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Teaching Physics While Female : A Phenomenological Study Of Female High School Physics Teachers, Hope Strickland

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The lived experiences of female high school physics teachers were researched in this study with the aim of gaining a better understanding of their decisions to remain in the classroom or to leave the teaching profession. To allow the participants to describe their background and teaching experiences, as well as the meaning they found in them, a transcendental phenomenological approach was used during this research. To create a richer representation of the phenomenon, fourteen women ranging from 0-31 years of experience teaching high school physics were interviewed for this study. The data from the interviews was analyzed through the lens …

Responding To Escalating Student Behavioral Health Needs : A Comparative Case Study Of Multi-Tiered System Of Support Team Functioning, Randi Bargo-Smith

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The state of youth behavioral health in the United States was a public health crisis before the overwhelming challenges presented by the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, and now, the situation is even more dire. The impacts of youth behavioral health challenges are pervasive and long-lasting for youth, their families, and the entire community. It is critical to identify innovative ways that youth behavioral health is being addressed in schools and understand how comprehensive school mental health systems including multi-tiered system of support teams are functioning. This comparative case study investigated the functioning of two high school multi-tiered system of …

Principal Preparation And Mentorship In Professional Standards For Educational Leaders, Caroline Whitney Rinella

Graduate Dissertations and Theses

The role of a principal looks very different from years ago and responsibilities principals are charged with have evolved significantly over time. In nearly all states, principals receive training and certification under the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSELs) with focus in the following areas: 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 2. Ethics and Professional Norms, 3. Equity and Cultural Responsiveness, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 5. Community of Care and Support for Students, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, 8. Meaningful Engagement of Families and Community, 9. Operations and Management, and 10. …

Examination Of K-12 School Administrators’ Perceptions Of Their Preparation To Lead Special Education Programs, Jaime Davies

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership Dissertations

Current research tells us that when school administrators are not prepared to lead special education, the result can be an educational detriment to the student involved and cause a costly fiscal impact to the school district. The researcher set out to ascertain school administrators’ perceptions of the skills necessary to effectively lead special education programs; it was also important to gauge school administrators’ preparation to lead special education programs based on their special education knowledge. Ball and Green (2014) state that it is the role of the school principal to develop teachers and related support within their buildings, while Pazey, …

Special Education Requirements And Logistics: Bridging The Gap Of Understanding For School Leaders, Petra L. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations from 2018

Principals and assistant principals are the educational leaders of their school buildings and must have a working knowledge of special education law, programs, and special education teacher supports. This study reinforces the need for principals and assistant principals to be fully prepared to lead all of their schools’ programs, including special education, prior to assuming responsibility for those schools. Without proper preparation, building-level administrators may unwittingly hinder the educational progress of students with disabilities, denying them a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and/or due process, and – in the process – placing their schools and districts at legal risk.

"Serviam": A Historical Case Study Of Leadership In Transition In Urban Catholic Schools In Northeast Ohio, Sarah M. West

ETD Archive

The purpose of this historical case study was to explore, through the lens of knowledge transfer, answers to the following two questions: how did the Sister-educators from one community in Northeast Ohio prepare themselves for leadership, and when it became clear that the future of their urban school depended on transitioning to lay leadership, how did Sister-principals prepare their religious communities and their school communities for that change. This qualitative study focuses on six members of one active, engaged, service-based community which has supported schools Northeast Ohio for over a century. The research revealed that a successful Sister-to-laity leadership transition …

An Examination Of Indiana Early College High School Students Who Attended Purdue University Between 2006 And 2015, Lisa P. Kirkham

Open Access Dissertations

Early College High Schools (ECHS) are an educational intervention designed to promote rigor in high school education along with increased post-secondary access and success for disadvantaged students. Based on evidence, the Early College High School program is effective at helping students who traditionally are not in college-bound tracks find their way into that path. ECHSs provide a comprehensive, rigorous high school experience allowing students to earn an associate’s degree along with the high school diploma. Regarding structure, the ECHS is an entire high school, with all students earning college credits. Examining post-secondary experiences of students participating in Early College High …

