Education Commons^™

Leading Through A Trauma-Informed Lens, Taylor Van Clay

Graduate Teacher Education

Abstract

This paper examined research on what is necessary for leaders to lead and create a school culture that supports students through a trauma-informed lens. This research looked for findings from multiple quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies which examined the importance of effective leadership, the necessity of professional development for educators, and the implementation of trauma-informed practices that will lead to student success. The research revealed specific factors that lead to beneficial leadership outcomes along with interconnectedness of purposeful and ongoing professional development and implementation of trauma-informed practice due to the fact that response to student behaviors is not intuitive. …

Inclusion For Asd Students In The Mainstream Setting, Stephanie Rohwer

Graduate Teacher Education

This comprehensive review delves into the complexities surrounding the education of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The exploration begins by addressing educator, parental, and paraprofessional perspectives. It reveals challenges related to a lack of autism competence among teachers, managing student behavior, and the pursuit of alternative placements by parents seeking tailored educational experiences. Examining the historical context of ASD, considering its neurodevelopmental nature, emphasizes the importance of continuously evolving teacher preparedness to meet the diverse needs of students. The studies draw attention to the multifaceted challenges educators face, particularly in the absence of consistent training in evidence-based practices (EBPs) …

Educating The Whole Child: The Transformative Power Of Self-Efficacy, Hannah Wallenta

Graduate Teacher Education

This paper examined research on the teaching strategies that impact self-efficacy and student achievement. This topic was explored through a multitude of quantitative and qualitative studies which provided a comprehensive understanding of overall benefits of increasing self-efficacy, teachers' roles in development, and multitude of strategies used in the classroom to support teachers in creating student learning experiences that promote self-efficacy. This research goes beyond what structures are needed for student success and delves into the methods used to support the whole child from a psychological perspective that prepares them for success outside of the classroom. Further research is needed to …

Underserved And Underrecognized: Elevating Teaching Strategies, Special Education Eligibility, And Educational Outcomes For Grade 2-6 Girl On The Autism Spectrum, Jessica Ford

Doctorate in Education

This study involved a qualitative exploratory case study research design and employed in-depth online interviews as the primary data collection method. Participants were former or current special education teachers in Minnesota who had worked with Grade 2-6 girls on the autism spectrum and were sourced from professional networks, educational associations, online platforms, chain sampling, and snowball sampling. This study sought to elucidate the reasons behind the underidentification of girls eligible for autism spectrum special education services, streamline their qualification process, reveal practical educational strategies for academic, emotional, and social support, and furnish accessible resources and training alternatives for classroom teachers …

Cultivating Workplace Creativity: A Qualitative Case Study Of Leader Perceptions And Practices, Karen Davis Platt

Doctorate in Education

Creativity is vital to corporate success in a global economy and contributes to employee work satisfaction. Grounded in constructivism, this dissertation advances arguments regarding how organizational policies and leader practices can support workplace creativity. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to gather insights into leaders’ perceptions of how creativity is fostered in the workplace and develop recommendations to support knowledge industry leaders in cultivating creativity. Findings are based on 10 semi-structured interviews from leaders in one large, knowledge industry corporation headquartered in the United States' mid-Atlantic region. Leaders shared their beliefs and experiences related to creativity in the …

Math Vocabulary & Number Sense: Instructional Strategies For Upper Elementary English Learning Students In The Math Classroom, Matt J. Cavanaugh

Doctorate in Education

Recent studies show that English learning students are a growing population within the United States school system. Language barriers have been shown to negatively influence reading scores as well as math scores, and math scores are a predictor of future academic success in many subject areas. This qualitative action research study demonstrates the difficulties many upper-elementary English learning students have understanding number sense (numeracy) in a math classroom setting in Minnesota, United States. The purpose of this study was to explore whether intentional teaching of math vocabulary could alleviate the difficulties upper-elementary English learning students have in understanding, applying, and …

Educator Preparedness To Leverage Assistive Technologies In The Classroom, Sean Masterman

Doctorate in Education

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is driving a compelling need for pedagogical change, yet there is disjuncture between the capacity of emerging technologies to address this need and their actual use in the American classroom. These technologies can enable personalization to meet each student’s individualized learning needs. Educator preparedness is the first step toward embracing and integrating the broad capabilities of emerging technologies to help build the future workforce. This qualitative, phenomenological case study assessed the preparedness of middle school general educators in two Minnesota school districts to leverage assistive technologies (ATs) to improve student learning from the perspective of …

