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CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

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Full-Text Articles in Education

Attitudes And Beliefs Of New Teachers Towards Induction Requirements, Laura Craig Mar 2020

Attitudes And Beliefs Of New Teachers Towards Induction Requirements, Laura Craig

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

There is worldwide teacher shortage that is affecting the access to quality education. In past 5 years, as high as 50% of new teachers have been leaving the field during their first 5 years, after receiving a teaching credential. To help slow attrition rates in California, induction has become a required element for new teachers to transition from a preliminary credential to a clear credential. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and examine the effect on teaching and retention of novice teachers based on their beliefs and attitudes regarding California induction policy requirements. The research question to …


Effect Of Classroom Interactions And Instructional Practices On Mindset Development And Students’ Attitude Toward Challenges, Cherie Kinnersley Mar 2020

Effect Of Classroom Interactions And Instructional Practices On Mindset Development And Students’ Attitude Toward Challenges, Cherie Kinnersley

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

This mixed-methods study explored the relationship between growth and failure mindset with a student’s attitude toward challenge and the ecological factors in the classroom that lead to mindset development. The study included both a survey and individual student interviews. For the study, one school was with a low percentage of students with free or reduced lunch (10%–30%), one with a high percentage of free or reduced lunch (60%–95%), and one with an average percentage of students with free or reduced lunch (31%–59 %). A principal component analysis (PCA) was run to examine and analyze the survey items. The quantitative …


Understanding The Influence Of Academic Experiences On The Academic Motivation And Engagement Of Early College High School Students, Gabriela E. Gomez Mar 2020

Understanding The Influence Of Academic Experiences On The Academic Motivation And Engagement Of Early College High School Students, Gabriela E. Gomez

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The early college high school (ECHS) model was implemented to increase the number of underrepresented students who attain a college degree by immersing students in a postsecondary environment and providing them with the necessary skills to experience success. This qualitative instrumental case study explored how ECHS students perceived their academic experiences as meaningful and how such experiences influenced academic motivation and engagement. The study site was an ECHS located in Texas. All 11 participants were currently enrolled in 11th or 12th grade at the ECHS. Data was collected through semistructured interviews, observational notes, and artifacts. Synthesized member checking was conducted …


A Multiple Case Study Exploring Communities Of Practice Led By Rural Secondary School Science Teachers To Overcome Community Isolation In A Research-Science, Dually-Enrolled, Program Of Studies, Sandra J. Gardner Mar 2020

A Multiple Case Study Exploring Communities Of Practice Led By Rural Secondary School Science Teachers To Overcome Community Isolation In A Research-Science, Dually-Enrolled, Program Of Studies, Sandra J. Gardner

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

This multiple case study focused on a research science dually-enrolled program of study and the unique challenges rural school educators face due to a lack of human and social capital. Some geographically-isolated rural secondary schools strategically use dual-enrollment programs to develop stronger social capital networks and communities of practice. Participants included five science research educators from rural, geographically-isolated secondary schools. Each case was examined individually, which allowed the researcher to explore the phenomenon within the context of the rural school research science teaching and learning environment. A cross-case analysis was conducted across all five cases using the inductive framework. The …


Teachers’ Perceptions Of Factors Influencing Students’ Academic Performance In Online Courses: A Case Study, Autumn Reyes-Sokolowsky Mar 2020

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Factors Influencing Students’ Academic Performance In Online Courses: A Case Study, Autumn Reyes-Sokolowsky

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The problem at the center of this study was the fact that full-time virtual students often showed less learning gains than their traditional counterparts. The purpose of the study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of internal and external factors influencing students’ academic achievement in online courses. The central research question was: what factors do teachers perceive as a significant impact on online students’ success? A qualitative method with a case study design was adopted. Data were collected through individual teacher interviews and a focus group discussion in southeastern region of the United States. The results showed five significant themes: student …


Exploring Teachers’ Perspectives Of The Pbis Program In Fourth And Fifth Grade Classrooms, Norma Ferguson Mar 2020

Exploring Teachers’ Perspectives Of The Pbis Program In Fourth And Fifth Grade Classrooms, Norma Ferguson

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program is an evidenced-based framework with over 20 years of research and 25 years in addressing student misbehavior in U.S. public schools. The program utilizes a systems-based approach where schools can proactively document data in helping to make decisions toward promoting positive student behavior. As the need for effective resources for classroom behavioral management increases, teachers need support to ensure there is an alternative recourse that can be employed to assist with managing student behavior. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore elementary teachers’ perspectives and experiences regarding the PBIS …


