Education Commons^™

The Impact Of Formative Assessment Cycles On Students' Attitudes And Achievement In A Large-Enrollment Undergraduate Introductory Statistics Course, Kimberleigh Felix Hadfield

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study aimed to investigate the impact of student attitudes toward statistics and student achievement after engaging in large-enrollment introductory statistics course curriculum using continuous formative assessments with feedback and reassessment opportunities. This framework, called Formative Assessment Cycles (FACs) was implanted, providing students formative assessments both in and out of the classroom, with feedback and reassessment. A quasi-experimental, quantitative research design allowed for the investigation of course achievement from pre-FACs to FACs semesters using regression discontinuity methodology. Changes in attitudes from pre- to post-survey in semesters using a curriculum with FACs were analyzed by multilevel regression techniques. Course achievement improved …

The Influence Of Secondary Principals' Perceived Trust Of Assistant Principals And Central Office Supervisors On Principal Self-Efficacy For Instructional Leadership, Cody J. Reutzel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Although self-efficacy has been studied widely in education, variables associated with the self-efficacy of principals have received relatively limited attention. The current study investigated the relationship between secondary principals’ perceptions of trust in their assistant principal and central office supervisor and their own self-efficacy for instructional leadership. Surveys were collected from 80 secondary principals. Open-ended questions were utilized to gain greater understanding of the behaviors contributing to principals’ perceptions of trust and feelings of self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression. Quantitative results revealed that no statistically significant relationship is present between trust perceptions in the relationships investigated …

Teaching Contextually Appropriate Play Commenting Without The Use Of Visual Cues, Beverly Nichols

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Deficits in communication and play can affect the quality of life of autistic children and individuals, which is why it is important that we help them acquire these skills as early as possible. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) and script training and fading procedures are evidence-based practices that can successfully teach communication during play. However, script fading can be difficult, and scripts may not be able to be completely faded out of the environment. The findings from a recent study suggested that specific phrases can become associated with small pictures rather than written scripts Perhaps, these specific phrases can be tied …

Dental Care Utilization Among U.S. Children Participating In Early Head Start Programs, Ahlam Ibraheem Joufi

Health Services Research Dissertations

Early childhood caries (ECC) remains one of the most common preventable diseases among children under the age of 6 years. Several national stakeholders recommend establishing a continuous collaboration of individuals involved with receiving oral health services (dental home) and routine dental care for the child by 12 months. Despite this recommendation, disparities exist among young, low-income children in preventive dental service utilization. The Early Head Start (EHS) program serves low-income children aged 0-3 years and their families and promotes oral health practices and service utilization within the program. This study aims to examine predictors of dental care utilization among children …

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

Education Doctoral

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

Examining Educator Perspectives On Creating And Implementing Inclusive Curriculum In Suburban High Schools, Marie C. Windover

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this study was to examine educators’ perspectives on implementing an inclusive curriculum in suburban high schools. This qualitative research study applied phenomenology through focus groups consisting of district-level and building-level administrators, along with suburban high school teachers. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Though the suburbs are becoming increasingly diverse (Frey, 2011; Frey 2022a), suburban high schools lack consistency in implementing inclusive curriculum measures (Ayscue, 2016). In recent years, both federal and state legislatures have directed public schools to diversify their practices. One recent implementation in the New York State Education Department (NYSED) was the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining …

Culturally Responsive School Leadership: Implementation Of The New York State Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework In Predominantly White, Suburban High Schools, Steven M. Lysenko

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this study was to investigate the practical application of culturally responsive school leadership in the implementation of the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Culturally Responsive-Sustaining (CR-S) Education Framework (Framework). This qualitative descriptive phenomenological study addressed the research question: What strategies are applied by high school principals in predominantly White suburban districts in the implementation of the NYSED CR-S Education Framework? Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and then coded using content analysis. The a priori themes included the four principles of the Framework, namely Welcoming and Affirming Environment, High Expectations and Rigorous Instruction, Inclusive Curriculum and …

Leading In Forced Change: Superintendent Leadership During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Theodore W. Love

