Education Commons^™

Impact Of Teacher Support Systems On Advanced Placement Achievement Outcomes, Yolanda Gomez

Education Theses and Dissertations

In the realm of Advanced Placement (AP) education, a persistent achievement gap exists, with low-socioeconomic students consistently underperforming compared to their affluent peers. This disparity is particularly notable in AP English Language and Composition, where 93% of students fail to achieve a score of three or higher, the score for earning college credit. This study hypothesizes that this gap is partly due to inadequate support for AP teachers, particularly the lack of collaborative planning time. In most high schools, AP English Language and Composition teachers have no dedicated time for collaboration, instead focusing on other areas like End of Course …

Innovative Education: Comparing The Success Of Stem And Traditional School Models, Timothy W. Kennedy

Education Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This research study investigates the impacts of four specialized STEM education models—T-STEM (Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), P-TECH (Pathways in Technology), Early College High Schools (ECHS), and New Tech Network schools (NTN) on student performance in Texas high schools. By analyzing aggregate student data collected by the state, this study compares the academic outcomes of students in these STEM-focused schools with those in traditional curriculum schools using ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance) and Logistic Regression. The findings reveal mixed results: while some specialized STEM models show enhanced performance in STEM and other academic subjects, others do not consistently outperform …

Improving Seventh Grade Mathematics Achievement Using Differentiated Instructional Strategies, Melanie C. Bush

Education Theses and Dissertations

The Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice conducted a comprehensive assessment of differentiated instruction implemented within a school district in East Texas, focusing on its impact on student achievement in mathematics. The initial evaluation was followed by a subsequent improvement iteration that concentrated on the specific differentiated instructional strategies of formative assessment and small group instruction, supported by job-embedded professional learning, and their effects on student performance. Both iterations employed a mixed-methods case study design utilizing an embedded experimental model with a one-phase approach. The study’s methodology allowed for a robust analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, providing a comprehensive …

Impact Of Differentiation On Long-Term Emergent Bilingual Outcomes, Tara Cargill

Education Theses and Dissertations

The No Child Left Behind Act in 2001 and the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015 mandated reforms for English Learners in K–12 schools across the nation. This led to a focus on language development and instruction for emergent bilinguals. This dissertation uses the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to implement interventions for long-term emergent bilinguals in general education classes. The study aims to refine the cycle and impact system changes for improvement. Emergent bilinguals are identified through state-approved English language proficiency exams. Students scoring less than proficient are labeled as limited English proficient/emergent bilingual and offered English as a Second Language …

Investigating The Impact Of Teacher-Led English As A Second Language Intervention And Computer Assisted Language Learning On Second Language Acquisition, Jennifer Lane

Education Theses and Dissertations

This manuscript is an improvement science dissertation in practice spanning two years. This study evaluated the impact of a pull-out intervention model and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) technology on a rural East Texas English as a Second Language (ESL) program and its impact on English Language Learners (ELLs). An evaluation study occurred within the first year and an evaluation of an intervention study was conducted in the second. The studies were conducted with ESL teachers who agreed to participate and were given qualitative and quantitative surveys to complete regarding ESL instruction self-efficacy, effective teaching characteristics, and the Summit K12 …

Evaluating The Impact Of Special Education Coaching Support, Jennifer Clairmont

Education Theses and Dissertations

This study addressed the problem of historically low reading achievement among students receiving special education services (SpEd) in the North Texas Independent School District (NTISD). The research aimed to evaluate the impact of SpEd instructional coaching support for middle school resource RLA (RLA) teachers as an intervention to improve student reading outcomes and better understand teachers’ perceptions of coaching support. Using an Improvement Science approach with Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, the study employed a mixed-methods design to assess the impact of SpEd coaching support provided during the 2023- 2024 school year. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through a teacher survey …

