Education Commons^™

The Impact On General Education Preschool Teachers Mainstreaming Children With Special Needs: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study That Aims To Explore General Education Preschool Teacher Experiences Regarding Challenges And Strategies When Mainstreaming Students With Special Needs In The General Education Preschool Classroom, Magdalena Tapia Lamas

Dissertations

Purpose: This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore general education preschool teacher experiences regarding challenges and strategies faced in differentiating instruction while engaging and supporting all students in learning based on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.Methodology: This qualitative phenomenological methodology was conducted using semistructured interview questions with 12 general education preschool teachers. Results of interviews and an artifact collection and review were used to analyze how general education preschool teachers described their experiences regarding challenges and strategies faced in differentiating instruction, based on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).

Findings: The findings from the study indicate …

Situated Learning Within A Transition Program For Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Hannah M. Drew

All Dissertations

Through a lens of situated learning through legitimate peripheral participation (Lave et al., 1991), findings from this study suggested design elements of a transition program supported language participation among youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Program stakeholders described ways in which a program afforded access to two distinct communities of practice, situated in authentic contexts in a workplace setting. Communities in a training room and in genuine internship experiences offered unique opportunities for youth to participate in socially situated practices to varying degrees. Using tools, including language, stakeholders described how youth engaged in contextualized language practices alongside community members. Perspectives …

Evaluating The Effects Of Literacy-Embedded Play Centers On The Academic Success And Social Emotional Learning Behavior Of Kindergarteners, Jennie Danneman

Education Doctorate Dissertations

This study investigates the impact of literacy-embedded play centers (LEPCs) on kindergarten students academic and social emotional achievement, demonstrating the need for play in the educational setting. This research is significant as previous studies have not explored the connection between LEPCs and academic achievement or social-emotional learning. A month-long study using a control and experimental group was conducted in one kindergarten classroom. The experimental group participated in 15 minutes a day of LEPCs. Pre-test and posttest data were collected and analyzed. The results indicated that LEPCs had a considerable impact on students’ academic achievement, and no significant impact on their …

The Effects Of An Administrator’S Years Of Service On A K-12 School’S Culture Perceived By Teachers, Mitchell S. Schank

Education Doctorate Dissertations

This correlative study explored the relationship between the length of service of K-12 administrators and teachers’ perception of school cultures in public schools. The study used a correlation analysis to determine significance in these two variables. Three key domains were used to measure school culture: engagement, safety, and environment. Data was collected through a survey using a modified questionnaire from the ED School Climate Survey (EDSCLS) to assess perceptions of school culture. These findings found no significant correlation between the length of service of administrators and teachers’ perceptions of school culture. R2 values of each domain were below 0.1, showing …

2025 Summer - Veterans Upward Bound Newsletter, Veterans Upward Bound, East Tennessee State University

Veterans Upward Bound Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Narratives Of Resistance: Undergraduate Chicanas Navigating The World With Critical Literacy And A Mestiza Praxis, Elena Marquez

Education (PhD) Dissertations

Against a backdrop of rising fascism in the racial-capitalist patriarchy of the U.S., this dissertation study explores the questions, “How do Chicanas in undergraduate programs develop criticality to take action against systems of oppression, and how do they make sense of their social positioning, and what leads them to activism?” This narrative study utilized the theoretical frameworks of critical pedagogy and Chicana feminist epistemology. Guided by decolonizing methodologies, the findings include the narratives of five Chicanas devised from one-on-one research conversations, as well as cross-case data from small group discussions. The themes that emerged from the data led to the …

Notes For The Stalled, V17n08, May 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Rod Library.

Rod Library newsletter: Notes for the Stalled

Contents:

--- De Stress Days
--- Extended Hours
--- Work in Progress
--- Congratulations!

Mentorship As Experienced By Black Woman In Stem At Predominantly White Institutions, Chelsei Lasha Arnold

Honors Theses

Black female college students have experienced a marginalized history in STEM higher education. Although students associated with this identity are enrolling and earning college degrees at historic rates, there is a gap in the resources available, especially at predominantly white institutions (PWIs), for these students once they reach collegiate level. The goal of this study is to examine the role of mentorship in the lived experiences of Black women STEM students at PWIs. I used interpretive phenomenological analysis on transcribed interviews to examine psychological patterns, and then I carefully analyzed the phenomenon of being mentored. Through the analysis, I sought …

Differentiated Instruction For Students With Special Needs: “How Can We Better Equip Students, School Systems, And Society For Differentiated Instruction For Students With Special Needs In Career And Technical Educational Environments?”, Mikala A. Highsmith

