Education Commons^™

A Phenomenological Study Of School Psychologists: The Influence Of Implicit Bias On The Disproportionate Identification Rates Of African American Students Evaluated For Emotional Disturbance, Sonya Coe-Milo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As advocates, school psychologists remain ethically responsible and uniquely positioned to identify social injustices and promote nondiscriminatory practices in prekindergarten through grade 12 public education institutions. Implicit bias and its influence on African American students is one such practice. In public education, implicit bias contributes to discipline disproportionality, differentiated teacher support, pedagogical practices, and adult perceptions and expectations of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. These factors directly correlate to the disproportionate identification rates of African American students for special education and related services. Therefore, this phenomenological qualitative study examined the personal, lived experiences and perceptions of school psychologists regarding implicit bias …

Assessment Of Method Effects Of Keying And Wording In Instruments: A Mixed-Methods Explanatory Sequential Study, Lin Ma

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents an innovative approach to examining the keying method, wording method, and construct validity on psychometric instruments. By employing a mixed methods explanatory sequential design, the effects of keying and wording in two psychometric assessments were examined and validated. Those two self-report psychometric assessments were the Effortful Control assessment (Ellis & Rothbart, 2001) and the Grit assessment (Duckworth & Quinn, 2009). Moreover, the quantitative phase utilized structural equation modeling to analyze 2,104 students’ responses and assess the construct of keying and wording. Various hypothetical models were investigated and evaluated. The reliability of each construct in each method was …

Coping Strategies And Stress Of The Undergraduate Nursing Student In The Clinical Setting: An Evidence Based Practice Quantitative Study, Ashley Calverley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The assessment of perceived stress and coping behaviors related to first-semester clinical might benefit students in nursing education. The assessment of most common coping behaviors and perceived stress related to the clinical setting is essential due to difference in personalities, learning abilities, and coping behaviors among nursing students today. Previous research has suggested the initial clinical period results in adverse outcomes, such as poor academic performance, elevated burnout levels, and diminished personal well-being. These factors are detrimental to academic success in nursing programs. Evidence supports that helping students develop positive stress/coping abilities will aid in adapting in both the academic …

Employment Outcomes In Higher Education, Yunxia Wei

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Understanding the relationship between education, jobs, and wages in higher education is critical. It is not just about earning a degree; it is also about what that degree means for your earnings and the economy. Investigating data on jobs and wages challenges what we think we know and helps us see the whole picture. And delving into how much graduates earn based on what they studied and where they went to school by looking at Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes (PSEO) using data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). It's like looking into …

Students' Perceptions Of Non-Native Arabic And Native Arabic Teachers, Mohamed Firgany

Theses and Dissertations

Educators teach Millions of Arabic language learners worldwide, most of whom are not native speakers. Despite their efforts in teaching, developing educational materials, and significant contributions to scientific research, there is a lack of research on them within the context of the Arabic language.

In this project, I explore students' perceptions of teaching practices for native-speaker teachers (NSTs) and non-native-speaker teachers (NNSTs), along with the advantages and disadvantages associated with each. Additionally, I aim to understand the impact of certain variables such as gender, age, nationality, language proficiency, and the purpose of studying on these perceptions.

Through 173 survey responses …

Underserved And Underrecognized: Elevating Teaching Strategies, Special Education Eligibility, And Educational Outcomes For Grade 2-6 Girl On The Autism Spectrum, Jessica Ford

Doctorate in Education

This study involved a qualitative exploratory case study research design and employed in-depth online interviews as the primary data collection method. Participants were former or current special education teachers in Minnesota who had worked with Grade 2-6 girls on the autism spectrum and were sourced from professional networks, educational associations, online platforms, chain sampling, and snowball sampling. This study sought to elucidate the reasons behind the underidentification of girls eligible for autism spectrum special education services, streamline their qualification process, reveal practical educational strategies for academic, emotional, and social support, and furnish accessible resources and training alternatives for classroom teachers …

