Education Commons^™

How Exemplary Elementary School Principals Establish Common Ground And Produce Breakthrough Results By Using The Six Domains Of Conflict Transformational Strategies, Monica Berro

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological conceptual replication study was to discover and describe how exemplary elementary school principals establish common ground and produce breakthrough results by using the six domains of conflict transformational strategies: collaboration, communication, emotional intelligence, ethical behavior, problem solving, and shared interest.

Methodology: This qualitative phenomenological conceptual replication study discovered and described the lived experiences of eight exemplary elementary school principals on how they used the six domains of conflict transformational strategies with their stakeholders to produce breakthrough results. Participants led public elementary schools in Los Angeles and Orange counties in California. Data were collected using …

Improving Collaboration With Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Parents Of Students With Extensive Support Needs, Isabel Yates

Master of Science in Education | Master's Theses

The purpose of this research is to understand how to improve collaboration between schools and culturally and linguistically diverse parents of students with extensive support needs who receive special education services. Previous research defined collaboration as a conceptual construct in which principles of shared respect and responsibility are applied to practice (Emmons & Zager, 2018). The collaboration between families and schools is legally mandated but not explicitly explained to teachers or parents how to succeed in engaging respectfully with all families (Cheatham & Lim-Mullins, 2018). The increased complication of supporting nondominant, culturally and linguistically diverse families in addition to the …

Amplifying Tutor Voices: A Qualitative Analysis For Improving Writing Center Tutoring Practices And Pedagogy, Leah Washko

English Department Masters Theses

Within the walls of university writing centers, tutors and tutees collaborate. They discuss writing, but even more than that, they communicate about ideas and theories bigger than themselves, all while discovering their identities. Exploration of how tutors define their authority and agency, while also highlighting the importance of tutors’ voices, is necessary for the continuation of writing center studies. Writing center tutors’ roles may be understood by some, but the mental hurdles, the questioning natures, and the care-giver roles they are emersed into need to be further investigated. Through a study conducted at Kutztown University’s Writing Center, tutors were surveyed …

The Modern Classrooms Project: Student Efficacy And Achievement, Rhiannon Dunn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quasi-experimental, quantitative study was completed to determine if a Modern Classroom approach to teaching had a significant relationship with student self-reported efficacy measures and end-of-course test data when compared to classrooms taught with traditional instructional methods as well as if there was a difference in results for Honors and College Prep-level students. Participants were students enrolled in a ninth-grade English classroom in a suburban school in East Tennessee. The study focused on survey data collected from both types of classroom at the mid-point of the semester and then from the Modern Classrooms participants at the end of the semester, …

Collaboration Between Special Education Teachers And Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Megan Elizabeth Squires

Theses and Dissertations

As of January 2023, there are 59,976 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) with current licensure throughout the world. This number has substantially grown compared to the meager 392 persons so certified in the year 2000 (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2023) In the past 11 years, demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts has increased by 4,209% (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2022). As the need for this resource has increased, the presence of BCBAs is becoming more prevalent in public schools today. A BCBA can be a beneficial and critical resource to teachers in aiding in their behavior knowledge, and classroom management. …

From Smes, For Smes: Qualitative Insights Within The Instructional Designer-Subject Matter Expert Collaborative Relationship In The Field Of Technology And Innovation Management, Spencer Jay Nielson

Theses and Dissertations

Recent literature on the relationship between instructional designers (IDs) and subject matter experts (SMEs) reveals how much more is known about the challenges faced by IDs and more solutions are offered in their respective role compared to their SME partners. This study uses interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to investigate the ID-SME collaborative relationship from the perspective of and the utility for the SME role within the field of Technology and Innovation Management (TIM). Six SMEs within the field of TIM were interviewed to discover more on the nature of their working relationship, specifically in regard to (a) their conceptual understanding …

Administrators’ Perceptions Of Alternative Service Delivery Models And The School-Based Occupational Therapists’ Role, Kimberly Saccucci

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

School-based occupational therapists (SBOTs) provide a range of services with collaborative consultation amongst interdisciplinary team members being one of their responsibilities. One perspective that has not been thoroughly examined within previous research is the administrators’ perceptions of the OTs’ roles and responsibilities within the school setting, which may impact how therapists can implement alternative service delivery models. This study aimed to determine administrators’ perceptions of the workload model for SBOTs, to explore their understanding of the SBOTs’ role and responsibilities, and to understand their perceptions regarding collaborative consultation.

