Education Commons^™

Mental Health In U.S. Schools: Problems, Interventions, And Future Directions, Emma Rumpf-Snavely

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

The psychological well-being of American children has been a concern due to the rise in mental health issues. Efforts have been made to tackle some of the issues that are most prevalent among youth such as stress, depression, bullying, substance abuse, suicide and self-harm. Attempted solutions include legislation at the state level, school-wide regulations, and individualized supports. Despite these efforts, there are still discrepancies with implementation and regulation of policies and programs. These inconsistencies have resulted in the continual decline in the mental health of American youth. The United States can gain a more focused direction for their mental health …

Secondary Mathematics Teacher Beliefs: Heterogeneous Or Homogenous Tracking And Ability Grouping, Andrew Hughes

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

This study focused on secondary school mathematics teachers’ beliefs about tracking (ability grouping across classes) and ability grouping within classes and their perceived effects on student achievement, student affects and behaviors, and instruction. Case study methodology was employed, and semi-structured interviews conducted with a purposive sample of six teachers from two schools in a city within the southeastern United States. Three teachers worked in a school that predominantly tracks their students while the other three teachers worked in a school that mixes their students by ability across classes. Data from this study are consistent with social inequities reported in tracking …

Women Elementary Principals And Work-Life Balance, Joyce Lee Yang

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

Work-life balance (WLB) is a challenge for principals to navigate as the ever-increasing responsibilities require more time. Because time is limited, achieving balance between principals’ workloads and home responsibilities can cause significant stress. Often, women principals face additional challenges because of childcare and household responsibilities. To support principals in their practice and encourage them to enter and persist in the role, better policies and practices should be implemented. By providing more site level staff, fostering a culture where WLB is valued, releasing principals from non-essential obligations, and training principals to prioritize tasks, districts can help mitigate the overload principals experience.

Pk-12 Sexual Minority Public School Employees’ Identity Management: Implications On Career Quality, Potential, And Advancement, Gordon Tod Larson

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

LGBTQ public PK-12 educators make decisions on their sexual identity disclosure management. This study sought the phenomenological aspects of how these management decisions and actions affect career path, promotion, and fulfillment to retirement. The purpose of this study was to raise awareness of LGBTQ PK-12 educators’ experiences with sexual identity management disclosure strategies and how these strategies impact their career. The sample was four educators from across the northern tier of the United States; the Northeast, the Northwest, and the Upper Midwest. Narrative inquiry produced thick, rich and descriptive stories of interactions with their students which gave meaning to their …

Student Perception On Flexible Seating And Their Engagement: A Descriptive Research Study, Christina Marie Castro

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This descriptive study examines students’ perspectives of their engagement when seated in flexible seating with choice. The researcher analyzed interview and survey data to answer the following research questions: 1.) What are students’ perceptions of flexible seating with choice? 2.) What are students’ perceptions on their level of engagement with flexible seating with choice?

The purpose of this study was achieved by interviewing and surveying first grade students who have experienced flexible seating in their Title 1 school within Southern California. Using the data from the interviews, this study identified common themes around the perception of flexible seating

among randomly …

The Life Of An Elementary School Principal: An Autoethnography, Catherine Ruth Tamayo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study was designed to provide insight into the daily life of administrators with the hope it would help to identify potential causes of principals leaving the profession within five years. Additionally, the study helps to prepare and inform educators and district leaders in how to support principals. It can also assist is preparing future principals for their administrative roles and what best supports participants to become successful administrators.

This study utilized a qualitative inquiry model as an autoethnography and is able to shed light on real life experiences. Data collection consisted of a journal of daily occurrences, a reflective …

Removing The Fence?: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Corequisite Courses, Faculty Validation, And Equity For Men Of Color In Community College English, Daniel Hogan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The passage of California’s AB 705 in 2017 mandated that community colleges drastically reimagine their English course offerings in an effort to increase student throughput and eliminate equity gaps. This typically meant replacing traditional remedial coursework and placement with corequisite models of remediation, wherein students took transfer-level courses with built-in concurrent remedial support.

