Education Commons^™

Identifying School-Wide Inequities: Action Research Conducted Using An Equity Audit To Inform Annual School Planning For A Pre-K–8 School, Janine Casella

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study aims to identify and address equity gaps within a PK-8 New Jersey school by leading a professional learning community (PLC). The study will use action research methods to conduct an educational equity audit, which will inform the annual school plan and create a leadership action plan to stimulate organizational change. Traditionally, teachers at the research site have used Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM) cycles, but this study will integrate Critical Data-Driven Decision Making (CDDDM) cycles, including an equity audit analyzed in PLCs. The audit will identify patterns of inequity and identify strategies to address them. The study …

School Administrators Making Sense Of Wellness Issues And Technology Policy: A Qualitative Instrumental Case Study, Allyson Michelle Rose

Theses and Dissertations

Technology use has been identified as a key contributor to the decrease in youth mental health (Children’s Bureau, 2019; Lebrun-Harris et al., 2022; Dwyer, 2022; Mojtabai et al., 2016; Yasakci, 2019; Odgers & Jensen, 2020). The purpose of this qualitative instrumental case study was to investigate how school district administrators are addressing wellness issues that are developing in elementary aged students due to technology use. The intent of this study was to use the theory of sensemaking (Weick, 1995) to investigate how administrators create policies that respond to the current wellness crisis arising from technology usage in public elementary school …

Incorporating Culturally Relevant Practices To Improve Self-Efficacy And Engagement For Students With Disability Labels, Jennifer Chestnut Zingaro

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of middle school students with disability labels in the pull-out resource ELA setting when their teacher included culturally relevant practices. This study utilized qualitative teacher research inquiry methods, and data collection methods included student surveys, teacher journaling of class discussions and observations, and examination of student work samples. This study came about through the lack of culturally relevant pedagogy in the segregated, special education middle school ELA program. Students with disability labels who test below grade level on standardized assessments are placed in a small group, homogeneous classroom with …

Identifying The Challenges That Hinder Research Productivity In Academia: Evidence From Somaliland And The Way Forward., Khalid Jama

Theses and Dissertations

In any nation, research is the primary force behind innovation and progress. It contributes to the Economic growth, global competence, and social progress. Research productivity is highly valued in the scientific community. Scientific community research is regarded as the key factor determining academic recognition, financial support, and academic recognition. Nonetheless, the output of research faces difficulties in many sub-Saharan African nations. This study aims to understand what limits the research publication in Somaliland. The study adopt a mixed methods approach to understand and analyze the main reason behind the research and publication limitations in Somaliland’s higher education. Individuals from various …

Understanding Family Experiences Of Iep Meetings And Building Skills To Empower Families At The Iep Meeting, Elizabeth J. Golini

Theses and Dissertations

Since the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is so important both to a student’s progress and educational growth as well as the school’s legal obligations, it is imperative that researchers work to understand parent perceptions of Individualized Education Program meetings (Fish, 2006). Family participation and advocacy are also important at the IEP meeting (Boshoff et al., 2016; Cavendish & Connor, 2018; Duquette et al., 2011; Fish, 2006). This study examined the family’s perceptions of the IEP process and meeting for their child through semi-structured interviews. In order to support the family at the IEP meeting, families participated in coaching sessions …

To Belong Or Not To Belong: Bipoc First-Generation Community College Students’ Experiences, Christine Orbeta

Theses and Dissertations

Using narrative interviews, this study explored the experiences of belonging among eight first-generation college students (FGCS) who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). By applying Strayhorn's Belonging and Crenshaw's Intersectionality Framework, this study sheds light on the challenges and benefits BIPOC FGCS encounter as they strive for academic success at two-year institutions within the City University of New York (CUNY) where approximately 44% of CUNY's student body comprises FGCS (CUNY, 2019). According to participants, families and institutions played significant roles in shaping students' sense of belonging. It also highlights the intricate negotiations BIPOC FGCS undergo as they …

