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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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Full-Text Articles in Education

The Perception Of The Quality Of K-12 Education Through The Lens Of Black Male Students: A Phenomenological Study, Roylin Petties Iii Aug 2025

The Perception Of The Quality Of K-12 Education Through The Lens Of Black Male Students: A Phenomenological Study, Roylin Petties Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences and perceptions of the academic quality of K-12 education for Black male students at a small community college in western Pennsylvania. The theory guiding this study is critical race theory, which supports an understanding of the United States’ systems and how these systems affect the lives of Black students. The central research question is: What are the lived experiences and perceptions of Black male community college students regarding the academic quality of their K-12 education? A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological research design was chosen for the study, given …


Intrinsic Case Study On Parents’ Perspectives In Collaboration With Professionals On Transition Services, Chanda Datijan Gonzales Aug 2025

Intrinsic Case Study On Parents’ Perspectives In Collaboration With Professionals On Transition Services, Chanda Datijan Gonzales

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study describes the transition planning for parents collaborating with school and community professionals for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) at the high school level in Guam. The theory guiding this study is Schlosberg’s transition theory, as it supports parents in decision-making to help students with ID adapt to change. This study reviews how collaborative teams can be between schools and the community. The methodology examines parents’ interviews and observations and reviews the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) documents. An intrinsic case study is appropriate to understand parents’ perspectives in transition planning for high school students with intellectual disabilities. The …


Inclusion May Affect Marching Band Members Of Black Universities Differently Than Members Of White Universities: Narrative Inquiry: A Case Study, Derrick K. Yates Aug 2025

Inclusion May Affect Marching Band Members Of Black Universities Differently Than Members Of White Universities: Narrative Inquiry: A Case Study, Derrick K. Yates

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a lack of research on the emotional connection and support students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities may seek through their band experience versus students of Predominantly White Institutions. Some studies demonstrate that those who participate in music ensembles express heightened self-esteem, a sense of connectedness, and a positive impact on their mental and psychological well-being. This narrative inquiry research study focuses on the unexplored perspectives of three band members from historically black and three predominantly white university marching bands, regarding their emotional connections to their programs and the emotional connections and support they receive from them. The …


Predictive Correlation Analysis Of Admissions Criteria To A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program And Graduation Success, Mark Amir Aug 2025

Predictive Correlation Analysis Of Admissions Criteria To A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program And Graduation Success, Mark Amir

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to examine the relationship between admissions criteria and academic success in a non-traditional, weekend-format Doctor of Physical Therapy program known as Palisades Weekend University. This study contributes to the literature by exploring how cognitive and non-cognitive variables may predict student outcomes. The sample included 112 participants enrolled between 2016 and 2021 at a private university in New York. Data was collected using the General Self-Efficacy Scale via Google Forms, and archival admissions data was obtained from the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service. Logistic regression analysis assessed the predictive relationship between self-efficacy, …


A Comparison Of School Index Score And Per-Pupil Spending Of Four School Environments, Elizabeth Ann Springer Aug 2025

A Comparison Of School Index Score And Per-Pupil Spending Of Four School Environments, Elizabeth Ann Springer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examined the relationship between school environment and both school index scores and per-pupil spending across four distinct public school types in Michigan: in-person district schools, in-person charter schools, virtual district schools, and virtual charter schools. The primary purpose was to explore whether significant differences exist in the school index scores and per-pupil expenditures among these school environments, with particular attention to virtual schools, which remain underrepresented within educational policy research. Initial analysis using MANOVA was supplemented with non-parametric testing due to violations of normality assumptions. Findings indicate significant differences in both spending and school index scores across …


Exploring The Decision-Making And Implementation Process Of Culturally Responsive Leadership Practices In Predominantly Native American Schools: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Christine Fitzgerald Aug 2025

Exploring The Decision-Making And Implementation Process Of Culturally Responsive Leadership Practices In Predominantly Native American Schools: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Christine Fitzgerald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the decision-making processes of principals when implementing culturally responsive leadership practices in schools with predominantly Native American populations. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, this study frames the influences on decision-making behaviors through a social systems framework. A decolonizing framework for Indigenous evaluation was employed, recognizing Indigenous ways of knowledge creation and understanding. This qualitative study answers the central research question: What are the decision-making experiences of K-12 principals when implementing culturally responsive leadership practices in schools with high Native American populations? Purposeful criterion sampling was used to select eight …


