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Articles 1 - 30 of 69
Full-Text Articles in Education
A Study Of The Regular Educators’ Preparedness To Educate Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tammy Rhodes
A Study Of The Regular Educators’ Preparedness To Educate Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tammy Rhodes
Dissertations
This study’s focus was on determining the level of knowledge K-5 educators have in one district regarding evidence-based practices that address the specific needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD]. The study also focused on determining what kind of inclusion task force had been established in the district, if any. Based on the findings of this study, all of the participating K-5 regular educators reported they have established a supportive culture/climate, have organized and defined work areas, use routines, regularly collect data, are flexible with curriculum, and group students based on needs. This study also revealed slightly over half …
College Student Leadership Development Participation And Emotional Intelligence, Nicole Renae Portell Brown
College Student Leadership Development Participation And Emotional Intelligence, Nicole Renae Portell Brown
Dissertations
Leadership development has been identified as a key college outcome (Komives, Dugan, Owen, Slack, & Wagner, 2011). Emotional intelligence as a leadership development framework has shown promise in many applications (Petrides, 2011). Able to be augmented through purposeful training and practice, high levels of emotional intelligence have been linked to job performance, healthy relationships, and emotional well-being (Joseph, Jin, Newman, & O’Boyle, 2014). This study focused on changes in emotional intelligence as a metric for personal and professional development through a state university’s leadership program. Students’ self-reported change in global and factor emotional intelligence were measured utilizing the Trait Emotional …
Exploring Personal Attitudes Towards Parent Involvement As It Relates To Relational Aggression Acted Out Through Social Media, Karla M. Holland
Exploring Personal Attitudes Towards Parent Involvement As It Relates To Relational Aggression Acted Out Through Social Media, Karla M. Holland
Dissertations
Relational aggression acted out through social media or cyber bullying is an evergrowing limitedly researched issue that is impacting students and parents alike. A mixedmethod study was conducted using existing older and aspiring younger social workers and counselors to investigate attitudes (focus groups and text box comments) and relationships (surveys) between variables. The research questions asked how attitudes toward cyber bullying based on gender, type of social media, parent versus nonparent status, and involved parent versus not involved parent status. Hypotheses tested correlations between the same elements. Participants were 75 existing social workers and counselors working at a Midwestern school …
Evaluation Of The Counseling, College And Career Specialist, And Social Work Programs In A Midwest School District, Shona O. Ambers-Phillips
Evaluation Of The Counseling, College And Career Specialist, And Social Work Programs In A Midwest School District, Shona O. Ambers-Phillips
Dissertations
In education, much emphasis is placed on academic achievement without fully understanding the role counseling programs can have to ensure all students are learning at high levels and are college and career ready. The staff of Midwest School District believes that guidance and counseling is an integral part of each school’s total education program. As a commitment to this belief, the district developed a program evaluation plan to both consistently and effectively evaluate district programs. An essential component of a school counseling program’s accountability is to provide evidence that what school counselors do makes a measurable difference in the lives …
Implementation Of Positive Behavior Intervention And Support At The High School Level, Bernadette D. White
Implementation Of Positive Behavior Intervention And Support At The High School Level, Bernadette D. White
Dissertations
With schools having an ever-increasing interest in reducing acts of violence and reducing the incidence of out-of-school suspension, new interventions are constantly being sought. How the program is implemented can play a significant role in program effectiveness. Durlak (1998) found that many evaluation methods did not consider the implementation process because they were done after the implementation of the program. Whether an evidence-based intervention would have a positive effect depended on closely following the details of the implementation process (Durlak, 1998). This study was motivated by four research questions: (a) Was the process used to implement Positive Behavior Intervention and …
Failing Ninth-Grade Students In A Missouri School District, And The Comparison To Inadequate Learning Resources, Eric Wayne Ramsey
Failing Ninth-Grade Students In A Missouri School District, And The Comparison To Inadequate Learning Resources, Eric Wayne Ramsey
Dissertations
This study involved a mixed design to generate the perceptions of students and teachers about failing ninth-grade students and the impact of learning resources. The participants in this study were a purposive selection of ninth-grade students and ninth-grade teachers in one Missouri school district. The conceptual framework of this study was based on the premise that ninth-grade students who failed multiple classes also lacked learning resources. The learning resources were categorized into cultural and physical resources. To determine if learning resources had an impact on the ninth-grade students’ academic performance, the perceptions of the failing ninth-grade students were analyzed through …