Understanding And Minimizing School Shootings, Taylor Hammond

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership

The unfortunate trend of school shootings is on the rise within the United States. The purpose of this paper is to describe a leadership communication plan for a school shooting situation, along with identifying the three phases of a crisis: pre-crisis, crisis response, and post-crisis. It also describes the role a probation officer plays within this topic and the importance of this person in a juvenile’s life. An unforeseen issue with school shootings is how it relates to social media. Social media can be used to bully, harass, and contact others unsolicited. It can also be used for a student …

Digital Game-Based Learning Activities In Primary Grade Mathematics Achievement, Chris Anderson

Graduate Teacher Education

The research paper has gathered and analyzed research from online databases to find how digital game-based learning activities were used in mathematics and how it influences the affective domains of academic engagement, motivation, and academic self-perception. The paper aims to inform primary educators of the benefits and limitations of digital game-based activities in primary mathematics. Digital game-based learning has positively influenced students' academic engagement through interaction, play, and effort, which had a positive effect on their mathematical achievement. Increased motivation felt by students when doing digital game-based activities resulted in higher mathematical achievement and an increase in learning more mathematics …

Fostering Self-Efficacy And Autonomous Motivation To Aid In Mastering High-Order Writing Skills, Jessica Nowacki Van Denheuvel

Graduate Teacher Education

Students need to be able to write to be successful in school, personal life, and professional settings. In upper elementary, fourth- through fifth-grades, students shift from basic to high-order writing skills. The increased cognitive load can overwhelm students and even lead to task avoidance. Self-efficacy and autonomous motivation assist students in engaging and sustaining complex tasks. This literature evaluated fifteen primary research studies on how teachers may foster these constructs to aid in students’ development of high-order writing skills. Three strands were revealed. The first strand explored the state of writing instruction - the influence of standards-based educational systems and …

Game-Based Learning In Elementary Mathematics, Sophia Greenfield

Graduate Teacher Education

This paper analyzed 15 primary, peer-reviewed research articles about how to integrate game-based learning in elementary mathematics to increase conceptual understanding. The purpose of this paper was to inform teachers about how to integrate digital and traditional games, including factors to enhance effective implementation, in a way that increased conceptual understanding. Key factors were gleaned from the articles that had a significant impact on the effectiveness of game-based learning. In Chapter Two, traditional and digital games were divided into two sections to analyze the benefits and drawbacks of each method. These benefits and drawbacks were compared in the Appendices to …

Gender Impact On Trauma-Exposed Populations, Melissa Flannigan

Graduate Teacher Education

Gender differences in trauma exposure have been well-established in published research. This paper explored the relationship between gender and its impact on exposure to traumatic events and the outcomes within trauma-exposed populations. Trauma can have profound and lasting effects on physical, mental, social, and behavioral well-being. The literature review identified gender differences in exposure to trauma types, PTSD prevalence and symptomatology, other mental health disorders, behavioral outcomes, and differences in physical health. Additionally, it explored the role of support systems, coping mechanisms, and risk factors for particular trauma-related outcomes. Furthermore, this paper examined the implications of the findings for professional …

Mindfulness As A Means Of Reducing Teacher Burnout, Chantelle O'Dell

Graduate Teacher Education

Educators are asked to do more tasks every school year. It can be difficult to maintain boundaries and continue feeling like an effective educator, with the demands of everyday teaching. This paper examined how the use of mindfulness, as an individual, assists educators in avoiding burnout. The resources used were a mix of qualitative, quantitative, quasi-experimental, meta-analyses, and mixed methods focusing on strategies and reasons educators should use stress-reducing techniques in their personal lives to help with occupational stress. The conclusion of the research gathered showed the use of mindfulness benefited educators and school systems by reducing absenteeism, reducing healthcare …

What Is The Role Of An Athletic Director At The High School And College Levels?, Richard O'Donnell

Master of Science in Kinesiology

What is the role of an athletic director? Athletic directors work in both high school and college level settings. Not all athletic directors run their programs the same way. This proposed study involves a survey of high school athletic directors and college athletic directors. The survey would gather data on leadership style, delegation tactics, daily tasks, annual planning, and fundraising. If conducted, this study will provide information on how high school and college athletic directors are similar, as well as how they are different. This study would benefit those already in the profession and those who are aspiring to become …

Effective Interventions For Transition-Age Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Allyson Rock

Graduate Teacher Education

This paper examined best practices for interventions supporting transition education for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent research suggested that post-secondary outcomes, such as employment rates or post-secondary education and training program participation rates, for students with disabilities are significantly below those of the general population. For students with disabilities, transition services are integrated into each student’s individualized education program (IEP). However, although transition services address employment, post-secondary education and training, and independent living skills, young adults with disabilities are not experiencing long-term success in their post-secondary endeavors. This paper strives to identify best practices for interventions supporting transition …

Literacy Instruction For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sonja Hall