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a vital role in preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce by providing essential knowledge, technical skills, and industry-recognized certifications. As the number of students with disabilities, including neurodivergent learners, continues to rise, CTE programs face increasing pressure to adopt innovative, inclusive educational practices. Integrating creative teaching strategies and leveraging technology are now critical tools in addressing diverse learning needs that promote effective classroom management and enhance student engagement. Moreover, CTE programs emphasize the development of professional competencies, workforce protocols, and transferable skills that strengthen students’ employability across industries. This paper examines …

Optimal Time Of Training To Prioritize Sleep, Stress, Recovery And Performance In Student-Athletes, Ryan E. Mutzner

Leadership Education Capstones

This study investigated the impact of training time—morning versus afternoon—on the sleep, stress, recovery, and performance of high school student-athletes. With increasing demands placed on student-athletes, particularly during the academic year, understanding how training schedules influence both physiological and psychological well-being is critical. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from ten student-athletes over six training sessions through self-reported surveys and performance testing via Counter-Movement Jump (CMJ) assessments. The study found that afternoon athletes consistently reported longer sleep durations and higher peak performance, while morning athletes demonstrated better sleep quality and more consistent performance across sessions. Afternoon participants experienced higher …

Bridging The Gap: Analyzing The Impact Of The On Track Program On Academic Achievement And Retention Rates Of Academic Warning Students, Tyler J. Peil

Leadership Education Capstones

This thesis examines the effectiveness of a college program called the OnTrack Program, which addresses achievement gaps, improves retention rates, and boosts academic performance for its students considered "at-risk." The study analyzes data from two groups: Students who qualified for the On Track program and chose not to participate, and students who enrolled in the On Track program. Through both quantitative measures of research, such as GPA and retention statistics, as well as qualitative measures of researchers, such as student testimonials, the research investigates whether the targeted academic support significantly impacts students' educational outcomes and student experience. By evaluating the …

Using A Process Evaluation In Extension Programming: Takeaways For Teams, Cristina Connolly, Jeantyl Norze, Stacey F. Stearns

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Health fields use process evaluations to measure how closely an intervention aligns with its intended delivery. Despite their potential for improving Cooperative Extension programming and impacts, process evaluations are not widely used outside the medical sciences. We adapted the process evaluation framework for Extension use. The components assess project components such as content, dose delivered, dose received, and reach, as well as moderating factors such as quality of delivery, participant responsiveness, complexity, facilitation strategy, recruitment, and context. The modified process evaluation framework was used to assess an Extension project in the Northeast region of the U.S. Extension teams in the …

Growing Pains: Assessing The Strategic Organizational Communication Approaches Of An Expanding Extension Organization, Anissa M. Mattox, Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Lauri Baker, Angela B. Lindsey

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

As social structures evolve, strategic organizational communication (SOC) must also evolve for organizations to best meet the ever-changing needs of stakeholders. Assessing communications can guide the direction of an organization while also elevating the organization to the next level. For this study, researchers assessed the SOC strategy of the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) through qualitative focus groups. Results of this study revealed internal communication and resources provided by the organization were perceived as positive communication approaches, while external communication and visibility were identified as negative communication approaches. Other Extension organizations could benefit from the results of this research as …

Investigating Teacher Practice In Designing Educational Digital Games To Improve L2 Chinese Word Recognition Skills, Shutan Dong

Educational Studies Dissertations

This study explores the design strategies and pedagogical principles that shape digital games for developing second-language (L2) Chinese word recognition skills. Drawing on design documents, reflective journals, and design notes, it analyzes the game development process, the reasoning behind design choices, and their perceived effectiveness and challenges. The analysis is grounded in established game-based learning frameworks and second language acquisition theories. Findings reveal that the practitioner employs five design strategies: learning alignment, cultural contextualization, achievement mechanics, user-centric navigation, and functional aesthetics. These strategies are shaped by pedagogical principles, including scaffolding, multimodal learning, active learning and immediate feedback, as well as …

May 2025 Cafe Newsletter, Center For Advancing Faculty Excellence

CAFE Faculty Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Examination Of Language Sample Analysis In Children Who Are D/Hh Using Clan, Caroline G. Stewart

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

Hearing is the building block of developing receptive and expressive oral language skills used to effectively communicate. Children who experience hearing loss typically experience delays in phonological, morphological, semantic, and even pragmatic development. Understanding the specific language challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing (D/hh) young preschool-age children is crucial for developing targeted intervention strategies aimed at optimizing their language development. This research aims to analyze the nuanced aspects of phonological, morphological, semantic, and pragmatic language development among D/hh children, shedding light on areas that may require specialized support. The preliminary research will inform best practices in language assessment …

