Education Commons^™

A Phenomenological Study Of First-Generation Latino Graduates Of Community College And Protective Factors Of Academic Resilience, Homiler Elie Phanor

Education Doctoral

This study examined the reasons behind first-generation Latino students’ academic success in attaining associate degrees in community colleges in the United States, focusing specifically on academic resilience factors among this cohort. The research comes in response to the awareness that, despite the U.S.’s rapidly growing Latino population, Latinos have the lowest higher education attainment level compared to all other ethnic groups. While the structural factors behind this have been examined, there is relatively little research on the enabling factors driving Latinos, specifically those who are first-generation students, who do successfully complete higher education degrees in community colleges, their main entry …

Effective Teacher Practices In Community College Online Instruction: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study, Katharine Rumrill-Teece

Education Doctoral

Online courses provide access to higher education for many community college students (Allen & Seaman, 2006). Despite the convenience of online classes for community college students and the recent surge in online courses (Allen & Seaman, 2013), they have higher failure rates than face-to-face classes (R. Jenkins, 2011; Patterson & McFadden, 2009; Xu & Jaggars, 2013). The study identified what community college students perceived as important elements of teacher practice that led them to feel successful in an online course. The community of inquiry framework (CoI) provided the theoretical framework for the exploratory sequential mixed methods study. Focus group data …

Residential Programs For Chronically Homeless Adults: Exploring How One Nonprofit Agency Transitioned From A Treatment First To A Housing First Model, Camilla Peters

Education Doctoral

This qualitative, single-case study explored the strategic planning one nonprofit agency assumed when transitioning from a treatment first to a housing first model. Data collected included both archival data and individual interviews. Archival data consisted of the strategic plan, policy and procedures, and newspaper articles. A purposeful sample of agency administrators participated in individual interviews. Data analysis revealed the agency’s internal initiative to transition and the importance of using staff at all levels to develop the strategic plan. Additionally, the study revealed the agency did not successfully transition to a traditional housing first model due to several external barriers, but …

School Principal Support: A Qualitative Study Of Teachers’ Lived Experiences In Urban, Suburban, And Rural Schools, Larry C. Schmiegel

Education Doctoral

This study sought to understand, through their lived experiences, teachers’ perceptions of school principals’ personal support and professional support and what influence, if any, it had on the teachers’ level of commitment to their schools. Teacher consistency and proficiency contribute to an increase in student achievement; however, 50% of educators in the United States leave the profession within their first five years of employment. The literature lacks specificity with regard to teachers’ perception of support from their school principal. This study explored the following research questions: (a) How do teachers describe school principal personal support and professional support? (b) How …

“Do You Understand The Words That Are Coming Out Of My Mouth?” The African American Student Experience With Academic Discourse In A Community College, Ebony Caldwell

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this study was to examine academic discourse as a factor contributing to the lack of persistence for African American students in community college. The participants for the study consisted of eight students currently enrolled at a midsized community college in Western New York. The participant’s experiences revealed four major themes that cut across the entire sample with a consistent pattern of students reporting both benefits and consequences in relation to academic discourse. These included: (a) Break this down please!- which examined how understanding and comprehension of language can be a barrier for African American community college students; …

“Sometimes The Jocks Are The Nerds…If That Makes Sense”: Boys’ Practice Of Intra-Gender Policing In A High School Where Staff Suggest Inclusivity, Kelly Clark

Education Doctoral

Orthodox masculinity is defined by compulsory heterosexuality, homophobia, and anti-femininity. The literature suggests there is intense peer pressure for boys to conform to orthodox masculinity during adolescence. Boy’s use of intra-gender policing behaviors—joking, teasing, bullying and violence—is meant to force or reinforce strict orthodox masculine performance. Intra-gender policing often leads to shame and humiliation for many boys. Inclusive masculinity theory (Anderson 2009) suggests however, that boys’ culture is changing. The literature documents the existence of inclusive school-based peer cultures where boys are not homophobic, embrace the feminine, and eschew violence. Using inclusive masculinity as the theoretical framework, this study posed …

Elementary School Principals’ Experiences Working With Autism Spectrum Disorder Students In An Urban Setting: A Grounded Theory Study, Kimberly M. Harris

Education Doctoral

With an increase in students being classified as on the Autism Spectrum, the responsibilities of principals have also increased. The rise in the number of students having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has presented behavioral and academic challenges for public school principals. Research has demonstrated that principals, who focus on instructional issues, who are knowledgeable about special education laws and ASD, can produce enhanced student outcomes. Using a grounded theory design, the present study examined how principals develop their knowledge of students with autism. Study participants were 11 elementary principals who directly supervised ASD classrooms. Data was gathered using individual …

The Role Of Racial-Ethnic Identity And Family Socialization On Student Engagement: Latino Youth In Select New York City Independent Schools, Sandra Kei Chapman