Exploring The Coping Strategies Of Female Urban High School Seniors On Academic Successes As It Relates To Bullying, Brenda Elaine Brooks-Turner

ETD Archive

Bullying has become a worldwide problem of pandemic proportion and degree. (Thomas, Bolen, Heister & Hyde, 2010). In the United States over thirty-five percent of school-aged students were directly involved in bullying incidents. Tragic news stories about suicides and school violence raised awareness about the importance of addressing this global issue (Van Der Zande, 2010). To date reports further indicate that more females are involved in indirect relational bullying than males. Unfortunately, as technology becomes more and more accessible, relational bullying has become one of the fastest growing epidemics (Brinson, 2005; Rigby & Smith, 2011).

Current research explanations were limited …

Decision Making Of Building Level Administrators And Their Perceptions On Groupthink, Julie Ann Flitcraft

Dissertations

This research study examined how groupthink affects educational decision making for building level administrators by identifying the most prominent symptoms of groupthink and by exposing the characteristics that create an increase of vulnerability to groupthink.

Participants for this study included building level administrators of 25 public high schools in a Midwest suburban county. These volunteers completed a three part survey which addressed the central research questions for the study:

1) What perceptions do current building level administrators have about the shared system of belief within their institution?

2) Among the administrators that believe they were hired because they share the …

Comparing Organizational Configurations Of Principal Autonomy In Finland And New York, Harry Leonardatos

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This exploratory study compares organizational configurations of principal autonomy in Finland and New York State. Evidence from Finnish school site visits and surveys distributed to principals in New York State and Finland is utilized to compare principal autonomy in two distinct educational settings.

The Perceptions Of Principal Instructional Leadership Practices On 8th Grade Ohio Achievement Assessment (Oaa), Henry Ii Pettiegrew

ETD Archive

The purpose of this study was to identify the instructional leadership behaviors that distinguish effective suburban school in Northeast Ohio to reach conclusions about the contextual factors that influence the nature and exercise of the instructional leadership in schools. This research was conducted for the following purposes: (a) to determine if a significant relationship between principal self-perceived instructional leadership behavior and student performance, (b) to determine if a significant relationship between teacher perceived principal instructional leadership behavior and student performance, (c) to determine the extent principals' instructional leadership behavior scores, as perceived by principals, principal experience and student socioeconomic status …

The Problem Of The Penumbra: Elementary School Principals' Exercise Of Discretion In Student Disciplinary Issues, Nora M. Findlay

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Maintaining order and discipline is one of the most challenging aspects of the school-based administrator’s role. School officials make disciplinary decisions within a context that is established, in part, by case law, legislation and regulations, school board policies and social, organizational and individual values. The exercise of administrative discretion is vital to the decision-making process. It offers school leaders creativity and flexibility. The interpretation and implementation of school discipline policies by in-school administrators can provide insight into their discretionary decision-making. The purpose of this study was to determine how principals in an urban school division in Western Canada negotiated within …

A Parent Information Guide For Assisting Their Child With The Transition To High School, Wendi Frank

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a guide for parents of Eisenhower High School and the various feeder middle schools in the Yakima School District to help the eighth graders transitioning from middle school to high school. The intent of the program was to increase the ninth grade student's academic and social success by having parents involved in the transition along with various transition activities. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature, research and selected programs related to transitioning middle school students and parent involvement in the transition, were examined. The culminating guide was designed and …

A Manual For The Small Schol Conversion Of Evergreen High School, Michael T. Sita Iii

Graduate Student Projects

The project examined key elements of success in large high school conversions to smaller learning community complexes. The review of current research found that the mere act of making schools smaller by size of staff and student population is not enough of a structural change to affect student learning and achievement. Six defining characteristics of a small school were identified as key elements to a learning community that can demonstrate success by significantly improved graduation rates, testing scores and college applications and acceptances. The manual describes a developed six step process which addresses all of the elements which lead to …