Use Of Single Bout Exercise On Symptoms Of Burnout In Secondary Teachers, Robert A. Campos Aug 2025

Use Of Single Bout Exercise On Symptoms Of Burnout In Secondary Teachers, Robert A. Campos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Increased levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout among educators within the United States educational system have contributed to elevated attrition rates and diminished student outcomes. This study investigates the effects of single-bout exercise sessions on reducing of burnout, specifically emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal achievement among secondary public-school teachers. Using the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Educators Survey (MBI-ES), this correlational study used a repeated-measures design in which 36 secondary teachers participated in a control (no exercise), aerobic exercise, and anaerobic exercise sessions. Pre- and post-exercise session scores were analyzed to evaluate the immediate effects on burnout elements. Findings …


Growth Mindset Moving From Poverty To Success: A Phenomenological Study Examining The Lived Experiences Of Adults Raised In Poverty, Hermalinda Brown Bolton Aug 2025

Growth Mindset Moving From Poverty To Success: A Phenomenological Study Examining The Lived Experiences Of Adults Raised In Poverty, Hermalinda Brown Bolton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of overcoming the stigma associated with childhood poverty to become academically successful for adults in the Southwest region of the United States. This study attempted to answer the question: What are the lived experiences of academically successful adults who have overcome the stigma of childhood poverty in the Southwest region of the United States? The participants were recruited through a social media platform, and 10 individuals participated in the research. The theory guiding this study was Carol Dweck's growth mindset theory. The growth mindset theory explains how …


Novice Middle School Music Teachers’ Perspectives On Preservice Preparation In Title I Schools: A Case Study, Christopher M. Burns Aug 2025

Novice Middle School Music Teachers’ Perspectives On Preservice Preparation In Title I Schools: A Case Study, Christopher M. Burns

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although considerable research addresses the unique needs of middle school learners and teaching music in low-income schools, there are insufficient studies that provide insight and strategies for teaching music in high-needs settings. Likewise, music teacher preparation programs leave gaps in preparation for prospective music educators, unaware of the challenges of teaching middle school music in a high-needs community. Novice music educators experience challenges that are often unaddressed in undergraduate programs. Experienced music educators with advanced degrees can also feel underprepared to teach in low-income schools. Music educator programs lack content that helps prospective music educators become change agents who can …


Growth, Maturation, And Selection Of Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players, Ryan Podell Aug 2025

Growth, Maturation, And Selection Of Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players, Ryan Podell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Maturity status may influence the selection of elite youth ice hockey teams in the United States. Assessing biological maturity status could provide insight into the prevalence of maturation related selection biases. Thus, the purpose of this study was to establish normative maturity status ranges, determine if maturity or relative age effect selection biases existed, and compare levels of agreement between methods to predict maturity status for elite youth ice hockey players in the United States. Part one of this study assessed the biological maturity status and birth months for 126 athletes, ranging 9-16 years of age, from an elite youth …


Burned: A Phenomenological Study On Educator Burnout Within Self-Contained Classrooms, Nyausha West-James Aug 2025

Burned: A Phenomenological Study On Educator Burnout Within Self-Contained Classrooms, Nyausha West-James

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of self-contained special education educators who have experienced burnout in Ozark County in Georgia. The social cognitive theory guided this research. The social cognitive theory can be supported by teaching new behaviors and encouraging educators to participate in behaviors that support self-efficacy. Self-efficacy can support teachers in managing their emotions and reducing educator burnout. The central research question was what are the lived experiences of self-contained special education educators who have experienced burnout? Although there was data that provided evidence on burnout, there was a lack of …


Immersive Learning In Higher Education: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jamel R. Pittman Aug 2025

Immersive Learning In Higher Education: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jamel R. Pittman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of implementing immersive learning technologies in virtual environments for higher education faculty at Coastal Bay University. Guided by constructivist learning theory, which emphasizes the construction of knowledge through firsthand experiences, this study explored how faculty designed and implemented immersive learning environments to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Data were collected through interviews, journal prompts, and a focus group with faculty from various disciplines. The findings revealed that immersive learning technologies enhanced student engagement, promoted critical thinking, and facilitated the real-world application of knowledge. Faculty participants also highlighted …