Graduate Teacher Education

This paper reviewed current literature on instructional strategies for providing literacy instruction to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Literacy is made up of many strands, literacy was broken into three subsections for the purpose of this review: phonics instruction, reading comprehension, and writing. According to experts, reading comprehension and writing are two main areas in which students who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be challenged by. The studies in this review revealed that direct, systematic, and explicit instruction in the area of literacy is essential for student success in the targeted areas. Different teaching strategies involved …

Declining Participation In Youth Sports And Its Contributing Factors, Aaron Shackle

Master of Science in Kinesiology

This study was designed to research the declining participation numbers of youths, ages 5 to 18, in organized sports in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Specifically, this study would look into reasons as to why youth sport participation numbers are on the decline. While the total number of youth athletes are difficult to ascertain, it is known that from 2008 to 2019 the total number of athletes participating in youth sports have been in decline for both male and female athletes (“From 2008”, 2021) Participants will take home a survey that they can complete on their own or with a parent or guardian …

Hmong Parents' Perspectives On The Effectiveness Of Hmong Language And Culture Programs, Lia Vang

Doctorate in Education

In this dissertation, I examined Hmong parents' perspectives on the effectiveness of Hmong language and culture (HLC) programs in helping their children maintain the Hmong language and cultural practices. It was guided by three research questions that sought to uncover Hmong parents' experiences with heritage language shifts (HLS), their perceptions of their children's experiences, their perceived effectiveness of Hmong language and culture programs, and the roles they believe home and school play in the language and culture maintenance process. Drawing from a phenomenological research approach, narratives from semi-structured interviews with nine Hmong parents from two Hmong charter schools brought forward …

The Effect Of Intercollegiate Athletic Departments Switching Conferences, Austin Fischer

Master of Science in Kinesiology

College conference realignment has been and will be an imposing threat to universities and colleges across all division levels. With significant money to be had in intercollegiate athletics, Athletic Directors (ADs) are looking to position themselves and their university in the most optimal position to elevate their schools’ athletic brands. The literature review for this study utilized Concordia’s online research library platform, as well as recent news articles regarding conference realignment. With college athletics media valuation continuing to increase, one can draw the conclusion that conference realignment is here to stay. This project was designed to ask Athletic Directors and …

How Can Urban Early Childhood Educators Advocate For Accountability In Alternative Assessment Methods, Stephanie Scierka

Graduate Teacher Education

Abstract

The introduction of district and educator accountability measures based on student assessment scores has created a move away from developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate practice (Bauml, 2016; Cramer et al., 2018; Frede &Ackerman, 2007; Gullo & Hughes, 2011; Miller & Almon, 2009; NAEYC, 2020; Rushton & Juola-Rushton, 2008). A combination of qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method studies and guidelines from the National Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC] (2020) demonstrated a need for developmentally appropriate practices when assessing students. The guiding question focused on how urban early childhood educators could advocate for accountability in alternative assessment methods. The research …

How Can Early Childhood Teachers Implement Developmentally Appropriate Practices That Support Whole-Child Development In Preschool And Kindergarten Programs?, Amanda Nolde

Graduate Teacher Education

Kindergarten has dramatically changed in recent years with the rise of standardized testing and a stronger focus on academic achievement; yet with the change, children were deprived of essential components of a foundational education that supported the development of the whole child and prepared children to be successful in multiple areas of life (Slade & Griffith, 2013). Teacher-directed instruction has decreased child-centered activities, such as play, to maximize the potential of children’s academic success in the future (Pyle & Danniels, 2017). Despite educators’ positive beliefs around developmentally appropriate practices, the need to find a balance in the integration of academics …

Language And Literacy Development For Young Toddlers, Tori Johnston

Graduate Teacher Education

Language and literacy development is tremendously important for young children in the first year of life. The purpose of this capstone is to discover strategies to foster emergent literacy and implement those strategies. Towell, Bartram, Murrow, & Brown, (2021) suggested several strategies to help educators foster literacy development including lap reading, reading aloud, reading to children from birth, dialogic reading, establishing routines, creating books with children, asking questions, and making comments. According to Dowling, Shanty, Sonnenschein, and Hussey-Gardner (2020), it is never too early to introduce language and literacy skills. Infants learn best through responsive, playful interaction that occur in …

The Recruitment And Retention Of High School Sport Officials In Minnesota: An Exploratory Analysis, Zack Qual

Master of Science in Kinesiology

The issue that this proposal study will address is the current officiating shortage for Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) sanctioned events. High school games are being rescheduled and at times canceled altogether due to the lack of available registered officials needed to ensure games are officiated correctly and with quality. In order to address this problem, the purpose of this proposed study will be to explore the types of interactions, both positive and negative, that registered MSHSL officials have had with players, coaches, and fans at events they have officiated. To gather the data, an online survey would be …

