Education Commons^™

Plcs: A Recipe For Success? The Impact Of Professional Learning Communities On Teacher Practice And Teacher Retention, Jeannine Carr

Education Doctoral

This qualitative phenomenological study examined elementary teachers’ perceptions of professional learning communities (PLCs) and the impact they have on their professional practice, particularly concerning teacher retention. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to gain data on how teachers feel about the work they are engaged in when functioning as a PLC within their school. Through this research, teachers evaluated if the time spent in PLCs has improved their work lives and job satisfaction, thus impacting their commitment to stay in the profession. The findings revealed that teachers view PLCs as providing meaningful opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and developing student-centered practices. Factors …

Perspectives Of Speech-Language Pathologists On Strategies And Skills To Support Parental Involvement In Language Stimulation And Co-Viewing, Jeanelle Canelo

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to guide the role of parents in language stimulation and parental co-viewing as it relates to linguistic development and adult-child facilitated screen use in toddlers. The study explored New York State licensed and certified speech language pathologist’s (SLPs) perceptions of a healthy balance of screen time (ST), playtime, and parent-child interaction. Objectives included understanding the impact of ST on communication skills and exploring how adult–child engagement influences language development outcomes in children under age 5. The methodology involved one-on-one interviews via Zoom with the SLPs, using semi-structured questions. Data was collected, transcribed, …

Examining The Adolescent Student And Middle Level Teacher Preparation Programs: Perspectives Of Novice Middle Level Educators And Higher Education Instructors, Deborah Washington

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine teacher preparation programs and the extent to which teachers and higher education instructors perceived teachers’ readiness to teach middle school students. Additionally, the study investigated how much teachers are learning about adolescent development in their preparation programs. The study focused on middle level teachers and higher education instructors in the Western New York region. This examination of teacher preparation for middle level students used the Framework for Effective Middle Level Practices as the theoretical focus. The findings highlighted a lack of specialized middle level teacher preparation programs, leading to underprepared teachers. …

Nurturing Stability: Exploring The Relationship Between Child Welfare Workers’ Well-Being And The Impact It Has On Retention, Maritza Acosta-Gay

Education Doctoral

Child welfare workers are critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and families. However, the demanding and emotionally taxing nature of their work has led to high turnover rates, impacting workforce stability and service quality. This study explored the complex relationship between child welfare workers’ well-being and job retention, seeking to uncover factors influencing their decision to remain in or leave the profession.

This qualitative phenomenological study employed one-to-one semi-structured interviews and thematic data analysis to gain an in-depth understanding of the firsthand experiences and insights of child welfare workers regarding their professional challenges and motivations. Participants …

An Examination Of The Perspectives Of Principals Of High-Performing Urban High Schools And Establishing Cultures Of Care, Emily Buss

Education Doctoral

The study examined the role of principal leadership behavior in creating cultures of care in urban high schools. Further, the study assesses how culture contributes to urban high school performance while also considering the nuances of urban schools. Additionally, the study provides a review of the literature examining components such as urban high school context, principal behavior, cultures of care, and urban high school placement and specialization. Tichnor-Wagner and Allen’s (2016) typology of care was used as the theoretical framework. The study used a qualitative research design to study the experiences of seven principals and recently retired principals of high-performing …

Erasing The Dividing Line Between Race And The Protestant Church: A Phenomenological Comparative Research Study, Janee M. Slade

Education Doctoral

This comparative phenomenological study researched how church leaders impact race relations in emerging multicultural Protestant churches, by analyzing the lived experiences of church members in multicultural churches. This study explored the strategies pastors use to manage race relations through the lens of transformational leadership theory. This comparative study compares the experiences of church members in an urban and suburban church setting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at two multicultural churches in the Rochester, NY area. The first location included a suburban multicultural church setting with at least 50-75 members. The second location was a larger, more established congregation in an urban …

More Than Just A Sticker Of Lgbtq+ Inclusivity: Exploring College And University-Based Lgbtq+ Center Director’S Process And Perceptions Of Lgbtq+ Campus Climate Assessments, James Luckman

Education Doctoral

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) students continue to be a growing population within higher education. This has led to further initiatives to enhance LGBTQ+ campus climate. Institutions of higher education across the United States have created LGBTQ+ centers, to enhance and cultivate an LGBTQ+ campus climate that promotes a sense of belonging and inclusion. The growing popularity and development of LGBTQ+ centers provide a physical space for students, and marketing materials to promote resources for students, with the potential to impact digital campus climate. However, there have been limited studies that focus on LGBTQ+ climate assessments from the …

The Intersectionality Of Trauma And The Master Status Of Urban School Students With Incarcerated Parents: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Latoya L. Medley

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this study was to explore the intersectionality framework in place in schools and to examine school-based responses to the trauma students may face when they have incarcerated parents. Intersectionality theory emphasizes the interconnected nature of various social identities, such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and more. Applying intersectionality theory to the context of students with incarcerated parents enhanced our understanding of the challenges they face. This qualitative study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to examine how five urban school administrators handled the effects of trauma in students with incarcerated parents.