Effective Introvert Teachers: A Phenomenological Study Of Their Lived Experiences, Kyle B. Chuhran Mar 2020

Effective Introvert Teachers: A Phenomenological Study Of Their Lived Experiences, Kyle B. Chuhran

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

In this qualitative, phenomenological study, effective K–12 introvert teachers were interviewed to determine how they achieve effectiveness within Danielson’s (2011) four domains of planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities. The participants discussed the strategies they use to overcome the challenges they face as teachers, as well as how they leverage their introvert personality strengths. The 10 study participants frequently experienced exhaustion related to their job responsibilities and expressed the need to find ways to recharge in order to have the energy needed to be effective. Participants avoided extrovert behaviors when possible, but they also realized that sometimes …


An Interpretative Phenomenological Study: How Secondary Teachers (Grades 11–12) Are Impacted By Triage Within A Career And Technical Education Program, Cassandra Conover Mar 2020

An Interpretative Phenomenological Study: How Secondary Teachers (Grades 11–12) Are Impacted By Triage Within A Career And Technical Education Program, Cassandra Conover

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Academic reform has been the impetus for failing districts to use triage as a tool to improve the scores of students close to the benchmark scores needed for proficiency. The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of 10 career and technical education (CTE) secondary teachers for the existence of triage as an effect of accountability threats on teachers who are moving students from failing to passing. The theoretical conceptual framework of the scientific management of Taylor and other organizational theories of Perrow, March, and Senge, provided guidance for understanding teachers’ behaviors from responses given …


Middle School Teacher Perceptions Of Effective Professional Development Practices: A Phenomenological Study, Christi Glasco Mar 2020

Middle School Teacher Perceptions Of Effective Professional Development Practices: A Phenomenological Study, Christi Glasco

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the perceptions middle school educators shared regarding the effectiveness and relevancy of their professional development trainings. Professional development opportunities serve as a method for learning and growth to educators and assist them in adapting to educational changes throughout their careers. Effective and relevant development practices have been shown to increase the value educators assign to the experience as well as increase the likelihood educators will bring their newfound knowledge into their classrooms. This study utilized personal one-on-one interviews and reflective journaling with 12 participants from the Pacific Northwest. Nine of the …


Reader’S Theater: A Quasi-Experimental Study For Secondary Students, Angela Kennedy Feb 2020

Reader’S Theater: A Quasi-Experimental Study For Secondary Students, Angela Kennedy

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

A quasi-experimental quantitative study using a pretest-posttest design examined the effects of Reader’s Theater to eighth graders fluency and comprehension development. The study used 50 eighth grade students with 25 students making up the control group and 25 students making up the experimental group. Reader’s Theater was used as an intervention with the experimental group for 30 minutes a day for 6 weeks while the control group used regular instructional methods including summarizing, questioning, and text-dependent questions. Data were gathered using a fluency passage from Easy CBM and a 20-question comprehension passage from Easy CBM. Most students showed improvement in …


The Collaborative Role Of Parents And Teachers: Fostering A Growth Mindset In An Alternative Learning Environment, Sarah Cortes Feb 2020

The Collaborative Role Of Parents And Teachers: Fostering A Growth Mindset In An Alternative Learning Environment, Sarah Cortes

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The objective of this study was to explore how parents and teachers collaborate with one another during monthly consultations in regard to fostering a growth mindset among students within their respective learning environments. The study was conducted at an alternative learning environment in the Pacific Northwest of the United States over a 12-week period, using a sample consisting of five parents and five teachers teaching in the elementary grades―from kindergarten up to the sixth grade. Dweck’s (2006) mindset theory was the conceptual framework for this study and served as the foundation for data analysis. Data were collected via preprofessional development …


Code-Switching Among African American Male Faculty Regarding Recruitment, Advancement, And Retention At Predominantly White Institutions, Shatisha Hibbler Feb 2020

Code-Switching Among African American Male Faculty Regarding Recruitment, Advancement, And Retention At Predominantly White Institutions, Shatisha Hibbler