Grit And Student Performance: A Mixed-Method Analysis Of A Non-Traditional Technical High School And A Traditional High School, Ronda L. Wallace
Grit And Student Performance: A Mixed-Method Analysis Of A Non-Traditional Technical High School And A Traditional High School, Ronda L. Wallace
Dissertations
Grit, defined as the tendency to pursue long-term goals with sustained zeal and hard work, was shown to predict achievement in academic, vocational, and avocational domains. In 2009, Duckworth and Quinn found that grit predicted student effectiveness in school and the concept of grit was largely unrelated to talent. Grit provided incremental predictive validity for achievement outcomes, particularly in settings of high challenge. From the combination of persistence, self-control, and more broadly, conscientiousness, emerges the concept of grit. The purpose of this study was to compare the relative grittiness of students from two different high school settings. The first of …
Early Literacy Acquisition With The Inclusion Of The Five Components Of Research Based Reading Instruction, Jill Wright
Early Literacy Acquisition With The Inclusion Of The Five Components Of Research Based Reading Instruction, Jill Wright
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine the existing research on early literacy and the types of approaches used in schools at the time of this writing. Although researchers could not agree on which types of reading programs are the most effective, there was a large amount of research supporting the work done in 2000 from the National Reading Panel, emphasizing the importance of the five components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The study site historically used a traditional Balanced Literacy program, and reported proficiency scores in the 30th percentile overall. This research study investigated …
A Study Of School-Wide Positive Behavior Support And Behavior Intervention Support Teams And Their Impact On Student Behavior In Six Missouri Middle Schools, Cody Guy Hirschi
A Study Of School-Wide Positive Behavior Support And Behavior Intervention Support Teams And Their Impact On Student Behavior In Six Missouri Middle Schools, Cody Guy Hirschi
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to analyze School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) and Behavior Intervention Support Teams (BIST) and their impact on managing student behavior in sample schools in Missouri by using methodological triangulation. Office disciplinary referrals (ODRs) and Safe School Act Violations during the 2012- 2014 school years in the SW-PBS, BIST, and No Model (control group) sample schools were analyzed to determine if there was a significant difference in the numbers of ODRs and Safe School Violations. Teachers from the sample schools were given the opportunity to participate in a survey to gather their perspectives about the …
The Study Of Effective Tier Ii Reading Interventions For Primary Grade Students, Sheila Cox-Hines
The Study Of Effective Tier Ii Reading Interventions For Primary Grade Students, Sheila Cox-Hines
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine effective reading interventions for primary grade students, utilizing the Response to Intervention (RtI) model. The purpose of RtI is to enhance the quality of education for children, if appropriate levels of academic instruction are present (Hanover Research, 2015). The research questions were posed to garner perspectives of the Intervention Team (IT) leaders as to Tier II interventions that aided students who indicated difficulty with reading, and the duration of the intervention, prior to achieving progress toward the specified goal. Additionally, research questions were stated to determine which Tier II reading intervention yielded …
Academic Practices To Gain And Maintain Student-Teacher Connectedness And Classroom Behavioral Management, Related To Educator Demographics, Leslie Threadgill Kendall
Academic Practices To Gain And Maintain Student-Teacher Connectedness And Classroom Behavioral Management, Related To Educator Demographics, Leslie Threadgill Kendall
Dissertations
Connectedness and classroom management has been defined as the ability to relate to students and keep order and maintain successful relationships with individuals. This qualitative study utilized surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and observations to examine the best practices implemented by educators to develop and maintain connections with students based upon the age, gender, ethnicity, and experience of a studied educator. The research investigated how classroom management positively and/or negatively affected the educator, students, and classroom environment, with respect to connectedness, as evidenced by behaviors such as off-task, aggressive, and non-academically productive behaviors. The research also examined how a teacher’s intonation and …
Two Case Studies Of The Contribution Of Emotional Intelligence, Communication Style, Job Competency, Vision, And Ethics To Constituent Buy-In For Leaders, David M. Schall
Two Case Studies Of The Contribution Of Emotional Intelligence, Communication Style, Job Competency, Vision, And Ethics To Constituent Buy-In For Leaders, David M. Schall
