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Southeastern University

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2020

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Full-Text Articles in Education

A Comparative Study Of Managerial And Nonmanagerial Perceptions About Readiness For Organizational Change, Kathleen Ortiz Oct 2020

A Comparative Study Of Managerial And Nonmanagerial Perceptions About Readiness For Organizational Change, Kathleen Ortiz

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

To remain competitive, organizations must learn to successfully manage change. Despite significant research on change management processes, a review of the literature indicated a need for further research on employee readiness for change. The purpose of this study was to compare employee perceptions about readiness for change in one organization. Factors of readiness between managerial and nonmanagerial employee groups (e.g., discrepancy, appropriateness, efficacy, principal support, and valence) were compared. Additional factors such as personal mindset, trust in leadership, respect for others, and employee involvement in organizational planning were also integrated for study purposes. This quantitative, nonexperimental research study utilized survey …


Mentee Voice: Mentee Perspectives Of The Effectiveness Of Youth Mentoring Programs, Rod S. Crowley, Rod S. Crowley Oct 2020

Mentee Voice: Mentee Perspectives Of The Effectiveness Of Youth Mentoring Programs, Rod S. Crowley, Rod S. Crowley

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of youth mentoring programs from the mentee perspective. An extant survey instrument, the Youth Strength of Relationship (YSOR) was utilized to provide data necessary to address the study’s topic and research problem. The YSOR yielded a good level of internal reliability (George & Mallery, 2016) in addressing study participant perceptions of satisfaction with the mentoring program featured in the study. A nonprobability sampling approach was adopted, featuring a convenient, purposive methodology. The study’s sample of participants were youth mentees (n= 1,183) specifically accessed from a Central Florida agency that provides …


Novice Teachers’ Perceptions Of Their Preparedness To Teach Students Experiencing Trauma: A Mixed Methods Study, Lisa A. Ciganek Oct 2020

Novice Teachers’ Perceptions Of Their Preparedness To Teach Students Experiencing Trauma: A Mixed Methods Study, Lisa A. Ciganek

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore how graduates of traditional teacher preparation programs perceived their preparedness to teach students experiencing trauma stemming from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The study focused on the perceptions of novice teachers working in Title 1 schools across two school districts in Central Florida. The quantitative research portion of the study involved an online survey addressing the impact of teacher preparation program coursework and clinical experiences on the teachers’ perceptions of preparedness. Qualitative data was gathered from semi-structured interviews after the survey to give voice to the novice teachers’ perceptions of preparedness. Study …


Leadership Styles And Counselor Satisfaction Among Substance Abuse Professionals In Florida, John W. Harper Oct 2020

Leadership Styles And Counselor Satisfaction Among Substance Abuse Professionals In Florida, John W. Harper

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this quantitative non-experimental research study was to determine whether a supervisor’s leadership style affects a counselor’s job satisfaction and their decision to remain with or leave an organization. The researcher-designed survey involved collecting data from counselors to elicit their perceptions regarding the supervisory leadership style. For the comparison of leadership styles, the researcher explored the following styles in this research: autocratic leadership, participative leadership, servant leadership, situational leadership, transactional leadership, and transformational leadership. The implications of this research are twofold and include the decision of substance abuse organizations regarding hiring leaders who exhibit the traits of a …


An Evaluation Study Of A Youth Entrepreneurship Program’S Influence On Self-Efficacy And Life Skills, Lauren S. Hopkins Oct 2020

An Evaluation Study Of A Youth Entrepreneurship Program’S Influence On Self-Efficacy And Life Skills, Lauren S. Hopkins

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Youth entrepreneurship programs provide opportunities to learn and to practice strategies that are necessary to start and grow a business. In the summer of 2018, a nonprofit organization in central South Carolina facilitated a modified two-week entrepreneurship education program for 18 students who recently completed third through twelfth grades. Program managers wanted to conduct a program evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the modified program and its influence on the self-efficacy and life skills of the youth participants. Quantitative data were collected from measures of young people’s self-efficacy and life skills before and after the program, from entrepreneurial knowledge after …


A Qualitative Study Of Mid-Life Career Transitions Among Evangelical Christian Women, Jayanne K. Roggenbaum Oct 2020

A Qualitative Study Of Mid-Life Career Transitions Among Evangelical Christian Women, Jayanne K. Roggenbaum