Special Education Teacher Burnout Experiences: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology Study, Marisa N. Deptula Jul 2025

Special Education Teacher Burnout Experiences: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology Study, Marisa N. Deptula

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore how special education teachers describe their burnout experiences when teaching at a special education populated school in Connecticut. The theory guiding this study was Maslach’s Burnout Inventory Theory which examines teacher burnout experiences through the three lenses of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Hermeneutic phenomenology explicitly focuses on the lived experience, the participant's perspective and experiences, and the researcher's opinion and knowledge on the topic (Alsaigh & Coyne 2021; Bynum & Varpio, 2017). This study was specifically looking at the experiences of special education teachers at …


Unburden The Pastoral Chair To Create A More Effective Minister, William Travis Boyd Jul 2025

Unburden The Pastoral Chair To Create A More Effective Minister, William Travis Boyd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores how to alleviate the burden on senior pastors to create more effective ministers. This research aims to explore the implications of the pastoral chair’s duties and responsibilities and focuses on how the church community can support the senior pastor through encouragement and awareness of the importance of maintaining the pastoral chair’s mental, emotional, and professional health. This research features a comprehensive literature review on the current state of senior pastors’ professional health and the impact that overwhelming duties and responsibilities impose on their professional confidence, ministry, and overall sense of productivity and accomplishment in providing pastoral services …


Investigating The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Academic Performance Among Non-Traditionally Aged Undergraduate Students, Joseph Anthony Giandonato Iv Jul 2025

Investigating The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Academic Performance Among Non-Traditionally Aged Undergraduate Students, Joseph Anthony Giandonato Iv

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to determine a relationship between physical activity (PA) participation and academic performance (AP) among non-traditionally aged undergraduate students (NTAS), aged 25 and older, which represents one of the fastest growing enrollment segments at higher education institutions within the US. The sample (n = 167) was constituted of undergraduate students aged 25 and older enrolled at a large private university located in the Southeastern US for two consecutive academic terms. Data collection was comprised of disseminating a modified version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) accompanied by a brief demographic …


Maintaining Elementary Student Engagement And Motivation During Stem Activities: A Phenomenology, Christopher Feiler Jul 2025

Maintaining Elementary Student Engagement And Motivation During Stem Activities: A Phenomenology, Christopher Feiler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of maintaining student engagement and motivation during STEM activities in elementary classrooms across the United States. For this research, I applied Bandura's self-efficacy theory as my foundational framework. The study highlights that a teacher’s perception of their efficacy affects their instructional practices and the achievement levels that students reach in STEM disciplines. As such, the primary guiding research question in this case was framed as follows: In what ways do elementary educators articulate their experiences fostering engagement and motivation in students during STEM activities? Data collection for …


Leading Through Critical Incidents: A Phenomenological Study Of K–12 School Leaders’ Responses To Critical Incidents, Terry-Ann Griffin Jul 2025

Leading Through Critical Incidents: A Phenomenological Study Of K–12 School Leaders’ Responses To Critical Incidents, Terry-Ann Griffin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore how K–12 school leaders respond to critical incidents in schools. A critical incident is any actual or alleged event or situation that creates a significant risk of substantial or severe harm to physical or mental health, safety, or well-being. The study focused on three major critical incidents: school shootings/gun violence, the COVID-19 pandemic, and racial unrest. The research was guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, which explains human behavior through reciprocal interactions between personal, environmental, and behavioral factors. The central research question was: How do K–12 school leaders respond to …


The Teaching Motivation Of Filipino Educators In English-Speaking International Schools In Japan: A Transcendental Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Gloria Jean Whitaker Jul 2025

The Teaching Motivation Of Filipino Educators In English-Speaking International Schools In Japan: A Transcendental Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Gloria Jean Whitaker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenology study was to examine the job motivation of Filipino educators in English-speaking international schools in Japan. Filipinos represent the third largest group among nationalities seeking employment overseas. This study was guided by Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory, which focuses on motivation and three basic human psychological needs for optimum well-being: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The qualitative transcendental phenomenological approach was used to gather information from participants about their motivation while teaching at English-speaking international schools in Japan. The central research question addressed was, “How do Filipino teachers in English-speaking international schools in Japan …


