected to participate in the study. The central question guiding this research was: How do teachers describe their experiences of forming positive relationships with at-risk students in Title I middle schools? Sub-questions …


A Correlational Study Of The Demographic And Job Factors Related To Job Satisfaction And Burnout Among School Psychologists, Carla Donahue Apr 2019

A Correlational Study Of The Demographic And Job Factors Related To Job Satisfaction And Burnout Among School Psychologists, Carla Donahue

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

School psychologists are uniquely trained to provide a variety of services within a school setting. Because of the diversity in job responsibilities and the growing expectations of school psychologists across different settings, low rates of job satisfaction and high rates of burnout are contributing to school psychologists leaving the profession, and fewer students enrolling in school psychology programs. The shortage of school psychologists exacerbates the problems, with low job satisfaction and high rates of burnout as practicing school psychologists often serve more students and schools than is recommended by the National Association of School Psychologists. Studies of job satisfaction and …


Partner Pornography Use And Effects On Female Partners: The Moderating Effects Of Religious Coping And The Sbw Stereotypy On Women's Mental Health And Relationship Satisfaction, Aretha Raquel Guidry Apr 2019

Partner Pornography Use And Effects On Female Partners: The Moderating Effects Of Religious Coping And The Sbw Stereotypy On Women's Mental Health And Relationship Satisfaction, Aretha Raquel Guidry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Pornography use is wide-spread, and its detrimental effects are clearly outlined in the literature. In contrast to the abundance of literature related to male use and its influence on the user, female partners, and relationships, there is a dearth of empirical findings addressing racial differences and various coping mechanisms potentially moderating the link between pornography use, mental health outcomes, and relationship satisfaction. To this end, the present study examined the mental health outcomes of female partners, as moderated by religious coping and the strong Black woman (SBW) stereotypy, and the subsequent effect on relationship satisfaction. Participants in the study completed …


The Influence Of Ethical Leadership And Ethical Culture On Faculty Engagement, Douglas J. Lange Apr 2019

The Influence Of Ethical Leadership And Ethical Culture On Faculty Engagement, Douglas J. Lange

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this non-experimental correlational study, the researcher examined the combined influence of ethic leadership behavior and organizational ethical culture on employee engagement, where ethical behaviors acts as a mediating variable. The investigator extended the applicability of prior studies by examining a well-educated, professional working population, the faculty of colleges and universities in North and South Carolina. The study employed a survey methodology utilizing reliable and valid instruments developed by others in previous research. The findings demonstrate that ethical leadership behavior in managers acts to mediate the influence of organizational culture within the study population without regard to age, gender, or …


A Phenomenology Of Elementary Teachers' Perceptions Of Alternative Classroom And Behavior Management Strategies To Support Students Impacted By Parental Substance Abuse, Heidi M. Hickman Mar 2019

A Phenomenology Of Elementary Teachers' Perceptions Of Alternative Classroom And Behavior Management Strategies To Support Students Impacted By Parental Substance Abuse, Heidi M. Hickman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand how elementary (PreK-3) teachers in rural southern Ohio alter their classroom management strategies to offer behavioral support to students impacted by parental substance abuse. The theories that guided this study were: (a) Operant Conditioning (Skinner, 1938), (b) Family Stress Theory (Hill, 1958), (c) Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977), and (d) Social Development Theory (Vygotsky, 1978). The central question for this study was what are elementary teachers’ perceptions of how they alter their classroom management strategies to offer behavior support to students impacted by parental substance abuse? A purposeful sampling of …


How Virtual Administrator Behaviors Impact Instruction: A Case Study, Tamra Lanning Mar 2019

How Virtual Administrator Behaviors Impact Instruction: A Case Study, Tamra Lanning

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study is to present an in-depth understanding of virtual teachers’ perceptions of how virtual school administrators’ instructional leadership behaviors impact instruction. The theory guiding this study is Haim Ginott’s theory of congruent communication (Ginott, 1965, 1972). Ginott (1972) described congruent communication as harmonious and authentic, where words match the feelings. Virtual school administrators and teachers must rely heavily on communication to accomplish goals. How virtual school administrators relay expectations, criticism, and praise will impact teacher instruction. The experiences associated with teachers and administrators in brick and mortar schools will serve as a framework for discussion …


Character Identification And Mindset: An Experimental Design Using Disney's Finding Nemo, Ashlee Kirby Lakin Mar 2019

Character Identification And Mindset: An Experimental Design Using Disney's Finding Nemo, Ashlee Kirby Lakin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mindset is defined as an individual’s view of intelligence or ability. Mindset research began in the 1970s at Stanford with Carol S. Dweck, who coined the terms “fixed mindset” and “growth mindset.” A fixed mindset believes intelligence and abilities are limited and static. Each individual has a certain quantity, and no amount of risk-taking, effort, or perseverance will increase the amount of intelligence currently possessed. A growth mindset sees intelligence as something that can grow, transform, and change. Individuals with growth mindsets believe hard work pays off and are eager to learn new ideas, concepts, and theories to move forward …


Leadership Factors That Influence Church Growth For Western North Carolina Churches Of God, Harold Jordan Mar 2019

Leadership Factors That Influence Church Growth For Western North Carolina Churches Of God, Harold Jordan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to identify and describe the essential leadership factors required to stimulate and sustain church growth for Church of God churches operating in Western North Carolina. This will be accomplished using a grounded theory research approach. Sample (N = 30) analysis of statistics provided by the Western North Carolina State Offices of the Church of God showed 3% of the churches in this region to have recorded significant overall growth in attendance and membership (=>10% per year) from April 1, 2014 to April 30, 2016. Few of the sampled churches recorded benchmark conversion growth …