The findings from the interviews highlight the critical …

Navigating The Stem Landscape: Exploring The Challenges And Opportunities For Latinas In Pursuit Of Representation And Inclusion, Ana B. Mendieta

Education Doctoral

This phenomenological study delves into the underrepresentation that Latinas experience in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) industry, a notable disparity given their increased enrollment in higher education, revealing a significant concern within the STEM educational pipeline. Utilizing the core components of the STEM identity framework (competence, performance, and recognition) in conjunction with the cultural value of familismo, which emphasizes strong familial bonds, the research seeks to illuminate the complexities Latinas navigate as they strive to carve a pathway within the STEM education to workforce pipeline. Using a qualitative approach, the study identifies that the timing of participants' initial …

Predicting Njcaa Student-Athlete Success: An Analysis Of Graduation Over A 5-Year Period Using Precollege And College Variables At A 2-Year Institution, Alina Nazari

Education Doctoral

College student-athletes have to navigate unique challenges in order to graduate on time primarily due to their dual roles on campus (Beron & Piquero, 2016; Cooper et al., 2017). While previous research has primarily explored predictors of academic success (e.g., graduation within 150% of the standard completion time) among student-athletes at NCAA Division I institutions,

this study addressed the significant gap in knowledge specific to NJCAA Division I student- athletes. This quantitative study extended the work of Autry (2010) by investigating the

precollege and college predictors of academic success among 2-year student-athletes at a NJCAA Division I institution in the …

Student-Veteran Transition Strategies From The Military To Higher Education, David L. Gardner

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe the strategies that student veterans employed as they transitioned from active-duty military engagement to civilian college classrooms. Transition theory drove this study as it explored military-veteran transitions from the military to undergraduate programs. The research questions were, What thoughts, incidents, or people associated with your military service stand out for you? How did your military service and transition affect your college experience? and What thoughts or feelings stand out as you think about your transition? Transcendental phenomenological methodology was used for this study as it followed structured data collection …

Experimenting With Transparency: A Mixed Methods Approach To Assessing Crisis Communication Messaging, Melissa Greco Lopes

Education Doctoral

This study sought to add to the body of research on transparency in crisis communication messaging in a higher education setting through the lens of Coombs’ (1995) situational crisis communication theory. Using a mixed methods explanatory sequential experimental design, the study collected quantitative data via an experiment to determine how specific elements of a message might result in more positive perceptions of message and organizational trust, transparency, and reputation. Next, the study collected qualitative data through four focus groups to provide a deeper understanding of which elements of the message readers found most transparent and how it might have impacted …

The Retention Of Newly Tenured Faculty Of Color At A Community College In New York State, Jacqueline Goffe-Mcnish

Education Doctoral

Given the lack of retention of employees of color from 1991 to 2001, this qualitative descriptive case study investigated the benefits of, barriers to, and strategies for the retention of faculty of color at a community college in New York State. The participants were five administrators and eight faculty members who self-identified as people of color and as White people. Each participant was interviewed using semi-structured questions via Zoom and all interviews were recorded. A notebook was created, and participants’ interviews were transcribed and coded.

Six categories were identified through the coding process, which included the social, psychological, physical, intellectual, …

Cementing Success: The Impact That Mentoring Has On Women Of Color Business Owners In The Construction Industry, Nneka Bell

Education Doctoral

The number of women of color entrepreneurs in the construction industry lags significantly behind that of their White women and male counterparts. The construction industry is one of the most gender-segregated industries in the world. Women of color entrepreneurs have encountered barriers to forming mentoring relationships, impacting their success in entrepreneurial endeavors. This qualitative phenomenological study examines how women of color entrepreneurs perceive the professional mentoring experience. This study examines women of color entrepreneurs’ experience of professional mentoring and whether it contributed to their success. This study identified successful professional mentoring elements for women of color entrepreneurs and assessed professional …

The Mindful Way: An Explorative Case Study Of The Transformative Effects Of Afro Flow Yoga A Culturally Adapted Mindfulness Intervention On The Health And Well-Being Of Black Women, Danielle A. Jones

Education Doctoral

This qualitative phenomenological exploratory case study explored Afro Flow Yoga to evaluate its potential as a culturally adaptable mindfulness-based intervention for enhancing the health and well-being of Black women while addressing the historical ills and adverse effects of intersectionality. From its beginning, the United States has discriminated against and defeminized Black women while profiting from all aspects of their lives. To be Black and female in America is to experience perpetual racism, sexism, and other "isms" as forms of harm and oppression. Therefore, culturally adapted mindfulness interventions are essential to cater to the unique needs of Black women. The mindfulness …

Black And Latiné College Student Expectations And Perceptions Of A College Leadership’S Responses To Nationally Known, Racially Biased Incidents, Grace Maxon-Clarke

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to understand Black and Latiné students’ expectations and perceptions of their college leaderships’ responses to nationally known, biased incidents. Through a qualitative, descriptive phenomenological design, 11 participants, within one institution, across three focus groups, shared their expectations and perspectives. The data analysis was done using open-ended coding to determine the major themes and codes across all focus groups.