Behavior Management Manual For Asa Mercer Middle School, John L. Paloy

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the creation and implementation of a behavior management manual for Asa Mercer Middle School, in the Seattle School District. The review of current research indicated that school behavior codes and manuals were more successful when they were open for revision and discussion, concise and relevant, used consistently amongst all staff as an educational tool, and containing systems for students to redeem themselves and be rewarded. Included are a concise behavior management manual for students, along with a staff edition with more annotated descriptions and implementation methods. The overall purpose of the manual was to create an educational …

Creating A Small Learning Academy At My. Rainier High School, Gerald A. Turner

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the essential components of a small learning academy to be established at Mt. Rainier High School. The review of current research found that six components are necessary for a small learning academy to be successful when breaking down large comprehensive high schools into small learning communities. The components that are evaluated include personalization of education, creating studentcentered and authentic curriculum, adaptive teaching strategies, performance-based assessment with high expectations, teacher collaboration and professional development, and strong community connections. The overall purpose of the guide is to focus attention on the components that matter in the establishment of the …

Factors That Influence The Career Stability Of Assistant Principals, Mary Lu Maccorkle

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In light of potential shortages of administrators in public education, this study was designed to investigate factors that could influence assistant principals to remain in their current positions as assistant principals or to aspire to principalships. The following factors were examined to determine whether current assistant principals felt they were significant in their career decision-making: administrative process, mentoring experience, role conflict, and role ambiguity.

The survey study asked a sample (n=612) of assistant principals (N=9777) 21 questions on the Assistant Principal Career Stability Survey. The data were analyzed in correlation with the participants’ career plans. Participation in a mentoring …

A Schoolwide Discipline Plan For Gildo Rey Elementary School, Adam William Couch

All Graduate Projects

This project examined current related literature as well as discipline plans from six other elementary schools. Some basic tenants of quality discipline plans for elementary schools were found to be trne for most situations. The plan should be clear, have full staff buy-in, and stress prevention. Written for current and future staff members of Gil do Rey Elementary School in Auburn, Washington, the project outlines, defines, and provides appropriate tools for all elements of the plan. The plan was broken down into four main sections. The first section clearly explains universal rnles and expectations of Gildo Rey students. Next, in …

Royal High School's Self Study As A Mechanism For School Improvement, Richard E. Follett

All Graduate Projects

During the 2002 - 2002 school year Royal High School began the Self Study process for the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. I served as a Co-Chair for the Self - Study. Successful completion of the Self Study will allow Royal High School to retain its accreditation. The results of the work of 5 committees which met over a fifteen month period will provide Royal High School with a plan for improvement. This plan will allow the staff at Royal High School to better meet the educational needs of our students. Included in this report are the findings and …

A Model Public Relations Program For Federal Way High School, John Charles Meagher Jr.

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a model public relations program for Federal Way High School. Model public relations programs were studied and a review of literature was conducted. The benefits found from a successful public relations program were consistent levy passage, constructive media relations, positive school environments, and proactive communication. The common elements of successful programs found were programs that were open and honest, had a plan, used word of mouth, implemented two-way communication and had a crises plan in place. Administrators must take an active role and provide leadership in creating and implementing a public relations …

A Process Model For An In-School Suspension Program, Lynndee C. Stevens

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a process model for an In-School Suspension (ISS) program for Eileen B. Kalles Junior High School, Puyallup, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review ofrelated literature was conducted. Additionally, related information and materials from selected sources were obtained and analyzed.

