Education Commons^™

Exploring How Elementary Esl Teachers Experience Learning And Change Related To A Genre-Based Approach To Language Instruction, Angela Froemming

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This study explored how elementary ESL teachers describe their experience learning about genre-based pedagogy, and how they describe change that resulted from learning about this instructional approach. Multilingual learners represent a rising student demographic across the United States (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2021), however, most teachers and administrators have not been adequately trained in language development, so language remains an abstract concept and professional learning experiences related to language development are scarce (He & Bagwell, 2021; Ranney, 2012). Without language-based resources or frameworks, ESL teachers are often underutilized professionals in their schools (Harper & de Jong, 2009). A genre-based …

Dear Education System, It’S You, Not Me: Burnout In Elementary Special Education Teachers, Bernadette Putman-Bailey

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Putman-Bailey, B. (2023). Dear education system, it’s you, not me: Burnout in elementary special education teachers. Burnout is not new to the education system as there seems to be a news article around burnout in the teaching profession and the shortage of teachers nationwide. Minnesota is not immune to this problem, but it is particularly true in special education. Special education teacher positions are the most difficult to recruit and retain for school districts in Minnesota. This research focused on the phenomenon of burnout in elementary special education teachers in urban and suburban areas of Minneapolis. The primary research question …

Scouts Bsa Wood Badge Through The Lens Of Senge’S Disciplines Of A Learning Organization, Wendy Marik

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study used researcher participation, participant surveys and participant interviews to explore the presence of the five disciplines of Senge’s learning organization in the training of adult volunteer leaders in Scouts BSA’s Wood Badge in 2021. It also examined how the prevalence of Senge’s five disciplines affected Scouters’ perceptions of Wood Badge training.The study included survey results from 30 participants and interviews with four participants at Northern Star Council’s Wood Badge course in 2021. Findings indicated that all five of Senge’s disciplines were present in Scouts BSA’s Wood Badge course. The study confirmed that Scouts BSA is a …

The Case For Culturally Affirming Systems Of Education: Exploring How Professional Development Impacts Culturally Relevant And Critical Literacy Teaching Practices, Carey Seeley Dzierzak

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This case study based on a qualitative paradigm utilized grounded theory to analyze teacher interviews, focus groups and elite interviews focused on culturally relevant and critical literacy practices. This case study focuses on a small group of teachers and facilitators in a large urban school district in Minnesota. This dissertation focused on the impact of culturally relevant and critical literacy professional development on teachers' mindsets and practices. The theoretical concepts that emerged from this case study are the importance of culturally affirming systems. The data collected from this project support the need for creating culturally affirming classrooms, diverse literature, and …

Digital Device Use In Urban Elementary Physical Education Classrooms: Viewpoints, Eric Kaluza

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Elementary physical education teachers and the use of digital devices in their classrooms are evolving. From simple step counters to Apple Watches to track the movement and skills of students, the digital tools available for physical education teachers are more prominent than ever before. This case study looked at how urban elementary physical education teachers use digital devices in their classroom, pre-covid-19, and during covid 19. In an upper-Midwestern setting, this research used a qualitative case study to find examples of digital device usage by urban elementary physical educators from one school district. Data collection methods included an online survey, …

The Prevalence Of Peter Senge's Five Disciplines Of A Learning Organization In A Rural High School's Professional Development, Jacquelyn Stevens

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study used mixed methods data collection to research the prevalence of Senge’s (2006) five disciplines of a learning organization in a rural high school’s professional development. It also examined how the presence or absence of the five disciplines impacted teachers’ perceptions of professional development. The study included participants at a Midwestern rural high school and focused on elite interviews with the principal and professional development coordinators, a focus group with eight teachers, and survey results from fifty percent (50%) of the high school teaching staff. Findings indicated that the discipline of team learning is most prevalent in …

The Roles And Identities Of English As A Second Language Teacher Leaders, Madeline Benson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Due to rising numbers of English Learners (ELs) nationwide, mainstream teachers are increasingly called upon to meet the needs of their ELs without adequate preparation to do so (Correll, 2016). In an effort to address these needs, the English Learners in the Mainstream (ELM) Project trains English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers to assume a leadership role in their buildings. Through a model of peer instructional coaching, ESL teachers provide professional development for their mainstream colleagues. The goal of this study was to answer the following questions:

