Education Commons^™

The Relationship Between Parental Engagement And Student Hope In Adolescent Students: A Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, Monique Danielle Ray

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, predictive, correlational study aims to determine the influence of parental engagement, comprised of its multiple individual factors, on psychological hope in adolescent students. The importance of this study is grounded in the development of national programs such as the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which seeks to support the family-school relationship as a critical component in student success and in the research literature that strongly links parental engagement to student academic achievement and social outcomes essential to children’s educational attainment. In this study, 112 students were randomly selected from two schools. Parents completed an anonymous, digital version of the …

Academic Performance, Violent Community Crimes, And Socioeconomic Status Of Chicago Public Schools' Students: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Bria Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe how community violence and low socioeconomic status influence the academic achievement gap among minority students at Chicago Public Schools. The theory guiding this study is Ogbu's theory as it relates to how forces within the community influence the academic performance of minority students. The research study addresses the following central research question: How do the experiences of marginalized students influence their academic performance? The methodology used includes individual interviews, focus groups, and journal prompts. Based on the analysis of interviews, focus groups, and journal responses from the 12 participants, four major …

A Quantitative Casual-Comparative Study To Determine The Difference In Perception Of Inclusive Education Among Teachers In Preschool, Elementary And Middle School, Boimah G. Sayway

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, causal-comparative research examines differences in Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices (TEIP) scores based on perceptions of inclusive education among preschool, elementary, and middle school teachers. The study involved a survey of 450 teachers from three districts in a large Eastern city in the U.S., yielding 159 responses, which surpasses the minimum sample size of 126. Researchers assessed teachers' self-efficacy in inclusive instruction, collaboration, and behavior management using the TEIP scale, analyzing the data with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and a One-Way ANOVA. There was a statistically significant difference found between preschool and both elementary …

Fearfully And Wonderfully Made, Addressing The Lack Of Special Needs Leadership At Fusion Church In Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Christina Martinez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Problem this student seeks to address is that Fusion Church in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, lacks special needs leadership services.

The world views special needs individuals as a burden, but God views them as anointed sons and daughters. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus tells his disciples to let the children come to him and not to hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. This serves as a reminder that he wants every one of his followers to come to him with the hearts of children. Special needs children and adults have hearts filled with …

Teacher Learning Communities: A Qualitative Case Study Of Professional Development In Special Education, Tiffany D. Rowland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to discover the collaboration in teacher learning communities (TLCs) to support the growth of students with disabilities for special education teachers at a middle school in South Georgia. The theory guiding this study was Vygotsky’s social constructivism theory as it strongly emphasizes the social nature of learning and the influence of cultural context. Individuals construct knowledge through interactions with others, and the cultural environment within TLCs significantly influences professional development. This study employed a single case study design to explore how 10 special education professionals collaborate within TLCs to promote inclusive learning …

English As A Second Language Nurse Experiences With Collaborative Learning During Pre-Licensure, Baccalaureate Nursing Education: A Phenomenological Study, Candice Tart Phillips

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand how ESL nurses experienced collaborative learning with their native English-speaking peers in traditional baccalaureate-accredited nursing programs across the United States. The theories guiding this study were the Social Learning Theory (SLT) of Academic Self-Efficacy (ASE) by Albert Bandura and the Sociocultural Theory of Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) by Lev Vygotsky. The central investigative research question was: What are the lived experiences of novice ESL nurses who participated in collaborative learning with their native English-speaking peers during baccalaureate nursing education? Sampling methods used included a purposive and a snowball sample …

Higher Education Instructor's Perceptions Of Student Motivation And Academic Success When Implementing Project-Based Learning: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Al Baraa Z Abu Hawili

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of instructors on the perceived impact of project-based learning on their students. Project-based learning was generally defined as a student-focused instruction method that instructors can utilize. This research shed light on the gaps in the study regarding instructors’ perception of the effects of project-based learning on their students’ motivations and academic success. Most available research discussed student perceptions of project-based learning. This research also aimed to identify project-based learning as a possible solution to the decline in students’ motivation and academic success in a post-pandemic world. The …

At-Risk Students' Perceptions Of Holistic Advising: A Phenomenological Study, Jonathan David Broyles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand at-risk students’ perceptions of success after having received holistic advising practices at public, four-year universities located in the Southeast United States. The theory that guided this study was Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation, which emphasizes the importance of addressing students’ academic, social, personal, physiological, safety, and emotional needs to support their academic success better. The Central Research Question was: what are at-risk students’ perceptions of success after receiving holistic advising practices? The transcendental phenomenological approach allowed the researcher to explore the phenomenon with others who have experienced the same phenomenon through …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of Missouri K-12 Public School Educators' Expression Experiences On Social Media, Jacob Murphy Small