Sweating The Small Stuff: Exploring Consequence Assignments And Academic Outcomes In A No-Excuses Charter Network, John G. Stevens

Theses and Dissertations

Schools utilize a range of consequences to maintain order and safety. Some employ zero-tolerance policies accompanied by exclusionary tactics like suspension (Martinez, 2009; Muschert et al., 2014). Suspensions are criticized for their disproportionate assignment to students who are Black, male, assigned an IEP, and receiving lunch assistance (Cholewa et al., 2018; Skiba et al., 2002), as well as their deleterious associations with academic achievement (Chu & Ready, 2018; Morris & Perry, 2014; Noltemeyer et al., 2015). Charter schools espousing a no-excuses philosophy often adopt a “Sweat-the-Small-Stuff” (STSS) approach focused on correcting minor (mis)behaviors to prevent more egregious ones (Whitman, 2008). …

The Impact Of Social Emotional Learning And Trauma Informed Care On Teacher Well-Being And Capacity In The Classroom., Kathleen Kelley Michalowski

Theses and Dissertations

Educators and students have encountered significant challenges, including illness and loss within their families due to events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Traumatic events, like disasters, can greatly disrupt a community's functioning, resulting in widespread losses that surpass the community's ability to cope. Trauma-informed care (TIC) acknowledges that individuals are likely to have a history of trauma and aims to respond appropriately to minimize the likelihood of further trauma. By implementing trauma-sensitive routines and promoting social-emotional learning (SEL) for both students and educators, we can offer them more opportunities for success and emotional growth. It's important to recognize that educators' …

Incorporating Diverse Multimodal Texts Within A Seventh Grade Language Arts Classroom To Increase Comprehension Accessibility And Improve Engagement, Kaitlin Maher

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines if diverse, multimodal texts have an effect upon student engagement while increasing comprehension for students with varied learning styles. Applicable theories that gave direction to this research study were Multiliteracies Pedagogy, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Funds of Knowledge, and Constructivism. Throughout the unit’s duration, students were instructed with various types of multimodal texts that included song, video, graphic novels, and performance while also working with modern authentic, diverse traditional texts. Students were also given a choice of mode in how to respond and demonstrate understanding. The qualitative research study analyzed data sources such as student surveys; my teacher …

Examining The Experience Of Race-Related Stress For Black K-12 Educators, Tiffany A. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

This study presents an action research investigation into the lived experience of race-related stress among Black K-12 educators. The study was motivated by the recognition that Black educators working in White settings are suffering from racerelated stress. A qualitative phenomenological case study design was employed to investigate the race-related stress of five female Black K-12 educators working in White school settings across several states. I used open coding to collect data from interviews, community of practice transcripts, participant reflections, and observational field notes were analyzed. The findings of the study reveal that Black educators experience racerelated stress while working in …

Sustainability Of A State, District, And School Professional Learning Community, Gertrude Jones Black

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, I explored professional learning community sustainability at the school, district, and state levels. Researchers have found that professional learning communities are a means of effective professional learning for teachers and a vital factor in increased student achievement. However, there is very little multi-case research involving the sustainability of professional learning communities. This multi-site case study extends the research on this topic. I used qualitative methods to clarify my understanding of the phenomenon of sustainability of PLC communities. I investigated how the PLC members’ stances and actions, perceptions of school culture, and commitment to lifelong learning impacted a …

Examining The Impact Of A Professional Learning Community On Teachers' Awareness Of Neurodiversity In The Classroom, Taylor Diane Williams

Theses and Dissertations

In this action research study, the researcher sought to explore the influence of Professional Learning Community (PLC) participation on the recognition and awareness of general education teachers on neurodiversity in their classrooms. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the effects of the teachers’ awareness on their instructional approaches. The participants of this study hail from a variety of cultures and languages from around the world. Conducted over a six-week period in an international school in southern Germany, the participants demonstrated an enhanced understandings of neurodiversity through their engagement in the PLC sessions. The data collection tools used in the study …

Plotting For Change: Utilizing Computer-Based Scaffolding Through Desmos To Influence High School Students’ Performance And Attitudes Toward Mathematics, Jennifer Underwood Farmer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research was to understand the impact of computer-based instructional scaffolding in Desmos on Math 3 high school students’ performance and attitudes toward mathematics. The demand for societal mathematics literacy has increased significantly over the last decade and continues to grow. To achieve this literacy, students must reason, augment, communicate, model, and problem-solve with technology applications; development of these skills requires engagement and support through technology-rich learning opportunities.

