Education Commons^™

Teacher Retention In The Wake Of The Inclusion Movement: A Mixed Methods Study On Teachers’ Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy, Tessa Vasquez

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation studied the problem of the national teacher shortage by considering the impact of the inclusion movement on general education teachers’ self efficacy. This mixed-methods study sought to contribute to the body of literature examining factors responsible for poor teacher retention and factors responsible for low teacher self-efficacy. Nine participants were interviewed and administered the Teacher Effective Inclusion Self-Efficacy, Knowledge, and Attitudes Measure. The researcher conducted coding and thematic analysis of the interview transcripts and six themes emerged. The researcher scored the questionnaires and compared the scores to the responses provided in the interviews.

Themes revealed that the …

Perceptions Of Mental Health School-Based Team Members On Addressing Suicidal And Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behaviors: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Policy Implementation And Practice In School Settings, Ashlande Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of mental health school-based team members regarding the effectiveness of current prevention and intervention practices for addressing suicidal and non-suicidal self-harming behaviors among school-age children in a large suburban school district in the southern United States. Despite the alarming increase in self-injurious behaviors, with crisis calls rising from 144 incidents in the 2022 school year to 736 incidents in the 2025 school year, the district lacked comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies to effectively address this critical issue.

The researcher used a qualitative phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences and …

Factors That Contribute To Employment Success For Young Adults With Disabilities Completing A Postsecondary Education Program, Leatha Pfanmiller

Theses and Dissertations

The problem addressed in this research was low employment rates for young adults with disabilities. Young adults with disabilities are employed at a much lower rate than their neurotypical peers. The factors identified in this study could be beneficial to other college and postsecondary education (PSE) programs with employment components, to promote higher rates of employment for students with disabilities who attend those institutions.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify factors that contribute to employment success for young adults with disabilities completing a PSE program. The study was conducted at a medium-sized, 4-year, public university in the …

Legislative Impacts On K-12 Social Studies Teacher Identity, Curricular Decision-Making, And Receptiveness To Professional Development, Staci Fisher

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation examines how K-12 public school social studies teachers are navigating their instructional decision-making regarding content about marginalized groups in response to state legislation. Quantitative data were collected through an online Likert-scale survey to measure teachers’ reported agreement on how state legislation has impacted their instructional decision-making, job satisfaction connected to their professional and personal identities, inclusion of instructional materials, and receptiveness to professional development.

Following data collection, the researchers analyzed whether factors of district political context and teachers’ personal and professional identity characteristics predicted their responses. Survey results showed most teachers reported feeling that state legislation has …

Percepción De La Policía De Puerto Rico Sobre La Utilización De Las Cámaras Corporales, Vicente Villegas Laboy

Theses and Dissertations

En Puerto Rico, según la literatura revisada, la investigación sobre el tema de las cámaras corporales policiacas apenas está comenzando. A pesar de esto, en lugares como en los Estados Unidos de América y Europa, si hay estudios relacionados con las cámaras corporales. Estas investigaciones, en su mayoría, se han concentrado en el efecto que causa esta tecnología en los policías que las utilizan, así como, en los ciudadanos que interactúan con estos policías. Este estudio de disertación doctoral explora este tema, pero, desde la percepción del policía que utiliza la cámara corporal, día a día, como parte de su …

The Equitability Of Virtual Public High School Education In Urban School District, Carissa Jury

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Virtual education has become an integral component of modern high school education, particularly in urban districts where diverse student populations require flexible and equitable learning environments. This qualitative study explores the equitability of virtual public high school education in an urban school district, focusing on accessibility, student experiences, and policy implications. Using social constructivism and ecological systems' theory as theoretical frameworks, this research investigates factors influencing equitable outcomes, including access to technology, teacher and community support, and socioeconomic status. Data was collected through structured interviews and focus groups with students and parents engaged in virtual education. Key findings indicate that …