The Relationship Between Attitude Toward Suicide And Related Sociodemographic Factors That Influence The Use Of Mental Health Resources Among Undergraduate College Students: A Predictive Correlational Study, Floydena S. Smith Jul 2025

The Relationship Between Attitude Toward Suicide And Related Sociodemographic Factors That Influence The Use Of Mental Health Resources Among Undergraduate College Students: A Predictive Correlational Study, Floydena S. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive, correlational research study was to identify the relationship between attitude toward willingness to intervene against suicide scores and the linear combination of sex and age among undergraduate students. Higher education institutions must now determine if these sociodemographic variables prompted undergraduate college students to seek out interventions and use mental health services in case of suicide. The target undergraduate population included 93 full-time students between the ages of 18-45 from a postsecondary institution. A convenience sample was used to obtain 93 students, but only 80 participants in the study completed the survey in its entirety. …


Perceptions Of Air National Guard Students’ Transformative Technology Experiences During Their Professional Military Education Courses: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Tiffany Colburn Jul 2025

Perceptions Of Air National Guard Students’ Transformative Technology Experiences During Their Professional Military Education Courses: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Tiffany Colburn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the perceptions of Air National Guard students stationed in the United States about technology integration during their professional military education (PME) courses and its role in encouraging leadership perspective transformative learning in the United States. The theory guiding this study was the transformative learning theory. This study explored how technology could help students expand their views while completing their PME courses and enabled them to use their own experiences to add value to the course. The central research question was: What are the perceptions of Air National Guard students on …


Exploring Higher Education Faculty Experiences With Artificial Intelligence: A Case Study, Keisha Pierre-Stephen Jul 2025

Exploring Higher Education Faculty Experiences With Artificial Intelligence: A Case Study, Keisha Pierre-Stephen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of higher education educators integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, in curriculum work conducted within a university setting, focusing specifically on faculty members. The theory guiding this study was the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework, which presented a window for understanding the integration of technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge in educational practices. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences and perceptions of higher education faculty members at an urban university on the West Coast of the United States regarding students' use …


Exploring Teachers’ Experiences With Augmented Reality (Ar) Implementation: A Phenomenological Study, Sulaimon Aremu Jimoh Jul 2025

Exploring Teachers’ Experiences With Augmented Reality (Ar) Implementation: A Phenomenological Study, Sulaimon Aremu Jimoh

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to investigate public secondary school teachers’ incorporating (AR) into their teaching practices. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of public secondary school teachers using AR in the classroom? The research leveraged for this study was found through social networks, including LinkedIn and Teacher Social Network to specifically target and recruited 10 public secondary school teachers who have proven experience in incorporating augmented reality. These platforms offered me a unique opportunity to access a diverse pool of teachers across the United States. LinkedIn, as a professional networking platform, provides …


Teaching In The Age Of Ai: A Causal-Comparative Study Of Educators’ Attitudes Towards Integrating Ai Into Instruction Based On Career Stages, Diandra P. Walker Jul 2025

Teaching In The Age Of Ai: A Causal-Comparative Study Of Educators’ Attitudes Towards Integrating Ai Into Instruction Based On Career Stages, Diandra P. Walker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine if a significant difference exists among certified educators’ acceptance of generative AI, based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), based on their career stage (early-, mid-, and advanced-career) in a southern U.S. state. This study is important because it explored the connection between teaching experience and educators’ views on the integration of generative AI in the classroom. The sample consisted of 165 certified K-12 educators from different schools and school districts in the United States to encompass a diversity of participant experiences and perceptions. Data were collected via an online …


The Decision-Making Process In Student Conduct: A Qualitative Study, Kupenda Palmer Jul 2025

The Decision-Making Process In Student Conduct: A Qualitative Study, Kupenda Palmer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand the perspectives and experiences toward decision-making for student conduct administrators at various institutions in the Midwest and Northeast regions. The theory guiding this study is Westaby’s behavioral reasoning theory, as it explains the relationship between decision-making and reasoning for leaders. The central research question for the study is: How do student conduct administrators make decisions concerning student conduct matters? This study adopts a qualitative approach grounded in constructivist philosophy to understand how Student Conduct Administrators (SCAs) make decisions regarding student misconduct. A case study design was chosen to explore the …


