Education Commons^™

Exploring Possibility Under Constraint: A Human Rights Approach To Higher Education In Connecticut’S Prisons And Jails, Emma Hersom

Senior Theses and Projects

This thesis investigates the landscape of higher education in prison (HEP) programs in Connecticut, aiming to evaluate their efficacy in ensuring a genuine right to education for incarcerated individuals. Through a comprehensive exploration grounded in human rights principles and informed by abolitionist perspectives, the research scrutinizes the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and adaptability of these programs. Drawing on insights from incarcerated students, program leaders, and existing scholarship, it delves into the intersection of education and incarceration, challenging prevailing neoliberal narratives. Furthermore, the thesis proposes actionable strategies for everyday abolition, emphasizing the need to dismantle carceral cultures and foster transformative approaches to …

Health Educators Perceptions Of Comprehensive Sex Education, Lauren Bessette

Senior Theses and Projects

Abstract

This study looked at health educators' perceptions of comprehensive sex education (CSE) through the lens of nine middle school and high school health educators in Massachusetts. Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade (Totenberg & McCammon, 2022), sex education has been highly contested, specifically in more conservative states like Florida (Branigin, 2022). The purpose of this study is to find health educators' perceptions of CSE. This qualitative study included nine interviews of teachers across four Massachusetts public school districts using an 11 question interview guides. Data analysis included three rounds of deductive coding on all nine interviews completed. The …

Language Positioning Within Peer Discourse In Dual Language Classrooms, Sophia Jones

Senior Theses and Projects

Bilingualism and biliteracy represent one of the goals for dual language education, but prior research shows that the separationist manner through which programs are structured contradicts this goal. To understand these problems, this study applies a critical framework. Through the lens of positioning theory, I explore peer discourse to discover how students are positioned as bilingual or monolingual speakers in peer interactions in order to understand the nuance of bilingualism within dual language classrooms. This is important for the group of students researched in this study because the language positions they continually undertake ultimately have long-lasting impacts on their emerging …

Trinity College Student Participation And Engagement During And After Online Learning, Peter D. Muise Ii

Senior Theses and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic put professors and students in difficult positions of virtual learning, and students in the class of 2024 were put in a particularly difficult situation as their first experience of college was filled with isolation and fear. Since the pandemic happened so recently, there is limited research investigating the differences in student engagement and performance with online classes compared to in-person, however, those that have conducted research have found that online does not facilitate communication and engagement to the degree that in-person does. My research study aims to answer the question, how do Trinity College students and faculty …

Evaluating How Rhetoric Around Real Estate Relates To Urban Schooling, Hallie Bachman

Senior Theses and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore people’s language regarding neighborhoods and schools by analyzing comments in the New York Times real estate posting’s comment section. This study used framing theory to understand the close analysis of these comments. The use of close analysis, looking at how the comments were framed based on alignment or non-alignment with urban poverty theory and systemic racism theory, allowed commenters’ underlying ideologies to emerge. As such, this research examined participants’ language to see if it reflects critical awareness (or not) and/or a deeper historical knowledge of residential segregation. Specifically, this study seeks …

Parent Experiences Navigating The Hartford Youth Scholars Program Application, Maria Vicuña

Senior Theses and Projects

In the United States, large disparities in education and educational attainment across racial and ethnic groups continue to exist. To combat this disparity, families may look for opportunities that will help their child succeed such as academic programming/enrichment. Hartford Youth Scholars (HYS) is one such program, located in Hartford, CT. While programs such as HYS exist, these programs are usually in demand and unfortunately, due to lack of resources and funding, there are only a limited number of students programs have the capacity to admit. While this is the case, it’s important that all families have a fair shot at …

In-Class Engagement And Trinity College Professors: The Student Of Color Experience, Xavier Mercado

Senior Theses and Projects

Trinity College has provided students with various classroom experiences that have allowed them to excel in further understanding of the world. These courses have given students the chance to not only connect and engage with the material, but they’ve also been at the forefront for students to use this knowledge to transform the communities around them. However, this is not an experience that is always the same for students of color here at the college. Here at a predominantly-white institution (PWI), students of color live their day-to-day lives often one a few in their classes. They are in spaces that …

Transitional Periods Of Individuals With Autism: A Parental Perspective On Services, Kennedy Rogers

Senior Theses and Projects

This study looks at the experiences and perceptions of parents with children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aged eighteen or older and have experienced a significant transition out of high school. By using a qualitative method of interviews and analysis, as well as two rounds of coding, I explored the nature of program options as well as the challenges of the individuals with Autism during this time of their life. This study looked at the challenges in the transition as well as some potential insights to helping ease the challenges.