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore the relationship between these structural changes and non-traditional relational success markers, namely faculty validation, especially for male Black and Latino students in English at a large urban California community college. The quantitative phase was a survey of over …

How To Help Your Child Succeed In Elementary School A Parent Education Workshop, Lauren Rivera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Over the last decade, research studies have demonstrated that academic success has a significant impact on a child’s long-term outcomes (e.g., Duncan et al., 2007). The purpose of this project was to provide parents with the information and skills to help their child succeed in elementary school. A 6-session workshop titled Helping Your Child Succeed in Elementary School was created which included the following topics: attachment, parenting style, positive discipline, and creating an enriched home environment. After attending the workshop, the four parent participants reported an increase in their knowledge of the importance of establishing a secure attachment with their …

Educators’ Perspectives Regarding The Inclusion Of Students With Mild To Moderate Disabilities Into The General Education Classroom, Rebecca Lynn Parres

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This quantitative study examined the perspectives of educators related to the inclusion of students with mild to moderate disabilities in general education classrooms. General education teachers, special education providers (e.g. education specialists, speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, and school psychologists, etc.), and administrators were surveyed to obtain their perspectives regarding the inclusion of students with mild to moderate disabilities; into the general education classroom. The Inclusive School Program Survey (McLewesky, et al., 2012) was used with permission from James McLeskey who conducted similar research in 2001. The five-point Likert scale survey was utilized to obtain data from the …

Teacher Demoralization: Neoliberal Influence On The Complex Education System And Teacher Morale, Dionne Elvira

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Since the 1980s, neoliberal influence has slowly taken over our education system’s vision and purpose. Presently, marketization in schooling has drawn the attention and influence of those of monetary and political power (Bartlett et al., 2002). Accountability measures set in place by the strings attached to school funding and sanctions encompass blanket demands on classroom instruction not equitably designed to support our diverse student populations (Ravitch, 2013; Reigeluth, 2014; Tsang, 2019). The school system, as it presently stands, is managed and maintained under systematic models that do not align to the complex needs of each unique school within its unique …

An Analysis Of Policies And Practices For The Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities In Public Universities In Mexico, Lilia G. Lopez Arriaga

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to analyze the laws and regulations regarding the inclusion of students with disabilities in selected Mexican universities. Seven public autonomous universities on the northern border of Mexico were selected for participation. Official documents were reviewed and administrators were surveyed to determine the extent to which federal legislation requiring inclusion was implemented at their respective institutions. Faculty members of psychology were also surveyed regarding the guarantees and accommodations provided by their institutions and the effectiveness of those efforts. Principal findings were that the commitment to serve students with disabilities was high, however the existing plans …

Method Of Joints: Theory And Practice Of Designing, Building, And Testing Trusses, Andrew J. Hughes, Chris Merrill

Educational Leadership & Technology Faculty Publications

The authors of this article, like many of us, are proponents of engineering education but are also proponents of shop skills, craftsmanship, technological literacy, and the tacit knowledge and skills developed through applying sound theories during practical hands-on learning. The authors believe that engineering is an important aspect of our discipline, but so are the application of thinking, tool skills, measurement, geometric construction, manufacturing, instrumentation, testing and analysis, mathematical and scientific theories, and many other hands-on, minds-on skillsets that all need to maintain association with our discipline. As the authors are proponents for engineering education that is done well, they …

Solving Concurrent And Nonconcurrent Coplanar Force Systems: Balancing Theory And Practice In The Technology And Engineering Education Classroom, Andrew J. Hughes, Chris Merrill

Educational Leadership & Technology Faculty Publications

The basic concepts inherent to statics, including unbalanced and balanced forces and instability and stability of physical systems, have traditionally been covered in middle and high school physical science courses (Physical Science as indicated in Next Generation Science Standards). Yet, these concepts are covered using a physical science approach that has minor but significant differences in terminology, structure, and focus when compared with an engineering approach. Since a robust understanding of statics is considered an essential component for most engineering disciplines, Technology and Engineering Education’s (T&EE) implementation of statics with an engineering approach could promote students’ ability to transfer learning …

Adapted Shared Reading: A Study Of Its Effectiveness In Inclusive Preschool Classrooms, Andrea Golloher

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Adapted shared storybook reading has been demonstrated to be effective at increasing both engagement and comprehension during shared storybook reading for elementary-aged students with exceptional needs. Research on these methods has primarily been conducted with students in self-contained elementary classrooms and has lacked evidence of generalization to new texts. This study examined the use of the adapted shared reading program in inclusive early childhood classrooms. Using a multiple baseline across participants design, the program was shown to be effective at increasing engagement, listening comprehension, and communication during shared reading interactions. These skills were generalized to novel adapted texts. Teachers’ perceptions …

Table Of Contents

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

No abstract provided.