Resiliency Training For Music Therapy Students During Fieldwork Experiences, Crystal Weaver

Dissertations

All music therapy undergraduate and equivalency students in the United States must complete 1,200 hours of fieldwork experience to obtain degree conferment from an accredited and approved higher education program (American Music Therapy Association, 2023b, p. 1). While engaging in fieldwork had several benefits for music therapy students, such as the opportunity to build practical experience and refine skills, the experience also involved several challenges (Forinash, 2019; Tien & Trang, 2020). A challenge not yet thoroughly examined by faculty and staff within higher education music therapy programs was student mental health. To date, researchers had not examined the prevalence of …

Affordable Architecture: Promoting Mental Health Through Cost-Effective Design In Underfunded High Schools In Dallas-Fort Worth, Raphaella Malicay

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Mental health awareness has increased over the years as well as numerous strategies to support mental health. Some of these strategies include addressing the built environment. This paper explores the intersection between mental health and the built environment through the lens of affordable architectural methods that would be effective in underfunded secondary schools. This study examines how architecture influences students’ well-being and how certain design strategies can be implemented even in schools that lack the financial resources for adequate infrastructure. Here the focus is on investigating affordable solutions such as improving ventilation, optimizing natural light, having flexible learning spaces, and …

The Barriers Preventing Generational Diversity In The Workplace: A Design-Based Research Study On Generational Diversity In The Workplace, Bryan T. Benke

Dissertations

Generational diversity poses numerous challenges within organizations, primarily as workplaces can now encompass up to five generations (BasuMallick, 2020). The scholar-practitioner explored various facets of generational diversity, highlighting barriers that impact the work environment, employee behavior, communication, knowledge transfer, technology adoption, management decisions, employer obligations, and cultural disparities. Despite increasing recognition of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), entrenched biases persist, perpetuating stereotypes and marginalizing different generational cohorts (Fasbender & Gerpott, 2022; Gates, 2023; Renstrom, 2020; St. Aubin, 2019). Research revealed deficiencies in emotional intelligence (EI) among apprentices, particularly in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, alongside challenges in achieving …

A Mixed Methods Study On Teacher Knowledge And Its Influence On Reducing Math Anxiety In Students, Shannon E. Cruz

Dissertations

Math anxiety has been a cause for concern in many people's lives before research commenced on its impact on math performance and learning. The dissertation in practice was focused on how a teacher’s lack of preparation and tools to support students with math anxiety could be changed in the field of education. Using a design thinking-based process, the student researcher identified a research question about how professional development about math anxiety helps teachers understand and support affected students while analyzing two null hypotheses regarding teacher understanding and ability to support students. Once the knowledge gap was identified, the student researcher …

A Pedagogy Of One: Engaging The ‘Missing Middle’ Toward Inclusion In Education, Jess H. Mitchell

Full-Text Theses & Dissertations

Attempts to implement inclusion practices in post-secondary education have heretofore focused mainly on diverse modes of content, presentation, delivery (tactical), and/or on largely abstract academic and policy calls to awareness of systemic social inequities (socioemotional).

This thesis argues that both strategies are necessary, but not sufficient to action an effective and implementable inclusive pedagogical practice. This thesis is an exploration of what is missing beyond the tactical and the socioemotional—conceptualizing how to address a gap in actioning inclusion. Arriving at that framework for understanding what is missing requires exploring barriers that persist in access to equitable education. This work is …

Supporting Novice Programmers With Scaffolded And Open-Ended Generative Ai Interfaces: Insights From A Design-Based Research Study, Justin Olmanson, Azadeh Hassani, Gretchen K. Larsen

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

In this study, we explore student experiences in coding and learning programming with scaffolded and unscaffolded generative AI interfaces. Specifically, we supported higher education students in using ChatGPT, an open ended interface for interacting with generative AI; and Giuseppe, a specialized interface with an OpenAI backend service that offers personalized supports specifically for helping students overcome early-stage challenges in learning to code, and working on education technology prototyping projects. This study contributes to the field by offering design insights for scaffolding initial learning interactions between generative AI interfaces and novice programmers. Our findings suggest that those new to coding welcome …

Exploring The Impact Of Inclusive Education Knowledge On School Administrators' Attitudes: A Quantitative Analysis Of Influencing Factors And Leadership Preparedness, Michelle Everitt

Education (PhD) Dissertations

Federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establish the legal foundation for inclusive education and mandate that students with disabilities (SWD) receive access to education in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). To achieve the high-stakes accountability standards of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), schools are also responsible for ensuring academic progress for all students, including those with disabilities. However, simply complying with these policies does not guarantee meaningful participation for SWD. School administrators play a central role in advancing inclusive education, yet …