The Geography Of Care: Rural Versus Urban Caregiver Perspectives On Community Resources For Parkinson’S Disease Management, Rebecca Jones

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated the experiences and perceptions of caregivers for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) in rural versus urban settings, with particular emphasis on their access to and utilization of community resources. Through semi-structured interviews with 30 caregivers, the research explored how geographical location impacts caregiving challenges, support systems, and resource accessibility. Using Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use as a theoretical framework, the study revealed both universal caregiving challenges and location-specific barriers. While all caregivers reported significant emotional burden and healthcare system navigation difficulties, rural caregivers faced distinct challenges related to resource accessibility and specialized care availability. …

Understanding The Experiences Of Online Learners In Postsecondary Education: A Phenomenological Study, Tara Woyton

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Online education has expanded access to postsecondary education learning opportunities, yet attrition rates remain disproportionately high compared to traditional, in-person education. This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of seven students who did not persist in their online education at a postsecondary institution, with the goal of identifying barriers to retention and potential strategies for improvement. The study applies Expectancy-Value Theory as a theoretical framework, examining how students’ expectancy beliefs, perceived task value, and perceived costs influenced their motivation and lack of persistence in online learning environments. Using qualitative data collection methods, including questionnaires and in-depth interviews, this study …

Identifying The Agricultural Mechanics Knowledge And Skills Needed By Kentucky Agriculture Teachers, Thomas Poole Jr

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The agricultural industry increasingly relies on complex machinery and technology, creating a need for skilled workers that are proficient in agricultural mechanics. School-based Agricultural Education (SBAE) programs play a crucial role in preparing students for careers in this field. However, many agriculture teachers feel unprepared to teach agricultural mechanics due to gaps in technical skills, self-efficacy concerns, and safety considerations. This study sought to determine the agricultural mechanics knowledge and skills that Kentucky agriculture teachers need to successfully teach agricultural mechanics in SBAE programs across the state. Using Wells et al.'s (2021) Agricultural Teacher Education and Agricultural Industry Partnership Model …

Managing Campus Dissent: An Assessment Of University Responses To Pro-Palestinian Protests, Kathryn S. Walker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

University leaders face challenges navigating student dissent and effectively upholding free speech while encouraging students to view the world from a new perspective. Higher education institutions employ a variety of strategies to handle campus crises and mitigate negative perceptions that may arise. This qualitative research study provides insight into the crisis communication strategies employed by university administrators at ten institutions with the highest number of pro-Palestinian protest days from October 7, 2023, to May 29, 2024, through the analysis of university statements and student newspaper responses. Campus leaders found themselves in a challenging position, unable to satisfy all constituencies. Each …

The Preferred Leadership Styles Of Generation Z Public Educators, Rex Booth

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Amid declining enrollments in teacher preparation programs and increasing teacher turnover, understanding the characteristics of Generation Z, who constitute a substantial portion of the future workforce, is critical for effective recruitment and retention in education. This quantitative study explored the preferred leadership styles of Generation Z public educators in western Kentucky using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). Specifically, it examined preferences for transformational, transactional, and passive-avoidant leadership styles and assessed whether these preferences varied by race, gender, or years of experience. Results revealed a strong preference for transformational leadership, followed by transactional leadership, with a clear aversion to passive-avoidant approaches. …

Teachers Stay And Go: The Impacts Of Agriculture Education Teacher Retention In Georgia, Alisha Richardson, Kristie Guffey

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural education teachers are vital in shaping students' academic and social development while supporting Georgia’s largest economic sector. Despite their importance, the retention of qualified agriculture teachers has remained a persistent challenge since the 1970s (Camp, 1995). This study examined the factors influencing teacher retention in Georgia’s agricultural education programs, to identify actionable strategies to reduce attrition. Findings revealed that supportive workplace environments, strong student relationships, professional learning communities, and mentorship opportunities are key motivators for teacher longevity. Financial incentives and targeted professional development emerged as effective retention tools (Guffey & Young, 2020). In contrast, high levels of stress, particularly …