An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to public school administrators within Rhode …

Schooling With Racial Equity At The Center: A Case Study Exploration Of One Elementary School-Based Leadership Team, Michael L. Baulier

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Pre-K–12 schooling in the United States has historically and systemically promoted ideas of Black inferiority while safeguarding the characteristics of white supremacy culture embedded in all aspects of the education system. The notion of white dominance is evident throughout studies, policies, and reports from district, state, and federal officials who have been tasked with closing the achievement gap but instead have assigned blame to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students and families. An analysis of the history of U.S. public education reveals not a single achievement gap but multiple opportunity gaps that perpetuate the subjugation of Black students …

The Impact Of Paired-Partner Reading On Star Reading Scores, Brianna Byer

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine how effective paired-partner reading is when used in the classroom with curriculum. Within a 7th grade language arts classroom, this reading strategy focuses on student collaboration, reading comprehension, and providing the opportunity to read aloud on a regular basis. Researchers Stahl, Heubach, and Cramond (1997) stated, “Partner reading provides an opportunity for students to read connected text within a socially supportive context. This context should both motivate children to read well and provide a supportive environment to aid the development of reading skill” (p. 13). The overall goal of this study …

Strategies For Creating An Inclusive Environment In Early Childhood Education, Jenica Boelter

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The articles reviewed in this literature review examine key strategies needed to create a positive learning environment and successfully include students with disabilities in an inclusive elementary classroom. Key strategies include relationships, collaboration, providing feedback, the use of visuals and nonverbal communication, accommodations, and understanding a students perception of school climate. The literature review concluded that creating this type of collaborative environment with strong relationships ultimately has a positive impact on student success in the classroom. Considering the current trend of inclusion in education, it is important to research and develop strategies that support children with disabilities in the classroom. …

Increasing English Language Learners Vocabulary And Spelling Through Game Interactions, Lucila Chavez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

My Capstone Project was intended to increase the language development of English Language Learners due to language barriers. Games became the method to address the need to increase the language and to motivate the students while learning. The audience was third-grade students at Chualar Elementary School. Vocabulary Definitions, syllables awareness, and spelling development were the three learning outcomes of the project. Diversity was also thought about while implementing this capstone project which was addressed through the student's ability to take what they learned from the games outside the class and play it with others. Lev Vygotsky's theory of the importance …

Examining The Link Between Professional Learning Communities And Teacher Burnout, Sabrina Caminero

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Public school teachers daily face high job stress, which puts them at an increased risk of experiencing burnout. Given the negative implications associated with burnout and the lack of research examining burnout and professional learning communities, this study explores the relationship between teacher participation in professional learning communities and burnout. I examine the relationship between professional learning communities and burnout and whether this relationship is sensitive to demographic controls. I used Quantitative methods to measure the relationship between professional learning communities and burnout using dimension reduction, simple regression analysis, multiple regression analysis, and pairwise correlations. I collected survey data from …

The Perceived Self-Efficacy Of School Counselors To Provide Interventions And Support To Students Using Substances And The Potential For Collaboration With School Psychologists, Monica Holtz

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Substance use has the potential to impact a student’s academic success; however, school counselors are in a position to intervene and provide support to these students to potentially mitigate the impact of the students’ use. Research shows that school-based interventions are effective in reducing substance use, but school counselors may not feel clinically prepared to provide these services. A random sample of school counselors in the state of Virginia practicing at the middle and high school level completed a survey regarding their feelings and perceptions of substance use intervention and support, including their self-efficacy to provide services, level of training, …

An Examination Of The Working Relationships Between General Education Teachers, Special Education Teachers, And Paraprofessionals In General Education Settings, Rita Page Hosay

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to provide an examination of the relationships between general education teachers, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals and the influences of these relationships on students with disabilities. This study was conducted through the process of semi-structured interviews with general education teachers, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals working in two Tennessee school districts. The researcher found that communication practices, training, perspectives, time, role expectations, development of partnerships, and the creation of supportive environments affect the development of working relationships among special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and general education teachers. The researcher found that these relationships influence the …

Collaborative Practices Of Rural Inclusive Postsecondary Education Program (Ipse) Directors, Elizabeth Susanne Goode Dimond

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Inclusive postsecondary education programs (IPSE) for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) are relatively new, having their formal beginning in the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA; P.L. 110-315) of 2008. These programs vary greatly and are found in urban, suburban, and rural areas of the United States. Those programs in rural areas face unique barriers and have unique strengths that affect how they collaborate and with whom they collaborate. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to describe the collaborative practices of rural IPSE program directors. This study gathered the lived experiences of rural IPSE program directors collaborating with agencies …