Education Doctoral

This study explored if there is a statistically significant positive correlation between racial-ethnic identity, family socialization, and student engagement for Latino youth attending select New York City independent schools. Independent schools prepare students well for academic success however; national trends show Latino students are at risk of academic disengagement. Racial-ethnic self-schemas that focus on connectedness, awareness of racism, and embedded achievement serve as a protective buffer for Latino youth who face academic barriers. Racial-ethnic identity that is supported by family socialization is also associated with an increase in youths’ academic self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to explore how …

Transformational Leadership: Transmitting An Educational Reform Agenda In A Low Performing Urban Middle School Using Innovative Strategies, Such As Hip-Hop And High Interest Curriculum, Shango A. Blake

Education Doctoral

After 12 years since the enactment of the No Child Left Behind legislation and six years of Race to the Top national educational policy, both designed to address the educational achievement gap and improve many of America’s failing schools, the persistence of failing schools in urban communities continues to exist. This problem demands bold, innovative, even non-traditional initiatives. The research of this dissertation, called the Queens Middle School (QMS) Study, looks to determine the strategies implemented by a transformational leader at a low performing Queens, New York middle school, 10 years ago, in a manner that reveals new educational models …

The Extent To Which Annual Professional Performance Reviews Change Classroom Instructional Practice: A Sequential Mixed-Methods Study Of Teacher Evaluations In Central New York, Susan T. Vickers

Education Doctoral

An exploratory, sequential, mixed-methods study examined the extent to which teachers of English, math, science, and social studies of Grades 9-12 change classroom practices based upon the implementation of the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) mandated by New York State Education Law §3012-c. Qualitative data in phase one of the study informed the survey in phase two. Critical components of classroom practice were identified in a focus group where five lead evaluators organized the study into two themes: lesson planning and classroom atmosphere. A second focus group of six teachers identified 20 impetuses that promote changes in classroom instructional practice. …

The Utilization Of Client-Based Service-Learning Applications In Emergency Management Graduate Curricula For The 21st Century, Thomas J. Carey Iii

Education Doctoral

This qualitative case study gathered perceptions from alumni, clients, and professors to gain insight into how essential client-based service learning is to the preparedness of emergency management professionals enrolled in the Masters in Public Administration Emergency and Disaster Management program at the Metropolitan College of New York. Criteria for participant selection included employment as emergency managers, three to five years of experience in the field of emergency management, and past direct involvement in a major disaster event. Data was captured using individual in-depth interviews of 13 participants. Two focus groups were utilized: one comprised three faculty members in the role …

Identifying The Building Blocks Of Disruptive Innovation In Cornell Cooperative Extension: A Grounded Theory, Andrew S. Turner

Education Doctoral

Cooperative Extension (CE) faces significant challenges as it attempts to adapt core business principles to a rapidly changing 21st century landscape. Disruptive innovation (DI) is a powerful organizational change theory that emerged in the private sector but is now being increasingly utilized in the social sector. The study utilized grounded theory methodology to identify examples of programmatic innovation in CE that align with the characteristics of DI and to look for common building blocks supporting and sustaining innovation in CE. A purposeful sample of nine Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) program innovators were identified in three categories of innovation: youth development, …

Emotional Intelligence And Employee Engagement: A Quantitative Study To Explore The Relationship Between The Emotional Intelligence Of Frontline Managers And Supervisors And The Degree Of Employee Engagement Of Their Direct Reports In A Tertiary Care Health Care Setting, Derrick Suehs

Education Doctoral

The health care industry is moving from a volume-based, fee-for-service financial reimbursement system to a value-based purchasing model. These changes have caused substantial challenges in the delivery of care. Hospital leaders must conduct business differently to lower cost, improve safety outcomes, and be more efficient and effective. Numerous studies show engaged employees improve operational performance. Past studies point to leaders with high emotional intelligence who are effective at engaging employees. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a statistically significant correlation between frontline managers and supervisors’ emotional intelligence and the degree of engagement of their direct …

Assessing Student Perception And Impact Of The Use Of In-Class Tutoring Support, Cathleen J. Dotterer

Education Doctoral

Student success and retention have become a top priority for institutions of higher education. Although much research has been conducted to determine what factors may cause a college student to be unsuccessful or leave an institution, no one reason has been identified. While student factors contributing to student success are sometimes beyond the institution’s control, providing innovative methods of academic support has been found to assist students in being successful in continuing the pursuit of a degree. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact and student perceptions of the use of an in-class tutoring support on students’ …

A Grounded Theory Study Of The Prophet Muhammad’S Leadership Behaviors: A Model For Islamic School Principals, Asif I. Padela