Themes for student expectations were (a) no expectation: first-year student, COVID restrictions, primarily White institutions; (b) expectations met: met the needs of the White majority, public institution; and (c) expected different: expected more, …

From There To Here: How Black Women From Areas Of Black-Concentrated Poverty Understand, Generate, And Use Social Capital To Influence Economic Mobility: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, Tatiana C. Parker

Education Doctoral

This qualitative, interpretative phenomenological study investigated how Black women, with experience residing in areas of concentrated Black poverty in Syracuse, New York between the ages of 25 and 34, understood, generated, and utilized the social capital within their networks. The research also sought to understand these women’s perspectives regarding the role of network social connections in their economic mobility. Four one-on-one interviews were conducted and, through the lens of networking social capital theory, revealed significant themes, including the role of proximity in relationship dynamics, access points such as educational institutions and workplaces, and the influence of guidance and character congruency …

Dying With Dignity: An Exploration Into The Lived Experiences Of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Facilitating End-Of-Life Care, Dianna Lewis-Brewster

Education Doctoral

This study explored the lived experiences of advanced practice registered nurses caring for dying patients in the acute care hospital setting and how they perceive their role in the discharge process to allow for patient and family autonomy. It explored transitioning patients from the hospital to the community with an interdisciplinary team and the utilization of care homes in the community. The methodology used was a qualitative descriptive phenomenological research design. The study utilized the caring framework theories of Jean Watson’s caritas processes. The study included nine licensed advanced practice registered nurse participants from upstate New York, actively working in …

The Perceived Benefits, Limitations, And Effects Of Virtual Internships On Obtaining Employment For Undergraduates In Business And Information Technology, Taren Mitchell

Education Doctoral

Students recognize the value that internships bring in enhancing employment prospects and increasing earnings potential in conjunction with their college degrees. The COVID- 19 pandemic has highlighted the advantages of online and hybrid work options for employers. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of virtual internships is crucial for students, employers, and institutions of higher education, as it enables them to leverage the benefits of internships, creating a talent pipeline and enhancing employment prospects after graduation. This descriptive phenomenological qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions of undergraduate business and technology school graduates regarding the benefits, limitations, and effects of virtual internships …

Lgbtq+ Support Services At Community Colleges From An Executive Leadership Perspective: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Chris Kukenberger

Education Doctoral

Community colleges were created to serve regional communities while removing barriers to education for marginalized populations. Community colleges have thus made public commitments to serve minoritized populations including those of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) identities. Despite the fact that community colleges are making public claims of commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, our nation’s LGBTQ+ population is being left out. The purpose of this study was to explore the misalignment between espoused beliefs and practice with respect to support being offered to LGBTQ+ students through the lens of social capital theory as viewed …

Perspectives Of Teachers And Administrators In Rural Schools Regarding The Implementation Of Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Initiatives, Debra R. Lubberts

Education Doctoral

This dissertation research study examined teacher and administrator perspectives on conceptual and logistical issues and supports in implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in rural schools. More research is needed regarding rural schools due to a lack of understanding of the nature and value of place in rural learning environments. This phenomenological study utilized semi-structured interviews to examine DEI initiatives through the lens of the adult learning theory of Knowles et al. (2015). Three key findings emerged from the research. First, rural schools lack the funding, human resources, and systems to implement DEI initiatives. Second, the implementation of DEI …

How Do Superintendents Execute The Skill Sets Of Trust, Communication, And Leadership Differently In Rural, Suburban, And Urban School Districts, Rebecca Curtis Stone

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this study was to determine how the superintendents’ skill sets of trust, communication, and leadership skills were executed differently in rural, suburban, and urban districts. This qualitative descriptive analysis study analyzed 12 superintendent interviews using the six-phase thematic analysis method. Superintendents were selected who had 3 or more years of experience, with at least 1 year in their current position. Two women and two men superintendents were interviewed from each district size: rural, suburban, and urban. Skill set execution was determined based on Bolman and Deal’s four frames of leadership. The three skill sets of trust, communication, …

We Are Each Other’S Business: Black Entrepreneurship, Trust, And The Mobilization Of Social Capital, Lashawnna R. Harris

Education Doctoral

This interpretive phenomenological study aimed to investigate the interactions between race socialization, trust, and Black entrepreneurs’ social capital mobilization. The 12 study participants conducted business in New York City and the surrounding counties. The primary sources of data collected were semi-structured interviews and researcher journal entries for validity. Four themes emerged from the interpretive analysis conducted: (a) race socialization matters, (b) trust is relationship based, (c) networks are vast but often homogeneous, and (d) competence-based mobilization.