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to investigate the similarities and dissimilarities of leadership traits that create leader buy-in for an educational leader and a football coach; specifically, emotional intelligence, communication style, job competency, vision, and ethics, between an educational leader and a sports coach. The rationale of this study was to create recent literature that provided insight for leaders in multiple areas on how to transfer leadership skills to establish common goals and missions within their organizations. Data was collected using a survey completed by 154 volunteer participants, along with interviews of 12 volunteer participants. A focus group of …
Student Involvement In Extracurricular Activities And Post-Secondary Education Placement, Courtney J. Martin
Student Involvement In Extracurricular Activities And Post-Secondary Education Placement, Courtney J. Martin
Dissertations
Extracurricular activities have been an important part of adolescents’ lives for generations (Kremer-Sadlik, Izquierdo, & Fatigante, 2010). Extracurricular activities take place outside of the classroom and result in several benefits to students (National Federation of State High School Associations [NFHS], 2010). With the recent recession in the United States, many school districts are having to find ways to cut budgets and are looking at eliminating extracurricular activities to save money (Lamb, 2011). Data from graduating seniors were reviewed in the largest accredited public school district in a Midwestern state. Graduates are required to take a post-follow up survey upon graduating …
A Comparison Of Single Gender And Coeducational Classrooms, Student Engagement, And Achievement Scores, Myra Pendleton
A Comparison Of Single Gender And Coeducational Classrooms, Student Engagement, And Achievement Scores, Myra Pendleton
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in the academic achievement in reading among students enrolled in single-gender and coeducational classes, as well as the impact of teachers’ perceptions on the outcome of academic achievement. The study used a mixed-method approach to address this purpose. This study reported quantitative findings from reading scores on the Acuity test for 396 students in grades two through eight, from four elementary and two middle schools within an urban district in Missouri. Acuity scores were examined in several ways: comparison of the means for coeducational and single-gendered classrooms …
Academic Interventions And Academic Achievement In The Middle School Grades, Toby G. Kite
Academic Interventions And Academic Achievement In The Middle School Grades, Toby G. Kite
Dissertations
After the passing of the Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004, many schools began to use a Response to Intervention (RtI) model instead of the discrepancy model when identifying students with specific learning disabilities (National Center on Response to Intervention, 2011). When elementary schools adopted the RtI model, it was shown to be successful with any students who need academic interventions (National Center on Response to Intervention, 2011). The success at the elementary level has led to middle schools adopting the model with varying success (National Center on Response to Intervention, 2011). In this study, middle schools that have developed …
A Study Of The Perceptions Of First-Year Teachers As Prepared Classroom Teachers, Vida Jane Ward
A Study Of The Perceptions Of First-Year Teachers As Prepared Classroom Teachers, Vida Jane Ward
Dissertations
The quality of teacher education allows first-year teachers to meet mandates at federal and state levels (Darling-Hammond, 2010a). The teaching profession is complex and requires new and innovative quality preparation programs (Wei, Andree, & Darling- Hammond, 2009). This study involved examination of the perceptions of 17 building principals and 16 first-year teachers to determine the effectiveness of teacher preparation. First-year teachers identified essential elements of teacher preparation and weaknesses of programs. The study addressed building principals’ perceptions of differences, if any, in the effectiveness of first-year teachers graduating from traditional teacher preparation programs and first-year teachers who choose alternative routes …
Exploring An Accelerated College Program For Adult Learners: A Program Evaluation, Charlene Engleking
Exploring An Accelerated College Program For Adult Learners: A Program Evaluation, Charlene Engleking
Dissertations
Many colleges and universities have expanded their mission to include adult learners. Programs range from scheduling traditional courses in the evening to designing new programs tailored to meet the needs of working adults. Program designers have relied on theorists such, as Mezirow (1991), Houle (1996), and Knowles, Holton, and Swanson (1998), to develop programs that apply adult learning theory. Lindenwood College, now Lindenwood University, established The Lindenwood College for Individualized Education (LCIE) in 1975 to serve adult students in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The program has evolved over the course of 40 years, and this program evaluation evaluated the …
The Perceptions Of Elementary Stem Schools In Missouri, Kelli Michelle Alumbaugh
The Perceptions Of Elementary Stem Schools In Missouri, Kelli Michelle Alumbaugh
Dissertations
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, or STEM, is an area that is currently growing in popularity with educators (Becker & Park, 2011). A qualitative study consisting of interviews was conducted and data were gathered from three leaders in professional STEM organizations, four principals from elementary STEM schools, and six teachers from elementary STEM schools to gain their perceptions of elementary STEM schools in Missouri. The perceptions of leaders in professional STEM organizations regarding STEM education were consistently all positive, and each leader was a proponent of STEM education at the elementary level. The perceptions of principals and teachers were …
