Education Commons^™

An Exploration Of Literacy Instruction In Higher Education Programs In Missouri, Melinda Odom

Dissertations

Literacy supports all content areas and is crucial to the academic achievement of all students (Birdyshaw et al., 2017). The International Literacy Association (ILA, 2017) posits that teachers are the most crucial factor in content and pedagogical achievement. The ILA (2019) stresses that students have a right to a highly effective and knowledgeable educator who can provide evidence-based reading instruction. Research illustrates that students who do not learn to read by the third grade continue to struggle throughout school (Rickenbrode & Walsh, 2013). Rickenbrode and Walsh (2013) confirm that most of these students will remain poor readers and are more …

The Choice Of Pre-K: An Examination Into Black Caregivers’ Early Childhood Care Decisions And How Early Childhood Care Predicts Black Children’S Educational Outcomes, Anna Grace Rollins

Dissertations

Despite the national push for increased Pre-K enrollment, findings on the effects of attending Pre-K are contradictory and inconsistent. Due to conflicting research and viewpoints on traditional education outcomes, many families are choosing not to send their children to Pre-K. This study focused on the often overlooked thoughts and experiences of Black parents and guardians when making decisions about early childhood education for their children, as well as the academic and behavioral effects of attending Pre-K for Black children in subsequent years. Through surveys and interviews, this study explored factors that influence Black parents’ decisions about enrolling their children in …

The Impact Of Trauma In Urban Communities On Educators And How They Prevail, Angelique Brown

Dissertations

This research was an exploration of the impact of community trauma in urban communities. The focal participants were educators who have worked 10 or more years in the profession and in a school building. The study surveyed 20 educators using open-ended questions to understand their experiences with trauma, strategies for coping, and the effects on their personal and professional lives. Community trauma, including gun violence, mass and school shootings, homelessness, educational neglect, was common among participants. Notably, traumatic events such as the deaths of Michael Brown, George Floyd, and Trayvon Martin, and the COVID-19 pandemic, had significant emotional personal and …

How Do Teacher Perceptions And Biases Affect Or Influence Student Behavior, Benjamin K. Keohane

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

The purpose of this research project and professional development series is to shed light on the influence and effect that teacher biases, perceptions, and interactions have on student behavior. Often, teachers become apprehensive when exceptional students attend their class. This notion is amplified if the student is accompanied with a behavior intervention plan or a disability that manifests as externalizing behavior. In many cases, teachers report a lack of proper training in behavior mitigation strategies that extend beyond common, general education practices. If schools are to promote an inclusive environment, all teachers require the background knowledge to properly implement and …

Perception Of School Governing Bodies About Decentralisation Of School Governance In Eswatini, Swaziland, Ibiwumi Abiodun Alade, Goodness X. Tshabalala

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

The adoption of decentralisation as a reform in the administration of education sector in Eswatini has been a subject of debate due to its attending challenges. This study therefore examined the perception of school governing bodies about decentralisation of school governance in Eswatini, Swaziland. The qualitative case study is embedded in the interpretative paradigm, and it employed the Subsidiarity Theory (ST) as a framework for understanding the decentralization of school governance in Eswatini. Four research questions guided the study while purposive sampling technique was used to select five school principals from the selected schools who had served as principals for …

Symbols For Schools: Types Of School Nicknames, How They Are Formed, And Implications For Leaders, Andrew Hudacs

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

School nicknames are powerful symbols representing the shared values and culture of their respective communities. This descriptive mixed method-study attempts to illuminate patterns in current school nicknames and examine ways that school leaders and communities approach changes to their nicknames. Nicknames from 1108 postsecondary schools were identified and analyzed with mixed methods to form a classification system that was then used to measure relationships between nicknames and school characteristics. A thematic text analysis of institutional nickname descriptions shows that the origins of nicknames vary, both in their inspirations (from presidential committees to sports journalists) and their process of selection (from …

What Are The Odds? Integrated Stem And Student Conceptual Understanding Of Genetics Dihybrid Inheritance, Jessica Cooper

Dissertations

Integrated Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) education allows students to build conceptual understanding by connecting material to other content areas and real-world contexts. Strong conceptual understanding allows students to move beyond factual recall and instead synthesize and transfer their knowledge to new applications. In high school biology, students need to develop a strong conceptual understanding of genetic inheritance in the context of dihybrid inheritance. This qualitative case study was designed to understand the influence of an integrated STEM approach on student conceptual understanding of genetic dihybrid inheritance. The situated STEM learning and conceptual change theoretical frameworks guided the research design …

Sustainable Development Goal 4.B In The Pacific – A Pilot Study For Monitoring Tertiary Education Scholarships For Development, Amanda Haddow, Daniel Edwards, Lorissa Hazelman

Global education monitoring

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. SDG 4 includes 10 targets, of which Target 4.b aims to expand higher education scholarships for developing countries. Target 4.b leverages the benefits of international education to support countries in achieving SDG 4. For host and sending countries, the exchange of students across borders shares the societal benefits produced by tertiary education (knowledge, information, innovation) (Perna et al., 2014). The modality of scholarships broadens access to high-quality tertiary education in areas necessary for locally-led development and provides opportunities …