1) After being trained as teacher leaders, do ESL teachers experience a …

Getting More Young Children Outdoors By Supporting And Encouraging Their Teachers, April Greibrok

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This capstone thesis used an Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods (ESMM) research design to answer the question, How do we support and encourage teachers to take their early childhood classes outdoors? While anecdotally, and through literature review, there appear to be barriers to outdoor activities, e.g., policies and regulations, or lack of safe clothing or equipment, there also is an abundance of research on the benefits of having children spend time in nature, or with natural elements. In the early childhood setting the mixed method survey research identified actual-stated common barriers to spending time outside with a class. An initial quantitative …

Examining The Effectiveness Of An Esl Teacher Observation Tool, Hetal Ascher

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the effectiveness of a teacher created ESL teacher observation tool. This paper argues that although commonly used tools such as the Charlotte Danielson Framework (2013) exist, they do not fully meet the needs of ESL teachers. A mixed methods study was conducted in order to compare the Charlotte Danielson (2013) rubric to the ESL Teacher Observation Tool in terms of language related feedback. Principals from a Midwestern school district conducted evaluations based on a video clip using both tools, and subsequently, principals were interviewed. The ESL Teacher Observation Tool appeared to yield more language-instruction related feedback in …

Introducing Non-El Teachers To Visual Learning Strategies For Beginning English Learners: A Proposal For Workshop Study, Jillian Magnusson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research questions addressed in this project were, how can a professional development session be created to help make non-EL teachers more aware of visual learning strategies intended to offer comprehensible input for English Learners? How can the materials within the workshop be adaptable and relevant to teachers with low levels of experience in working with English Learners? This project documents the exploration of non-EL teachers’ lack of professional development in regards to supporting best strategies for English Learners in order to create workshop materials for a future training in the public school district where I work. I began by …

What Are Teacher Perceptions Of An Equity Committee?, Isabel Rowles

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study takes a constructionist approach to answer the research question: What are teacher perceptions of an equity committee? This research study was done using a combination of direct observation, field notes, a survey and interviews. The data from these instruments was analyzed by broadly identifying three common themes that emerged through each data collection method. Limitations, implications and recommendations are made for future research.

How Can Teachers Enhance The Acquisition And Retention Of Vocabulary In Their Urban Learner?, Sarah K. Norenberg

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to identify high impact vocabulary strategies for urban learners and create professional development for the staff at my elementary school. I determined what would be high-impact by looking at my students three different ways. First, I examined students who are English language learners, second, students who live in poverty, and third, standard English learners. Next, I read research about the best practices for teaching vocabulary in all three categories. Finally, I looked for similarities, ultimately identifying and synthesizing what works best for all three types of students, keeping in mind that the urban classrooms …

Teaching The Cultures Of Minnesota Native American Tribes: Reported Comfort Level Of Teachers In Meeting Minnesota English Language Arts Standards, James D. Autio

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The issue of how to teach about Minnesota Native American tribes in elementary school intrigues me because of my personal experiences growing up as an Ojibwe/Finnish person. As an adult, I became an educator and wanted to improve my craft while also helping other teachers to feel better about working with this topic. The Minnesota English Language Arts standards specify a need for second- and fourth-grade teachers to teach about Dakota and Ojibwe people, but teachers report varying levels of comfort. This paper examines similar state-mandated situations in Montana and Alaska, and different ways in which the schools tried to …

Are Characteristics Of A Professional Learning Community Guiding Student Achievement, Staci Faye Souhan

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this capstone was, are characteristics of a PLC guiding student achievement? The inspiration for this capstone was sparked by an unexplainable anomaly within a school district's MCA performance data between schools within their district and an intense interest in a DuFour’s research addressing professional learning communities. The author of this case-study style research looked to examine if characteristics of a PLC can be present and guide student performance without a fully functioning and formal PLC school-wide structure. This study documents that singular aspects of a PLC can guide student achievement and likens a co-taught classroom …

Grade Retention And English Learners: A Literature Review And Teacher Interviews, Katie Jo Cordes

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this study was, what is the effect of retention on English language learners (ELL)? The ELL student population has increased in United States schools and in this dynamic and heterogeneous group includes students that perform lower than grade level. This capstone provides research and teacher interviews regarding the efficacy of holding back struggling English learners. Following discussion of current research and teacher opinions, the author examines the results to form implications for educators considering using grade retention with English language learners.