An Investigation Of The Relationship Of Teachers’ Attitudes Towards A Computer-Based Assessment System And Student Achievement, Felicia M. Griffin
An Investigation Of The Relationship Of Teachers’ Attitudes Towards A Computer-Based Assessment System And Student Achievement, Felicia M. Griffin
Dissertations
Since the introduction of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), districts across the country implemented computerized benchmark, or interim assessments, into their curriculum as a means to monitor and improve student achievement. Often, a change in curriculum entails a demand of educators’ time, whether through professional development or lesson planning, and therefore affects teachers’ attitudes. The purpose of this study was to determine what, if any, relationship there was among middle school teachers’ attitudes, monthly computerized benchmark assessments, and student scores on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). Educators of the communication arts and mathematics content areas from one middle school were …
Classroom Management: Beginning Teachers' Perceptions Of Preparedness, Sean A. Woods
Classroom Management: Beginning Teachers' Perceptions Of Preparedness, Sean A. Woods
Dissertations
Classroom management has been the focal point of many different studies and research projects. Unfortunately, it has also been cited as one of the top three reasons teachers leave the field of education not only today, but for the last 40 years (Berry, 2010). There is a need for an understanding of the implications of past classroom management research trends, styles, and strategies that are popular but have not worked in the past. Realizing further research in teacher training programs was needed, this study included examinations of perceptions of teachers about how well prepared they were for the classroom environment, …
Assessing Injury Prevention And Intervention Protocols For High Schools Within The Gateway Athletic Conference, Michael Zacheis
Assessing Injury Prevention And Intervention Protocols For High Schools Within The Gateway Athletic Conference, Michael Zacheis
Dissertations
This study was the result of a quantitative methods research design, which assessed: athletic training services, injury prevention at the time of the study, and intervention protocols for high schools within the Gateway Athletic Conference (GAC). This study explored the impact of injuries and concussions on student athletes. The study also examined the types of athletic training facilities, resources for rehabilitation, and procedures for athletic training programs available at the high school level in the GAC. The study uncovered some significant findings between the groups who were surveyed. The participants surveyed represented athletic trainers, athletic directors, and coaches. There were …
A Case Study Of The Efficacy Of Middle College On Educational Advancement, Piper Wilson
A Case Study Of The Efficacy Of Middle College On Educational Advancement, Piper Wilson
Dissertations
The purpose of the study was to examine the role of a middle college as a viable educational alternative to the traditional school environment and as one that supported student transition from high school into post-secondary education. Middle college is a unique transitional program in which students can participate in high school and college courses, typically on a college campus (Middle College National Consortium (MCNC), 2014a). Student participants usually experience more student support services, and practical, real-world education (Lieberman, 2004). The study consisted of a mixed methods design, with five total research questions, and included participant data from the target …
Educational Stakeholders’ Perceptions During Grading Reform In One Middle School, Christy M. Patrick
Educational Stakeholders’ Perceptions During Grading Reform In One Middle School, Christy M. Patrick
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors influencing middle school grading reform. The study involved all stakeholders in one middle school community. Participants were surveyed to determine which standards-based grading practices were most welcomed among middle school students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Additionally, students’ perceived motivation levels when evaluated using standards based grading practices were quantified and the necessary support needs of middle school teachers were identified as they attempted school-wide grading reform. Many are calling for school leaders to evaluate unreliable traditional grading methods and reform grading to a standards-based approach (Guskey, Swan, & Jung, 2011; …
Achievement Despite Poverty: Testing The Effectiveness Of Timeless Principles, Nicole Leigh Wallace Keller
Achievement Despite Poverty: Testing The Effectiveness Of Timeless Principles, Nicole Leigh Wallace Keller
Dissertations
School districts composed of a large number of high-poverty students are generally not found to be high-achieving (Chenoweth & Theokas, 2013). In Missouri, districts are assessed in accordance with the fifth edition of the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) which results in an Annual Performance Report (APR) score (Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [MODESE], 2014d). School administrators of districts having two consecutive years of APR scores over 95% while having a student population composed of a large number of students receiving free or reduced price meals were recruited for a qualitative study. Interview questions were developed based on …
Higher Education Alumni Associations And Political Advocacy, Richard N. Buchli
Higher Education Alumni Associations And Political Advocacy, Richard N. Buchli