Coalescence: A Carnivore Coexistence Curriculum That Braids Indigenous & Western Ecological Knowledge Into A Relevant And Experiential Learning Opportunity For Youth, Stephanie Anne Barron

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

As grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horriblis) begin to reoccupy more of their historic range, and as humans and large carnivore populations continue to increase, incidences of human carnivore conflict are on the rise. A decolonial curriculum designed in collaboration with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe’s wildlife biologists stands to increase awareness of Indigenous ecological knowledge and teach youth about the importance of coexistence with carnivores. Additionally, this project could greatly influence youth perceptions of grizzly bears and other large carnivores. This research project examines the development and implementation of a carnivore coexistence curriculum for youth that is guided by …

Welcoming All: Closing Racial Gaps In School Connectedness, Ashley E.T. Sherman

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

This mixed-methods improvement science dissertation in practice (ISDiP) explores the problem of racial gaps in school connectedness at a small suburban elementary school, where Black students report the lowest rates of connection. School connectedness is a crucial predictor of academic and social-emotional success. An exploration of scholarly and professional practice identified restorative practices coaching as a high-yield strategy to close this gap. Restorative practices is a framework of proactive and responsive practices aimed at building community and repairing harm when it occurs. Six fourth- and fifth-grade teachers participated in bi-weekly coaching sessions and classroom observations of circles, a fundamental element …

An Improvement Science Dissertation In Practice: Promoting Teacher Retention And Preventing Burnout Among Elementary And Middle School Educators, Jacki L. Spring

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

This study aims to increase retention by providing teachers with strategies to decrease teacher burnout. Specifically, it sought to provide Tier I trauma-informed and restorative practice classroom management strategies through coaching cycles to reduce classroom disruptions and provide education on better managing challenging student behaviors. Based upon an intervention driven by weekly professional learning communities (PLC) sessions with the SEL coaching team and classroom-based coaching opportunities, this mixed-methods convergent design study utilized the improvement science framework. Quantitative data showed that although there were average decreases, there was no statistically significant difference in occupational exhaustion (EE) depersonalization (DP). Similarly, although there …

Building Community: Strengthening Student Connectedness And Sense Of Belonging In Our Schools, Shannan D. Perry Calson

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

All students want to attend a school they feel a sense of belonging to, one with caring adults and shared experiences for our young learners. Research shows that student connectedness and the quality of student–teacher relationships are associated with students’ engagement in school and academic performance (Bosman et al., 2018) and significantly impact student outcomes (Settanni, 2015). This Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) investigated the impact intentional professional learning for teachers focused on social and emotional competencies and increased shared experiences for students has on students’ sense of belonging and connectedness in a middle school. With a two-pronged intervention …

An Improvement Science Dissertation In Practice: A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring The Impact Of Trauma Literacy And Mindfulness On Perceptions Of Educator Work-Related Stress, Carla Ann Roland

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

This Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice study aimed to examine a possible solution to reducing the negative effects of trauma and toxic stress on a child’s education through an intervention aimed at advancing educators’ trauma literacy inclusive of educator self-care. Using a mixed-methods explanatory sequential research design, the researcher investigated the impact the Trauma Literacy Professional Development and Mindfulness Educational Group had on the educators’ perceptions of educator work-related stress. The researcher utilized a pre- and post-intervention survey measure, group discussion group field notes, and semi-structured interviews with participants to answer the proposed research questions. Quantitative results of this study …

Teaching Professionalism Skills To Secondary Students: An Improvement Science Dissertation On The Efficacy Of A Professionalism Skills System: An Improvement Science Study, James Weber

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This research provided Salem Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) with much-needed information on how to teach and grade secondary students on professional skills. The research was conducted at The Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Salem, Oregon. CTEC employs 35 staff members who serve 780 high school students. This research followed an improvement science dissertation in practice model (ISDiP) by implementing a 64-day Plan-Do- Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. A networked improvement community (NIC) met throughout the PDSA cycle to analyze and implement the research.