Case Studies Of Innovative Science Teacher Professional Development Programming At Biological Field Stations, Sarah Rose Johnson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This capstone research study was motivated by a desire to find ways to narrow the relationship gap between scientists and educators by creating avenues for cross communication for both professional communities to access each other. The overall purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to look at innovative teacher professional development programs at biological field stations to inform the future development and facilitation of science teacher professional development programming. The study included questionnaires, interviews, and site visits to four field stations across America collecting data based on innovative criteria. New themes for facilitating innovative teacher professional development emerged including: …

What Makes An Effective Bullying Prevention Program In Urban Middle Schools?, Diane Louise Durnick

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate anti-bullying curriculums and programs available for middle schools to reduce bullying behaviors among students. Research involved identifying what has been proven to reduce bullying behaviors in schools, as well as, what students say best reduces bully behaviors at school. The curriculums were then evaluated against proven best practices, and a whole-school plan was created to apply at an urban middle school incorporating the best strategies to be most effective in reducing bullying behaviors.

Professionals Reflect On The Under Representation Of Visitors Of Color In Wilderness Areas, Jessica Iris Ostrov

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to capture the perspectives of five wilderness area staff as they reflect on the scarcity of visitors of color to their places of employment. Qualitative interviews were conducted to learn the viewpoints of the participants. Findings suggest that the racialized history of the United States and the framework of inequity in the formation of park systems encouraged the subsequent development of urban identities that have resulted in cultural traits separating many people of color from all peoples' roots in nature. In addition, contemporary barriers due to the opportunity gap for communities of color create …

The Impact Of Collaborative Professional Development Between Classroom Teachers And Reading Recovery Teachers, Tessa Abrahamson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This capstone explores the impact that collaborative professional development between classroom teachers and reading recovery teacher can have on the quality of instruction and on student growth. A mixed-methods approach was used in this action research study including a literacy assessment that was administered to students before and after professional development, observations, and surveys. The data were examined and revealed that working collaboratively is beneficial for teachers and students. Professional development is a powerful tool to help improve instruction when used appropriately.

Twelve Best Practices For Mathematics Vocabulary Instruction For K-5 Elementary Students, Shannon Elisa King

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this project was, what are the current best practices for mathematics vocabulary instruction for K-5 elementary students? The motivation for this capstone was the struggle with K-5 students to understand the complex language of mathematics vocabulary. This capstone details the challenges students face in learning mathematics vocabulary, twelve best practices for mathematics vocabulary instruction for K-5 elementary students, and the level of awareness teachers have of these twelve best practices and the level of use of these strategies within their classrooms. Key influence for this capstone was the accreditation process for mathematics at the writer’s …

Teacher Training To Identify Students With Dyslexia. Implementation Of Accommodations To Help Students Be Successful, Brita Marie Gibart

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This curriculum-based capstone provides educators with an in-depth review of how teachers are being trained to identify students with dyslexia. It can be used as a guide to the implementation of accommodations to help students with dyslexia be successful in the classroom. The research question for this capstone is: What is being done for students with dyslexia in our schools? A review of the literature included the definition dyslexia through misconceptions, diagnosis procedures and brain imaging techniques. Dyslexia is identified in the classroom through a person’s rights, the stigma associated with dyslexia and a teacher’s role in identification. The strategy …

English Language Learners And Learning Disabilities, Erin Elizabeth Logan

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this capstone was, How do educators decipher whether a student is experiencing the typical language acquisition process or if they have a learning disability? This capstone provides research from current educators’ knowledge around understanding and identifying potential learning disabilities in English language learners. In order to address the gaps in knowledge that were identified, professional development and scholarly articles were collected and presented to school administration to distribute and make recommendations around professional development opportunities for staff.