Improving Reading Outcomes Through Blended Learning, Jennifer Rasberry

Education Theses and Dissertations

This paper was framed and studied using Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice. Using a framework grounded in improvement science allows the research practitioner to participate in Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles. Iterative mini-experiments known as the "Plan-Do-Study-Act" (PDSA) cycle allow educators to discuss potential changes, put them into action, evaluate the outcomes, and then make a final decision on how to proceed (e.g., whether to adopt, modify, or scrap the change entirely). Bryk et al., (2017) state that PDSA cycles during research educators learn quickly and affordably which treatments work and, afterward, how to integrate them to achieve excellent …

Reducing Recidivism At Daep With Social Emotional Learning And Character Education In Restorative Circles, William Alex Robinson

Education Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the impact of integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) and character education (CE) in restorative circles on recidivism rates in district alternative education programs (DAEP). It also explores how comprehensive training influences teachers' perceptions of teaching SEL and CE within restorative circles. With an increasing number of students returning to DAEPs, there is concern over the insufficient SEL/CE skills necessary for success in their regular school environments. A mixed-method approach was utilized, incorporating quantitative data on student attendance, discipline, and a Likert survey on teacher perceptions, alongside qualitative data from open-ended questions. Recidivism was measured by tracking the number …

An Evaluation Of Factors Impeding Growth On Telpas And Insights For Academic Advancement, Blanca I. De La Sierra

Education Theses and Dissertations

The study evaluates factors impeding the growth of the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) and provides crucial insights for academic advancement among English Learners (ELs) within a Texas district. Employing a mixed methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data from STAAR and TELPAS scores with qualitative insights from interviews and surveys, offering a comprehensive understanding of ELs’ academic challenges and successes. A significant improvement in STAAR reading performance from 2021 to 2023 was observed. However, TELPAS scores remained stable, indicating that improvements in reading proficiency did not fully translate into overall language proficiency gains required for reclassification. This …

Analysis Of Policy Implementation: Improving Reading Proficiency Outcomes For All Students, Mariela Magro-Malo

Education Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the implementation and impact of reading improvement initiatives mandated by Texas House Bill 3 (2019) within a Texas school district. By applying improvement science principles, the study employs a mixed-methods embedded research design to evaluate the alignment of district practices with the Science of Reading and assess the effectiveness of systemic approaches in enhancing student reading outcomes. The research identifies statistically significant improvements in reading achievement, particularly in kindergarten, following the adoption of a phonics curriculum and mandated reading assessment tools. However, the findings also reveal challenges, notably the disconnect between policy understanding and practical implementation among …

How Teacher Retention Is Handled At An Elementary School, Steven D. Young I

Education Theses and Dissertations

This paper addresses how campus leadership contributes to teacher retention by identifying and implementing sustainable methods to making the campus better. The research indicated teacher retention is impacted by support systems established at the campus level.

Literacy Achievement And The Effectiveness Of Texas’ High-Quality Instructional Materials On Student Outcomes In A Rural Elementary Campus, Katrina Susanne Speer Maccalous

Education Theses and Dissertations

This Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice evaluated the impact of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) on literacy achievement in a rural East Texas district. Following an initial evaluation, an instructional framework was collaboratively developed with teachers. Using mixed methods, the study analyzed teacher perceptions and student achievement data from NWEA MAP and STAAR assessments. Quantitative results indicated that grade levels with initial, higher rates of achievement compared to their peers, experienced weaker growth over time. Weaker MAP growth was also observed in STAAR tested grade levels, while students in K-1 exhibited statistically significant growth from fall to spring testing periods. Teacher …

Impact Of Restorative Practices On Exclusionary Removals, Juan T. Haney Ii

Education Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the impact of a restorative practice intervention on exclusionary removals at a middle school within a large urban district. The research also assesses this intervention's influence on staff turnover, student attendance, and overall school culture by capturing the insights of educators directly involved in implementing restorative practices. The study incorporated qualitative interviews with staff members and quantitative analysis of disciplinary data. The findings of this research indicate that restorative practices can reduce exclusionary removals, improve school climate, and enhance the overall experience of students and staff. The study seeks to provide a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of …