Multicultural Education And Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Field Placements: Influence On Pre-Service Teacher Perceptions, Jerae Hutchison Kelly

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

As public school student demographics continue to diversify, the employment of multicultural education pedagogy in special education becomes ever more critical. Multicultural education pedagogy supports the placement of special education pre-service teachers (SEPSTs) in culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) field placements; yet scholars warn field placements have the potential to reinforce deficit-centered perceptions. Therefore, this pilot study sought to examine SEPSTs perceptions of students who are CLD and their educational needs in response to placement in CLD field experience through interviews with three SEPSTs in one teacher preparation program (TPP). Findings align with previous work in the field, underscoring the …

Developing And Implementing Fba-Bips In Elementary Classrooms: A Conceptual Replication, Shanna E. Hirsch Ph.D., Bcba-D, Allison L. Bruhn Ph.D., Kristina Randall Ph.D., Michelle Dunn Ph.D., Jill Shelnut Ph.D., John Wills Lloyd Ph.D.

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

The majority of students with disabilities and behavioral challenges are taught in general education classrooms. Although these students may receive interventions resulting in positive behavioral changes, little is known about the collateral effects of implementing behavior intervention plans (BIP) on classroom peers with similar behavioral problems who are not receiving an intervention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and BIPs for students with challenging behavior as well as their peers. We measured target student and peer academic engagement, as well as treatment integrity and social validity. As a result of the …

Effective Approaches In Reducing Reading Discrepancy Scores Between Students In General Education And Special Education, Jeannine M. Butler Ed.D., Karee O. Nasser Ed.D.

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

This research study examined curricular and instructional approaches that help students who receive special education services meet common Illinois state standards as measured by annual state standardized testing. Despite having supportive accommodations and modifications, Illinois students who receive special education services have lagged behind their general education peers in meeting academic standards as measured by annual Illinois state testing. Participants included personnel from schools that were identified as being high performing while also having the smallest discrepancy between students in general education and special education. These schools were investigated to determine what approaches they use to have this reduced achievement …

The Benefits Of Acue Training: Effective Teaching Practices, Jessica Vierra

Q2S Enhancing Pedagogy

The following paper is an outline and reflection of lessons I learned throughout my time on canvas; ACUE training. Thanks to CSUSB’s TRC program they offer effective trainings to create a positive learning environment. I also include different challenges I experienced while implementing these lessons.

Showcasing The Authentic Student Experience: The Library And Student Mentoring Partner To Create A First-Year Library Ambassador Program, Gina Schlesselman-Tarango, Barbara Herrera, Sara Demoss

Library Faculty Publications & Presentations

This poster outlines CSU, San Bernardino’s (CSUSB) Library Ambassador initiative, a partnership between the Pfau Library and the Office of Undergraduate Studies’ Student Mentoring Program that aims to connect students in first-year courses with peers knowledgeable about library resources and services. The poster includes the history of the program, which was piloted in 2016, and addresses some of the challenges and successes encountered along the way. It details the program’s student-focused philosophy, which strives to combat library anxiety by ensuring that early exposure to the library centers authentic student research experiences, concerns, and needs. The Library Ambassador program also allows …

The Effects Of Project Lead The Way Launch Curriculum On Elementary Girls’ Perception And Career Interests In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics, Mina Blazy

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The United States has examined the quality of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education since before the turn of the century. STEM educators are still having the conversation around why more women are not joining STEM pathways. Girls and boys as early as birth are curious about the world; through their own lens they learn about gravity from dropping spaghetti on the floor or seeing a small insect on the wall. As children get older they are influenced by the perceptions of their parents and peers.

This study looked at the perception and career interests of girls in STEM …

Si Se Puente! Validation And Puentistas Beyond Undergraduate Studies: Sustaining Latina/O/X College Achievement, Frances Valdovinos

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Latina/o/x are the fastest growing group in the United States and in the state of California. Higher education has also encountered a growth in Latina/o/x students pursuing higher education. Yet, despite this continuous rise higher education is less likely to retain the Latina/o/x student population. The purpose of this interpretive phenomenology study was to discover what factors of the Puente Program supported and prepared the Latina/o/x participants in facilitating transfer and college achievement during their undergraduate studies. Through the use of validation theory and the lived experiences of the participants, this study allows for a better understanding of the way …

Differential Item Functioning (Dif) Of English Learners On Constructed Response (Cr) And Multiple Choice (Mc) Items, Michael Nguyen