The Maldivian Language Predicament: Language Loss Through The Lens Of Students, Azka Hassan

Senior Theses and Projects

This study dives into Maldivian students’ experiences of learning languages in classrooms, as well as how they perceive their proficiency in English relative to their first language, Dhivehi. I investigated the issue of language loss and its contributors via a qualitative study which consisted of 9 semi-structured 45-60 minute interviews with lower secondary Maldivian students who are in public schools in Male’ city. (Key stage 4, ages 13-17) Through this study, I argue that the Maldives is suffering from language loss among youth because students often have negative experiences in Dhivehi classrooms and feel pressure rooted in higher social and …

Special Education Teacher Perceptions On The Nature Of Resources Of Respective Programs Across Contexts, Hannah Tjalsma

Senior Theses and Projects

Special education teachers must have access to adequate resources in order to provide their students with the opportunities they need to succeed. However, there are significant disparities in the access to resources across different contexts. Previous literature has identified team support, administrative support, and training to be significant resources perceived by special education teachers. The purpose of my study was to examine the perceived nature of resources by special education teachers and investigate the variation of these perceptions across different socioeconomic contexts. I conducted seven interviews with special education teachers in Massachusetts to gain greater insight into this topic. This …

How Trinity Students' Time Use Affects Their Mental Health, Yini Xia

Senior Theses and Projects

This study examined how Trinity Students’ time use affects their mental health. I collected the data through Qualtrics online survey software. The survey was initially distributed on February 7th, 2023, to 300 Trinity students via email, with follow-up reminders sent on February 15th and February 22nd. From this initial distribution, I received responses from 54 participants. I then distributed the survey to my classmates, gathering an additional 54 responses. Through this study, I argue that there is relationship between student time use and mental health by specifically that there is a positive relationship between time spend working on campus, volunteering, …

International Students’ Lives In Trinity College And Their Pre-College Preparation, Sihan Zhang

Senior Theses and Projects

The world is more diverse and multicultural nowadays than at any previous time in history. For this reason, one important goal of higher education is to prepare culturally competent individuals with the ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds. Thus, international education has become one of the best ways to fulfill this goal. However,it is not always so easy for international students to live and work effectively with others who differ from themselves. Therefore I, an international student from Trinity College, tried to find out how a sample of Trinity College international students describes their preparation for college …

Outdoor Programming In Higher Education: Exploring Goals And Sense Of Community In The Trinity College Quest Program, Catherine Doyle

Senior Theses and Projects

Outdoor education is a nuanced aspect of experiential learning which is growing in relevance across all levels of education. Such programming greatly contributes to student growth and community building. Previous literature has highlighted the benefits of outdoor programming in the higher education setting, noting that it allows students to adapt better to their college, feel a greater sense of community, and engage in personal growth. Trinity College’s Quest program is an outdoor education program which aims to contribute to students’ experience at Trinity. Through a quantitative study focusing on Quest, this paper attempts to answer the questions: Do students who …

The Effects Of Trinity College’S Campus Culture On The Social And Academic Experiences Of Queer Male Students, Erica Desmond

Senior Theses and Projects

This qualitative study aims to examine the effects of Trinity College's campus culture on the social and academic experiences of queer men on campus. In order to properly uncover a possible relationship between queerness and the historic marginalization of minority identities at Trinity College, I conducted seven one-on-one interviews with queer male students to understand their first-hand experiences. Through analysis of data from these interviews, I uncovered that Trinity College’s campus culture significantly impacts the social and academic experiences of queer men. Within the context of this culture, queer men with alternate intersections are at an increased risk of social …

Gender Stereotypes And Representation Of Women In Roald Dahl's Books, Sarah Hunt

Senior Theses and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine the role and representation of women in Roald Dahl’s children’s novels. To do this, I conducted a document analysis of five of Dahl’s books - “James and the Giant Peach” (1961), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (1964), “Danny, The Champion of the World” (1975), “The Witches” (1983), and “Matilda” (1988) - in order to answer the following questions: How does Roald Dahl portray women and girls in his novels? What gendered stereotypes are present, and how does this portrayal change over time? I was able to answer this question through utilizing …