The NIC and CTEC staff developed a new system to teach, grade, and provide feedback on students' professional …

The Co-Curriculum Of College Student Employment: Perspectives From Supervising Practitioners, Brittany Begley Wildman

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

College student employees are not only serving the overall mission of their institutions, but also developing career readiness skills through daily interactions while at work. In this study, I explore the perceptions of the supervisors of student employees as both managers and student affairs professionals. Through one-on-one interviews with supervisors, discussing their interactions with students, I explore the implicit and explicit curricula they provide to their students using a curriculum analysis framework. I then compare the resulting learning outcomes against those identified in industry standards. The supervisors described supporting student employees' personal development during the student employment experience as well …

Redefining The "Good Kids": A Mixed Methods Improvement Science Study In Mitigating Implicit Bias In Behavior Management Practices, Gabrielle Renee Delgado

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

This Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) focused on the problem of educator bias as it pertains to behavior management and discipline, specifically for Black and Hispanic/Latine students as well as students with disabilities. A root cause analysis coupled with a review of existing literature situated this problem within Clark High School and justified further intervention. This study used an improvement science framework, action research methodology, and a convergent mixed-methods design to explore the implementation of tier II of school-wide positive behavior interventions and supports (SWPBIS) at Clark High School and its potential impact on educators’ awareness of implicit biases …

Becoming Transfer Friendly: Evaluating Four-Year Higher Education Institution Strategies To Support Community College Transfer Student Success, Aarti V. Dhupelia

Dissertations

Four-year higher education institutions (HEIs) nationwide must become more transfer friendly so that more community college transfer (CCT) students persist and complete their bachelor’s degrees, as a path to more students’ economic mobility and to equity across communities. This study aims to provide learnings to support achievement of this imperative. The research question studied here is: What is the relationship between community college transfer (CCT) student support strategies at a four-year higher education institution (HEI) and the first-to-second-year retention of CCT students at their four-year HEI? Through quantitative analysis of a broad set of variables’ ability to predict student retention …

Empowering Parents As Partners In Learning: Practices For Developing A Robust Home Learning Environment, Jennifer L. Bencivengo

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

Parents are often considered a child’s first teacher. However, not all parents are equipped with adequate strategies or have access to equitable resources to provide a rich home learning environment for their children. Bodies of research consistently identify discrepancies in kindergarten readiness from a social, emotional, and academic learning vantage point when discussing foundational literacy skills, the overreliance on technology, and developmentally appropriate executive functioning skills (Bassok & Reardon, 2013a; Jung, 2016; Reardon & Portilla, 2016a; Wolf & McCoy, 2019a). In an attempt to address the inequities in school readiness has more recently been examined with focus on community based …

Improving School Climate: The Impact Of A Perma-Based Intervention On Educators' Well-Being And Emotional Intelligence, Jennifer Andrews Kenney

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

Research has demonstrated that the condition of a school’s climate substantially influences student outcomes. This study investigated the factors influencing a sub-optimal school climate in a rural school. Results indicated that educators’ unmet social and emotional needs and an absence of well-being support influenced the quality of the school climate. To address this problem, this study examined the impact of an eight-week PERMA-based multicomponent positive psychology intervention (MPPI) on rural educators’ well-being, emotional intelligence (EI), and professional practice. The participants consisted of 13 rural educators. Using a convergent mixed methods research design, the researcher merged quantitative data comprising pre-test and …

Exploring The Pre- And Post-Pandemic Connection Between The Plus School Climate Survey And Student Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis And Predictive Study, Sarah V. Neely

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The return to in-person schooling post-COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased pressure on educators to ensure academic success for students. This study examines the school climate of 40 elementary and middle schools in California's Central Valley and its impact on academic performance and attendance, comparing pre-pandemic (2018-2019) with post-pandemic (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) data. Additionally, the study explores the influence of positive student-teacher relationships on academic outcomes and chronic absenteeism. Utilizing the PLUS School Climate Survey, this research sought to identify significant differences in survey scores pre- and post-pandemic, as well as examining the predictive power of student-teacher connectedness on academic performance …