Teacher Perceptions Of Collaborative Practices In A Rural High School Setting: Case Study, Leah Slimp

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

The purpose of the qualitative case study was to investigate how teachers in a rural high school setting perceived collaborative practices. The case study examined and analyzed the outcomes of teachers’ learning through a personal connection to professional growth through weekly collaborative planning meetings and professional learning communities. Four collaborative groups of SPED and general education teachers from Geometry, 9^th Grade Literature, and Biology, and U.S. History within Rural High School originally were asked to participate in the study. The study concluded with participants in the content areas from Geometry, 9^th Grade Literature, and Biology. A total of …

Fostering A Culture Of Collaboration Among Early Childhood Professionals In Higher Education, Caroline Fabbruzzo

The Organizational Improvement Plan at Western University

Collaboration among professionals is promoted in various disciplines. This Organizational Improvement Plan addresses a Problem of Practice (PoP) in a Canadian higher education institution. The PoP is the absence of a culture of collaboration among faculty of an Early Childhood Studies program. In the context of this plan, collaboration is defined as a multidimensional, ongoing process that includes interaction, time commitment, the exchange of expertise, and the maintenance of a professional working relationship with stakeholders in order to promote best outcomes. Failure to address this PoP is a disservice to children and their families. Leadership and faculty of the Early …

Qualitative Action Research Into The Planning Between The Classroom Teacher And Reading Interventionist, Russell Derrial Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Students reading below grade level need intense intervention. Reading is an active development that requires close collaboration by all the teachers involved in supporting struggling students. Understanding the needs of students with reading deficiencies can present challenges for teachers that are unable to work collectively to support the students. Teachers and interventionists need time to reflect on their attitudes and perceptions of planning and collaborating if they are going to help students achieve reading goals. Through the intervention of this study, the development and implementation of collaborative planning, teachers will be better prepared to meet the needs of their students. …

Best Practices For Inclusion Of Special Education Students In Elementary Classrooms, Stephanie Leedahl

Graduate Teacher Education

Inclusion in elementary education has been gaining momentum in research and implementation over the past two to three decades. Best practices are becoming more well documented and research is mounting surrounding the benefits of inclusionary practices in elementary classrooms. Several themes surrounding inclusion have become evident as necessary for understanding inclusion such as classroom community, nonexamples of inclusion, relationships, student choice, and teacher training. In order to best support young students with a wide range of abilities and backgrounds, educators must first understand what inclusion is and is not. Then teachers can better implement inclusionary practices in their classrooms to …

Collaborative Learning With A Geometry Video Game: The Role Of Elaboration And Game Design In Motivation And Learning, Ethlyn Saltzman

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The study examined the effects of a new game mechanic on collaborative learning and mathematical discourse when playing a digital geometry puzzle game. For this study, two new versions of the game “Noobs vs. Leets” were developed. Both versions of the game teach the concepts of complementary and supplementary angles and the angle sum theorem of triangles. It was hypothesized that the version of the game that included a game mechanic that allow players to manipulate the angles, thus creating a more open-ended task, would be more intrinsically motivating, promote elaboration of the geometric concepts, and lead to greater learning …

Organizational Culture In Schools: The Impact Of Positive Culture On Staff Retention At Vista Charter Academy, Karrie Elizabeth Munster

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Making Of College Student Leaders: Implementing Reflective Practices For Self-Awareness Of Personality Traits And Leadership Styles, Valerie Gurrola

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

As a higher education professional, I seek to develop the next generation of leaders. The purpose of this research study was to explore how student leaders’ self-awareness, in terms of leadership styles, changed through engaging in self-reflection. The research questions were: (1) What do students know about their personality and leadership style after having taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)? and (2) Can engaging in self-reflection impact their leadership? Addressing these questions through research and implementing new practices would expand students’ skillsets. This is important because not many student leaders have access to tools and instruments that can help them …

Collaborative Teaching And Data Collection In The Inclusive Classroom: Utilizing The Activity Matrix, Jamie L. Cota

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Educators first began to focus on the impact of inclusive teaching practices with the passing of the Education for All Handicap Children Act 1975 law (Public Law 94-142), now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Inclusive practices have come a long way, but can still vary from district to district. It is easy to claim to have an inclusive classroom, but it takes collaboration, communication, shared responsibility and shared data collection to truly include students of all learning abilities in the classroom. The focus of this project is to show how teams can work together to support an …