Anti-Racist Education Assessment In Hartford Schools, Yusong Chen

Senior Theses and Projects

Anti-racist content has been lacking in the education system in the past. When it comes to addressing issues of race and racism candidly in schools and classrooms, most teachers and administrators tend to ignore race and racism questions. Based on a survey that evaluated anti-racist education and training at their school, the questionnaire measured participants' perceptions of anti-racist education and their satisfaction with the training. 44 participants completed all of the survey questions. This study analyzed the effectiveness of the anti-racism training and the challenges faced by the participants in the teaching. The results of the survey showed that participants …

Student Experience With The Second-Language Requirement At Trinity College, Alberlis Hernandez

Senior Theses and Projects

This study answers the research questions: How do students describe their experience with the Second-Language Requirement (SLR) at Trinity College? To what extent do these experiences align with what Trinity College aims to offer students? Through a qualitative study, interviews were conducted with nine participants. This study was performed at Trinity College, and participants were current Trinity students when this essay was published. Data showed that almost all participants supported the implementation of a second language requirement, although more than half of the participants described having a negative experience with the SLR at Trinity College. I argue that the SLR …

Left At The Door Of Trinity- Community Based Organizations And Their Role In College Success At Trinity, Karolina Barrientos

Senior Theses and Projects

Community-based organizations, (CBOs) have given a specific subset of students opportunities for higher education. These organizations tasked themselves with providing students from historically marginalized backgrounds, typically students of color from lower social-economic statuses, the resources to access top-tier colleges and universities. This transactional trend can be identified in institutions like Trinity, a private liberal arts college that inherently upholds white supremacy and capitalism. In organizations streamlining students into these institutions, it eventually became clear that access to these organizations is not enough to ensure their success and clear implementation of college success was necessary. Leading me to my research question, …

A Tale Of Two Sides: An Analysis Into Which Demographics The English Department Attracts And Why, Jennifer Mendez

Senior Theses and Projects

This paper aims to provide a more in-depth focus on the English Department in college/university settings, specifically at Trinity College. Additionally, it looks at the structure of its current curriculum and whether or not it attracts students of color to the department, and why?

Parents Accessing Special Education Services During The Covid Pandemic, Julianne Petrillo

Senior Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Covid Brokers: The Pandemic Experiences Of Second-Generation Immigrant College Students, Brenda Ordonez

Senior Theses and Projects

The Covid pandemic affected students at a disportionate rate. Children of immigrants frequently help their parents navigate barriers such as linguistic and cultural barriers. Often the main stressors of children of immigrants who are attending college are related to navigating college resources and mediating multiple responsibilities making staying in school more challenging. This study was conducted at Trinity College, a predominately white institution, with the goal of investigating how the pandemic affected the academic, psychological, and financial well-being of children of immigrants attending PWIs. This research was based on nine semi-structured, qualitative interviews with second-generation immigrant students attending the following …

The Quizzical Queerness Of A Generation Left Alone With Their Queries: How The Covid-19 Pandemic Has Affected Queer Trinity Students, Cj Donohoe

Senior Theses and Projects

This paper analyzes the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to queer students at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Themes of a fuck-it mentality, increased time with family, and broader engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community on social media reinforced queer young people's identities, causing them to be more comfortable and confident in these identities. This research is a qualitative study of 10 queer-identified students at Trinity College and is grounded in theoretical frameworks by Judith Butler and Michel Foucault.

The Bursting Of The Non-Profit Bubble: Why Non-Profit Kids Simply Won’T Catch A Break, Jederick Estrella

Senior Theses and Projects

Studying conceptions of success within nonprofit and boarding school students and how they envision their future. Through an understanding of students' individual conceptions of success, one can start to analyze how reliant students were on elite educational institutions and nonprofit scholar programs to make them worthy of sponsored mobility through their track record of success.