The Perceived Impact Of A Short-Term Monolingual Karen Language Learning Experience On The Teaching Practices Of Low-Literacy Adult English Language Instructors, Loretta Dakin

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

A limited amount of research on low-educated low-literate adult English language learners exists. An even smaller body of literature addresses innovation and teacher change of the instructors of this demographic. Adult refugees need basic language competency to participate with dignity in a new culture. This study explores the impact of increasing teacher empathy for the monolingual language learning environment that most first-wave refugees encounter upon arrival in the United States and identifies the instructional innovations and modifications that result. Nine participants, all low-level adult ELL instructors from a number of community-based adult language schools, took part in a Karen language …

The Pathway To A Senior Housing Officer, A Latino Man’S Journey, Javier Gutierrez

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This study presents my experience as a Latino male entering the field of residential life and working my way to a senior level housing officer position. My personal account is situated in the context of the greater societal issues of how identity and mentorship are significant in a successful path into residential life. The significance of this study results from the low number of Latinos obtaining and moving up the ranks in residential life. The number of Latinos in the United States is increasing and the number of Latino students entering higher education is growing. Staffs working in student affairs …

A Study Of How The Components Of Effective Co-Teaching Are Implemented In Middle School Content Area Classrooms In One Suburban School District, Kathryn Rose Burley

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

The research question addressed in this study was, how are the components of effective co-teaching implemented in middle school content area classrooms in my district? It identifies what research has found to be the necessary components for implementing effective co-teaching. The author documents feedback from teachers in middle school co-teaching partnerships about how co-teaching is being implemented in this district. Findings suggest that this district has room for growth in using these components for effective co-teaching, with a focus on joint planning time, professional development opportunities, and administrative support. Implications for further research include how co-teaching differs across age and …

Effective Teacher Performance Evaluation Systems And The Twin Cities Metro Area: Are Local Public Schools Using Research-Based Valued Practices?, Jeffrey Philip Escen Holtz

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Evaluating the performance of teachers in American public schools has become an issue that is important to many stakeholders. Because of this, it is important to determine if there are effective ways to evaluate teachers and, additionally, if those methods are being used. Based upon the literature, this paper synthesized six research-based valued practices that are used in effective teacher performance evaluation systems (TPES). This paper then conducted a survey of teachers in a suburban area high school in the Twin Cities to determine if these practices were being used in their TPES. Analyses of the data show that these …

Teacher Perceptions Of Their Preparation To Meet The Needs Of Secondary English Learners With Limited Formal Education, Kristina Marie Herman Hill

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

As more immigrants and refugees make the Upper Midwest their home, many English Learner (EL) teachers are struggling to meet the various needs of students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE), especially at the secondary level. The purpose of this study was to examine secondary teacher perceptions of their preparation to meet the unique needs of SLIFE and to examine what types of preparation would have been helpful to them. Sixteen secondary EL teachers who work with SLIFE were surveyed and four were interviewed to share their perceptions of their preparation. The overall result of the survey was that …

Instructional Coaching: How Does It Impact Teacher Efficacy In An Elementary Setting?, Kristen Lynn Wilking

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This action research project sought to answer the question: How does instructional coaching impact teacher efficacy in an elementary setting? The research was done in a tier two suburb of the Twin Cities with 24 adult participants. The researcher collected and analyzed quantitative data through a teacher survey with 83% participation. The researcher collected and analyzed qualitative data through a focus group discussion with 6 volunteer teachers and also kept a weekly reflection journal for one semester. Results showed that instructional coaching had a positive impact on teacher efficacy in the elementary setting in which this action research took place.

Exploring How Faculty Members In Higher Education Respond To An Assessment Of Their Intercultural Competency, Naomi Rae Taylor

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This study addressed the response of faculty members in higher education completing the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) to measure their developmental level of intercultural competency. In addition, this study described how faculty members implemented their intercultural development plans (IDPs) and also identified the supports or barriers to their future development of intercultural competency. The literature review examined research on both K-12 and higher education to highlight the problems related to diversity and culturally relevant pedagogy that are consistent at all levels of education. Three case studies and one partial case study were cross-examined to capture the similarities and differences between …