Educación Técnica Industrial En Los Niveles De Educación Básica Secundaria Y Media En Colombia: Propuesta De Elementos Para Una Política Pública Desde La Perspectiva De Los Docentes Y Directivos Docentes, Adrián Andrés Villalobos Velásquez

Doctorado en Educación y Sociedad

En este trabajo de investigación se indagaron las características actuales de funcionamiento de la educación técnica industrial en colegios que presentan este tipo de enseñanza en los niveles de educación básica secundaria y media en Colombia, mediante experiencias de docentes y directivos-docentes, y la praxis educativa. y administrativa en dichas instituciones. Una vez identificadas las características de este tipo de formación técnica industrial, se proponen unas dimensiones y estrategias básicas que pueden ser desarrolladas en el diseño y construcción de una política pública que contempla y fortalece a estas instituciones educativas.

Navigating Post-College Career Paths: Perspectives On Career Identity And Self-Efficacy From Autistic Alumni, Maryellen Stephens

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the employment experiences of autistic college graduates, capturing the positive stories of successful alumni in terms of career placement and success. Utilizing qualitative narrative research, the study uncovered the nuanced journey of participants transitioning from completion of their undergraduate degree into the workforce. Drawing upon the frameworks of Self-Determination Theory and Self-Efficacy Theory, the research focused on the motivational mechanisms driving career achievements among autistic individuals. Methodologically, this study involved in-depth interviews with a total of 7 autistic college graduates across a range of ages, genders, and sexual orientations. These interviews allowed …

Optimizing Partnership Impact: Prioritizing High-Quality Social-Emotional Learning In A Sports Enrichment Out-Of-School Time Program, Julie Thompson Goldstein

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

Research demonstrates that out-of school time (OST) programs featuring physical activity positively impact students' social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies, including self-regulation and collaboration skills. However, financial barriers prevent low-income students access to OST and sports opportunities. Grant-funded OST partnerships seeking to improve student well-being, emotional safety, and connection need ways to measure their value. A systems view indicates that OSTs play an interactive role within a school's complex system. Guided by the Improvement Science Framework, this Dissertation-in-Practice aimed to strengthen the SEL quality of 2-4-1 TOP Self Sports, a physical literacy-informed sports enrichment OST program serving primarily elementary school students. Using …

An Exploration Of Teacher Perception And Practices Of Using Assessment Data To Improve Achievement Of Equity Student Groups, Laurie Mazelin

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

While utilizing assessment data has been a pervasive practice in educational reform for decades, and teachers are expected to use assessment data to improve instruction, little is known about how the practice of requiring teachers to review test data affects their perception of effectiveness in addressing the learning gaps of student groups. This qualitative phenomenological research study used open-ended, semi-structured interviews to help better understand how the expectations of teachers analyzing and integrating assessment data translates into teacher instructional practice and self-efficacy. This study aimed to explore the shared experience of teachers required to participate in collaborative planning centered on …

Improving Nutrition Screening Practice In The Hospitalized Heart Failure Patient Population, Amanda J. Bourgeois

DNP Projects

Background: Heart Failure is a disease known to affect nearly 6.5 million adults in the United States. Characterized by recurrent hospitalizations, heart failure significantly contributes to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in the United States and worldwide. Because malnutrition is prevalent in the heart failure population, healthcare providers must perform nutritional assessments on admission to intervene in the case of malnutrition, prevent deterioration, and improve patient prognosis. Without intervention and early identification of malnutrition, heart failure hospitalizations will remain a significant problem.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of an evidence-based educational program for cardiac …

