Education Commons^™

Success In One High-Poverty, Urban Elementary School: A Case Study, Shavonna L. Holman

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the efforts implemented in a high-poverty, urban elementary school in order to increase academic achievement. The central research question was:

1. How do teachers and administrators in a high-poverty, urban school describe the strategies they use to achieve academic success?

The sub-questions were:

1. What are the aspects of the instructional program that assure student success for all students?
2. What changes occurred in the school to achieve its current status?
3. How have the changes been implemented to assure student success?
4. What resources have been instrumental to achieve student success in the school? …

The Effects Of Academic Advising On College Student Development In Higher Education, Kelly K. Pargett

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This paper explored the relationship between faculty academic advising and college student development by examining factors such as a student’s academic success, including grade point average, campus involvement, expected graduation date, and job placement upon graduation. The research studied the relationship by examining the student’s age, gender, academic year, ethnicity, and grade point average. Results from this study will be significant to retention, graduation rate, and overall student success at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In addition, information gathered from student surveys can help the improvement of faculty advising for all advisors on campus. Results also indicated that the majority of …

Ex Corde Ecclesiae And Catholic Higher Education In America, James A. Caridi

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This research assessed Ex Corde Ecclesiae within American Catholic higher education from the perspective of presidents and academicians who oversee or teach within theology or religious studies. Pope John Paul II’s Ex Corde Ecclesiae outlines the theological essence of the Catholic University and details its specific responsibilities toward providing an authentic Catholic experience. It is valuable to examine whether Catholic postsecondary presidents and academicians believe their institutions are fulfilling these expectations.

Specifically, this research explored how presidents understand and value Ex Corde Ecclesiae and whether they believe their institution has achieved progress toward its prescribed norms. Similarly, this research surveyed …

Exploring Global Competence With Managers In India, Japan, And The Netherlands: A Qualitative Study, Gerard J.M. Ras

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This qualitative study explores the meaning of global competence for global managers in three different countries. Thirty interviews were conducted with global managers in India, Japan and the Netherlands through Skype, an internet based software. Findings are reported by country in five major categories: country background, personal characteristics, experience in and adaptation to global business, developing global competence, and global competence. Themes were identified per country for each of these five major categories. The study’s findings were compared to the existing literature on global competence. Based on the findings and existing literature the study proposes a model of global competence …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between High School Courses Taken And Graduation From Chadron State College Within Six Years, Ann Krejci

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Chadron State College is one of three institutions in Nebraska’s State College System. Because of its mission as an open-enrollment institution, Chadron State College has no academic course requirements for admission, and any student who has completed high school or its equivalent is eligible for enrollment.

The purpose of the study was to find whether or not there was a relationship between the characteristics of a Nebraska student’s high school education and the probability of that student’s graduation from Chadron State College within six years of matriculation.

A sample of 180 high school records were retrieved from the Chadron State …

A Case Study Of The Community College Baccalaureate: What Happened In Ten Years?, Bonnie S. Hofland

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A growing number of community colleges are offering bachelor degrees in addition to maintaining their traditional functions. This case study examined one community college that began offering bachelor degrees in 1999. The purpose for conducting the study was to provide a historical “portrait" of Great Basin College, from 1997-98 through 2009-2010, as it developed five baccalaureate programs. Specifically, I explored, through archived data and interviews with 20 administrators and faculty, how offering four-year programs impacted the students, faculty, curriculum, governance, and culture of the community college.

Several conclusions were drawn from the data. The interviewees were adamant Great Basin College …

A Study Of Factors Related To Success For Nontraditional Versus Traditional Aged Students At A Public Urban Community College, Megan Mccormick

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Non-traditional students encounter many obstacles in attending college and earning a degree. Many of these obstacles, including work, family, and financial responsibilities have been shown to hinder older students’ academic success as well as their campus involvement. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a difference using a number of factors that relate to the success of non-traditional and traditional aged students at the Community College of Allegheny County, Boyce Campus. Success was determined by a number of factors including (a) whether a student has formally declared a major; (b) their grade point average; (c) their …

Factors Affecting School Administrators Decision To Join And Maintain Membership In A Professional Association, Kelly K. Coash-Johnson

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This paper explored factors that influence school administrator’s decision to join and maintain membership in a professional association. In addition, factors that influence school administrator’s decision not to join a professional association was also explored. The research showed the relationship between, age, gender, dues payment, attitude and importance of benefits. Results from this study will be significant to recruitment and retention for professional educational associations such as the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA). In addition, information gathered from open-ended questions as well as other survey questions from both members and non-members helped the researcher determine other challenges that have …