A Research Based District Wide Discpline Policy, From Goal To Approval, Timothy Craig Morello

All Graduate Projects

In the late 1990's the Wenatchee School District realized that the community and staff were dissatisfied with the state of discipline in the district. The schools, as is the case in the community at large, could no longer rely on traditional approaches to dealing with a growing number of incidents of anti-social behavior. A lack of discipline appeared to be at the root of the problem in the home and subordinately the root of the problem in the schools (McEvoy & Welker, 2000). In addition, disciplinary practices in many schools are inconsistent and ineitable (Skiba & Peterson, 2000). The District …

The Conceptual Guidelines And Considerations For The Development Of Elementary Charter Schools In The State Of Washington, Janice Louise Mirro

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a conceptual set of guidelines and considerations for the development of Elementary Charter Schools in the State of Washington. To accomplish this purpose a review ofliterature related to charter schools and their development was conducted followed by a mail reply survey. A wide variety of sources, including journal articles, books, newspaper reports, interviews, and printed material (organizational by-laws, school pamphlets, etc.) from existing charter schools across the nation were studied and synthesized into the findings. As a result of this study a comprehensive conceptual set of guidelines were developed.

An Activities Coordinator's Handbook For Othello High School Othello, Washington, Matthew A. Stevens

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to provide a handbook for use by the activities coordinator at Othello High School as well as to insure consistency with the mission statement of the school: "Othello High School, a partnership of teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, parents, and community, will help students achieve immediate and future success both personally and professionally. Our goal is to promote life-long learning so that students will become responsible citizens in our ever-changing society." The intent of the handbook was to provide the Othello activities coordinator with a base of current literature and research related to the duties, responsibilities, …

Special Education Discipline: A Procedural Manual, Barbara Townsend

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project is to create a systematic procedural manual for the disciplining of students protected under the mandates of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Research on the IDEA Amendments of 1997, as it pertained to the disciplining of students with disabilities was studied. A procedural manual, for administrators, and teachers was created. The manual includes case histories, which helped develop the discipline changes in IDEA Amendments of 1997. It also includes information and sample forms, which can be used to help navigate the discipline process.

An Analysis Of Employment Perceptions Of Secondary Level School Administrators Holding Joint Positions As Assistant Principal And Athletic Director, C. Russell Waterman Iii

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this descriptive research study was to investigate the employment perceptions of secondary level school administrators holding joint positions as assistant principal and athletic director. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature concerned with the job responsibilities and qualifications of both positions were reviewed. In addition to the review of literature, a questionnaire was developed for the purpose of identifying and analyzing the (1) general background of each respondent, (2) the general training and experience of each respondent, (3) personal qualifications of each respondent, ( 4) the roles and responsibilities of each respondent, and (5) the employment …

A Process Model For Conducting A High School Self-Study At Auburn Riverside High School, Auburn, Washington, David L. Halford

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a process model detailing the evaluation procedure for a high school self-study required for state and regional accreditation. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding school self-study, restructuring and educational reform was conducted. The project describing a collaborative approach, included the planning and organization of staff workshops, a description and implementation plan for the interactive activities used in the evaluation process, and the preparation of the self-study project which was submitted to the Auburn School District School Board and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The process …

A Resource Manual For Elementary School Administrators; Focusing On Programs And Activities For Parent And Community Involvement In Elementary Schools, Robert M. Chase

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a resource manual for elementary school administrators that focused on programs and activities for parent and community involvement in elementary schools. This was accomplished by reviewing current literature and programs which emphasized school activities for parents and community members.

The 1995-96 School Improvement Plan For Holy Savior High School Tienchung, Taiwan, Jen-Hung Hsu

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to plan and develop a comprehensive high school curriculum for Holy Savior High School (HSHS) Tienchung, Taiwan, Republic of China (R.O.C.). To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to comprehensive high school curricular and instructional development, both academic and vocationaltechnical, were reviewed, and recent legal regulations and directives of the Taiwan Provincial Government were considered.

A Process Model For Conducting A High School Self-Study At Foster High School, Tukwila, Washington, Patricia C. Larson

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a process model detailing the evaluation procedure for a high school self-study required for state and regional accreditation. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding school self-study, restructuring and educational reform was conducted. The project, describing a collaborative approach, included the planning and organization of staff workshops, a description and implementation plan for the interactive activities used in the evaluation process, and the preparation of the self-study project which was submitted to the South Central School District School Board, the Office of the Superintendant of Public Instruction and the …