Education Commons^™

Dual Enrollment And Community College Outcomes For First-Time, Full-Time Freshmen: A Quasi-Experimental Study, John M. Grubb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of dual enrollment course participation by comparing first-time, full-time traditional community college students who participated in dual enrollment (N=246) to peers (N=986) that did not participate. Dual enrollment participation was defined as taking one or more dual enrollment courses. The population for this study (N=1,232) included first-time, full-time students who graduated from public high schools in the service area of Northeast State Community College over a five year span from 2008 through 2012. Propensity score matching eliminated self-selection bias by controlling for confounding covariates …

Determining If Custodial Grandparents Of Pre-K - Third Grade Students Perceive Delivery Of Information And Services Offered As Effective In Decreasing Early Chronic Absence, Kimberly S. Cassidy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the delivery of information and services offered to grandparents who had become the primary caregivers of pre-k through third grade students to determine if the information and services were effective in decreasing chronic early absence as defined by Chang and Romero (2008). This mixed-method, multi-case study focused on the perceived needs of custodial grandparents and examined if the school system was meeting their needs through delivery of information and services. The researcher sought participation from 5 custodial grandparents who had grandchildren in pre-k, kindergarten, first, second, or third grades in a Northeast Tennessee school system and whose …

Effects Of A Software Program Vs. Constant Time Delay In The Acquisition Of Sight Words For A Student With Significant Disabilities, Turkie Ali Algharbie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The development of sight words is essential for individuals with significant disability. There is a plethora of research highlighting the acquisition of sight words for this population but to date, most focus on teacher led interventions (Browder, Algrim-Delzell, Spooner, Mims, & Baker, 2009). This study investigated the use of computer technology vs. one-on-one instruction targeting sight words acquisition for a student with a significant disability. Results showed the participant indicated improved performance using the computer based intervention versus the constant time delay instructor led intervention.

Student And Faculty Views Of Important Elements Of Teaching In Associate Level Allied Health Programs, Jennifer N. Burrell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teaching requires constant adapting, and need to continually reflect, and be ready to make changes when teaching elements may not prove effective. The purpose of this study was to examine faculty and student views of effective elements of teaching in an associate level allied health program. Surveys were collected from associate degree seeking allied health students and full-time faculty currently employed at a technical college in the northeastern region of the state of Georgia. The results showed a high confidence level with little to no difference in mean confidence levels between faculty and student responses on 15 Likert-scaled questions. Two …

University Honors Program Newsletters, Honors Program, Georgia Southern University

Honors College Newsletters (2014-2019)

• Congratulations Fall 2015 Graduates!
• Connor Rentz’s Film Career Takes Flight with Virgin America
• Honors Research Symposium

Retention Of Community College Students In Online Courses, Sarah Krajewski

Dissertations

The issue of attrition in online courses at higher learning institutions remains a high priority in the United States. A recent rapid growth of online courses at community colleges has been instigated by student demand, as they meet the time constraints many nontraditional community college students have as a result of the need to work and care for dependents. Failure in an online course can cause students to become frustrated with the college experience, financially burdened, or to even give up and leave college. Attrition could be avoided by proper guidance of who is best suited for online courses. This …

Availability Of Tuition Assistance Funding Effects On Educational Pursuits, Geneva M. Dooley

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to investigate how the availability of tuition assistance funding effects the educational pursuits of marines stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico during fiscal years 2013 and 2014.

Residential Programs For Chronically Homeless Adults: Exploring How One Nonprofit Agency Transitioned From A Treatment First To A Housing First Model, Camilla Peters

Education Doctoral

This qualitative, single-case study explored the strategic planning one nonprofit agency assumed when transitioning from a treatment first to a housing first model. Data collected included both archival data and individual interviews. Archival data consisted of the strategic plan, policy and procedures, and newspaper articles. A purposeful sample of agency administrators participated in individual interviews. Data analysis revealed the agency’s internal initiative to transition and the importance of using staff at all levels to develop the strategic plan. Additionally, the study revealed the agency did not successfully transition to a traditional housing first model due to several external barriers, but …

School Principal Support: A Qualitative Study Of Teachers’ Lived Experiences In Urban, Suburban, And Rural Schools, Larry C. Schmiegel

Education Doctoral

This study sought to understand, through their lived experiences, teachers’ perceptions of school principals’ personal support and professional support and what influence, if any, it had on the teachers’ level of commitment to their schools. Teacher consistency and proficiency contribute to an increase in student achievement; however, 50% of educators in the United States leave the profession within their first five years of employment. The literature lacks specificity with regard to teachers’ perception of support from their school principal. This study explored the following research questions: (a) How do teachers describe school principal personal support and professional support? (b) How …

