Education Commons^™

A Program Evaluation Of An Alternative Educational Program In A School District In North Carolina For High School Students At-Risk For Dropping Out, Janice Duffie

Doctor of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to conduct a program evaluation of an alternative educational program in North Carolina for high school students at-risk for dropping out. The CIPP model was used to evaluate to what extent the alternative educational program is achieving its stated mission. This mixed-method evaluation consisted of quantitative and qualitative data that included interviews with district- and school-level leaders, surveys from selected staff at six high schools and the alternative educational program, and historical data. The program evaluation explored the program’s strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations for improvement. Based on the findings, the research questions examined …

Teacher Evaluation In The Christian School Setting: A Program Evaluation Of The T.E.S.T. Program, Mark Apgar

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Since the early 1800s, various educational experts and philosophers have contributed to an ever-growing database regarding teacher evaluation. This valuable research has been instrumental in shaping teacher evaluation in our public schools as we know it today. While much research has taken place in public schools, there has been limited research conducted in the private Christian school setting. This research was in response to the limited research data available and sought to identify best practices regarding teacher evaluation in the Christian school setting. The T.E.S.T. (Teacher Evaluation, Support, and Training) program is a teacher evaluation program specifically designed for implementation …

The Impact Of Implementation Drivers On Teacher Efficacy Beliefs Within A Multi-Tier System Of Support Framework, Heather Jennings

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Schools are implementing a Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) to address being met with increased pressures to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to reach proficiency standards and close the achievement gap. An MTSS is characterized as a systematic approach to identifying and problem-solving barriers to learning. In implementing an MTSS, teachers have experienced added responsibilities and have had to increase or refine their skill set in data analysis, data-based decision-making, implementing interventions, and managing academic and behavioral interventions. Through a case study, qualitative and quantitative in nature, the study identifies implementation drivers in the areas of leadership, competency, …

The Experiences And Perceptions Of Harassment And Discrimination Of Lgbtq Youth In South Carolina High Schools, Melissa Myers

Doctor of Education Dissertations

In public schools, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students face the negative consequences of homophobic harassment. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to learn about previous LGBTQ high school student opinions and lived experiences and their encounters with school employees regarding fostering a safe and inclusive school climate. There is a lack of institutional support for LGBTQ students who self-identify or are believed to be LGBTQ in public schools. An open-ended, web-based survey of 17 high school LGBTQ graduates between the ages of 18 and 24 was used as part of this qualitative research. Perceptions and lived experiences of …

Exploring The Relationship Between Teacher Leadership And Student Achievement In High-Poverty Schools, Chaundra Snuggs

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This quantitative study was developed to gather an understanding of how teacher leadership may affect student achievement in high-poverty schools. This study used Angelle and DeHart’s (2010) Teacher Leadership Inventory to assess teachers from two elementary schools, one low performing and the other high performing. Teacher leadership is explored through four variables including sharing leadership, sharing expertise, supra-practitioner, and principal selection. By investigating how teacher leadership may affect student achievement, this study may provide influential information for teacher leaders, principals, and other educational stakeholders who desire to learn more about student achievement in high-poverty schools. This study should add to …

A Grounded Theory Inquiry Into Parent School Choice Motivation And How Schools Can Better Market Themselves, Susan Fail

Doctor of Education Dissertations

It is no longer about neighborhood schools but allowing parents to choose which school is best for their children. In addition, traditional public schools have seen a decline in enrollment, whereas charter, private, and home schools have seen an increase. This study sought to identify what motivates parents to choose a school for their children and how schools can enhance their marketing and branding. To determine the answers to these key questions, a qualitative research design was employed utilizing the Grounded Theory Approach. Data were gathered from a survey and focus groups at five large International Baccalaureate (IB) schools serving …

The Relationship Of Career And Technical Student Organizations To College And Career Readiness, Brenda Haynes

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Many schools are waking up to the reality that students need programs that will keep them alert and ready for their next level in life. Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) are the co-curricular programs associated with every career and technical education course and promise to offer opportunities for a peek into the real world. This study examined the relationship of CTSOs to college and career readiness. Career and technical education is oftentimes overlooked. Qualitative data were collected in the form of interviews of former high school students who were CTSO participants and teachers who were advisors of CTSOs. This …

Secondary Principal Perceptions Of Preparatory Experiences, Renita Griffinjordan

Doctor of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain insight from current principals regarding principal preparatory experiences and to reveal which assistant principal experiences contributed to principal readiness. Through this study, 17 current secondary principals in an urban school district completed a 21-item survey using a 5-point Likert scale; 10 principals also participated in a follow-up interview. The survey instrument was constructed based on practices within seven primary standards of the North Carolina Standards for School Executives. The content validation index was utilized to measure the validity of the survey tool. The theoretical framework chosen to explore these relationships was …