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand how Missouri public school educators experience their expression regarding social media, seeking to understand their views and lived experiences with expressing themselves on social media. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s social cognitive theory as it explains the learned behavior of teachers exercising their agency through social media. The central research question for this study was, what are the lived experiences of Missouri K-12 public school educators regarding their expression on social media? This study examined the lived experiences of Missouri public school teachers, gaining an insight to teachers’ …

Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Diagnosis Of Emotional Disturbance, Kimberly Ginelle Mayfield

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, correlational study examines whether the number of adverse childhood experiences can predict a special education diagnosis of emotional disturbance. Emotional disturbance is one of the 13 disability categories included in the Individuals with Disabilities Act. More than 335,000 students in the United States are diagnosed with emotional disturbance. If one can find a between ACEs and a diagnosis of emotional disturbance, schools and policymakers can set up early interventions for students and parents. This study aimed to determine if the number (three or more) of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)s in early childhood could predict a special education diagnosis …

The Impact Of Implementing A House System At East Richland Christian Schools: A Dissertation-In-Praxis, Travis Johnson Mckinley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation-in-praxis examines the implementation of a House System at East Richland Christian Schools (ERCS), a private Grades 7-12 institution in Saint Clairsville, Ohio, to address deficiencies in the traditional small group model, including limited student engagement, leadership development, spiritual growth, and school spirit. Grounded in Burns’ (1978) Transformational Leadership Theory and biblical principles, the study replaced gradeand gender-segregated groups with four randomized, co-ed houses (Amare, Fidem, Spero, Veritas) for 50 students and eight teachers. The project aimed to create a spirited Christian community through weekly competitions, leadership opportunities, and spiritual activities. Using a mixed-methods approach under the Stake Model, …

The Ability Of Algebra Final Grades And Teas Scores To Predict Undergraduate Nursing Student Grade Point Averages: A Quantitative, Non-Experimental, Predictive Correlational Study, Jeanna L. Kerchner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A major concern for many nursing programs is student completion rates. This is due in large part to the demands and rigor of curriculum in accredited nursing programs. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, predictive correlational study was to determine if final nursing program GPA can be predicted by the linear combination of college algebra final grades and TEAS scores in an undergraduate nursing program at a private university. A quantitative, non-experimental research design was used to address the proposed study’s purpose. The study’s sample of participants was purposive and convenient in nature, and was accessed using an existing, archival …

The Lived Experiences Of Work-Based Learning Program Teachers Working With Students With Disabilities: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Carlos Demond Gartrell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of high school educators in placing students with disabilities (SWD) in work-based learning (WBL) programs in southeastern Georgia. The central question is what are the experiences of high school teachers who implement work-based learning programs for students with disabilities? Social cognitive theory (SCT) was used to understand the influence of social determinants on individuals with disabilities in a work-based learning environment. Transcendental design brought an added dimension to the study of human experiences through qualitative research. Moustakas’ modification of the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method of phenomenological analysis is used …

The Lived Experiences Of Teachers Who Implement Behavioral Interventions To Support Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders In Inclusive Classrooms: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Kelly O'Quinn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the behavioral intervention efficacy of supporting students with emotional and behavioral disorders for teachers in an inclusion classroom setting in the state of Georgia. This study utilized Bandura’s self-efficacy theory as it explains how people perceive their abilities to accomplish certain tasks. This study aimed to answer the following question: What are the lived experiences of teachers who implement behavioral interventions for students with emotional and behavioral disorders in inclusion classroom settings? This study used a hermeneutic phenomenology approach to its design to understand the attitudes, perceptions, and experiences of …

The Lived Experiences Of Elementary Teachers' Use Of Positive Behavior Intervention Supports And Social-Emotional Learning With Emotionally Disturbed And Behaviorally Challenged Students: A Phenomenological Study, Chandra Yvette Madden

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative study was to understand the lived experiences of elementary teachers' use of PBIS and SEL with students with emotional behavioral needs and to gain insight into what supports are needed for teachers in a school district in the southern United States. There is a need to examine elementary teachers' implementation of PBIS and SEL with students who have emotional and behavioral needs to understand what supports are needed. A positive academic environment for students and teachers is generally defined as such. The theory that guided this study was the social constructivist theory (Vygotsky,1978). …