“Sometimes The Jocks Are The Nerds…If That Makes Sense”: Boys’ Practice Of Intra-Gender Policing In A High School Where Staff Suggest Inclusivity, Kelly Clark

Education Doctoral

Orthodox masculinity is defined by compulsory heterosexuality, homophobia, and anti-femininity. The literature suggests there is intense peer pressure for boys to conform to orthodox masculinity during adolescence. Boy’s use of intra-gender policing behaviors—joking, teasing, bullying and violence—is meant to force or reinforce strict orthodox masculine performance. Intra-gender policing often leads to shame and humiliation for many boys. Inclusive masculinity theory (Anderson 2009) suggests however, that boys’ culture is changing. The literature documents the existence of inclusive school-based peer cultures where boys are not homophobic, embrace the feminine, and eschew violence. Using inclusive masculinity as the theoretical framework, this study posed …

The Role Of Racial-Ethnic Identity And Family Socialization On Student Engagement: Latino Youth In Select New York City Independent Schools, Sandra Kei Chapman

Education Doctoral

This study explored if there is a statistically significant positive correlation between racial-ethnic identity, family socialization, and student engagement for Latino youth attending select New York City independent schools. Independent schools prepare students well for academic success however; national trends show Latino students are at risk of academic disengagement. Racial-ethnic self-schemas that focus on connectedness, awareness of racism, and embedded achievement serve as a protective buffer for Latino youth who face academic barriers. Racial-ethnic identity that is supported by family socialization is also associated with an increase in youths’ academic self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to explore how …

Transformational Leadership: Transmitting An Educational Reform Agenda In A Low Performing Urban Middle School Using Innovative Strategies, Such As Hip-Hop And High Interest Curriculum, Shango A. Blake

Education Doctoral

After 12 years since the enactment of the No Child Left Behind legislation and six years of Race to the Top national educational policy, both designed to address the educational achievement gap and improve many of America’s failing schools, the persistence of failing schools in urban communities continues to exist. This problem demands bold, innovative, even non-traditional initiatives. The research of this dissertation, called the Queens Middle School (QMS) Study, looks to determine the strategies implemented by a transformational leader at a low performing Queens, New York middle school, 10 years ago, in a manner that reveals new educational models …

The Extent To Which Annual Professional Performance Reviews Change Classroom Instructional Practice: A Sequential Mixed-Methods Study Of Teacher Evaluations In Central New York, Susan T. Vickers

Education Doctoral

An exploratory, sequential, mixed-methods study examined the extent to which teachers of English, math, science, and social studies of Grades 9-12 change classroom practices based upon the implementation of the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) mandated by New York State Education Law §3012-c. Qualitative data in phase one of the study informed the survey in phase two. Critical components of classroom practice were identified in a focus group where five lead evaluators organized the study into two themes: lesson planning and classroom atmosphere. A second focus group of six teachers identified 20 impetuses that promote changes in classroom instructional practice. …

Emotional Intelligence And Employee Engagement: A Quantitative Study To Explore The Relationship Between The Emotional Intelligence Of Frontline Managers And Supervisors And The Degree Of Employee Engagement Of Their Direct Reports In A Tertiary Care Health Care Setting, Derrick Suehs

Education Doctoral

The health care industry is moving from a volume-based, fee-for-service financial reimbursement system to a value-based purchasing model. These changes have caused substantial challenges in the delivery of care. Hospital leaders must conduct business differently to lower cost, improve safety outcomes, and be more efficient and effective. Numerous studies show engaged employees improve operational performance. Past studies point to leaders with high emotional intelligence who are effective at engaging employees. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a statistically significant correlation between frontline managers and supervisors’ emotional intelligence and the degree of engagement of their direct …

Assessing Student Perception And Impact Of The Use Of In-Class Tutoring Support, Cathleen J. Dotterer

Education Doctoral

Student success and retention have become a top priority for institutions of higher education. Although much research has been conducted to determine what factors may cause a college student to be unsuccessful or leave an institution, no one reason has been identified. While student factors contributing to student success are sometimes beyond the institution’s control, providing innovative methods of academic support has been found to assist students in being successful in continuing the pursuit of a degree. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact and student perceptions of the use of an in-class tutoring support on students’ …

Measures Of Success: Developing An Understanding Of Students Enrolled In Community College Educational Opportunity Programs In The State University Of New York System, Christopher Lawrence Hockey