The Impact Of A Dual Language Environment On Social And Emotional Competency, Anne Parker

Doctor of Education Dissertations

As SEL is intentionally embedded into a student’s school experience, it is important to explore contexts in which SEL can be further enhanced. Because the bilingual brain has shown high correlation to social and emotional behaviors, this study examined the dual language environment and the impact on a student’s SEL. The setting is a K-5 global and dual language immersion school, and the study examined the social and emotional competency of students learning in the K-3 dual language immersion cohorts compared to K-3 students in the traditional learning cohorts. The study used the Devereux Student Strength Assessment (DESSA)-Mini from Aperture …

Culture Change: Examining The Impact Of Professional Learning Communities And Trust On School Culture, Jessica Floyd

Doctor of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact professional learning community (PLC) implementation and collegial trust have at the organizational level and the effect these elements have on the positive school culture that nurtures academic achievement in select rural Title I elementary schools located in southeastern North Carolina. An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was used to design the study. The study occurred in two phases. Phase 1 was the collection of quantitative data from the Learning Community Culture Indicator (LCCI) 4.0 survey (Williams et al., 2007) and the Team Trust Inventory (Costa & Anderson, 2011). Phase 2 …

Grit In The Performing Arts: A Mixed-Methods Study Of High School Theatre Student Perceptions Of Grit, Kelsey Gibson

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Previous grit research has not yet studied how the performing arts may have an impact on student grit scores and perceptions of grit. Grit is defined by two main characteristics: consistency of interest and perseverance of effort. Continued participation in an extracurricular theatre production requires students to maintain interest and sustain effort throughout the rehearsal and performance period. This mixed methods interpretivist research study examined how high school students from three groups (performing arts, non-performing arts, and non-arts) measured on Duckworth and Quinn’s (2009) Grit-S scale, as well as how performing arts students perceived their own grit after participation in …

Competitive Edge Teaching: A Comparison Of Differentiated Reading Instruction In The K-3 Elementary Classroom To The Sports Psychology Behind High School Athletic Coaching Methods, Lindsay W. Lee

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This study explored the similarities between the philosophies and techniques used by select high school athletic coaches and select elementary reading teachers. The study shows parallels between the psychology behind coaching methodology within high school athletics and differentiated instruction within the elementary reading classroom. The purpose of this research was to develop a pathway to influence the increased implementation of differentiated instruction in elementary schools by determining and highlighting these parallels. The design of the study is a triangular analysis of interview questions conducted in a face-to-face interview format, document analysis, and surveys to show the parallels between the planning …

The Power Of The Modern Underground Railroad For Black Women: The Sistas’ Guide For Survival To Navigate Troubled Waters In Educational Leadership, Felicia H. Simmons

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This dissertation was designed to explore the advancement, obstacles, and barriers Black female educational leaders in Region X confront. The qualitative research examined 13 Black female educational leaders and teachers regarding the advancement and sustainability of Black female leaders despite obstacles and barriers. Participants were Region X administrators and educators. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and a focus group. The data were coded for common themes, assessed, and member checked. The findings revealed there is a need for informal and formal mentorship and networks to assist with navigating the obstacles and barriers in their leadership positions in Region X …

Life After High School For Students With Moderate To Severe Disabilities: An Assessment Of Postsecondary Preparedness, Audrey Moore

Doctor of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate the effectiveness of transitional preparatory programs from the perspective of parents and teachers in North Carolina. The following three research questions guided this research inquiry: Based on parent and teacher perspectives, how did the high school transitional program facilitate success after high school for students with moderate to severe disabilities? To what extent do the parents and teachers of students with moderate to severe disabilities perceive that a transitional program is a necessity for post-high school success? The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 (IDEA, 2004c) section on transition served as …

The Motivation To Stay: Teacher Perceptions Of Factors That Influence Teacher Retention In High-Performing, High-Poverty Schools, Keisha Gabriel

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This is a qualitative study of teachers in high-poverty elementary schools in an urban school district. Participants who have been employed for at least 5 years in a high-needs school responded to surveys tracking their perceptions of their school environment. Follow-up interviews were conducted to provide a more in-depth study to gain further insight into why these teachers chose to work in Title I schools, despite the numerous challenges. Teachers reflected on how the following factors encouraged them to remain employed in the high-needs school setting: intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, professional development, and commitment.