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The lack of diversity in leadership roles at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) of higher education has been a concern often addressed in the strategic plans at these institutions. Exploring how African American male faculty members perceive code-switching as a strategy to address this gap in representation was the purpose of this study. A qualitative research design was used to gain an understanding of how code-switching uses the structure of language to obtain access to advancement opportunities. Results from the study show that although African American men have varying views on how to use language within the workplace setting, the majority …


A Case Study: Perceptions Of An Indigenous Stem Nonprofit Contributions To Self-Efficacy And Educational Experience, Tyler Parisien Feb 2020

A Case Study: Perceptions Of An Indigenous Stem Nonprofit Contributions To Self-Efficacy And Educational Experience, Tyler Parisien

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Native American people and Indigenous people are underrepresented in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. According to the National Science Foundation (NSF, 2015), Indigenous people represented 1.7% of the United States population, but only accounted for 0.6% of bachelor’s degrees, 0.4% of master’s degrees, and 0.2% of doctoral degrees in science and engineering. The low participation of Indigenous people in STEM disciplines have been attributed to reasons such as (a) lack of exposure, (b) lack of interest, (c) lack of confidence, (d) lack of a sense of belonging, and (e) lack of goal congruency. This qualitative research study …


Educator View Of Professional Development And Perceived Influence On Practice, Christi Hicks Feb 2020

Educator View Of Professional Development And Perceived Influence On Practice, Christi Hicks

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

It is an essential goal for educational institutions to create an aspect of successful and continuous school improvement utilizing high-quality professional development for educators. School and district leaders have been faced with the growing need to develop professional development opportunities that will enable educators to keep up with the ever-changing educational reform and needs of students. The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to determine teachers’ perceptions of professional development and to examine if perception can affect what learning happens in these opportunities. Professional development, adult learning theory, and constructivist theory provided the conceptual framework for this study, which …


How College Students Define Intimate Partner Violence, Georgella J. Mcrae Feb 2020

How College Students Define Intimate Partner Violence, Georgella J. Mcrae

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The researcher designed this intrinsic qualitative single case study to gain an understanding of how first-generation African American freshmen, who attend schools that are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), define and identify intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV is one of the most underreported crimes, and the prevention of IPV on college campuses relies on the students’ ability to identify and report incidents. The study participants consisted of six male and nine female African American freshmen, between the ages of 18 and 19 years old. The researcher used the constructivist conceptual framework to place reliance on the participants’ perspectives of …


Novice Teacher Attrition In Title I Schools: A Case Study, Beverley Cornish Feb 2020

Novice Teacher Attrition In Title I Schools: A Case Study, Beverley Cornish

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Novice teacher attrition is an international K–12 problem. This dilemma is most prevalent in low-performing schools that are also classified as hard-to-staff. In this qualitative case study, data were collected through a confidential online survey, a one-on-one interview, and a conference call focus group. Five teachers who taught at low-performing Title I middle schools during their first three years teaching were selected to participate in the study. The inquiry was viewed through a conceptual framework that combined social constructivism, human capital theory, path-goal theory, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. In this study, the factors found to contribute most to novice …


A Case Study Of The Perceptions Of Education Stakeholders Of Steam Integration In A K–8 Setting, Kristin Moon Feb 2020

A Case Study Of The Perceptions Of Education Stakeholders Of Steam Integration In A K–8 Setting, Kristin Moon

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

As schools shift from STEM to STEAM schools, there is little research about STEAM school implementation to provide insight into the barriers, challenges and successes for educators. This qualitative case study explored the perceptions of K–8 education stakeholders of implementation of STEAM integration in their schools. The research sought to answer the question: how do K–8 educators in Oregon, perceive the implementation of STEAM integration in their schools. Convenience sampling was used to select three schools for this study. Eight educators were selected to provide maximum diversity in the sample. Through data collection that included questionnaires, interviews, and research notes, …


High School Sports Coaches’ Perspectives Of Mental Skills Training Implementation, Arlene Bauer Jan 2020

High School Sports Coaches’ Perspectives Of Mental Skills Training Implementation, Arlene Bauer

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the perceived benefits and challenges that exist when implementing a Mental Skills Training (MST) program in high school sports, from the perspectives of high school sports coaches. Constructivism theory informed this study’s arguments about the role that the benefits and challenges had on the coaches’ perspectives of MST. For this research, interactions with six high school sports coaches took place through one-on-one virtual interviews and an asynchronous online focus group. The primary research question that guided this study was, “How do high school sports coaches …