Pláticas, Reflexiones, Y Resistencia: Exploring How First-Generation Latino Males Leverage Community Cultural Wealth In Education-Based Doctoral Programs, Daniel Noriega

Education (PhD) Dissertations

The Latino/a community is the largest ethnic minority group in the United States and continues to grow. Although enrollment in higher education is on the rise, Latino/a students complete their degrees at lower rates than their white counterparts. This disparity is further magnified when accounting for gender, with Latina women outpacing Latino men at every educational milestone. Disparities in doctorate attainment lead to the underrepresentation of Latino men in student support or leadership positions, which may negatively impact the success of Latino students. This qualitative study examines how First-Generation Latino males leverage Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) to navigate systemic barriers …

The Effectiveness Of Science Instruction With Digital Simulations In Elementary Settings For Quantitative Sensemaking, Joelle Prate

Education (PhD) Dissertations

The importance of elementary science education is well-documented, but many challenges persist, including a lack of time, space, and materials needed for students to have hands-on lab experiences. As a result, many students in California are falling behind, with less than one-third of all fifth graders meeting or exceeding standards in standardized test reporting. This study sought to employ single-case design methods and combine the best practices in sensemaking approaches with virtual simulations to determine whether these practices would provide effective intervention and improve students’ blended math and science sensemaking abilities at the qualitative and quantitative levels, as well as …

One-To-One Chromebook Best Practices In Secondary-Level English Language Arts Classrooms, Jonathan M. Cook

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This hermeneutic phenomenological study aims to examine the lived experiences of secondary-level English Language Arts (ELA) teachers to better understand what, if any, best practices exist for the use of one-to-one Chromebooks in these teachers’ classrooms. Seventeen participants agreed to be interviewed for this study. All participants had at least two years of teaching experience and at least two years of Chromebook experience. Interviews took place over Zoom and were digitally recorded. Five common themes emerged from these collected data: 1) the importance of training; 2) the frequently problematic oversight from administrators; 3) the overall lack of innovation in classroom …

East Tennessee General And Special Education High School Teachers' Perceptions Of Co-Teaching In Core Academic Classrooms, Michael A. Sanders

Ed.D. Dissertations

In April 2023, Tennessee legislators implemented rigorous graduation requirements for all students, disabled and non-disabled, including Algebra II and Chemistry or Physics. The legislators created angst among school leaders and educators across the state due to the more rigorous graduation requirements and the lack of qualified math, science, and special education teachers to help meet those new requirements. I found a lack of research on guidance for educators in how to address the changing of Tennessee’s high school graduation requirements in 2023. I also found a lack of research on how to better instruct special education and general education high …

Pre-Kindergarten Teachers' Perceptions Of Teaching Early Literacy Skills Incorporating The Science Of Reading, Sarah Dunn Cheek

Ed.D. Dissertations

Since every student has the right to receive a high-quality education that fosters reading proficiency, researchers have conducted considerable research on the most effective ways to teach students to read for many years. Researchers highlighted the importance of literacy instruction based on the science of reading. Still, there was a gap in the research on this type of instruction in pre-kindergarten classrooms. The purpose of my qualitative, interpretive study was to explore East Tennessee pre-kindergarten teachers’ perceptions of their abilities to implement science of reading-based literacy instruction and how these teachers were implementing this instruction in their classrooms. After collecting …

An Exploration In Using Aesthetic Creative Modalities In Professional Supervision, Linda Young

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This project examines the integration of aesthetic and creative modalities into professional supervision, traditionally dominated by conversation-based methods. Drawing on over thirty years of experience in education, ministry, and supervision, it addresses the need for more creative, diverse, expressive, and reflective tools to be used in professional supervision practice. The study proposes a theoretically and theologically grounded curriculum to equip supervisors in postgraduate training with creative approaches that enrich learning, insight, and practice within the evolving landscape of professional supervision in Australia.

Baby, Did You Get Your Diploma?: The Lived Experiences Of Formerly Incarcerated African American Men In The Pursuit And Attainment Of College Degrees, Charles D. Gidney

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of formerly incarcerated African American men in the pursuit and attainment of college degrees. This qualitative study examined the post-incarceration educational journeys of eight men. Formerly incarcerated African American men were selected based on the limited amount of academic research that exists targeting this student demographic. A broad cross section of educational attainment was represented in this study with two participants possessing PhD’s; one doctoral candidate; two doctoral students; and three undergraduate students (one freshman, one sophomore, and one junior). At the time of the study their ages ranged …