Understanding Educators' Experiences Facilitating The Psychological Needs Of Twice-Exceptional Learners: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jennifer L. Hill Jul 2025

Understanding Educators' Experiences Facilitating The Psychological Needs Of Twice-Exceptional Learners: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jennifer L. Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of gifted and special educators as they facilitate the psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness in twice-exceptional learners in schools with gifted and special education programming within the United States. The theory that guided this study was the self-determination theory, which offered a framework to explore teachers' experiences supporting 2e students. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of gifted and special educators as they facilitate the psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness for twice-exceptional students? This question was studied using transcendental …


Bereavement Experiences Of African American Women In Georgia Ages 30 To 50 As Impacted By Income, Religion, And Career, Doliah Derrelle Snead Jul 2025

Bereavement Experiences Of African American Women In Georgia Ages 30 To 50 As Impacted By Income, Religion, And Career, Doliah Derrelle Snead

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the grief experiences of African American women in the state of Georgia, ages 30 to 50, who have faced the loss of a spouse, parent, sibling, or child. The research questions were: How do African American females describe their experiences with grief resulting from loss in their immediate family? How do African American females describe the grieving process before, during, and after the loss of a loved one? How do African American females describe the coping strategies they used as they moved through their grieving process? How do African American females …


Evaluating Velocity-Based Training Compared With Percent-Based Loading In High School Football Athletes, Daniel Mullins Jul 2025

Evaluating Velocity-Based Training Compared With Percent-Based Loading In High School Football Athletes, Daniel Mullins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate velocity-based training (VBT) compared with percent-based training (PBT) protocols in high school American football (AF) athletes. This study evaluated the improvements in 1RM back squat, countermovement jump (CMJ), and linear sprint (LS) times from a 6-week resistance training protocol. The study also compared the total time under tension (TUT) each group experienced throughout the intervention. This randomized controlled trial with pre- and post-measures of all dependent variables included participants (n = 19, age: 16.0 ± 0.9 years, training experience: 1.7 ± 0.7 years) who were enrolled in a physical education class specifically …


Predicting School Culture From Teacher Experience And Funding: A Predictive Correlational Study, Bailey D. Keller Jul 2025

Predicting School Culture From Teacher Experience And Funding: A Predictive Correlational Study, Bailey D. Keller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study is to understand how accurately the perception of school climate can be predicted from a linear combination of special education teachers’ years of teaching experience and supplemental state and federal funding allocated to teachers in the special education setting. The participants were drawn from a convenience sample of public school special education teachers located in a large school district in a southern state of the United States during the 2024-2025 school year. The setting for this research is a collection of campuses representing the work environments of the participants sampled. The My …


The Effect Of Stem Professional Development On Self-Efficacy In K-12 Sub-Saharan Educators: A Quantitative, Experimental Study, Erin J. Bergen Jul 2025

The Effect Of Stem Professional Development On Self-Efficacy In K-12 Sub-Saharan Educators: A Quantitative, Experimental Study, Erin J. Bergen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, experimental study is to determine if there is a significant difference in self-efficacy in K-12 Christian educators across sub-Saharan Africa because of STEM professional development. This research will help determine if professional development leads to a sense of feeling equipped in STEM integration. The sample of participants is comprised of overseas educators across three sub-Saharan African schools. The number of participants in this experimental study is 81. The Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument STEBI (Form A) was used to record the self-efficacy of the participating in-service educators for posttest-only control group evaluation. After completing descriptive …


Subject Area Teachers' Perceptions Of The Influence Of Reading Instruction On Middle School Reading Skill Development: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Rachel Guiel Jul 2025

Subject Area Teachers' Perceptions Of The Influence Of Reading Instruction On Middle School Reading Skill Development: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Rachel Guiel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This discovery of subject area teachers' perceptions of the influence of reading instruction and reading skill development on middle school students' reading comprehension is the theme of this phenomenological study. A subject area teacher was defined as someone who teaches history, science, math, and Bible classes. Middle school students were defined as six, seventh, and eighth-grade students. Reading skill development was defined as vocabulary instruction, background knowledge, and the implementation of flexible reading groups. The theory guiding this study is Vygotsky's sociocultural learning theory, as it describes learning coming before language development, language being the main tool of thought, and …