The Role Of Educational Administrators In Shaping School Culture, Bo B. Culver

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This qualitative multiple-case study explored the role of educational administrators in shaping and sustaining positive school culture across three high schools in Alabama: a suburban public school, a rural public school, and a private Christian academy. Guided by transformational and ethical leadership theories, the study examined how administrators influence school climate, navigate challenges, and respond to external pressures. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and cultural artifact review. Findings revealed that administrators who modeled ethical leadership, maintained visibility, and fostered relational trust were more effective in cultivating inclusive, resilient, and values-driven school cultures. Shared leadership practices and …

The Representation Of Feminine Beauty In Generative Artificial Intelligence Models, Haley R. Stacy

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology advances, its influence on media and societal perceptions becomes increasingly significant. This dissertation explores how popular generative visual AI models represent women and the implications for racial and body type inclusivity. This study examines women’s perceptions of AI-generated representations. Two primary research questions are being explored: (1) How do AI-generated algorithms represent women in visual outputs when prompted with broad beauty-related keywords? (2) How do women perceive their representation in these AI-generated visual outputs? Through a detailed analysis of AI-generated imagery, the research uncovers implicit and explicit biases within these systems. The research also gathered …

An Examination Of The Current Status Of Middle School Agricultural Education And Perceptions Amongst State Ffa Leaders, Alex Holman, Timothy Alexander Holman Jr.

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Middle school agricultural education programs were first officially recognized within the National FFA Organization in 1988 when 7th and 8th grade students were granted FFA membership. This study was conducted to examine the current status of middle school agricultural education programs and the perceptions of state FFA leaders across the United States, especially with the recent addition of 5th and 6th grade students being granted membership. Using a mixed-methods survey distributed to 52 state FFA leaders in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the study gathered enrollment data, participation opportunities, and perceived advantages and disadvantages associated …

Bridging Diversity And Discipline: Stakeholder Perceptions Of Dei And Technical Rigor In Agriculture Education, David A. Yarbrough

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

School-based agricultural education (SBAE) serves as a foundational model for preparing students through classroom instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), and FFA involvement. This study examined the perceptions of Georgia high school agricultural educators regarding how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives impact technical rigor and traditional agricultural knowledge within SBAE programs. Educators reported that DEI efforts did not compromise technical rigor, and traditional elements, such as SAE and FFA, remained central to program success. These findings suggest that inclusion and tradition can coexist, with DEI seen as a complement rather than a conflict with SBAE goals. The results provide valuable …

Transforming Workforce Pipelines: Equity, Credentialing, And Drone-Integrated Apprenticeships In Missouri, Linda S. Stinson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how Missouri integrates drone technology into Registered Youth Apprenticeship and Career and Technical Education programs to develop equitable, credentialed pathways into high-skill careers. Grounded in Human Capital Theory, Credential Signaling Theory, and Transformational Leadership Theory, the research explores how emerging technologies intersect with labor market demands, credential access, and instructional leadership. The literature review highlights both national and international models of scalable apprenticeship systems, emphasizing the role of intermediaries, credential alignment, and early STEM exposure. Missouri’s initiatives, including the Top Drone Academy, serve as a case model for workforce-aligned innovation, yet challenges persist in infrastructure, teacher certification, …

Using The Foundational Numeracy Transformation Cycle To Gain Insights And Perspectives On Teaching And Learning, Brooke Custis

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The Foundational Numeracy Transformation Cycle (FNTC) was created in part to increase the percentage of students with disabilities performing at or above grade level in middle school mathematics. Through professional development and support, the FNTC worked within regional co-ops to increase math proficiency at all grade levels by building instructional capacity in primary educators. In addition to increasing student proficiency, the FNTC also aimed to enhance educator confidence in implementing Mathematical Teaching Practice (MTP) #2. This study used quantitative analysis to determine that participation in the FNTC had no statistically significant effect on student achievement. This study also explored the …