Collaborative Teaching And Inclusion In Northeast, Tn, Sherianne Pigeon

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Collaborative teaching is a commonly used, research-based method to support inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education classroom. However, there is a lack of research describing current teachers’ experiences with and perceptions of collaborative teaching and inclusion. Results from a survey disseminated to teachers in Northeast TN school systems revealed that 64.3% of respondents have either never co-taught a class or have co-taught only one or two classes. Additionally, respondents agree that collaborative teaching is beneficial to support inclusion, enhance delivery of instruction, improve teacher relations and improve classroom management. However, teachers expressed collaborative teaching is more …

Investigating The Collaboration Of Teachers Of Students With Disabilities And Teaching Assistants In The Classroom, Sa-Qwona S. Clark

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This qualitative dissertation study examined the complex dynamics and structures (i.e., people and/or explicit/implicit classroom-, school-, and district-wide behaviors and practices and school-wide structures) that influence collaboration between teachers of students with disabilities (TOSD) and teaching assistants (TAs). Specifically, I wanted to learn: (1) What are the complex dynamics (i.e., people and/or explicit/implicit classroom-, school-, and district-wide behaviors and practices and school-wide structures) that interact to influence collaboration between teachers and teaching assistants? (1a) What role does each participant stakeholder (i.e., teacher, teaching assistant, and principal) play in those complex dynamics? (1b) How do participants develop their understandings about the …

Learning To Navigate The Unknown: The Importance Of Critical Reflection And Collaboration For Community College Faculty During A Pandemic, Karen Ann Ladley

Education Doctorate Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic caused sudden and dramatic shifts in educational systems worldwide, including colleges and universities. Students, faculty, and service staff found themselves navigating uncertain times and addressing challenges they had not faced previously. The use of critical reflection and collaboration became crucial for faculty as they struggled to engage students in different ways. Understanding students’ needs and addressing them effectively became priorities with reflection and collaboration both cost-effective and convenient methods. Following this time of uncertainty, faculty can continue using reflection and collaborative learning communities to address new challenges and obstacles, especially at community colleges where money, time, and …

Teachers’ Perceptions On The Implementation Of Professional Learning Communities And The Relationship To Student Achievement, Marian Arnett

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

For decades, mandates have driven the way we educate our students. Seemingly ever since the inception of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), schools across the nation have struggled to meet federal standards for student success. However, when many schools still failed to show a significant amount of achievement, they became labeled "Priority" or "Focus" schools under the federally mandated laws of NCLB. The vital need to promote best educational practices leads to the educational strategy of teacher collaboration. Research calls for higher levels of teacher collaboration in the educational setting as a strategy to address lackluster performance trends (Anrig, 2015). …

The Importance Of Self-Regulatory Learning Skills And Collaboration In 7th - 12th Grade Online Classes, Tonja Detwiler

Theses and Dissertations

Research at the college and graduate levels indicates that the use of self-regulatory learning skills (such as time management, asking for help and setting goals) and collaboration with teachers and peers to be vital components of online learning. Little research in online learning has been done at the 7th - 12th grade levels (Barbour, 2019). Through the theoretical frameworks of Zimmerman & Moylan (2009) and Garrison et al. (2000), this non-experimental study examined the correlation of grade level, gender, and modality of instruction to students’ scores on the Online Self-Regulated Learning Questionnaire and their end of year grade point averages. …

The Impact Of Terminal Doctoral Level Credentials On Physician Assistant/Associate And Physician Collaboration, Alicia Klein

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Physician assistants/associates (PAs) are regarded as valuable members of the healthcare team and work in a team-based collaborative model with physicians. In recent years, there has been a debate regarding the most appropriate entry-level and terminal degree for PAs and an urgency to explore optimal team practice. Due to the important collaboration between the collaborating physician (CP) and the PA, how this degree change may impact the quality of relationship is broadly unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe the demographic characteristics of physician assistants/associates (PAs) who have doctoral degrees, describe work-related characteristics of PAs who have doctoral …

Pathways Towards An Engineering Baccalaureate Degree - Critical Incidents And Factors Leading Students To Choose Community College: A Phenomenological Study, Joan Zitur Carter

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Women and underrepresented minorities can help fill the ever-growing demand for engineers in the United States. Quality teaching methods, an understanding of the cognitive aspects of learning, and faculty addressing biases help ensure student success in engineering majors. Accordingly, the community college engineering pathway can help fill the national need for engineers. This phenomenological study sought to describe the experience of students who choose the community college pathway toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. Thirteen participants were interviewed; all took engineering courses at the same community college, transferred to a four-year engineering university (10 to a R1), and …