An Exploration Of The Use Of Student Services And Support Programs In An Athletic Deparment, Sara Sackett

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of the study was to explore the utilization of student services and support programs by athletic personnel. The sample was comprised of eight academic advisors (4 males and 4 females) from eight athletic institutions who agreed to participate in oral interviews. The institutions represented medium and large public universities. The participants expressed their perceptions of student services and support programs to the contributions and educational outcomes for student-athletes. The data analysis portion of the study produced two themes: (1) support services and programs in an athletic department; and (2) collaboration within the institution. The results helped athletic personnel …

Satisfied Superintendents: A Case Study, Zachary G. Kassebaum

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The role of the superintendent is viewed as high-stress. Research reports a high turnover rate in the superintendency. Superintendents face pressure and criticism from several fronts. Despite these circumstances, many superintendents find satisfaction within the position. Through the stories of superintendents, we discover new findings about satisfaction derived from the superintendency.

The purpose of this study was to examine the common characteristics of satisfied superintendents and the components of the superintendency that provide satisfaction. The major contribution of this study is a greater understanding of how superintendents can increase the likelihood of experiencing satisfaction and longevity in their position.

Through …

Satisfied Superintendents: A Case Study, Zachary G. Kassebaum

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The role of the superintendent is viewed as high-stress. Research reports a high turnover rate in the superintendency. Superintendents face pressure and criticism from several fronts. Despite these circumstances, many superintendents find satisfaction within the position. Through the stories of superintendents, we discover new findings about satisfaction derived from the superintendency.

The purpose of this study was to examine the common characteristics of satisfied superintendents and the components of the superintendency that provide satisfaction. The major contribution of this study is a greater understanding of how superintendents can increase the likelihood of experiencing satisfaction and longevity in their position.

Through …

Perceptions Of Educators In Selected Nebraska School Districts Regarding The Impact Of Professional Learning Communities In Their Schools, Thomas W. Kiburz

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of the multiple-site study was to explore educator’s perceptions of the Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) that had been operating in three school districts using in-depth interviews. The goal of this research was to describe from the educator’s perspective what they perceived, thought and observed about the PLCs functioning in their school building, and whether or not the PLCs had any noticeable effect on professional development, school improvement efforts, and student achievement in their building. Educators were also asked the question of why they thought that PLCs were effective.

This multiple-site case study is important to Nebraska educators because …

A Descriptive Analysis Of Demographic Characteristics And Their Influence On Student Attendance At Programming Board Events, Kayla Person

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this study was to analyze selected demographic characteristics of students who attended programming board events at a medium size, four-year, public institution located in the upper Midwest to determine if statistically significant differences were present between attendees and the full-time undergraduate population. The study tested for: (a) significant differences in the demographic characteristics of full-time undergraduate students who attended one or more programming board events versus fulltime undergraduate students who did not attend programming board events, (b) significant differences in the demographic characteristics of students who attended more than one programming board event versus those who attended …

A Qualitative Study Of The Influence A 2009 Summer Bridge Program Had On Selected Participants, Amy M. Fellhoelter

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this case study was to explore the transition of Summer Bridge Program participants to college, and their persistence beyond their first-year of enrollment at a large research Midwestern University. Participants‘ academic and social transitions were defined through their engagement, involvement, and desire to stay at the institution beyond their first-year.

The University has a summer transition program to assist first-year students with their transition from high school to college. The Summer Bridge program is a three-week, summer, residential, learning community that assists students with their academic and social transition to higher education. Six participants were interviewed in …

The Missing Box: Multiracial Student Identity Development At A Predominately White Institution, Ashley M. Loudd

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this study was to add to the growing body of research aimed at deciphering the unique identity development experiences of multiracial college students. In doing so, this particular study sought to explore the process for self-identified multiracial students attending a Mid-western predominately white institution. Personal interviews and a focus group were utilized to delve into the students’ stories, and the participants’ pathways through negotiating their racial identities were linked with Renn’s (2004) ecological identity development patterns. The result was an in-depth and critical understanding of how a predominately white institution places multiracial students in an unsupportive environment, …

Exploring The Parent And Family Relations Office In Higher Education, Amanda Ronen