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the personal and professional factors that motivate evangelical Christian women to make career transitions in mid-life. Erikson’s psychosocial development (1980), Dweck’s (2006) growth mindset, and Fowler’s (1981) faith development served as the theoretical underpinnings of the study. The research sample consisted of five mid-life women who made at least one career transition in mid-life. Semi-structured interviews yielded rich and detailed information regarding the women’s experiences as mid-life professionals. The interview data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed to determine emergent themes. Results of the study revealed that having a growth mindset, …


A Study Of The Impact Of A University’S Program For Intellectual Disabilities On Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions And Attitudes, Tyanne N. Bailey Oct 2020

A Study Of The Impact Of A University’S Program For Intellectual Disabilities On Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions And Attitudes, Tyanne N. Bailey

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Opportunities for individuals with exceptional needs to participate in inclusive environments have increased in recent years due to the implementation of various laws. Throughout the history of education, individuals with exceptional needs were prevented from attending higher education institutions; however, the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008 provided opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to attend higher education institutions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how a university’s program to assist students with intellectual disabilities successfully transition from high school to adulthood impacted undergraduate students’ perceptions and comfort level of working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. This …


A Phenomenological Study: The Perceptions Of Hispanic Males’ Classroom Behavior Based On Paternal Absence, Gabriela E. Matos Oct 2020

A Phenomenological Study: The Perceptions Of Hispanic Males’ Classroom Behavior Based On Paternal Absence, Gabriela E. Matos

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

This qualitative research study used a phenomenological perspective to describe the perceptions of classroom behavioral challenges experienced by Hispanic young adult males who grew up without a constant paternal figure. The purpose of the study was to discover the essence of the effects of father absence on Hispanic males’ educational experiences to inform both parents and educators of the internalized and externalized classroom behaviors. The study presented Feuerstein’s mediated learning experience (MLE) as a theory for limiting negative behaviors in Hispanic males caused by father absence both in and outside the classroom. The method of inquiry followed Creswell’s defining features …


An Exploration Of Courageous Followership Characteristics Present In Student Involvement Support Staff At Select Midwest Community Colleges, Gabriel Lara Oct 2020

An Exploration Of Courageous Followership Characteristics Present In Student Involvement Support Staff At Select Midwest Community Colleges, Gabriel Lara

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this case study is to discover how the characteristics of a courageous follower are presented in the work of support staff in student involvement offices at select Midwest community colleges. This qualitative case study is relevant to grounded theory and provides a method to cultivate concepts from data to further recognize the representation of courageous followership characteristics. The research participants were four male and five female student affairs professionals working in student involvement offices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to gather the data. The seven dimensions of courageous followership served as the themes of this case …


A Case Study Of Science Teachers’ Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy In Teaching The Science And Engineering Practices, Bryanna J. Dennewitz Oct 2020

A Case Study Of Science Teachers’ Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy In Teaching The Science And Engineering Practices, Bryanna J. Dennewitz

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

This case study examined South Carolina public school science teachers’ perceptions of self-efficacy related to planning and executing STEM-centric lessons. The adoption of the South Carolina Academic Standards and Performance Indicators for Science in 2014 required science teachers to make substantial pedagogical shifts in their instructional practices, which influenced their self-efficacy. The standards included science and engineering practices (SEPs) embedded in the standards. Understanding how science teachers’ perceptions of self-efficacy influence their instructional competence for planning and executing SEP-integrated lessons might guide schools and districts to create focused instructional support for the teachers designed to meet their unique pedagogical needs. …


Teacher Development In Promising School Turnaround Efforts, Andrew Swanson Oct 2020

Teacher Development In Promising School Turnaround Efforts, Andrew Swanson

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The study was developed to examine the teacher development efforts utilized by leaders of lowperforming schools that had shown promising gains in student achievement. A researchercreated quantitative survey sent to school leaders in one state was utilized to analyze the perceived use and effectiveness of various teacher development efforts in supporting student achievement gains at their schools. Overall, the results showed school leaders focused heavily on teacher development to support their school turnaround efforts and that teacher development was effective in improving student achievement. Classroom walk-throughs were found to be an integral strategy in school turnaround and the results also …


Evaluation Of Church Plant Training Methods Within The Assemblies Of God, Bethlehem Backes Oct 2020

Evaluation Of Church Plant Training Methods Within The Assemblies Of God, Bethlehem Backes