Dissertations
Political advocacy is comprised of speaking on the behalf of a cause or participating as part of a political action group (Weerts, Cabrera, & Sanford, 2010). Because state financial support for public higher education has not been maintained at previous levels, higher education (HE) institutions have been recruiting alumni in an attempt to win state appropriations. As discovered by Avery (2012), very little research exists on the role of alumni associations in political advocacy efforts. In this study, a quantitative research approach was conducted to gather data on D1 public college and university alumni associations. The instrument utilized in this …
A Program Evaluation Of A Literacy Intervention For Reluctant Middle School Readers, James Allison
A Program Evaluation Of A Literacy Intervention For Reluctant Middle School Readers, James Allison
Dissertations
The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine if the literacy intervention program for reluctant readers in one middle school was effective as measured by an increase in student reading scores measured by the Student Reading Inventory Assessment. I investigated perceptions of 100 students and 28 teachers regarding the literacy intervention program through the use of district-administered surveys. I also interviewed eight teachers regarding their delivery of the literacy interventions in the classroom setting. The literacy intervention program targeted the population of students identified as reluctant readers who were not already receiving any reading intervention, but were reading below …
A Comparison Of The Participation Rates And Perceptions Of Males And Females Regarding High School Athletic Participation, Edward Malcom Dreyer
A Comparison Of The Participation Rates And Perceptions Of Males And Females Regarding High School Athletic Participation, Edward Malcom Dreyer
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to compare the athletic participation rate of males and females within the high school of study. Freshmen and senior students were surveyed to gather data on the reasons students chose to participate or not participate in athletics. Focus groups were conducted at a local university to further explore why students participated in athletics and why some of these students discontinued their participation in athletics. Focus groups also explored challenges facing athletes and student perceptions of female participation in athletics. Athletic participation data from the high school of study were also taken into consideration. This …
An Exploration Of The Generalization Of Conversational Social Skills For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder Within A Self-Contained Educational Setting, Sara L. Parmeley
An Exploration Of The Generalization Of Conversational Social Skills For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder Within A Self-Contained Educational Setting, Sara L. Parmeley
Dissertations
The researcher taught students with autism 14 years in a public school. For years, her students were part of a social language class and a recess playgroup with typical peers. Though the therapists facilitating those groups observed progress, the researcher witnessed no real-life application outside of class. Students with high-functioning autism had a diagnosis that included poor or lacking social skills and a language delay. Research stated that students on the autism spectrum must be taught social skills and could not be expected to ‘pick up’ skills through simple observation. In order for people to have relationships, go to college, …
Human Resources Administrator Perceptions Of Procedural And Distributive Justice In Performance Appraisals As Predictors Of Satisfaction Among Academic Support Staff, Vanessa R. Germeroth
Human Resources Administrator Perceptions Of Procedural And Distributive Justice In Performance Appraisals As Predictors Of Satisfaction Among Academic Support Staff, Vanessa R. Germeroth
Dissertations
The roles provided by academic support staff workers are critical for institutions, yet the workgroup is often overlooked or underrepresented in scholarly research. Performance appraisal is a necessary component of employment and support staff should experience justice in the appraisal of their performance. The appraisal process for workers should match position descriptions and should align with departmental and institutional strategic goals. A qualitative, phenomenological, interview-based approach was selected for this study. One-on-one interviews occurred to explore the perceptions of human resources administrators at two-year, non-profit community colleges located in three Midwest states in the United States of America. Success in …
Exploring An Act Preparation Course As An Intervention Method For African American Students, Theresa Linette Harris Badgett
Exploring An Act Preparation Course As An Intervention Method For African American Students, Theresa Linette Harris Badgett
Dissertations
In recent years, there has been an interest in the effectiveness of college assessment preparation, which has prompted many studies. The majority of these studies researched instruction/coaching on the Scholastic Assessment Tool (SAT). Notably, the college entrance exam has become a growing concern for minorities, particularly African American students. Prior research by ACT, Inc. (2012, p. 2) has shown African American students rank the lowest in American College Test (ACT) scores of all racial groups. Between 2006 and 2011 the average ACT composite scores increased for White, Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native, and American/Pacific Islanders. Hispanic scores remained unchanged and the …