Education Doctoral

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted P-12 public schools in the United States. School district superintendents were forced immediately into managing a crisis and leading organizational adaptation. This doctoral research study examined the lived experience of 15 New York State P-12 public school superintendents. This constructivist grounded theory study found that adaptation is a forced change. The environment forced schools to change, but that force did not change superintendent leadership. It did, however, change the role of the superintendents as they responded to the three major conditions that emerged across the data: (a) the shutdown of schools in March 2020, (b) uncertain …

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

Education Doctoral

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

Does Quality Meet You At The Door? Nursing Home Administrators Perspective Of Quality Of Life For Black Residents Of Nursing Homes In The Capital Region Of New York: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study, Carolyn Mclaughlin

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this study was to gain the perspectives of nursing home administrators on the quality of life experienced by Black nursing home residents in the Capital Region of New York. Semi-structured 1-hour interviews were the primary source for data collection capturing the perspectives of current nursing home administrators in the Capital Region of New York. Other instruments to collect data were: (a) a qualifying participant survey, (b) interview questions, (c) field notes, (d) journal, and (e) the researcher. From this process five categories emerged: (a) cultural competence, (b) well- being, (c) quality of life, (d) environment, and (e) …

Barriers To Implementing And Sustaining Restorative Practice Programs In K-12 Education, Barbara Fagan-Zelazny

Education Doctoral

Restorative practice (RP) improves student learning by focusing on repairing relationships after acts of wrongdoing rather than administering punitive discipline. However, barriers frequently occur when implementing RP in American K-12 public schools. Thus, the purpose of this doctoral project was to acquire an understanding of the barriers impeding RP implementation. A literature review was conducted using the qualitative research synthesis (QRS) strategy to find appropriate RP qualitative studies for analysis with the normalization process theory (NPT) framework and analytic technique. Four RP qualitative research studies were found with QRS that met the appraisal criteria for NPT analysis. The emerging themes …

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

Education Doctoral

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

Examining The Construct Of Collective Efficacy In Rural High School Teachers Working In A Model Professional Learning Community School, Eileen M. Feinman

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the perceptions of 18 rural high school singleton teacher participants who worked in districts that had implemented the professional learning community (PLC) framework and to assess if there was a relationship between the teachers’ perception of collective efficacy and the PLCs—despite the potential of limiting the organizational structures within their schools. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential case study in one rural high school with the designation of a Model PLC School was used to conduct the research. The participants reported a significant positive correlation between the variables of instructional practice, student behavior, …

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

Education Doctoral

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

Examining School Awareness And Support For Children Of Incarcerated Parents: Perceptions Of Educators And Caregivers, Wanda Labrador

Education Doctoral

This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the perceptions of educators and caregivers of children of incarcerated parents (CIP) regarding how CIP may best be supported and whether they receive the social-emotional support they need at school. Additionally, this study gives voice to a subject that affects many but is considered by few, and can benefit CIP, educators, and caregivers.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) framework is the theoretical structure for the study. SAMHSA’s framework includes the four Rs principles of the trauma-informed approach: realization, recognition, response, and resisting re-traumatization. The data were collected using one-to-one semi-structured interviews …

Elementary School Principals’ Perceptions Of Successes And Challenges Implementing Racial Equity Leadership Practices, Nicole M. Reid Christopher

Education Doctoral

This qualitative phenomenological study examines the professional experiences of eight principals who have undergone professional learning in race and racial equity in schools and have led public elementary schools serving at least 5% Black students for a minimum of 3 years. Through a phenomenological design, this study explores the phenomenon of equity leadership practices. Data from individual, semi-structured interviews were analyzed using descriptive phenomenology. The findings of the study suggest that trained principals are consciously making attempts to employ equity-focused leadership practices, albeit with limited success. They encounter several challenges and seek support from higher levels of leadership. This study …

The Concept And Implementation Of The Co-Teaching Model At The High School Level: A Phenomenological Analysis Of Perceptions And Practices, Jennifer Singer

Education Doctoral

This phenomenological research design examined the implementation of co-teaching in classrooms of diverse learners at the high school level in suburban settings in New York State. Three separate focus groups were attended by 11 high school general education teachers, special education teachers, and building administrators to gather data regarding the participants’ perceptions, practices, and implementation of co-teaching through their lived experiences.