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The steady decline of churches in America is a cause of great concern among spiritual leaders (Stetzer & Im, 2016). Missiologists agree that church planting is vital to presenting the gospel to unreached people groups. If church planting is the vehicle to deliver the life-giving message of Jesus to the world, church planters are the drivers who actively accomplish the purpose of healthy multiplication. Recent data on the health of church planters indicates many of them are not adequately prepared and desire long-term support to be successful. The Assemblies of God denomination has tasked the Church Multiplication Network with leading …


Student Evaluation Of Cultural Competence Instruction In Dietetics Education, Monica L. Strahley Oct 2020

Student Evaluation Of Cultural Competence Instruction In Dietetics Education, Monica L. Strahley

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose for this study was to examine the perceptions of students' preparation and development of cultural competence during university coursework in the field of dietetics. A secondary aim of the study was to examine if cultural competency training is provided in the university curriculum for prospective nutrition professionals in their role as interdisciplinary team members/leaders. There was a paucity of literature directed at the importance of university curricular providing cultural competency training for students in preparation for their role as the nutrition expert on multidisciplinary teams. The quantitative study was a non-experimental survey method. The study’s participant sample was …


An Evaluation Of Teachers’ Perceptions Of Preparedness To Teach In Dual Language Programs, Cari Andreani Oct 2020

An Evaluation Of Teachers’ Perceptions Of Preparedness To Teach In Dual Language Programs, Cari Andreani

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Students whose first language is not English (English language learners or ELLs) make up the fastest growing demographic in public schools. School districts nationwide have implemented dual language programs as a way to help close the achievement gap between ELLs and native English speaking students, however, a main concern of implementing a dual language program is the shortage of prepared and qualified teachers. The purpose of this study was to assist school districts, dual language schools, and dual language teachers in determining what training and support teachers need to be successful in a dual language program. This study surveyed dual …


Can Sensory Tools Help Students With Autism In Regard To Academics, Communication, Behavioral And Emotional Management?, Summer Rusher Jul 2020

Can Sensory Tools Help Students With Autism In Regard To Academics, Communication, Behavioral And Emotional Management?, Summer Rusher

Selected Honors Theses

Students with autism face many difficulties in the classroom and with everyday tasks outside of the classroom. In the classroom, they face difficulties with academic focus, communication skills, and behavioral management. Knowing this, academics, communication, and behavior were all evaluated. This thesis was written to decipher the effects of sensory tools on students with autism in the classroom and decide if sensory tools should be used more often in the classroom and at home. Sensory tools are a relatively new therapy idea. They are a wide range of tools that have all different functions and purposes. Some schools and families …


The Necessity Of Second Language Learning, Elizabeth M. Youmans Apr 2020

The Necessity Of Second Language Learning, Elizabeth M. Youmans

Classical Conversations

In the past half-century, Americans have had ongoing issues with foreign language instruction. Around 1970, the number of foreign language classes began to decline, and funding slowly began to disappear. Although some proficiency tests and requirements have been put in place, no nationwide requirements for foreign language instruction exist for public high schools. The foreign language requirements for entrance into college used to be more prevalent and followed, but studies have shown that 84% of four-year schools do not require foreign language credits (The History of Foreign Language Education in the United States Timeline 1). Because of this lack of …


The Necessity Of Second Language Learning, Elizabeth M. Youmans Apr 2020

The Necessity Of Second Language Learning, Elizabeth M. Youmans

Classical Conversations

In the past half-century, Americans have had ongoing issues with foreign language instruction. Around 1970, the number of foreign language classes began to decline, and funding slowly began to disappear. Although some proficiency tests and requirements have been put in place, no nationwide requirements for foreign language instruction exist for public high schools. The foreign language requirements for entrance into college used to be more prevalent and followed, but studies have shown that 84% of four-year schools do not require foreign language credits (The History of Foreign Language Education in the United States Timeline 1). Because of this lack of …


Teacher Induction And Classroom Management, Betty E. Clemons Apr 2020

Teacher Induction And Classroom Management, Betty E. Clemons

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Past research indicates that new teachers entering the classroom are not equipped with necessary training to effectively manage a classroom. Therefore, it is essential that schools provide induction programs that will provide necessary support, specifically related to classroom management. This qualitative study conducted in-depth research into participants’ perspectives specifically related to teacher induction processes and classroom management across two high schools within the same district. Data within this study were collected through interviews and observations with first-through-third-year teacher induction participants at both study schools. The study has provided research on induction participants’ perceptions of relevant content to be included within …