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This study explored the Parent and Family Relations Office in a higher education setting. Two institutions were studied. One institution, Colorado State University, had an operating Parent and Family Relations Office, and the second institution, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, did not have such an office on campus. Interviews were completed with the staff at Colorado State University to determine the history of the office on campus, programs and services provided to parents and family members, anecdotal stories of times they had assisted students and their families, and advice to institutions who may want to implement a Parent and Family Relations Office …

Internationalization At Home? Exploring Domestic Students' Perceptions Of And Interactions With International Students At A Large Midwestern Research Institution, Sondra T. Schreiber

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this qualitative, interview-based study was to explore international and domestic student interactions and perceptions of international students from the domestic students’ point of view at a large Midwestern research institution. This study concentrated on domestic students who had not studied abroad or traveled outside the United States in order to focus on the concept of internationalization at home.

Eight students participated in the study. They were all classified as seniors (having completed 89 credit hours or more) at the time of participation. The participants’ ages ranged from 21-31 years old. The participants were asked about their interactions …

School And Community, Community And School: A Case Study Of A Rural Missouri Setting, Melia K. Franklin

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

How do a school and a community interact? This question guided this dissertation examining one rural school and community. The purpose of this case study was to investigate the relationship between the rural Marceline R-V School District (a K-12 school system) and its community, Marceline, Missouri.

The framework for this study included the time-honored theories of Ferdinand Tonnies, with the contemporary work of Joyce Epstein and Mavis Sanders. With structure provided by Bolman and Deal, this document examined both the school and community.

This study included artifacts and documents of both the community and school. Documents and artifacts included yearbooks, …

Behind Two Doors: The Lived Experience Of Resident Assistants In Transition At A Midwestern University, William R F Harmon

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this qualitative, multi-case study was to explore the experiences of resident assistants (RAs) as they transitioned from a traditional, corridor-style residence hall, to suite-style hall environments. RAs that were in the transition from the traditional, corridor-style hall to a suite-style hall contributed to this study by participating in multiple interviews over the course of the fall semester of the 2010-11 academic year. In addition, the Residence Hall Director (RD) was also interviewed during the fall semester. Throughout the study, the RAs were asked to reflect upon their (a) roles and responsibilities as RAs in the suite-style environment, …

Learning Style Differentiation Between Hispanic And Non-Hispanic College Students In Selected Institutions In The North Carolina Public University System, Robert C. Tripp

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

As the Hispanic population increases in North Carolina the number of college graduates of Hispanic descent should follow. Although a gradual increase in Hispanic students attending state universities has been seen, the increase has not kept pace with the increases seen in the general population. Additionally, the numbers of those achieving the baccalaureate degree have not increased. There have been a number of research projects in recent years that have documented qualitative reasons why Hispanic students have been reluctant to go to college and the factors that contribute to their success and failure at institutions of high education. Cultural influences …

Cosmopolitans Or Locals: Who Will Lead The Next Generation Of Community Colleges?, Melanie O. Anderson

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Scholars have identified a potential community college leadership crisis as a large percentage of community college presidents prepare to retire (Shults, 2001; Weisman & Vaughan, 2007). The most common pathway to the community college presidency has been through the chief academic officer (CAO) position (Vaughan, 1990).

Selection of future leaders often focuses on manifest social roles or the expectations that are universally shared and relevant to a given context (Grimes & Berger, 1970). Latent social roles are the internalized shared expectations that are not always seen as relevant on face value, but are predicted to affect an individual’s attitudes and …

Building Organizational Capacity For Enrollment Performance Measurement: A Mixed Methods Investigation, Lynda Ruth Wallace-Hulecki

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The use of enrollment performance measurement systems can enable the provision of intelligence information to inform strategic decision-making and the effective management of enrollment. A review of the literature indicated that the development of enrollment intelligence systems was a nascent area in which only a select few institutions had successfully developed applications. In addition, no published models or guidelines were found for assessing an organization’s capacity for success in developing advanced enrollment performance measurement capabilities linked to enrollment performance improvement.