Teacher Perception Of Inquiry-Based Teaching In Mathematics In Early Childhood, Nadim Farooqi Jan 2020

Teacher Perception Of Inquiry-Based Teaching In Mathematics In Early Childhood, Nadim Farooqi

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Inquiry-based instruction has been pivotal in transforming classrooms into engaging student-centered learning environments. Utilizing inquiry-based instruction in mathematics in early childhood can help build a strong foundation in mathematics. This qualitative study examined the perceptions of teachers and administrators on inquiry-based instruction in early childhood mathematics. This study was guided by three research questions. This study took place at two public schools in NYC. Data was collected through a preinterview survey and interviews. The participants included nine teachers and three administrators. During the analysis process five themes were revealed: professional development, planning and preparation, student engagement, building foundational skills, and …


Study Of The Perceptions And Attitudes Regarding Online Student Services, David R. Nichols Jan 2020

Study Of The Perceptions And Attitudes Regarding Online Student Services, David R. Nichols

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Online education continues to grow as a delivery method for higher education. Institutions of higher learning have implemented effective support services for on campus students. The problem is whether institutions have implemented equally effective support services for online students. Although the number of online students continues to grow, institutions of higher learning struggle with the delivery of online education and support services offered to online students. For online students to persist and succeed, online support services must be equivalent to those offered to on campus students. This qualitative research study was conducted to determine the perceptions of online students regarding …


A Phenomenological Study Into How Early Childhood Educators Experience Gamification As An Employee Motivational Tool, Marlene C. Cooper Dec 2019

A Phenomenological Study Into How Early Childhood Educators Experience Gamification As An Employee Motivational Tool, Marlene C. Cooper

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore how early childhood educators (ECE) experience gamification as a motivational tool. The study was grounded in self-efficacy theory and used the transcendental phenomenological methodology to uncover the lived experiences of the participants. The researcher used questionnaires, journals, and interviews to gather data from respondents. The interview utilized open-ended questions to provide respondents the opportunity to give a detailed account of their shared experiences while operating the gamified technology used in their program. Data was collected from 8 ECE teachers working at a private preschool in a mid-Atlantic state. Participant accounts described a …


Effects Of A One-To-One Computer Environment On Student Academic Achievement, Amy M. Price Dec 2019

Effects Of A One-To-One Computer Environment On Student Academic Achievement, Amy M. Price

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

A gap exists in current research due to a lack of studies that explore the effect of schoolwide one-to-one computer implementations on academic achievement. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect a one-to-one computing environment had on student academic achievement means of middle school students in rural Nevada. This quantitative, non-experimental study used a causal-comparative design and analysis of academic achievement archival data from the 2015–2016, the year before implementation; 2016–2017, the first year of one-to-one implementation; and 2017–2018, the second year of implementation. Two research questions guided this study: RQ1. Is there a significant difference in …


Explicit Self-Care For Principals And Their Teachers: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study On Administrator Stress Levels, Nadia Oskolkoff Dec 2019

Explicit Self-Care For Principals And Their Teachers: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study On Administrator Stress Levels, Nadia Oskolkoff

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Principals and their teachers experience stress levels to such a degree that student achievement can be negatively impacted. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological qualitative study was threefold: to explore and better understand principals’ first-hand and lived experiences of on-the-job stress and their practices of self-care to negate that stress, understand if principals find it important to model the practice of self-care to their teachers to reduce stress levels, and understand principals’ awareness of their emotional intelligence and how they use that to support not only themselves but their staff. Three research questions were developed, and semistructured interviews were conducted …


How Teachers Perceive Students’ Socioeconomic Background And Academic Performance In Charter Schools, Brittany Strickland Dec 2019

How Teachers Perceive Students’ Socioeconomic Background And Academic Performance In Charter Schools, Brittany Strickland

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Teachers represent the frontline of education and many of them find themselves working daily with impoverished students. Teachers’ qualitative perceptions are useful for developing solutions to the problem of educating diverse students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in charter schools. The purpose of this study was to understand teachers’ perceptions of a charter school environment and the association between low socioeconomic status (SES) students and their academic performance. A qualitative design and a case study methodology were used with two charter schools, including 45 participating teachers. Results from questionnaires and interviews ensured a sufficient understanding of the phenomenon. The collected information …


Giving Voice To African Immigrant Families: Perceptions Of African Immigrant Families About Their Children’S Experiences In U.S. Schools, J Hilary Gbotoe Jr. Dec 2019

Giving Voice To African Immigrant Families: Perceptions Of African Immigrant Families About Their Children’S Experiences In U.S. Schools, J Hilary Gbotoe Jr.