Evaluating A High School Mrsa Prevention Program: A Case Study, Jamie Henning

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

MRSA poses a significant health risk to athletes nationwide. This case study examines the application of an online training module to address knowledge gaps regarding Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among key decision-makers for high school athletes. It reviews the development and initial evaluation of a web-based training program designed to empower decision-makers with the knowledge to prevent MRSA infection and respond to suspected cases. Program evaluation recommended expanding the training module to wrestling staff with improved evaluation methods while continuing implementation and effectiveness assessment for the football staff. Despite initial data quality limitations, the online training module evaluation offered valuable …

Manifestation Determination Reviews: What Is The Role Of The Speech Language Pathologist And Are The Language Abilities Of The Student Considered?, Joan Turner

All Theses, Dissertations, and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to seek best practices for Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) meetings with regards to Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) participation, how frequently expressive and receptive language of the student are considered throughout the process, and the degree to which MDR teams follow best practice recommendations. Given the vague federal guidelines regarding the MDR process, SLPs are not consistently invited to MDR meetings and expressive and receptive language of the student being disciplined are not consistently considered in the manifestation determination meetings and process (Fisher et al., 2021; Knudsen & Bethune, 2018). The researcher used a mixed …

Type Vs. Turnout: Correlations Between Types Of Higher Education Institutions And Student Voter Turnout, Janea Mccoy

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Voter turnout in the youth demographic has been the subject of increased attention and research in the past several years, with many questions left unanswered. The 18-25 age demographic can play a crucial and impactful role in elections. However, many young adults do not vote. Higher education has often been viewed as a catalyst for civic engagement amongst this age demographic, with correlations between enrollment in higher education and increased rates of voter turnout being evident. Given there is much variation between different kinds of institutions, however, this raises the question: what types of institutions and their respective characteristics correlate …

Understanding Unacceptable Graduation Outcomes For Historically Excluded Trio Student Support Services Students, Erica Willis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this mixed-methods study is to define the problem and to understand the system that has been leading to unacceptably low graduation outcomes for historically excluded Trio Student Support Services (Trio SSS) students at Mid-Atlantic University (MAU), a pseudonym. To achieve the primary purpose extant documents and institutional data that can shed light on system processes and institutional conditions that perpetuate disparities in graduation outcomes, particularly for historically excluded racial groups that exist at the intersection of first-generation status and/or low socioeconomic status, will be analyzed. The secondary purpose of this study is to identify potential change …

The Effect Of Reading Habits On Academic Success, Taylor Hicks

Culminating Experience Projects

The goal of most students is to achieve academic success. In order to be successful, students must form healthy reading habits because there is a positive correlation between academic success and reading habits. The more students read, the greater their chances of performing well academically. By participating in frequent reading, students will, not only perform well in school, they will also expand their vocabulary, improve their writing skills, and sharpen their critical thinking skills. We are in the midst of a literacy crisis, though. Students are choosing other avenues for entertainment instead of reading. This could potentially have detrimental consequences. …

College Preparedness. Narratives Of Transitions From High School To College., Chelsey Luann Vincent

Theses and Dissertations

Despite many theories on student success as well as many resources to help students make the transition from high school to college, many students do not persist in or graduate from college. The purpose of this dissertation is to provide insight into what takes place when students leave P-12 institutions and enter institutions of higher education by using focused narrative inquiry. This study took place at a large research university in the south. The study included 4 participants at various parts of their transition journey. Participants in the study responded to written prompts. Follow up interviews were conducted, and a …

Narrowing The Achievement Gap: Culturally Responsive Teaching For African American Students, Haylee Batzer

Culminating Experience Projects

It is no surprise to educators that classrooms are filled with children of all different backgrounds. Most teacher preparation programs try their best to prepare educators to teach students of diversity and support inclusion in the classroom. However, educators are still finding themselves lacking the skills needed to incorporate culturally responsive teaching (CRT) into their classrooms. Students of all backgrounds need inclusive practices to be successful. It is important to all students that they feel supported and seen in the classroom, without these practices schools start to see a decline in graduation rates and an increase in dropout rates. Many …