How Did The Covid-19 Pandemic Affect The Educational Level Of Students, Measured By The Act?, Davey A. Reed, Davey A. Reed

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), chronic absenteeism, and ACT performance among Alabama’s 4A public high schools, with a particular focus on how these factors evolved before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a longitudinal design, the research examined data from four academic years: 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2022, 2023, and 2024 (post-COVID). Data were obtained from the Alabama State Department of Education’s public report card portal and included ACT composite scores, school-level SES data, and chronic absenteeism rates. Schools were anonymized to ensure confidentiality and grouped into SES categories (Low, Mid, High) for comparative analysis. A combination …

Belonging, Inclusivity, And Educational Outcomes: A Quantitative Subgroup Analysis Of School Climate, Academic Performance, And Graduation Rates, Au'yana Lee

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

National graduation rates have improved over time; however, persistent disparities reveal that prior reform efforts have not fully addressed the relational and cultural dimensions that shape student experiences. The study examines how students from historically marginalized groups perceive the school climate, inclusivity, and sense of belonging, and how these perceptions relate to their academic performance and on-time graduation. Grounded in the Life Course Perspective, Expectancy-Value Theory, and Social Capital Theory, this study conceptualizes belonging, motivation, and support as interconnected factors that influence students’ educational trajectories. Using a quantitative correlational design, this study examines the associations between students’ perceptions of school …

Bridging Classroom And Competition: How Students With Intellectual Disabilities Learn And Apply Ffa-Related Skills, Skyler Lempert

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Though people often hear about inclusion and differentiation in education and their classroom settings there are questions about the capability and effectiveness of students with moderate to severe disabilities to participate in intra-curricular activities such as the National FFA Organization. Often teachers are tasked with trying to find ways for students to be a part of these experiences with little education on this aspect. This research begins by examining the historical progress of special education, particularly in relation to students with moderate to severe disabilities. It then explores the complex educational needs of this population and how schools have worked …

Georgia Southern University Commencement Programs, Zach S. Henderson Library Special Collections

Finding Aids

This collection consists of programs related to Georgia Southern University’s commencement ceremonies, with coverage from 1910 to 2025. Materials include official commencement programs as well as ancillary materials concerning commencement exercises and related events including student graduate lists.

Factors Influencing Former State Ffa Officers To Forego Careers In Agriculture: A Qualitative Study, Shelby R. Atwood

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explores the factors influencing former State FFA Officers' decisions to pursue careers outside agricultural education and the broader agricultural industry. Despite their deep engagement with the National FFA Organization and exposure to numerous agricultural career opportunities, many former officers do not transition into related professions. Guided by the expectancy-value theory, this research investigates the personal experiences, perceptions, and external factors that shape their career choices. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with former Kentucky State FFA Officers, focusing on their motivations, barriers, and overall perspectives on agricultural careers. Key findings revealed that practical considerations, personal growth, leadership …

Eagle Scouts And The Contributing Factors To Civic Engagement On The College Campus, Blaise Lukasiewicz

All Capstone Projects

The qualitative study followed a general inductive method to determine the influence the rank of Eagle Scout has on civic engagement among students in four-year public higher education institutions. The identified population for this research study was college-aged students who are currently enrolled or have attended public four-year higher education institutions. By exploring the experiences of Eagle Scouts in higher education settings, this research aimed to contribute to our understanding of how participation in the Scouting program and attainment of the Eagle Scout rank shape individuals’ engagement in civic engagement activities during their college years. Previous research suggests that participation …

Perceptions Of Implementation From Higher Education Participants In Online Course Design Professional Development, Scott B. Thesen