Currently, Math 3 students are not performing at the proficient level on state exams and are displaying negative attitudes towards mathematics. Student attitudes and performance in technology enhanced …

Evaluating A Web-Based System For Tracking Public Health Practice Experiences: User Perceptions, Challenges, And Recommendations For Technology Improvement, Matthew Mcgrievy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive research study was to evaluate the web-based practice experience tracking system at a school of public health (SPH) at a large southeastern university. Applied practice experiences (APEs) are a key component of public health education, and schools and programs of public health in the United States must provide documentation of APEs and practice-related activities to meet accreditation standards. A descriptive research evaluation examined how users perceive and use the existing web-based system designed to document APEs in the SPH. Research questions investigated what factors influence the use of the existing system, identified challenges users face …

Examining The Overall Impact Of Computer-Based Mathematics Instruction On Math Achievement In An Alternative High School, Jacqueline Levon Gilyard

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past decade, the United States has witnessed a remarkable surge in computer-based instruction, revolutionizing the way students learn and educators teach. This action research study aimed to investigate the overall impact of computer-based instruction on mathematics achievement in the alternative high school setting. The research design incorporated both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather comprehensive data for twenty high school students enrolled in an alternative high school setting. The quantitative data analysis involved examining pre-and post-test scores, graduation data, and final course grades to assess the effect of computer-based instruction on mathematics achievement. All of the students showed …

Evaluating Nonlinear Relationships In Sem Models: An Example Of Parameter Estimation And Stability Using Expectancy Value Theory, Steven G. Barth

Theses and Dissertations

In structural equation modeling, relationships between exogenous and endogenous variables are often assumed to be linear though that is not a requirement. A recent trend in modeling latent interactions and moderations has stimulated further inquiry into nonlinear relationships and the analysis techniques associated with those types of models. However, rarely do investigators specify other potential nonlinear relationships such as quadratic relationships. This study explores the potential for quadratic relationships within Expectancy Value Theory when p the impact of high school students’ motivational beliefs on their pursuit of STEM-related activities. Using the High School Longitudinal Survey as a source of information, …

Layers Of Support: Cognitive, Psychological, And Social Factors That Contribute To Success In The High School-To-College Transition, Paige Cristine Mckeown

Theses and Dissertations

The future of individual and societal progress is largely dependent on students’ success following completion of K-12 education. For most traditionally aged students, this entails a journey into higher education at colleges and universities. This transition is rife with pitfalls that may lead students to stop out, fail out, or make inadequate progress towards completion – which further compounds social, psychological, financial, and personal challenges they may be facing. However, the challenges that contribute to these outcomes can be addressed and interventions can be designed to best support students in transition. This dissertation addresses these factors through a thematic literature …

Examining Systems To Improve Third Grade Literacy: Focus On Schools With High Poverty Index, Brenda Kelley

Theses and Dissertations

This improvement project was designed to ensure students enrolled in elementary schools with a high poverty index received literacy instructional strategies that promoted literacy achievement. When analyzing Graham County School data, I noticed third-grade students attending high poverty elementary schools were not achieving literacy success at the same rate as third-grade students attending low poverty elementary schools. An improvement team, consisting of myself, administration, and teachers at a high poverty elementary school implemented the improvement science framework to further study the root causes of this problem. Utilizing the six principles of the improvement science framework, problem focused and user centered, …