This study found that Black entrepreneurs are influenced by messages about direct and vicarious discriminatory racial encounters. Race socialization messages served as protective instructions …

Exploring Leadership Perceptions And Practices Supporting Urban Middle And High School Students Diagnosed With Adhd, Ekiyor Stanley

Education Doctoral

Although children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been extensively studied in the educational setting in past decades, urban public school leaders’ (UPSLs) views have been overlooked. A transcendental phenomenological design was used in this study to capture the lived experience of UPSLs’ perceptions and practices in supporting urban middle and high school students diagnosed with ADHD. Eight retired UPSLs participated in open-ended, semi-structured interviews. As a result of the rich stories and open discussions, the researcher identified four themes: (a) behavioral and pharmacological interventions, (b) systemic challenges and obstacles, (c) school policies and mandates, and (d) ADHD training …

Effective Programs And Supports For High School Graduation Of Boys Of Color: Perspectives Of Parents, Male Graduates, And Educators, Green Burnice, Sr.

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative study was to examine the perspectives of parents, male graduates of color, and educators to determine what practices and interventions worked best to enable young men of color to graduate from high school. A purposive sampling model was used to select four parents, four educators, and four male high school graduates for a total of 12 participants in the study. Parents, educators, and high school male graduates of color have an essential role in developing a culture or environment that increases academic achievement for males of color and all students. This study explored …

Nurse Preceptor Preparation For Supporting Graduate Nurses In The Acute Care Hospital Setting, Emery House

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological study was to explore, through analysis, six Central New York State nurse preceptors’ experiences relating to their preparedness and empowerment to train graduate nurses in the acute care hospital setting.

The nurse preceptor participants expressed concern for the lack of clarity, expectations, and preparation for their leadership roles. The participants reported that combining information, support, and resources are essential for the sustainability of the nurse preceptor role. Recommendations for practice improvement would be to introduce preceptor preparation early in a nurses career, and to update educational delivery to meet the current climate of healthcare.

Examining The Lived Experiences Of Adult Learners In Practical Nursing Programs: A Qualitative Study, Amy Archey

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this study is to fill a gap in the literature for the role of motivation in adult learners in post-secondary practical nursing programs. While literature exists on supporting traditional learners in nursing programs at the college and university levels, research lacked on the motivations, barriers, and support provided to adult learners in practical nursing programs. This study contributes to literature and fills that gap by exploring the lived experiences of these adult learners using the self-determination theory and hermeneutic phenomenology to explore these motivations, perceived barriers, and needed support. This was accomplished using semi-structured interviews with seven …

Higher Education Designed For Nontraditional Students: A Case Study Of Program Design Features That Impact Attraction, Enrollment, And Persistence In A Degree Program Intentionally Designed For Adult Learners, Jill Pippin

Education Doctoral

Despite declining overall enrollment and projected demand, regional comprehensive universities in central upstate New York are not engaging nontraditional adult students to register and complete baccalaureate degrees. To maintain enrollment goals, institutions oriented toward traditional students could embrace their mission to provide access to higher education to people in their region, including adults. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study is to understand the program design features that affect nontraditional students’ choice to apply, enroll, and persist toward degree completion in a program designed for adult students at a regional comprehensive university in central upstate New York. This study …

Through Their Eyes: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study Examining The Role Of The Teacher Certification And Licensure Process And The Teacher Racial Diversity Gap In New York State Public Schools, Nichole J. Brown

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to investigate if and how the teacher certification and licensure process influenced the Black public school teacher participants, who were teaching in New York State schools, and how they perceived and experienced the certification and licensure exam process.

Through the lens of critical race theory, this study examined 12 Black teacher participants’ lived experiences and perspectives regarding if and how the teacher certification process influences New York State schools’ teacher racial diversity gap. Following descriptive analysis steps, three essential themes emerged: (a) minimal information on how to become a teacher, (b) …

The Effects Of The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program On Community College Students’ Grade Point Average, Retention, And Graduation Rates, Rhonda Mouton

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this quantitative research study was to explore whether community college students who received benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outperformed those who did not receive SNAP benefits in terms of retention, grade point average (GPA), and graduation rate. The deidentified archival data collected from the College Tracker and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) systems from fall 2018 through spring 2022 included a total of 4,127 sample size of 3,277 continuing students, 312 freshmen, and 538 transfer students who were either SNAP or non-SNAP recipients.

The study's results for each null hypothesis were reported …