The purposes of this study were twofold: (a) to identify the culture value orientations and organizational capacity conditions that existed …

Go Abroad And Graduate On-Time: Study Abroad Participation, Degree Completion, And Time-To-Degree, Heather Barclay Hamir

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Over the last four decades, participation in postsecondary education has grown, yet degree completion rates have not risen at a proportional rate (Bound, Lovenheim & Turner, 2009; National Center for Educational Statistics, 2008; Turner, 2004) and the length of time to graduation is increasing (Tinto, 1993; Turner). At the same time, the benefits of degree completion for the individual and society are well documented (McMahon, 2009). Significant research since the 1970s explored factors related to student retention and attrition in an effort to understand and intervene in these processes. Building on Astin’s (1984) Theory of Student Involvement, Kuh and associates …

Instructor Technology Use: A Mixed Methods Investigation, Suzanne K. Becking

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This mixed methods concurrent triangulation study was designed to examine instructional leaders’ descriptions of their experience with integrating technology into their teaching. Seminal studies from the 1990s were found to remain true today—that teachers are not ready to incorporate technology into their teaching (Becker, 1999; Ertmer, 1999). In the decade since Becker’s and Ertmer’s findings, changes have been seen in select pockets of the university community. I was interested in exploring one of these “pockets” that has been identified through my work with online instruction and in consultations with faculty who are either beginning or are veterans at integrating technology …

“Illegal” Alien Or “Latina” Alien: Latina-Based Sorority Members’ Perception And Expectations Of Anti-Immigration Law, Tegra M. Straight

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this study is to determine the perceptions that Latina-based sorority members have on anti-immigration law. Specifically, this study addresses what changes to experience Latina-based sorority members anticipate, their perceptions on anti-immigration law, as well as what they think the university’s response should be to such initiatives. Interviews with five Latina-based sorority members, four undergraduate and one graduate, served as the primary form of data. Interviews centered on Latina-based sorority members’ perception of Legislative Bill 1070 from Arizona and Ordinance No. 5165 from Fremont Nebraska.

The findings indicate that Latina-based sorority members perceived anti-immigration law to be anti-Latino …

Appreciative Accreditation: A Mixed Methods Explanatory Study Of Appreciative Inquiry-Based Institutional Effectiveness Results In Higher Education, John Thibodeau

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This study examined the effects of using Appreciative Inquiry in accreditation and related institutional effectiveness activities within higher education. Using an explanatory participant-selection mixed methods approach, qualitative data from a series of interviews were used to explain the experiences of individuals identified from quantitative survey results. Appreciative Inquiry is a theoretical framework for action research, organizational development, and evaluation that emphasizes the positive aspects of human systems. In recent years, Appreciative Inquiry has been applied specifically to improvement activities associated with regional accreditation, such as the Vital Focus self-assessment that precedes the transition to the Higher Learning Commission's AQIP process. …

Academic Library Directors' Perceptions Of Joining A Large Library Consortium Sharing An Integrated Library System: A Descriptive Survey, Dennis Krieb

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The collective holdings of CARLI’s (Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois) “I-Share” catalog total approximately 32 million items. It is the third largest academic catalog in the United States, however only 76 of CARLI’s 148 academic libraries participate in I-Share. This descriptive survey examined the factors that influenced a CARLI academic library director’s decision to join, or not join, I-Share’s integrated library system. Seventy-seven of the 145 CARLI library directors sampled completed the web-based survey. This represented a 53.1% response rate.

The framework for the survey was designed around three sections; advantages, disadvantages, and obstacles to participating in …

A Mixed Methods Study Of How The Transition Process Impacts The Autonomy Of Pre-Service Secondary Mathematics Teachers, Linda Kasal Fusco

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This mixed methods study sought to identify the impact that transition into the practice of teaching had on the autonomy of pre-service secondary teachers of Mathematics. It was based on the belief that a Mathematics teacher’s autonomy depended on: beliefs about Mathematics and how it was learned, reflections on the teaching practice, and social constraints of a secondary school culture. Data was collected between January 2009 and March 2010. In Phase I (Quantitative) the participants (N = 30), selected from ten State University of New York teacher preparation colleges and universities, completed five instruments to quantify the three factors of …

Women In Positions Of Influence: Exploring The Journeys Of Female Community Leaders, Mary Pflanz

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Although the leadership norm continues to be male-oriented, more women are occupying positions of leadership in our society. The prevalent question has shifted from whether or not women can lead to how effectively they lead. To better understand the effectiveness of female community leaders, this qualitative research study explores the common features in the paths of women who have attained leadership positions. The stories of these women were derived by conducting ten interviews with women who are in positions of leadership within their communities. The interviews used open-ended questions to elicit personal responses from the interviewees, and phenomenological methods were …