Education Doctoral

Community colleges have become a major national- and state-level focal point to increase the number of credentials awarded. Academically underprepared students may not be entering community colleges to earn a credential. This quantitative study examined students enrolled in community college Educational Opportunity Programs (EOPs) in the State University of New York from the perspectives of student-defined goal completion, self-efficacy, and perceptions of the EOP. The study used secondary data available from the State University of New York’s Office of Institutional Research as well as an online survey instrument. Results of the study showed a multivariate relationship between goal completion, enrollment …

Indirect Victimization And Community Violence Exposure: An Examination Of Urban Public School Graduates And Getting Through, A. Najah Salaam Jennings-Bey

Education Doctoral

Najah Salaam Jennings-Bey is a longtime resident of Syracuse, NY with roots in NYC. She graduated from the Syracuse City School District and has dedicated her life to social justice for unserved and underserved communities. Growing up in a high-crime, gang-populated neighborhood, Salaam Jennings-Bey experienced, firsthand, the negative impact of street violence. Despite the psychological and emotional challenges associated with living in a high-crime neighborhood, her motivation to graduate from high school was to give back to her community. Education was the vehicle. For over 15 years, Salaam Jennings-Bey has served urban and rural communities throughout Central New York in …

Ways Of Knowing, Learning, And Being: Exploration Of The Educational Culture, Learning Experiences, And The Persistence Of Male Students In Associate Degree Nursing Programs In New York State, Loretta G. Quigley

Education Doctoral

Currently, studies show that men are underrepresented in the nursing profession. The Health Resources and Services Administration (2013) found that although men comprise 49% of the population, only 9% of the nursing workforce is male. Additionally, there are predictions of an impending nursing shortage, related in part to an ageing nursing workforce and health care reform. Increasing the number of men could be a possible solution to the shortage. This may be accomplished by retaining male students in nursing education, although studies have identified many factors that impact negatively on their retention. The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and …

An Exploratory Investigation Of Tele-Counseling: Looking At The Power Of Therapeutic Alliance In Improving Wellness, Jorge Rostro

Theses and Dissertations

The present study explored the power of one tele-counseling session to elicit change within post wellness ratings scores and the relationship between clients’ perceptions of relationship, goals and topics, approach and method, and overall session with clients’ wellness ratings. Results indicated that the mean for post-session wellness was significantly greater than pre-test wellness ratings. The standardized effect size, d, was .43, indicative of a moderate effect size. No difference was found between client’s perceptions of predictor variables with post-wellness rating scores. This study adds support for the use of tele-counseling services as one session might have the power to elicit …

Exploring Hispanic Teacher Candidates' Beliefs About The Value Of Play In Children's Learning And Development, Diana H. Cortez-Castro

Theses and Dissertations

Play has been globally recognized as valuable to children's learning and development (Frost et al., 2012). The value of play is acknowledged as a developmentally appropriate practice in part because it fosters cognitive, physical, emotional, and social benefits to children. Play is also known as a human right that should be protected. However, in the past five decades there has been a significant decline of play due to multiple and interrelated factors, which are having dire consequences on children's learning and developmental possibilities (Almon & Miller, 2011; Gray, 2013). Due to the challenges posed by the current educational climate, in …

Enhancing Academic Achievement And Satisfaction By Flipping The Teacher Preparation Classroom, Rene R. Zuniga

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared flipped classrooms versus online courses to study the effects of the two instructional methodologies on student achievement and satisfaction in an undergraduate Introduction to Education, EDUC 1301, course. Students self-matriculated in either traditional EDUC 1301 courses which were flipped or in EDUC 1301 online courses. Students' final grades were used to assess student achievement in both teaching methodologies. An end-of-course student evaluation of instructor performance was used to assess students' satisfaction in the courses. A casual comparative research design was used to examine the effectiveness of both teaching methodologies. There was no differences between the two instructional …

The Effect Of A Writing Course On The English Language Arts State Assessment Examination In A South Texas High School, Esmeralda V. Munoz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact a writing course will have on test scores for At-Risk students who are taking the English I and/or English II State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness End-of-Course exam. The group analyzed was comprised of 2nd and 3rd year cohort students.