Three findings emerged by analyzing the themes that surfaced from the three separate focus groups in the coding process. First, the importance of comprehending and applying the coteaching framework and the need to focus on the intricacies of co-teaching …

School Leader Perceptions About The Implementation And Utility Of Restorative Practices, Danielle Rutig

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological qualitative study examined school leaders' perceptions of using restorative practices within their schools. Participants included twelve school leaders who had experience with utilizing and implementing restorative practices. School leaders included: principals, assistant principals, deans, and administrative assistants. Research indicates that restorative practices are adapted to support specific school goals. Restorative practices are not practiced in isolation, as school leaders often couple restorative justice with social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and other social-emotional supports. Restorative practices are tied closely to CASEL’s social emotional framework.

Data were collected via semi-structured interviews using a virtual platform. Themes that emerged from the analysis …

Physical Accessibility And Historic Preservation In Historic House Museums Of The Southeast, Abby Milonas

All Theses

Museums are a public good, as they provide educational recreation and preserve cultural history, and so it is crucial that they are physically accessible to as many visitors as possible. The aim of this study was to understand what architectural features of historic house museums are the least accessible and what has been done to ameliorate these challenges. The survey used in the study was developed using the guidelines for making historic buildings accessible as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. It was distributed by email to representatives of 220 historic sites, of …

A Phenomenographic Analysis Of Elementary Student Teachers’ Reflections Using Tiktok As A Resource For Classroom Management, Stefanie Lynn Mckoy

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenographic study investigates how student teachers use TikTok to discover, analyze, evaluate, and adopt classroom management information and strategies. Student teachers often struggle with classroom management regarding student behavior, classroom environment, and instruction. To address these concerns, they turn to traditional print, digital, and human resources. Fifteen student teachers during the 2022-2023 school year were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Transcripts were analyzed following a second order approach whereas the research examines student teachers’ perceptions. Four themes, resource discovery, TikTok analysis, evaluating credibility, and strategy adoption. Findings support the need for teacher preparation programs to incorporate exemplar examples of …

An Investigation Into How The Intense Nature Of Youth Sport Participation Influences Women’S Collegiate Basketball Player’S Experiences Of Burnout, Hana M. Adent

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

One area of athlete well-being garnering increasing attention is athletes’ experience of burnout (Gould & Whitley, 2009). According to Coakley (1992), burnout is a social phenomenon grounded in a set of social relations through which young athletes become disempowered in their sport participation that can lead to fatigue and dropout. Therefore, efforts to reduce athletes’ likelihood of experiencing burnout are important. Often overlooked in the college athlete literature are the experiences of college athletes in youth sport. Yet almost all college athletes participate in competitive youth sport. Therefore, in seeking to further our understanding of college athletes’ burnout experience, it …

Transforming Educators' Trauma-Informed Knowledge And Skillset: Exploring The Impact Of A Trauma-Informed Intervention On Educators' Attitudes, Knowledge, And Understanding Of Trauma, Ashley Favello

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

The dissertation followed an improvement science framework to address a specific problem of practice using a mixed methods convergent design. The dissertation in practice investigated the effects of training on teachers’ proficiency in trauma-informed practice and teachers’ perspectives on training and support for students who have experienced trauma. The intervention was conducted across seven elementary schools and consisted of four professional development sessions and observation opportunities with an individual coach. This action research and mixed methods explanatory sequential design included quantitative data assessing teacher knowledge and self-efficacy pre- and post-intervention. It also included teachers’ application of strategies in the classroom …

To What Extent Does Superintendent Longevity Relate To Student Performance As Measured By Graduation Rates, Robert L. Kravitz

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study sought to examine the extent superintendent longevity relates to student performance as measured by graduation rates. Specifically, this study sought to examine how a district school superintendent's longevity provides conducive context through which student academic improvement programs, culture, and relationships could be established to support higher student achievement as assessed by high school graduation rates. Also, it sought to examine the effects of the nature of New Jersey school districts and related conditions in determining longevity of a school district superintendent. This study employed qualitative multiple case study methods that collected data through interviews and observations. The study …

An Intersectional Grounded Theory Study Examining Identity Exploration For Former Student-Athletes Against The Backdrop Of 2020, Crystle M. Dorsey