Building Civic Capacity: The History & Landscape Of Nyc Integration Activism 2012–2021 [Post-Print], Mira Debs, Molly Vollman Makris, Elise Castillo, Alexander Rodriguez, Ayana Smith, Josephine Steuer Ingall

Faculty Scholarship

Background: New York City is one of the most segregated school districts in the country, but in the last nine years, school integration has moved from being marginal to a central education policy. Existing narratives have emphasized parents, school and political leaders, downplaying the significance of citywide coalitions of activists, especially youth activists.

Purpose: We examine how grassroots activists contributed to transform school integration policy, and the opportunities and challenges as a result through urban regime theory and specifically civic capacity, which highlights how various constituencies build a shared agenda for policy change.

Research Design: Working in partnership with …

Integration Versus Meritocracy? Competing Educational Goals During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Elise Castillo, Molly Vollman Makris, Mira Debs

Faculty Scholarship

Alongside the immediate challenges of operating schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, over the past year, parents, students, and policymakers around the country have also debated equity and access to some of the country’s most elite and segregated public schools. This qualitative case study examines how New York City activists conceptualized educational equity during the pandemic. Conceptually framed by Labaree’s (1997) typology of the three competing purposes of education—democratic equality, social efficiency, and social mobility—we document different lessons learned from the pandemic by integration activists, who emphasized school integration for democratic equality; and meritocratic activists, who prioritized retaining the existing stratified …

The Evolution Of Deaf Education In The United States- A Historical Analysis With Recommendations For Enhancing Deaf Education In The Future, Jaymie Bianca

Senior Theses and Projects

When deaf education formally began in the United States in 1817, it started as an entirely new concept. Founders of the American School for the Deaf, Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc, introduced numerous teaching methods during this time, the most prominent being American Sign Language (ASL). While the public did not know much about deaf education, Clerc and Gallaudet worked diligently to ensure that they educated the public on the importance of deaf education. Thus, this thesis ponders what public perceptions of deaf education and relevant teaching methods of deaf education were like through an in depth historical analysis of …

Departmental Culture Shapes Female Trinity Students’ Understanding Of Their Experience In Stem Majors, Yutong Zhu

Senior Theses and Projects

The under-representation of women in STEM fields is still an existing problem. It is important to study the factors that influence female students’ experiences in STEM fields to help understand the potential structural obstacles that might exist and lead to the under-representation of women in these subjects. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with seven female students who majored in male-denominated, non-male-dominated, and/or non-STEM fields at Trinity College to investigate their experiences with their professors, other students, and the department. Institutional factors (role model of female teachers and course design) and personal factors (support from the professors/advisors and connection with other …

Investigating Major Choice Among 1.5- Generation Immigrant Trinity College Students, Yeabsira Debebe

Senior Theses and Projects

Over the past decade, the average number of 1.5 generation immigrant students that have enrolled, attended, and graduated from a liberal arts institution has increased drastically. However, their experiences with higher education and the motivation behind their college major selection have continued to be overlooked in the fields of Social Sciences. This study was administered at Trinity College, a small liberal arts institution in Hartford, Connecticut, with the goal of answering how Trinity College's 1.5 generation immigrant students negotiate college major choices due to parental expectations. Additionally, it will explore and explain how these choices and students’ experiences at Trinity …

Classroom Pull-Out: Helping Or Hurting Students’ Self-Concepts And Academic Success?, Allie Reifler

Senior Theses and Projects

It is commonly debated what method of school instruction is best for young students: classroom pull-out for additional resources or inclusion models. There is a vast amount of literature that exists on the topic, however a portion of it is quite conflicting. Some say that inclusion methods are best for students’ academic and social needs while others argue classroom pull-out, or resource room, is more beneficial for students’ academic performance and self-esteem. The current study provided a possible answer as to the effects classroom pull-out in the third grade has on academic success and self-concepts in the fifth grade. This …

Thesis Is Stem Education Equal? How School And Student Characteristics Impact Student Stem Outcomes, Rafael Villa

Senior Theses and Projects

There is a large disparity in current STEM education across racial and socio-economic status. The result is detrimental to these student populations, especially since STEM study and occupations are often used as an agent of economic mobility. So how do student and school characteristics in high school affect student outcomes in STEM? Using data from the HSLS:09, I used logistical regression analysis and cross tabs to find that student academic achievement and student SES were the biggest factor when predicting student performance and perception odds in STEM. Race and gender were also statistically significant characteristics when predicting student perception and …