Applying The Principles Of The Five Building Blocks Of Reading Strategies To Teaching Rhythmic Concepts To Pre-Kindergarten (Age-Four) Music Students, Keith S. Cottrill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative experimental case study was to explore the effects of applying the principles of the five building blocks of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) to teaching rhythmic concepts to pre-kindergarten (age four) music students and how they affect the student's ability to develop a rhythmic vocabulary and comprehension. Furthermore, this experiment showcased how teachers can incorporate cross-curricular activities into the music classroom. There is an expanding interest in the broader benefits of music in relationship to reading; however, there is little evidence relating to the effect that the five building blocks of reading …

Understanding Parent Involvement And Student Success: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Parent Role Models Who Have Attended School Based Parent Support Programs, Chelsie Eileen Kelley Tucker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study described the lived school involvement experiences of parent role models who attended parent support programs in various charter schools in a southwestern county in North Carolina. The theory that guided this study was Ben-Tov and Romi's role model theory, which explains the importance of the parent's role in a child's education. The role model theory provided the theoretical framework for this phenomenology to answer the central research question: (a) What are the lived experiences of parent role models who have attended parent support programs in various charter schools within a southwestern county in North Carolina? This …

Exploring Teacher Knowledge In Meeting The Expectations Of Integrated Content Language Development In Mathematics: A Descriptive Case Study, Carrissa Rozelaar-Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this descriptive case study was to discover how knowledge is applied to meet the expectations of integrated content and language development in mathematics for Title I elementary teachers at an urban school district in the central United States. Halliday’s theory on systemic functional linguistics guided the research as it relates to the function and purpose of language through meaning and social interaction in different genres. The central research question was: How do Title I elementary teachers apply specific integrated content and language development knowledge in mathematics? The participants consisted of 10 teachers with at least three years …

Investigating Perceived Emotional Support From Administrators On Alleviating Burnout Among Special Education Teachers In Southeast Texas: A Phenomenological Study, Cristina Iulia Botnari

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to investigate perceived emotional support from administrators in alleviating burnout for secondary special education teachers from suburban and urban high schools across southeast Texas. This study, guided by teacher performance-motivation theory (TP-M theory) and coping-competence-context theory (3C theory), provided a framework to explore the central research question: What are the lived experiences of special education teachers regarding the emotional support extended by administrators within their school environments? Using a transcendental phenomenological approach, this study gathered data from three main sources: individual interviews, focus groups, and document analysis. The analysis process incorporated transcendental …

Worldview Development And The K-12 Christian School Bible Curriculum: A Dissertation-In-Praxis, Shannon Michelle Juris

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation-in-praxis explored the development of a biblical worldview in K-12 Christian schools, focusing on how these institutions’ curriculum choices shaped students’ perspectives through intentional integration of faith and education. Drawing on theories of worldview formation, educational philosophy, and Christian pedagogy, the study investigated the methods and curriculum employed by Christian schools to foster a biblical worldview in students. The research aimed to understand how curriculum selection across all grade levels contributed to the development of a biblical worldview. The study examined both the intended and actual outcomes of biblical worldview education by creating a curriculum guide for the current …

Teacher Stress, Resilience, And Experience: A Correlational Study, Kelsey D. Valente

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The teaching profession is one of the most critical, yet challenging occupations. The purpose of this dissertation was to identify and articulate the importance of the study exploring the teaching occupation and stress. Specifically, the purpose of the quantitative study was to explore the relationship between self-report educator stress, self-report of resilience, and years of teaching experience. The minimum sample size, determined by a priori power analysis, was 67; however, there were 68 participants in the study. Participants included current, public school educators ages 18 and older licensed to teach in South Carolina. Data collection was completed through three self-report …

Strengthening Community Engagement And Addressing Enrollment Decline In A Title I Rural School Through Theater Arts And Parental Involvement, Jason Porter

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) examines the impact of integrating theater arts into the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum at Sierra Union School to increase parental involvement, increase student attendance, and improve student behavior. Using a convergent parallel mixed method design within an Improvement Science framework, the study uses both quantitative survey data (attendance tracking, discipline records, parent/guardian volunteer hours, staff and parent likert surveys) and qualitative observations (semi-structured interviews, observation notes and reflective memos, NIC feedback) for determining the effectiveness of integrating theater arts in developing a stronger school-community connection. Survey results indicate that the majority of …

Navigating Gender And Equity In Education: Challenges, Personal Experiences, And Pathways For Change, Chloe Ballow

Honors Projects

This project examines how gender stereotypes influence the educational experiences of high school girls, focusing on the combined effects of gender, race, and socio-economic status. Using sources from feminist theory, educational research, and real-world examples, this study explores how societal expectations shape girls’ behavior in the classroom, their academic self-image, and their future goals. Special attention is given to African American girls and students from low-income backgrounds, who often face additional challenges due to both racial and gender biases.