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

The purpose of this study was to understand how student-athletes explored and made meaning of their intersecting identities through identity-focused curriculum against the backdrop of 2020. With intersectionality as a theoretical framework, this study examines how axes of oppression influenced the process of identity exploration for student-athletes. Guided by constructivism and critical theory as its epistemological foundations, this constructivist grounded theory study included three guiding research questions alluding to the how, what and why student-athletes explored their identities in 2020. The outcome of this study was an intersectional grounded theory detailing how student-athletes explore and make meaning of their intersecting …

“Oh, That’S For Girls”: Barriers To Men’S Enrollment In College Sex Education Courses, Savannah Burke

All Theses

American teens have diverse experiences with sex education that may leave some inadequately prepared for navigating their sexuality as emerging adults. For those who seek higher education, college-level sex education classes could fill this void. Yet, there is a notable gender gap in enrollment in college-level sex education classes across the US, with men being reluctant to taking these courses. Thus, it is important to understand what barriers prevent men from taking these classes. This study explores the roles that masculine ideology plays in dissuading men from enrolling in college-level sex education courses. Interviews with 17 masculine-identified college students who …

An Investigation Of The Impact Of Entrepreneurship Programs On Student Interest In Entrepreneurship Competitions, Toni Sharp

All Theses

According to a survey by ACNielsen International Research, over half of Americans want to start their own business to build wealth and achieve independence (Bygrave & Zacharakis, 2011). In the research community, most entrepreneurship education research happens in business schools (Matlay, 2006). As a result of continually researching one form of entrepreneurship, less attention has been paid to other forms contributing to the “definitional obscurity with important consequences for the direction of the field” of entrepreneurship (Baker & Welter, 2017). This has created a need for research on entrepreneurship at the college level in fields outside of business.

Clemson University …

Investing In Your Employees: Understanding The Impact Organizational Commitment Has On Staff Retention, Vanessa Lynne Mcwhirt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High employee turnover in higher education has been an issue for decades, and successfully integrating newly hired staff (NHS) into their new job and the organization can be challenging for human resources and leadership. New employee orientation and onboarding programs can assist NHS. The author of this paper conducted a Utilization-Focused evaluation of the Thriving at DU program at the University of Denver (DU) to improve the program. The study examined the perceptions of how 12 student and academic affairs professionals made meaning of organizational commitment in the workplace throughout their onboarding experience.

The major findings of this evaluation aligned …

What A Way To Spend The Day: A Curated Multiple-Case Study Of College Counselors And Their Guidance Of Prospective Music Majors, Stephen Campbell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the increasingly complex world of college choice, high school counselors are an important resource for college-bound students, yet the environment these counselors find themselves in is one that focuses on questions of value and return on investment, resulting in the elevation of some academic disciplines over others. Using a multiple case study design and Eisner’s criticism and connoisseurship method, this qualitative study seek to describe how college counselors at Arizona School for the Arts guide prospective music major through college and major choice by exploring how counselors’ backgrounds predisposed them to guiding students through college and major choice, their …

Persistence And Retention Of Adult Learners: Results Of A Program Evaluation Of Tuition Funding Provided By Employers, Andrea J. Gross

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the looming enrollment cliff approaches and more adult learners return to higher education, understanding the factors that affect their persistence and retention is vital for higher education institutions. Previous studies have shown that external factors influence post-traditional learners’ pursuit of higher education. This program evaluation aimed to acquire knowledge of up-front employer tuition funding and its effects on adult learners' persistence, retention, and time to degree completion. Through a quantitative approach, this program evaluation examines the differences between students receiving up-front employer tuition funding and those who do not. The results indicated that students who received employer funding retained …

Fostering An Inclusive Learning Environment Through Course Development: A Program Evaluation, Rachel K. Rogers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This evaluation was chosen to address the desire of students to see themselves and their lived experiences in their coursework at University College, the location of this study. The purpose was to complete a utilization-focused evaluation that assessed first, the formal and informal practices involved in the course development process within an academic department at University College, University of Denver, and second to determine the extent to which the course development process contributes to an inclusive learning environment. Data were collected using qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews of key stakeholders in the course development process, observations of weekly course development …