The Murder Of George Floyd: A Case Study Examining How The Policing Of Black Men And Grassroots Activism Influence The Will Of Black Women To Lead, Ella Gates-Mahmoud

Doctorate in Education

This study's objective investigates the viewpoints held by Black women in two urban areas of Minnesota about the social upheaval that followed the murder of George Floyd in 2020 for using a counterfeit $20 bill. In the last decade, police killings of innocent Black people in the United States have received more attention, and Floyd's death is only one example of this phenomenon. In the U.S., the likelihood of a police officer taking the life of a Black man is higher than that of a White man. Between 2013-2019 there have been 1,641 fatal shootings of defenseless Black men by …

Professional Development Impact On Quality Interactions In Home-Based Early Childhood Settings, Theresa Peplinski

Graduate Teacher Education

Recent literature was examined to explore the relationship between professional development and quality interactions in home-based early childhood settings. Home-based child care was identified as a setting preferred by parents (Melvin et al., 2022). However, the educators in these settings often worked alone, worked long hours, and were less likely to have a degree than educators in other early childhood settings (Durden et al., 2016). The understanding of what constituted quality in these under-recognized settings was more challenging to quantify and less studied than quality in other early education settings (Han et al., 2021). A thorough literature review was conducted, …

Prioritizing Prosocial Behavior For Preschool Children: How Are Parents Affecting Psb Development?, Deborah Zupito

Doctorate in Education

Scholars and Early Childhood Education (ECE) professionals acknowledge the critical nature of prosocial behavior (PSB) skills in the lives of preschool-aged children. Research specifies that children lacking PSBs are socially and academically disadvantaged. Studies have shown that 30% of preschoolers exhibit negative emotional/social behavior, and 80% of preschool educators report negative social behaviors (NSBs) adversely affecting their jobs. It is well-researched that a child's earliest experiences shape social and emotional behaviors, explicitly parenting and the home environment; however, less research exists about parents' knowledge and perception of their role relating to PSB development in their child's life. This qualitative case …

Ela High School Teacher Beliefs About Academic Language Learning, Wendy Aro

Doctorate in Education

The enrollment of English learners (ELs) in K-12 schools in the United States continues to surpass all other student groups reshaping U.S. public schools (National Center for Education Statistics, 2017). Research suggests while learning English, ELs fall behind academically, which can determine how long an EL remains in an English learner program (Wixom, 2014). Educators and leaders are faced with the challenges associated with EL education including professional development, retaining EL specialized teachers, and designing, implementing, and evaluating EL service models. Other challenges include ensuring EL access to grade-level content standards while simultaneously developing the language of the subject area. …

Increased Child Initiated Activity In Child-Centered Learning Environments, Angela Robinson

Graduate Teacher Education

Child-initiated activity in child-centered learning environments benefits the development of the whole child. Current research lends evidence that the early relationships and experiences of a child directly impact learning success (Nitecki, 2017; Fyffe et al., 2022). The indoor and outdoor environment are positioned as places for learning providing freedom and space to support health and well-being (Maynard et al., 2013). Classrooms have largely removed free play to address academic standards and high-stakes testing (Pistrova & Slutsky, 2018). This has been demonstrated by the implementation of scripted curriculum, the removal of toys such as unit blocks that foster creativity and imagination, …

How The Rise In Social Media Use Impacts The Mental Health Of Adolescents, Adam Meyer

Graduate Teacher Education

Social media is more available now than ever before. More platforms are available and access to each platform is just one click away for anyone with a cell phone, tablet, iPad, or computer. Since social media was introduced, there has also been a steady rise in mental health concerns, especially in adolescents (Ellis et al., 2020). This leads to the question, how does social media impact mental health of adolescents? The potential implications of this question impact both educators, parents, and adolescents. This literature review examined how the rise in social media use has impacted mental health of adolescents, both …

Humor And Laughter As Intentional Teaching Strategies: Professional Development For Early Childhood Educators, Rebecca Ellen Fish Hegstad

Graduate Teacher Education

Research has shown that humor and laughter benefit young children’s social-emotional development (Lovorn, 2008; Semrud-Clikeman & Glass, 2010). Humor and laughter also benefit teachers (Chaniotakis & Papazoglou, 2019). However, despite the benefits, research has also shown that teachers may be hesitant to use humor and laughter for fear of "losing control," not feeling inherently funny, and/or because teachers have not been taught how to use humor effectively (Chaniotakis & Papazoglou, 2019; Lovorn & Holaway, 2015). Cekaite and Andrén (2019) revealed that teachers in early childhood settings rarely responded to children’s laughter with laughter. The difference between teachers’ beliefs and practices …