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Research assessing Differential Item Functioning (DIF) in mathematics has mainly dealt with gender and content. The mathematics assessments used for those studies primarily focused on around Multiple Choice (MC) and Constructed Response (CR) item types. DIF research studies with English Learners (EL) focused on language complexity and accommodations. The mathematics items used in these studies also consisted of MC and CR items. The primary objective of this cross-sectional non-experimental quantitative study was to determine if DIF occurred between EL and non-EL students and at a more granular level, if DIF existed among students with different levels of English language proficiency …

Evaluating The Perceptions Of Preschool Teachers And Administrators On Mental Health Services In The School Setting, Celia Tavarez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Mental health can impact a child’s success in many aspects, including in the school setting. School settings are very often the only place that provide an opportunity for families to be able to receive mental health services for their children. It is imperative that schools meet the mental health needs of the children who attend their schools. This research project examines data and information gathered from educators and school administrators to help us understand their experiences, successes, and/or displeasure about the services that are offered or not offered within the agency they work for. The literature review discusses the definition …

Communication Competence Training Within Minority-Owned Small Businesses, Shirleena Racine Baggett

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Business ownership is imperative in correcting economic issues for demographic groups subjugated to discrimination, inequality, poverty, and other harmful disadvantages. This project supports the idea that building communication competence within minority-owned small businesses and nonprofit organizations, will significantly increase achievement of long-term sustainability and success. The solution is not only creating communication training tailored for minority entrepreneurs, but to allow access in feasible and tangible ways. This study begins by defining communication and explaining its function to assist in moving past the narrative of communication interaction as “talking and listening,” but instead a concept rooted in logic, theoretical analysis, and …

Naturalistic Instructional Approaches In The Early Childhood Inclusive Classroom, Maranda Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

As a result of the new Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), states are required to provide students with disabilities high quality education in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to the greatest extent possible. Many students are now being educated alongside their general education peers in blended classrooms. Co-teaching has become a practical strategy to provide high-quality, individualized, and specialized education within blended classrooms. However, studies have shown that early childhood educators are not prepared to teach students with disabilities. Naturalistic instructional approaches are an evidence-based practice that can be utilized by early childhood inclusive co-teachers to teach important …

Validating And Culturally Responsive Pedagogies: Examining The Effects Of First-Year Seminar Course Redesign At A Hispanic-Serving Institution, Joanna M. Oxendine

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

A substantial amount of research exists regarding the efficacy of first-year seminar courses (FYSC); unfortunately, most existing FYSC research has been undertaken at predominantly white institutions and has tended to present college-going and the transition to college within the dominant narrative. Where addressed at all, the efficacy of FYSC’s for students of color has typically been framed via a deficit model lens and has not taken into account certain pedagogies known to better support Latinx, African-American, or other minoritized students. Led by the overarching purpose of exploring how intentionally incorporating culturally relevant and critical pedagogies in first-year seminars might be …

Getting To The Heart Of Professional Development And Employee Engagement Among Non-Teaching Personnel In Higher Education: An Appreciative Inquiry Into The Influential Role Of A Staff Development Center, Rowena Casis-Woidyla

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Despite the importance and incorporation of staff development in higher education, there is limited research on the availability and use of learning opportunities for non-teaching personnel (NTP) in the form of professional development. Work performed by NTP in higher education is critical to university operations. Without professional development and engagement opportunities, NTP lack visibility, disengage and ultimately may separate from institutions of higher education. Deliberate organizational efforts to provide access to new learning opportunities and promote personal growth among NTP is the development and institutionalization of centers for professional development, also called staff development centers and staff training and professional …

Quality Of Advanced Placement Programs, Thomas Gomez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

There has been an abundance of research studies regarding the underrepresentation of minoritized students (i.e., Latino & African Americans) in high school Advanced Placement programs. However, recent or current research studies have demonstrated that although this issue has improved over the years. A new problem has emerged for minoritized high school students regarding the “quality” of Advanced Placement programs. More specifically, minoritized students in urban school districts are being allowed to be enrolled in subpar Advanced Placement programs. Moreover, research has indicated that Advanced Placement programs in urban schools are of unequal quality among minoritized students. It is not only …

Graduate School Awareness For First-Generation Latinas: Cracking The Glass Ceiling - A Validation Study, Deborah D. Grijalva

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

At this time, the Latinx population is the fastest-growing population in the United States. Latinas account for one in five women in the United States, and by 2060 Latinas will likely make up one-third of the nation’s females. Education is the foundation for both personal and economic well-being, especially as the job market continues to demand higher levels of educational attainment. The Latinx population continues to make up a large portion of the workforce. Latinas’ attendance and admission rates at the graduate level are low. Studies have found that Latinas have obtained the lowest percentage of graduate degrees compared to …