Influence Of Property School Wealth On Fifth Grade Student Achievement In Reading And Mathematics, Jesus R. Reyna

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether, or to what extent, property wealth of the upper and lower 5% districts, per pupil expenditure, limited English proficient students, economically disadvantaged students, membership, and teacher experience contribute to student achievement in 5th grade reading and mathematics. To do this, the fifth grade reading and math achievement scores, based on the TAKS Assessments, to represent student achievement were evaluated against district wealth, per pupil expenditure, economic disadvantage, limited English language proficiency, membership, and years of teaching experience of teachers for the years 2009, 2010, and 2011. A combination of descriptive statistics, …

Radiography Clinical Instructors' Perceptions Of The Transition From Technologist To Educator, Christina G. Lee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Radiologic technologists who transition into the role of clinical instructor are usually expert practitioners but may lack knowledge of best practices regarding student instruction and evaluation. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to investigate how CIs experience the transition from practitioner to educator and what knowledge or education of best practices of instruction and evaluation they bring to the position. This study consisted of interviews with radiography CIs from one associate degree radiography program in the southeastern part of the United States. While some CIs felt prepared to transition into the CI role, none of them had previously …

Minecraft In The Math Classroom, Aaron J. Hultstrand

Senior Honors Theses

The spread of technology is creating the need for teachers to evolve and adapt their strategies within the classroom. Teachers must continually improve upon their technological integration in order to teach students ever more effectively. Game-based learning has recently gained prominence as a plausible use of technology in the classroom. This thesis will discuss the classroom implications and application of game-based learning. Specifically, the use of the video game Minecraft in the high school math classroom will be examined. The potential of Minecraft as an effective teaching tool to advance the quality of student learning will be examined through a …

Trust Within Higher Education Consortia – A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Directors And Leaders, James A. Yankech

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Trust is a foundational element for success within a higher education consortium. Defined as a group of colleges and universities united through collective effort, a consortium allows member institutions to achieve more cooperatively than alone. However these same institutions still compete in many ways – for students, government appropriations, and research dollars as examples. Therefore a balance must be struck between institutional and consortium interests. As a result trust between and among member institutions of a consortium becomes an important phenomenon to be understood. This study examined the phenomenon of trust from the perspective of consortia directors and leaders. Two …

Parents’ Reasons For Choosing Non-Public Non-Denominational Elementary Schools For Low Socioeconomic Students In Alabama: A Mixed-Methods Study, Kyle A. Francis-Thomas

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine parents’ reasons for choosing Non-Public Non-Denominational Elementary Schools for low socioeconomic students in Alabama. Low socioeconomic students were defined as students who qualified for free/reduced lunches. The research was designed as a mixed methods study with data being collected via an online survey and interviews. This study fills a gap in the literature about parents’ reasons for choosing Non-Public Non-Denominational Elementary Schools for low socioeconomic students in Alabama.

Based on the literature there are many possible reasons for parents choosing to send their children to private schools. The literature indicated that …

“Do You Understand The Words That Are Coming Out Of My Mouth?” The African American Student Experience With Academic Discourse In A Community College, Ebony Caldwell

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this study was to examine academic discourse as a factor contributing to the lack of persistence for African American students in community college. The participants for the study consisted of eight students currently enrolled at a midsized community college in Western New York. The participant’s experiences revealed four major themes that cut across the entire sample with a consistent pattern of students reporting both benefits and consequences in relation to academic discourse. These included: (a) Break this down please!- which examined how understanding and comprehension of language can be a barrier for African American community college students; …

Elementary School Principals’ Experiences Working With Autism Spectrum Disorder Students In An Urban Setting: A Grounded Theory Study, Kimberly M. Harris

Education Doctoral

With an increase in students being classified as on the Autism Spectrum, the responsibilities of principals have also increased. The rise in the number of students having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has presented behavioral and academic challenges for public school principals. Research has demonstrated that principals, who focus on instructional issues, who are knowledgeable about special education laws and ASD, can produce enhanced student outcomes. Using a grounded theory design, the present study examined how principals develop their knowledge of students with autism. Study participants were 11 elementary principals who directly supervised ASD classrooms. Data was gathered using individual …

An Evaluation And Exploration Of Nutrition Education In Elementary Schools, Elisha M. Hall

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Childhood obesity is a significant problem in the United States. Obese children suffer from a variety of physical, emotional, and social consequences. To curb or reduce this problem, school-based nutrition education interventions have become more common. However, little research has been conducted concerning nutrition-related socioeconomic disparities in behavior change constructs for low and high income children, which is integral to forming appropriate theory-based interventions and allocating resources appropriately. Research into classroom teachers’ perspectives is also an area in need of strengthening to better inform interventions. Finally, the School Enrichment Kit Program (SEKP), a current interactive, classroom-based, nutrition and physical activity …