All Capstone Projects

Many higher education instructors treat online teaching as a modern form of correspondence, believing students learn on their own when content is placed in a learning management system, but learning also takes place through other forms of interaction beyond solely with content. To show best practices for the online modality, instructors at a Midwest regional mid-sized higher education institution participated in professional development using the Improving Your Online Course (IYOC) workshop from Quality Matters™ (QM), a globally recognized authority in best practices for online course design. Level 3 of Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Training Evaluation was used to evaluate the …

Proximity And Density Of Tobacco Retail Locations To Kentucky Schools And The Relationship To Youth Perceptions Of Harm And Susceptibility To E-Cigarette Use, Hannah Cardona

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Purpose: To explore the potential relationship between tobacco retailer proximity/density around Kentucky elementary, middle, and high schools, and students’ perceptions, perceived norms, susceptibility to, and use of e-cigarettes. Design: A mixed-methods analysis of youth’s self-reported survey results and geographical data. Setting: 106 Kentucky elementary, middle, and high schools which participated in #iCANendthetrend’s tobacco education program between September 2023 and May 2024. Subjects: Convenience sample of students from Ky schools (N = 7,823) Measures: Items assessing e-cigarette use, susceptibility, perceptions, and perceived norms. Analysis: ANOVA tests used to compare responses of elementary, middle, and high school students. Chi-squared tests were used …

Bridging Awareness And Access: Outdoor Recreation And Physical Activity In Eastern Kentucky, Timothy Mckay

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Physical inactivity remains a pressing challenge in Appalachian Kentucky, where high obesity rates intersect with limited access to structured exercise facilities. This dissertation investigated the extent to which participation in outdoor recreation supports adherence to physical activity (PA) recommendations and explored community awareness of local public lands. Surveys from 52 adult participants in Knox County revealed strong engagement in outdoor activity, with participation significantly predicting compliance with national PA guidelines. Educational attainment was also associated with higher rates of PA compliance, pointing to the influence of literacy and awareness in health behaviors. Reliability testing of the Outdoor Physical Activity Attitude …

Exploring College Students’ Motivation For Physical Activity: Applications Of Self-Determination Theory And The Role Of Health And Wellness Education, Anne Russell Blevins

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

This dissertation includes three pieces of writing that aim to show the importance of physical activity for all ages but specifically college-aged students. The first piece of writing (Chapter 2) includes a teaching tip written for the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Research has shown that dance was a subject of the past and many teachers did not feel comfortable teaching it. This practical piece was written to help show K-12 physical education teachers effective ways to involve students in physical activity specifically through teaching dance, mainly through using the “Teaching Dance for Understanding” model.

The second section …

The Effects Habitual Training Shoe Use Has On Running Economy When Transitioning To High Performance Running Shoes, Dalton C. Harris

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Background: The recent increase in popularity of minimal shoes in endurance running is linked to potential improvements in running economy and reduced injury risk. However, high performance running shoes, specifically designed to improve running economy remain the fastest shoe to wear when racing. Purpose: Knowing this, the aim of this paper is to examine whether or not the habitual use of minimal shoes increases the benefits of the high performance shoes. This will guide practitioners and athletes when establishing shoe rotations and training plans during race preparation. Methods: The study consisted of 4 sessions: Sessions 1 and 2 were maximal …

Examining Kentucky Agriculture Teachers’ Use Of Student Credentialing In Agricultural Education Programming, Kaycee J. Palmeri, Kevin T. Wells

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Kentucky agriculture teachers’ perceptions regarding current industry credential offerings, how they operationalize the curricula, knowledge, and skills necessary to prepare for industry credential offerings, and the perceived benefits for students who earn such credentials. The current study was undergirded by human capital theory. Using random sampling across the 12 Kentucky FFA service regions, the researcher collected data from nine current Kentucky agriculture teachers via semi-structured interviews. Further, the researcher used a Qualtrics-based instrument to collect participant demographics data. The analysis of the interview data revealed eight distinct emerging themes. The researcher …