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

This qualitative ethnography case study examined perceptions of African immigrant families as it related to their children’s experiences in U.S. public schools. The primary research question that guided this study was, “What are African immigrant families’ perceptions of their children’s experiences in U.S. public schools?” This phenomenon was explored to uncover meanings African immigrant parents from Liberia attached to their children’s experiences in U.S. schools. The focus was on hearing stories the children told their parents about their experiences in U.S. public schools. Nonprobability sampling method was used to recruit participants. Eight families from Liberia, West Africa, were randomly selected …


Computer Self-Efficacy, Digital Learners, And Completion Rates In The California Community College System, John R. Otte Dec 2019

Computer Self-Efficacy, Digital Learners, And Completion Rates In The California Community College System, John R. Otte

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The importance of online learning in higher education has increased considerably over the last two decades. As a result, online learning has become an important area of research. The purpose of the study was to examine if higher levels of computer self-efficacy (CSE) contributed to online course completion among online California community college students. Guided by Bandura’s (1977) work on self-efficacy and the work of Compeau and Higgins (1995) and Howard (2014) on computer self-efficacy, this study revealed that there is no relationship between high levels of CSE and successful completion of the course. A judgement sample was used to …


Supporting Children With Social And Emotional Challenges: A Phenomenological Study Of Teachers’ Experiences Using Social And Emotional Learning Competencies, Tina Pettway Dec 2019

Supporting Children With Social And Emotional Challenges: A Phenomenological Study Of Teachers’ Experiences Using Social And Emotional Learning Competencies, Tina Pettway

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of teachers in supporting students who encounter social and emotional learning (SEL) challenges in the classroom. This study examined if and how SEL competencies were implemented by teachers in supporting students experiencing SEL challenges in the classroom. SEL was the framework used during this research. A total of 10 teachers from an urban school located in a southern state were selected to represent the population for this study. Data were collected via face-to-face individual semistructured interviews with all participants. Participants were asked to share personal artifacts of successful …


A Study To Determine Barriers That Impact Adult Learner Academic Success, Joann Saunders Dec 2019

A Study To Determine Barriers That Impact Adult Learner Academic Success, Joann Saunders

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

Adult learners often encounter obstacles that impede their academic progress and either withdraw from a course or drop out of college. There has been significant research conducted on effectively instructing and motivating adult learners. However, not enough research has been conducted to help adult learners sustain their motivation when barriers arise impacting their academic success. The goal of this study was to identify barriers that impact adult learners’ academic success. The study examined the viewpoints of undergraduate adult learners at an American higher education institution to determine situational, institutional and dispositional barriers encountered impacting their academic success. The research theoretical …


Perceptions Of Educators Teaching Inclusion Classes In An Urban Secondary Environment, Nicole Bellomo Dec 2019

Perceptions Of Educators Teaching Inclusion Classes In An Urban Secondary Environment, Nicole Bellomo

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

School systems across the United States have integrated students with disabilities into the general education classroom creating an inclusive environment where general and special education students can learn side by side. Within the inclusion classroom, general education and special education teachers collaborate to design and implement instruction for all student learners. Therefore, it is critical to understand the attitudes of general and special education teachers and reveal the factors that influence the beliefs they hold regarding the inclusion classroom. The beliefs held by inclusion teachers are a crucial factor to the success of students with disabilities in the inclusion setting …


Lived Experiences Of Novice Public School Adapted Physical Education Teachers: A Phenomenological Study, Joyce M. Sakai Dec 2019

Lived Experiences Of Novice Public School Adapted Physical Education Teachers: A Phenomenological Study, Joyce M. Sakai

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of novice public school adapted physical education (APE) teachers and how their experiences affected their self-efficacy and job satisfaction. This dissertation is an original independent research project that contributes to the field of educational practice and knowledge. Five male and five female APE teachers who have taught in public schools for three years or less within California represented the population of this study. Bandura’s (1986) theory of self-efficacy and Knowles’s (1984) theory of andragogy was the foundation for the conceptual framework of this study because they represent factors …