The results of this study indicate …

Teacher Perceptions Of Behavioral Programs Serving Emotionally Disabled Students, Joshua Weese

Doctor of Education Dissertations

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has undergone numerous revisions since 1965 when the first federal statute dealing with the education of students with disabilities was implemented. A revision completed in 1975 instituted the concept of least restrictive environment (LRE), which demands that all students with disabilities be exposed to the maximum amount possible with their regular education peers, regardless of disability. Full inclusion is the primary mode schools use to meet this requirement. Research has illustrated the positive effects of inclusion-style classrooms and LRE, both for regular and special education peers. However, contemporary research has begun to show …

A Study Of The Impact Of Career And Technical Education In Determining The Skills Gap In Selected Rural Communities In North Carolina, Chad Beasley

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This study was an investigation of three rural high schools in western North Carolina to examine the perceptions of community employers, principals, and career and technical education (CTE) directors as to the skill levels of graduates from CTE programs. The study also determined if the skills being taught in secondary schools meet the needs of community employers. Qualitative data were collected from high school principals, CTE directors, and regional employers via open-ended questions and one-on-one interviews. Findings indicated participants perceived that CTE has a positive effect on student ability to be career and college ready. In addition, participants perceived CTE …

Effects Of A Global Schools Initiative In A Rural School Setting: A Collective Case Study Of How A Global Schools Initiative Impacts A Small, Rural Elementary School In Northwest North Carolina, Steven Hall

Doctor of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify ways a Global Schools Initiative in rural schools, especially in northwestern North Carolina, supported students, teachers, and the greater community. The study reviewed the factors that facilitated this initiative and looked at the impact the initiative had on students, teachers, and the community. I desire to give guidance to other rural school leaders who might be interested in implementing their own Global Schools Initiative. The results of the research I conducted, along with the theoretical framework presented in Chapter 2, allowed me to hypothesize how students in a Global Schools Initiative compared …

Teacher Technology Self-Efficacy And Its Impact On Instructional Technology Integration, Paige Mitchell

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This study is an extension of Slutsky’s (2016) dissertation about technology self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to extend the generalization of the original study, considering the knowledge of teacher technology self-efficacy as it relates to integrating technology in the classroom. I built on previous research and added related knowledge to the original study. This study examined teacher levels of technology self-efficacy, identified specific factors affecting their current level, and examined the role and impact professional development opportunities have on technology self-efficacy.

School-Based Mental Health Services: Assessing Charter School Principal Perceptions, Barry Ross

Doctor of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to describe North Carolina charter school principal perceptions of school-based mental health services in their buildings. The research used an online survey instrument and descriptive statistics to gather and analyze data. Principals of all 182 North Carolina charter schools (excluding the state’s two virtual schools) were asked to complete the survey. Through this study, 52 current North Carolina charter school principals completed a 36-question survey. The original survey instrument was designed jointly by the University of California San Francisco and the California Department of Education. It was modified for use with this study …

Multi-Tiered System Of Supports: A Case Study Examining Effective Mtss Implementation At The Middle School Level, Amy Marlowe

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This dissertation was designed to examine the effectiveness of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) implementation at the middle school level. MTSS is a comprehensive framework for targeting educational support for all learners, providing academic, behavioral, and social services. A case study design was used to analyze the stakeholder experiences of the impact of MTSS implementation on a group of sixth- and seventh-grade students. Qualitative data were collected to analyze the personal experiences of the teachers’ professional development, collaboration, implementation, and understanding of their roles in regards to the MTSS process. This case study provides insight into a middle school making …

Why Do They Stay? A Qualitative Study On The Motivation Of South Carolina Elementary Self-Contained Special Education Teachers Who Persist In The Classroom, Judith Mills

Doctor of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the motivational factors that have influenced South Carolina (SC) elementary self-contained special education teachers to remain in the profession beyond the 5-year mark, while despite having the same experiences, many others quickly leave the profession behind. Based on the theoretical framework of Ryan and Deci’s (2018) motivational theory of self-determination, this study sought to explore the lived experiences of 10 special education teachers. Data were collected through interviews, member-checked, coded, and analyzed for common themes. The results indicated that student growth and success; relationships with students, parents, and colleagues; collaboration …

A Quantitative Study On The Effect Restorative Practices Has On Student Discipline In Grades Three Through Five, Angela Harding

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This study aimed to understand the impact restorative practices (RP) has on student discipline. Additionally, this study intended to understand teacher perspectives on the effect RP has in the classroom as a management system. The overarching research sought to answer, “What is the impact of RP on classroom management, teacher perception, student discipline, and teacher-student relationships?” Individuals’ beliefs have a powerful impact on practice. Moreover, the study aimed to ascertain how educators can better understand what RP is and how it fosters safe learning environments through community building and constructive conflict resolution. The findings from this quantitative study indicated that …