Revealing True Images: A Study Of Perceptions Of Confidence And Competence In Reflective Writing On Undergraduate Students To Enhance Written Expression Efficacy, Rasheda J. Cummings Apr 2020

Revealing True Images: A Study Of Perceptions Of Confidence And Competence In Reflective Writing On Undergraduate Students To Enhance Written Expression Efficacy, Rasheda J. Cummings

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Learning improvements do not transpire without understanding the process of reflective writing. The aim of this quantitative, quasi-experimental study was to determine the degree of impact using reflective writing instruction upon study participant perceptions of confidence and competence in the area of written expression efficacy. This study also examined the effect that perceived sense of control had on perceived confidence and competence in the area of written expression. The current study was carried out with 31 participants who were undergraduate students at a small private, four-year university. Study participants’ perceptions were assessed using a three-phase, repeated measures, pre-test/post-test survey during …


Inclusive Classrooms: Elementary Regular Classroom Teachers’ Perceived Stressors And Supports Needed To Effectively Teach Students With Special Needs, Nichole W. Gainey Apr 2020

Inclusive Classrooms: Elementary Regular Classroom Teachers’ Perceived Stressors And Supports Needed To Effectively Teach Students With Special Needs, Nichole W. Gainey

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between the proportions of students with special needs in elementary classrooms and regular elementary teachers’ stressors and needs for professional development support. The conceptual framework for the study was derived from critical mass theory and tipping point theory. The design of this dissertation study was non-experimental survey research of a non-random, purposive sample of 52 regular elementary classroom teachers who taught students with special needs. The researcher used a broad definition of students with special needs to include those who were working on a RtI Tier 2 or Tier 3 …


The Present And Future Law Enforcement Workforce: A Generational Comparison Of Motivators For Entering And Remaining In The Profession, Nicole Cain Apr 2020

The Present And Future Law Enforcement Workforce: A Generational Comparison Of Motivators For Entering And Remaining In The Profession, Nicole Cain

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Recruitment and retention are persistent issues within the law enforcement organizations because positions are remaining vacant and fewer people are attracted to the profession. The purpose of this research study was to understand the differences between generational cohorts and specifically the millennial generation’s motivation for entering and remaining in the law enforcement profession, as well as their satisfaction with their career choice. This quantitative, non-experimental research study utilized a survey method to address six research questions. A convenient, purposive sample consisting of sworn police officers from one mid-size law enforcement agency located in central Florida represented the study’s data source. …


National Board Certified Teachers’ Perceptions Of Developing Teacher-Student Relationships: A Case Study In A Title 1 Suburban Middle School In The Southeastern United States, Tara T. Bensinger Apr 2020

National Board Certified Teachers’ Perceptions Of Developing Teacher-Student Relationships: A Case Study In A Title 1 Suburban Middle School In The Southeastern United States, Tara T. Bensinger

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this study was to explore how National Board Certified teachers build relationships and cultivate empathy with middle school students in a Title 1 suburban school in the Southeastern United States. This qualitative case study was founded on the relational cultural theory, which focuses on the importance of authentic relationships. The research participants were two male and five female National Board Certified teachers of various subjects and grade levels. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to gather the data. Themes that emerged were that the NBCTs were authentic, attentive, accepting, relational, and socially and emotionally supportive in relationship …


Better Stewards, Better Givers: What Financial Behaviors Relate To Giving By Christians In Churches, Parachurch Ministries, And Their Alma Mater?, Andre Sergeyev Apr 2020

Better Stewards, Better Givers: What Financial Behaviors Relate To Giving By Christians In Churches, Parachurch Ministries, And Their Alma Mater?, Andre Sergeyev

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The subject of Christian stewardship including financial behavior continues to receive heightened attention due to low giving rates in the ecclesial community and within faith-based academia. The purpose of this correlation study was to examine associations between the most frequently exercised financial management behaviors and giving by Christian devotees. The study identified and explained degrees of relationships among selected financial behaviors of giving, by percentage and amount, by participants to churches, parachurch ministries, and alma maters. A new theory of giving behaviors was introduced to analyze relationships between the giving and financial behaviors of participants who identified as Christian and …