Education Doctoral

The Muslim population in the United States is expected to double over the next two decades. As the population grows, there will be a corresponding growth in the size and number of Islamic organizations, especially Islamic schools. Islamic schools were first established in the 1930s by the Nation of Islam and were followed by the establishment of Sunni Islamic schools in the 1970s. Islamic schools, similar to traditional schools, are operated by principals. Literature on educational leadership illustrates a vital role that principals play in schools. However, there is no Islamic educational leadership model that assists the work of principals …

Measures Of Success: Developing An Understanding Of Students Enrolled In Community College Educational Opportunity Programs In The State University Of New York System, Christopher Lawrence Hockey

Education Doctoral

Community colleges have become a major national- and state-level focal point to increase the number of credentials awarded. Academically underprepared students may not be entering community colleges to earn a credential. This quantitative study examined students enrolled in community college Educational Opportunity Programs (EOPs) in the State University of New York from the perspectives of student-defined goal completion, self-efficacy, and perceptions of the EOP. The study used secondary data available from the State University of New York’s Office of Institutional Research as well as an online survey instrument. Results of the study showed a multivariate relationship between goal completion, enrollment …

Indirect Victimization And Community Violence Exposure: An Examination Of Urban Public School Graduates And Getting Through, A. Najah Salaam Jennings-Bey

Education Doctoral

Najah Salaam Jennings-Bey is a longtime resident of Syracuse, NY with roots in NYC. She graduated from the Syracuse City School District and has dedicated her life to social justice for unserved and underserved communities. Growing up in a high-crime, gang-populated neighborhood, Salaam Jennings-Bey experienced, firsthand, the negative impact of street violence. Despite the psychological and emotional challenges associated with living in a high-crime neighborhood, her motivation to graduate from high school was to give back to her community. Education was the vehicle. For over 15 years, Salaam Jennings-Bey has served urban and rural communities throughout Central New York in …

Ways Of Knowing, Learning, And Being: Exploration Of The Educational Culture, Learning Experiences, And The Persistence Of Male Students In Associate Degree Nursing Programs In New York State, Loretta G. Quigley

Education Doctoral

Currently, studies show that men are underrepresented in the nursing profession. The Health Resources and Services Administration (2013) found that although men comprise 49% of the population, only 9% of the nursing workforce is male. Additionally, there are predictions of an impending nursing shortage, related in part to an ageing nursing workforce and health care reform. Increasing the number of men could be a possible solution to the shortage. This may be accomplished by retaining male students in nursing education, although studies have identified many factors that impact negatively on their retention. The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and …

An Exploration Into The Phenomena Behind Post-Secondary Higher Education And Its Implications On Employability, And Constructive Lifestyle Changes Among Formerly Incarcerated Individuals, Samuel Arroyo

Education Doctoral

Mass incarceration and repeated offenses are major issues in New York State. The Institute for Higher Education Policy (2011) reported that nearly 7 in 10 formerly incarcerated individuals committed new crimes, and half ended up back in prison within three years. One reason for this high rate of recidivism was the low level of education among this group and the lack of opportunities for them to enhance their level of education (Pew Center on the States, 2011). The Pew research showed evidence that post-secondary higher education attainment was a key factor in increasing chances of employability and helping formerly incarcerated …

The Resiliency Of Nursing Students In An Accelerated Program., Judy Wolfe

Education Doctoral

The purpose of the study was to measure the resiliency of nursing students in a post-baccalaureate accelerated nursing program (ANP). ANP programs were created to meet the demands of more qualified nurses because there is a consistent concern about nursing shortages in the United States and globally. The demands of the ANP program require that students be able to respond effectively to the challenges and difficulties that arise during the intense curriculum in order to be successful in the program. With current concerns over nursing shortages and the lack of diversity within the nursing profession, it is important to examine …

Single-Gender Educational Environments Serving African American Males: A Strategy For Closing The Achievement Gap, Angela P. Green

Education Doctoral

Student achievement data reveal that a disproportionate number of African American males are failing in school, placed in special-education classes, suspended or expelled from school, or incarcerated. Males of color factor substantially in the analysis of the achievement gap and its impact on economic and social development. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate whether single-gender environments had a significant impact on the academic performance of African American males in a public, urban middle school. The application of several theories guided this work: The African American male theory, ecological systems theory, critical race theory, and oppositional culture theory. …

A Comprehensive Approach To Improving Student Attendance, Roshon R. Bradley

Education Doctoral

Student attendance is one of the most important steps to a student’s academic success. Student absenteeism is defined as a student missing 20 or more school days within one academic school year. When students miss school on a consistent basis, they are identified as chronically absent. Chronic absenteeism can lead to a wide variety of issues ranging from tobacco use to alcohol consumption to substance abuse. This study investigated the root causes that impact student attendance in an urban elementary school district from parents’ perspectives. Using qualitative methods, interviews were conducted with parents of students who attended schools within a …