Parent Perceptions Of Quality Early Childhood Education Programs, Lichelle Jones-Wilkins

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Early childhood education (ECE) programs play an important role in a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. ECE programs strive to prepare the students for kindergarten. The importance and value of ECE programs have increasingly become more important to state and federal officials. As a result, these officials have made significant efforts to make ECE programs more accessible. When it comes to selecting educational programs for their children, parents are frequently the primary decision makers. Rather than parental choice, studies usually focus on stakeholder perspectives on quality care. The goal of this 3-phase study was to better understand the factors …

Evaluation Of An Elementary Alternative Learning Program, Joshua Sain

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Schools across the country have an increased responsibility to support appropriate mental health development for their student populations, especially those who have been diagnosed or are at risk of an emotional or behavioral disorder. Increased responsibility has led school leaders and stakeholders to make certain they have processes in place to ensure early identification of at-risk students, along with appropriate learning pathways to support academic achievement (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). This study evaluated Trilogy, an elementary alternative learning program, which provides enrolled students with access to a learning environment that supports academics, behavior, and mental health in …

The Role Of Math Anxiety And Math Self-Efficacy Levels On High School Equivalency Student Math Performance, Barbara A. Clarke

Doctor of Education Dissertations

One of the most predominant measures of a community’s appeal is the high school graduation rate. National “best places to live” ratings utilize educational statistics to rank the quality of life in a community (Morse & Brooks, 2020). Additionally, an individual’s future prospects depend on a high school credential (HSC) as the minimum needed for postsecondary academics or gainful employment. One hindrance high school equivalency (HSE) students encounter is the inability to perform math sufficiently to earn an HSC due to the affective state of math anxiety and reduced math self-efficacy, particularly under pressure on tests/assessments. This quantitative study, using …

Can We Build It? An Action Research Study Of Integrated Academics And Resilience, Shanda Jones

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This study was an action research project seeking to gather evidence regarding the impact of integrating academic objectives and resiliency-building topics. As the focus on trauma and mental health increased, literature provided rich descriptions of how trauma may negatively impact students. Research presented findings indicating potential physical, mental, emotional, social, academic, and behavioral effects resulting from trauma. What was lacking were studies investigating the impact of implementing trauma-informed instructional strategies. In an effort to address gaps in the literature and improve professional practice, action research in a mixed methods approach was conducted with two research questions exploring the impact, if …

A Correlational Study Of Teacher Self-Efficacy And Culturally Responsive Teaching, Lashaunda Plain-Mamon

Doctor of Education Dissertations

The Every Student Succeeds Act (2015) focuses on equity and mandates high academic standards for all students. The achievement of diverse students is significantly below their counterparts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between culturally responsive teaching (CRT) and teacher self-efficacy (TSE). Additional research focused on teacher perspectives regarding their self-efficacy around CRT practices and how their experiences with CRT can be described. Quantitative data were analyzed independently and then merged to test the theory of a correlation between culturally responsive teaching techniques (CRTT) and TSE. Qualitative data were analyzed, coded, and then collapsed into themes. …

An Exploratory Study Of Experiences That Influence North Carolina Initially Licensed Teachers’ Culturally Responsive Teaching Self-Efficacy, Estella Williams

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This mixed methods study examined initially licensed teachers’ culturally responsive teaching self-efficacy (CRTSE) using the CRTSE survey and conducting interviews with initially licensed teachers scoring above the mean on one or more CRTSE constructs. It extended upon previous work conducted by Siwatu (2011) that explored the CRTSE experiences of preservice teachers. Siwatu’s (2011) study focused on subjects’ teacher education programs before they entered the teaching profession. Participants in this replication study were initially licensed teachers who shared opportunities from teacher preparation to in-service development as an influence on their CRTSE. The study explored these influences as an impact on behavior …

Search And Seizure Law Understanding By High School Principals And The Role Of The School Resource Officer: A Qualitative Study Of Three North Carolina School Districts, Jordan Widelock

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This study utilized a multi-case study design in the examination of the understanding principals have about Fourth Amendment issues that arise with the use of a school resource officer (SRO). In addition, the study also looked at how prepared principals are to handle such issues. The interviews were conducted on six principals from three school districts, both large and small and rural and metropolitan within the state of North Carolina. The interview protocol consisted of 19 questions, with eight being scenario-based pulled directly for caselaw. The following were the major findings: (a) universities are preparing their students on Fourth Amendment …