The research draws on a mix of scholarly articles, reports from organizations like UNESCO and the OECD, and insights from a …

A Qualitative Hermeneutic Phenomenological Analysis Of Educator Perspectives On The Benefits Of Multisensory Instruction In Elementary Classrooms, April L. Tinoco

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of elementary teachers who have implemented multisensory instruction within their teaching practices, specifically in northern East Coast Florida kindergarten through third-grade classrooms. Multisensory strategies that use human senses are being looked at through teachers’ perceptions of this practice and how they influence student learning. The theory guiding this study is Shapiro’s embodied cognition theory (2019), which is based on the principle that cognitive processes are enhanced through learning that occurs because of interactions between the body and the environment. The central research question guiding this study is: …

Exploring The Effect Of Blended Coaching On Principal Leadership: A Phenomenological Study, Elizabeth F. Fales

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the leadership experiences of kindergarten-grade 12 (k-12) principals using the blended coaching model while serving in international schools. The theory guiding this study was Avolio and Bass’ full range of leadership. The leadership continuum presented in the theory related to the transactional and transformational coaching conversations featured in the blended coaching model. Using purposeful and snowball sampling, ten school leaders, principals or assistant principals, with training in the blended coaching model were selected to participate in the study. Data were collected through individual interviews, a self-reflection journal prompt, and role-specific …

Student Misbehavior Influencing The Stress And Burnout Levels Of Elementary Teachers Within A Suburban Public School District: A Qualitative Case Study, Ashley Jane Enright

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to discover how managing student misbehavior influences the stress and burnout levels among elementary teachers within a suburban public school district located in Northern Virginia. The theory guiding this study was the job demands -resources theory. Every job includes demands and resources, but for teachers the job demand of managing student misbehavior may lead to negative outcomes including stress, emotional exhaustion, and reduced personal accomplishment, leading to burnout. The central research question guiding this study was: How does managing student misbehavior influence the stress and burnout levels of elementary teachers in suburban …

Exploring The Essence Of Teacher Retention In A Christian School: A Multiple Case Study, Philip Rey Regualos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this exploratory multiple case study was to understand the factors that contributed to teacher retention at two pre-K–12 Christian school associations of three schools, the Midwest Evangelical Christian School Association (MECSA) and the Rural Area Christian School Association (RACSA). In the research, teacher retention was generally defined as a teacher who is currently employed and intends to return next academic year as a teacher at this association. The theory guiding this study was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The central research question guiding the study is: How do teachers describe the factors that motivate them to return to …

Experiences Of Students Who Have Attended Disciplinary Alternative Schools: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Bonnie Marie Cox

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the school discipline-related experiences in the form of the exclusionary discipline for students who are currently at or who were previously at public alternative education schools in the state of Florida. At this stage in the research, school-discipline related experiences in the form of exclusionary discipline were generally defined as students’ individual experiences that may have contributed to their removal from their general education setting. This study sought to answer what the perceived experiences of current and/or former high school students who have recently attended a public alternative school as …

Lead Pastor Stress: A Quantitative Study Of The Effects On Mental Health, Marriage, Family, And The Church, Sherri Lee Bergeron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The church’s lead pastor has many roles and responsibilities, from teaching the Word of the Lord, baptisms, counseling sessions, and leading a staff. These are not the lead pastor’s only role; the majority also have a family, children, and a spouse at home who also need their attention. A balance must be considered between the ministry, family, and marriage. If this balance is off or the pastor becomes overwhelmed with any or all the three, their mental health may suffer and can cause depression and anxiety if not dealt with appropriately (Christianity Today, 2022). Lead pastors, while in ministry, have …

Shared Experiences Of Parents With Gifted And Advanced Preschoolers: A Phenomenological Study, Shantoria Trijhan Edwards

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the shared experiences of parents with gifted and advanced preschoolers at a preschool center. In this study, gifted and advanced preschoolers were defined as children aged 3–5 years old who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement based on performance on the Individual Student Assessment (ISA). The study adheres to Vygotsky’s social constructivism learning theory, which describes the social construction of reality and argues that the process of social interaction, cooperation, and co-constructed learning contribute to cognition. The central research question for this study was “What are the shared experiences of …