Examining The Retention Of African American Males In Ninth Grade As A Roadblock To Graduation: Charting Student Perceptions, Tracy Smith

Education Doctoral

In the United States, more students are being retained in the ninth grade than in any other year in their K-12 school experience (Blackwell, 2008). In addition, African American males are retained more than any other group (Morrison, 2014). Studies show that when students, especially African American males, are retained in ninth grade there is an increased probability that they will drop out and consequently, fail to graduate from high school. The limitation of the majority of the prior studies on ninth-grade retention is their focus on urban districts. Thus, it is unknown if the probability of ninth-grade retention and …

Teacher Attitudes Toward Collaboration In An Independent Elementary School To Improve Instructional Practice, Stephanie A. Royal

Education Doctoral

Research has confirmed that teachers who work collaboratively have the opportunity to exchange ideas and instructional methods to enhance their performance in the classroom. Using this as a guiding premise, the purpose of this study was to better understand teacher attitudes toward collaboration in an independent school setting. The study examined the complexities of collaboration in an effort to make a connection between collaboration among teachers and teacher learning. The study sought to identify the conditions that support opportunities for collaboration employing the definition and framework for a professional learning community. The setting for the study was a K-8 independent …

Adolescent Mindfulness Interventions: A Meta-Analysis Of The Effects On Anxiety And Depression, Mary M. Volkomer

Education Doctoral

Regular and repeated adolescent stress can lead to debilitating conditions such as chronic anxiety and/or depression and both conditions have consequences that impact the present, and the future, of those experiencing clinical anxiety or depression. Anxiety impacts about 20% of the population, and it is the most common mental illness in the United States while an estimated 2.2 million (9.1%) adolescents ages 12-17 in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Standard treatments for these conditions include combined psychotherapy and medication; however, few medications are approved for adolescent use and have side effects. Alternative …

Supporting Autism Spectrum Disorder Students With Their Academic And Social Transition At Community Colleges, Tasheka Sutton-Young

Education Doctoral

Students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder have been entering colleges and universities at an increased rate during the past 20 years. This increase necessitates greater awareness and the development of intentional interventions that support the needs of these students so they are able to make a transition from the K-12 environment to institutions of higher learning. Having a transition plan ahead of enrollment is favorable for these students. Many students with disabilities and their parents feel a college campus does not include the same level of support as provided in high school and they encounter challenges during that critical first-year …

Working Nine To Five: A Qualitative Research Study Examining The Interview Behaviors Of A Young Adult Diagnosed With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sherill N. Anderson

Education Doctoral

Individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder experience difficulties when communicating and displaying appropriate social body language with others. Given the verbal and non-verbal communicative nature of the interview process, this research study sought to explore the employer perspective of both the negative and positive social behavioral characteristics that impact employer hiring decisions regarding young adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The study utilized a qualitative methodology along with content analysis and analytical induction to interpret participant observations of a six minute mock interview video of a young adult diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Prior to sharing their …

Financial Narratives Of U.S. Biotechnology Companies Before, During, And After The Great Recession, James W. Clark

Education Doctoral

The regulatory environment and associated financial disclosures required of U.S. companies have become increasingly complex as a result of dynamic market conditions and the need to assure stakeholders of the integrity of reported financial results. Advances in technology now provide the opportunity for unique investigation into the narratives included in regulated financial disclosures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether regulated financial disclosure narratives of U.S. biotechnology companies change before, during, and after a financial crisis. The research aimed to characterize financial narratives through textual analysis and the use of predetermined semantics. This is a quantitative study of …

Social Capital And College Preparatory Frameworks A Qualitative Study, Morgan B. Freeman

Education Doctoral

The dissertation study on social capital and college preparatory frameworks examined the positive impact college preparatory frameworks have on providing access to post-secondary educational opportunities for socioeconomically disadvantaged students. The purpose of the study was to determine whether college preparatory frameworks serve as a catalyst in changing the level of access to post-secondary educational resources for socioeconomically disadvantaged students and whether that post-secondary access leads to a change in social capital. The study explored the relationship between graduation from a school that offers a college preparatory framework, including private schools, and the alteration of social capital of disadvantaged students. The …

Analysis Of A Retention Program Implementing An Increased Time-On-Task Teaching Strategy For Sixth And Seventh Grade Students Within A Small City School District In Orange County, New York, Andrea L. Caputo

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the efficacy of an alternative grade-retention program to increase student achievement with regard to New York State English Language Arts (NYS ELA) and Developmental Reading Program (DRP) student achievement. Within a quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test design, archival data was analyzed to determine results utilizing ANOVA analysis. Results indicated that sixth grade students had a significantly larger increase in NYS ELA scores from pre-test to post-test as compared to seventh graders. Male students had statistically similar increases in NYS ELA scores from pre-test to post-test as compared to female students. Students of all …