Enhancing Knowledge Worker Creativity In Bureaucratic Organizations: A Grounded Theory Study, Jaime Macias Apr 2020

Enhancing Knowledge Worker Creativity In Bureaucratic Organizations: A Grounded Theory Study, Jaime Macias

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Through a grounded theory qualitative study consisting of interviews, observations, and document reviews, this study examined a mid-sized military organization to answer two questions: (1) How does the military organizational design (i.e., bureaucracy) influence the creative process? and (2) How do leaders amplify (mitigate) the positive (negative) effects of bureaucracy on the creative process? The data suggest that the perceived tension between organizational hierarchy and creativity is mitigated by the immediate supervisor’s behavior and ability to navigate the bureaucratic landscape. This study added to the existing body of research on creativity in the workplace in two ways. First, the researcher …


A Correlational Study Of The Relationships Between Individual Entrepreneurial Orientations Of Community College Leaders And College Students’ Success, Michael Mcpherson Apr 2020

A Correlational Study Of The Relationships Between Individual Entrepreneurial Orientations Of Community College Leaders And College Students’ Success, Michael Mcpherson

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this study was to examine the mathematical relationships between the individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) of academic leaders in the Florida College System and their institutions’ student success rates. Some leaders in academia have suggested that academic leaders of postsecondary institutions adopt entrepreneurial behaviors and traits in an effort to adapt to rapidly changing environments. In this descriptive study, academic leaders in the Florida College system were surveyed to determine their IEO. The researcher obtained student success rates for each institution in the Florida College System. Data were analyzed using Pearson r correlations between IEO scores of academic …


From Bible College To University: Factors Related To Institutional Change During The Leadership Of Three University Presidents From 1979 To The Present, Rustin B. Lloyd Apr 2020

From Bible College To University: Factors Related To Institutional Change During The Leadership Of Three University Presidents From 1979 To The Present, Rustin B. Lloyd

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Higher education is known for its slow rate of change, but as the 21st century continues institutions of higher education (IHEs) are feeling the pressure to adapt. In addition to the pressures faced by higher education at large, Christian IHEs faces increasing secularization. This qualitative case study examined the underlying history and rationale for transition and change during the administrations of three presidents. Using organization change theory, three administrators were interviewed to determine the factors that influenced change at a Christian IHE from 1979 to 2019. The institutional changes in Christian higher education provided rich areas for research on leadership …


A Study Of Spiritual Growth And Housing Choices Among First–Year College Students, Darred K. Williams Apr 2020

A Study Of Spiritual Growth And Housing Choices Among First–Year College Students, Darred K. Williams

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this study was to study how spiritual growth and housing choices for first-year college students correlate with one another. This qualitative case study is founded on the conceptual frameworks of Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development and Fowler’s stages of faith development The research participants were a criterion-based sample consisting of six Christian college students entering their first semester of college who all attended the same Christian high school prior to beginning their college career. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all participants to gather rich, detailed information about their experiences in their spiritual and educational lives. Data collected …


Teacher’S Self-Efficacy For Teaching Character Education, Alana K. Ribble Apr 2020

Teacher’S Self-Efficacy For Teaching Character Education, Alana K. Ribble

Selected Honors Theses

Character education is an important part of school curriculum, but it is not always taught intentionally. This thesis outlines the benefits of character education, the various character education curriculums, and teacher’s self-efficacy for teaching character education. The study was conducted in Lakeland, Florida through an online survey. Participants were first year teachers and current student teachers. Each teacher answered questions regarding their confidence teaching various character traits. Teachers agreed that the most difficult part about teaching character education is helping students understand the importance of their values in their individual lives. Overall, respect and responsibility were the character traits that …


Overcoming Communicative And Cultural Barriers: A Study Of The Perceptions And Interactions Between American And International Students, Hope V. Twitchell Apr 2020

Overcoming Communicative And Cultural Barriers: A Study Of The Perceptions And Interactions Between American And International Students, Hope V. Twitchell

Selected Honors Theses

Globalization is a central aspect to the developing American society, both vocationally and culturally. Increased international representation on college campuses is one example of the prevalence of globalization in an everyday context. As the rate of international students present on American university campuses increases, more research has been focusing on the experiences of international students. The present study focused on adding to the literature surrounding American students’ perceptions and interactions with international students when communicative and cultural barriers arise. The thesis statement proposed that American students attending an American university who had previous international travel experience would be more adept …