Continuous Improvement Of Schools: Providing Opportunities For 3rd Grade Growth Through Pdsa Cycles In Professional Learning Communities, Jason Koepke

Theses and Dissertations

When observing and consistently hearing about the obstacles that our current public educational system is facing, many are left wondering what can be done to produce genuine, significant, and continuous improvement. Upon deeper analysis of educational systems, one can see that there are many areas in need of systems improvement. SOAR School is a Pre-K-5 school that has experienced underperforming student achievement outcomes. This study was a collaborative approach to the current educational system. SOAR School used the data from universal screeners and progress monitoring assessments to drive the professional learning communities within the school. SOAR School had never experienced …

Black Mph Internship Experiences In Racialized Organizations: Critical Counter-Narratives For A More Racially Just Public Health Workforce, Zach Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations

Internships are a vital component of Master of Public Health (MPH) programs. Despite 14% of MPH students identifying as Black, limited research has examined their internship experiences. This is particularly troubling given the racial demographics of the public health workforce and the racialized nature of most public health organizations. Using critical race theory (CRT) as a theoretical framework and critical counter-narrative as a methodology, this study sought to answer the following research questions: 1) How do Black MPH students describe their racialized experiences in their internships? and 2) What are the implications of Black MPH students’ narratives for policies and …

The Burden Of Belonging: A Case Study Of Black Students' Experiences With Linguistically Code-Switching Between Discourse Communities, Tanner Charles Slagle

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative action research case study is focused on better understanding the complex and intricate nature of code-switching among Black students. In today’s educational climate, many Black students find themselves speaking one way with their closest friends and family members in front of the swing set and television and another way with their classmates and teachers in front of the blackboard. Due to systemic racism, schools today tend to place the burden of belonging on the youngest children of color rather than on the seasoned, and often privileged, adults who work with them. This dissertation is largely rooted in Gee’s …

"We’Re Not “Buying- In”: A Systematic Review And Multi Methods Study Of Interventions By Research Universities To Bolster Faculty Engagement In Student Learning Outcomes Assessment, La Trice Ratcliff Small

Theses and Dissertations

What are students learning in college? This question drives public skepticism and requests for accountability from higher education institutions. While faculties are committed to ensuring the highest quality education for college students, those at American research universities have traditionally avoided student learning outcomes assessment (SLOA) (Kuh & Ikenberry, 2009). This multi-methods study employs a systematic review to identify approaches to increasing faculty engagement in SLOA at research universities: leveraging assessment data, praise, and recognition, offering institutional support to alleviate SLOA workload, fostering faculty collaborations, remunerative awards, and sponsoring faculty professional development opportunities. The success of each of these approaches is …

Stem Identity In African American Middle School Students: A Phenomenological Study, Amara L. Alexander

Theses and Dissertations

Using a phenomenological approach, this action research study explored the influence of culturally sustaining teaching practices (Ladson-Billings, 2014; Paris 2012, 2021) to impact African American students STEM identity (Collins & Roberson, 2020). Qualitative data were generated through interviews with students, practitioner reflective notes, and classroom observations during the intervention. Analysis and interpretation of the data indicated student- participants had positive experiences during the intervention and the culturally sustaining STEM lessons positively impacted African American middle school students STEM identity. The implications of these findings for STEM curriculum writers, STEM education and STEM educators, particularly those in K-12 education.

Teacher-Researcher As Indicator: Developing A Third Space For Newcomer Youth In A Secondary Classroom, Gabriel Andres Chen Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

This paper was written to reveal answers to the Problem of Practice identified at the site school as it has experienced a steady growth in newcomer multilingual learners. This minority-majority group of students at the school have underperformed academically despite the use of varied teaching strategies. In an effort to help newcomer students through intentional sheltered instruction, I held the believe that as a former multilingual learner now serving as their classroom teacher, I could be an indicator for the classroom allowing me to realize there may be hopes, needs, and attitudes that were hidden from current pedagogical practices.

In …

How Latinx Students Experience A High School English Class In A Monolingual School District, Elisa Malinovitz

Theses and Dissertations

In an effort to address the needs of the fastest growing population at my school, I asked Latinx students to share their experiences of being in a monolingual English 2 classroom. Students also shared opinions about friendships, Latinx culture in school, and alternative methods of educating non-English speakers.

Through action research we can assess the exigencies of Latinx learners. Further study is needed to determine evolving needs and best practices for increasing the academic achievement for this population. Some possible solutions to Latinx students falling behind their hegemonic peers include incorporating Latinx culture in curriculum and school culture, as well …

Therapy Use And Self-Stigma Of Seeking Help Among College Students Of Color, Rawle David Sookwah Ragoonath

Theses and Dissertations

Amidst rapid diversification of higher education student bodies, discrepancies in help-seeking relative to endorsed psychological distress have been noted among college students of color. The treatment utilization disparity exhibited by minoritized racial and ethnic groups attending college necessitates analysis of factors that impact help-seeking. Colleges have increasingly implemented multi-systemic interventions to address rising mental illness prevalence rates across college student demographics. Addressing treatment use disparities and implementing culturally competent services are foci of updated college mental health models. Empowering help-seeking is vital to promoting campus community health. Saint Arnault’s (2009) cultural determinants of help-seeking model (CDHS) posits the interplay of …

Systemic Moves, Individual Impacts: Narratives Of Best Practices In Supporting Immigrant Women In Rural Community Colleges In The Canadian Prairies, Katherine Jean Stevenson

Theses and Dissertations

Rural Canada is in decline, and as such has begun recruiting immigrants to rural areas to fill crucial labour gaps. This study explores the ways in which rural community colleges can best support immigrant women in Canada. Using narrative inquiry, it captures the voices of women who successfully completed programs in a rural community college in the prairies. The study reveals best practices in supporting immigrant women and highlights the importance of creating programming that is tailored to student needs to ensure success.

Wellness Interventions For College Students With Intellectual Or Developmental Disability: A Multi-Manuscript Dissertation, Madeline Bree Saunders

Theses and Dissertations

This multi-manuscript dissertation comprises two interconnected articles that collectively explore the experiences of college students with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) engaging in wellness interventions within inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) settings in the southeastern region of the United States. Wellness interventions within both manuscripts adhere to procedures outlined by the Wellness Counseling Intervention (WCI; Barrio Minton et al., n.d.) and group adaptation (WCI-G; Ohrt & Castle, n.d.). Manuscript 1 (Chapter 3) involves a mixed-method approach to understand the experiences six student participants, group members, engaging in the WCI-G across a total of 10-weeks. Manuscript 2 (Chapter 4) adheres to consensual …

Learning Through Discourse: Impacting Fractional Understanding Through Virtual Discourse, Laurie A. Gentry-Goodale

Theses and Dissertations

There is a strong need for fifth-grade students to become proficient in mathematical problem-solving using fractional computations because it will have a lasting impact on student achievement. Traditionally, mathematics is taught inside a brick-and-mortar classroom, grounded in rote memorization of facts, rules, and formulas. In recent years, more elementary students have enrolled fully in online learning environments, which emphasize on students becoming problem-solvers, specifically in fractional computation. The NCTM strongly encourages using mathematical discourse as an instructional method but employing mathematical discourse, but its applicability to online math learning is not well understood. This study addressed students' problem-solving skills, mathematical …

Connecting Family Funds Of Knowledge With Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum: A Strengths-Based Approach, Molly Kathleen Hamel

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study investigated the application of funds of knowledge research to supplement a Pre-Kindergarten curriculum in order to connect the previous knowledge and lived experiences of students and their families with the concepts and objectives of the classroom. The research combined funds of knowledge theory with social constructivism to form its theoretical framework. The research study used semi-structured interviews with parents to collect information about student and family funds of knowledge which the researcher used to supplement the existing curriculum with materials, activities, and experiences with which students were familiar. The findings revealed how enhancing existing curriculum with …