Being And Becoming Global Citizens: Measuring Progress Toward Sdg 4.7. Monitoring Teacher And School Readiness To Enact Global Citizenship In The Asia-Pacific Region. Phase Ii Report, Lao Pdr, Rachel Parker, Payal Goundar, Karena Menzie-Ballantyne

Global education monitoring

This report presents the Phase II findings of a collaborative study by APCEIU and ACER which aims to expand efforts to monitor Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7 by addressing critical evidence gaps regarding country participation and educational settings. Phase I of this study included three countries in the Asia-Pacific region (Australia, Philippines and South Korea) and targeted primary school settings. Phase I answered research questions about the enabling conditions that support effective global citizenship education (GCED); how these conditions can inform instrument development to measure system, school, and teacher readiness to implement GCED; and recommendations for Phase II. Phase II …

I’M Not A Writer, I’M An Alpaca: Preferences And Perspectives Of Emergent Writers, Shaya Helbig

Waldo Library Student Exhibits

This case study explored preschool children’s perspectives and preferences in writing. While the voices of children are valued in research, often it is the voice of the adult researcher that emerges through their interpretations of the children’s perspectives (Harcourt & Sargent, 2011). In addition, research focusing on children’s interest in writing is limited (Rowe & Neitzel, 2010). The focal study held three focus group sessions, framed by Write, Draw, Show, and Tell (Noonan et al., 2016) with four preschool-aged children in order to better understand their preferences in writing materials, and their perceptions and understanding of writing. Data sources included …

Guess Less, Know More: Leveraging Attendance And Related Data For Student Success, David Heyne, Carolyn Gentle-Genitty

Founder’s College - Scholarship and Professional Work

This topic brief, “Guess Less, Know More: Leveraging Attendance and Related Data for Student Success,” empowers school attendance teams and the teams supporting multiple schools to wisely use data for holistic student development. Informed by the insights of 20 experts across North America, Europe, and Australia (see Contributors list), we explore obstacles and opportunities surrounding the use of data for real student support.

Quarterly Par Reports, 1993-1999, Human Resources & Payroll Office

University Archives Finding Aids

No abstract provided.

Cultivating Critical Statistical Literacy In The Classroom, Liza Bondurant, Stephanie Somersille

CoE Publications

Learn about an activity and resource from The New York Times that can be used to help learners cultivate critical statistical literacy.

Utilizing Goal Setting To Increase Deep Coaching Interactions, Denise M. Bily

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The heart of instructional coaching lies in the process of goal setting, a research-based practice that drives behavioral change and professional growth. This school improvement plan is centered around leveraging the principles of goal setting to enhance the utilization and effectiveness of instructional coaches. By focusing on clear, specific, and challenging goals, this plan aims to bridge the gap between the current 13% engagement rate and the State TLC Plan's target of 60-70% impact cycle engagement. Through this strategic approach, this school improvement plan aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement, teacher development, and ultimately, student achievement.

Improving Student Behaviors With Social-Emotional Learning, Sydney Scholz

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Research shows how social-emotional learning has positively impacted and influenced students' behavioral and academic success in the classroom. Social-emotional learning programs, interventions, and curriculums help provide students with skills and strategies to improve upon their social-emotional competencies. This school improvement plan was created to improve student behaviors through the implementation of the social-emotional learning program, Character Strong. The goal of this plan is to improve upon the school's climate and culture, while providing students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and strategies to achieve emotional and academic success using Character Strong.

A Comprehensive Mentoring Program To Enhance Teacher Self-Efficacy And Reduce Burnout, Stacy L. Evans

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The early years of a teacher's career are characterized by unique challenges that significantly impact their professional development and classroom effectiveness. At the Indianola Community School District (ICSD), while current mentoring methods provide initial support, there remains a substantial need for extended guidance beyond the first few years. With research in mind a comprehensive mentoring plan was implemented enhancing teacher self-efficacy and reducing burnout. This program aims to provide continuous, impactful mentoring, addressing the challenges educators face from their initial years and as they progress in their profession. Key components include systematic mentoring partnerships, professional development workshops, regular class visits …

Improving Staff Retention By Lowering Teacher Burnout, Jacob Johnson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This capstone project addresses the pressing issue of teacher burnout and its negative effects on staff retention and student achievement at Marshall High School. The research reveals that teacher burnout, characterized by high stress levels, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization, significantly impacts job satisfaction, productivity, and student outcomes. High turnover rates and disrupted learning environments further exacerbate academic challenges, particularly in math, reading, and science. The project proposes a comprehensive action plan to reduce burnout and improve retention by implementing wellness programs, enhancing professional development, and fostering a supportive school culture. Effective school leadership is emphasized as a crucial factor in …

Incorporating Play-Based Learning In Early Childhood Education, Cari Klemme

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Play is identified as a developmentally appropriate practice that young learners can use to access academic content. Unfortunately, research data shows that play is often missing or minimal in many early childhood environments. The purpose of this school improvement plan is to assist teachers in understanding the importance of play and incorporating more play into the school day to improve student success in the content area of literacy. When teachers are educated on the different types of play and how to create a literacy-rich environment, student literacy development will improve. Play-based pedagogies increase student engagement and in turn increase student …

Impact Of The 2023 Central Utah Grazing Expo, Trenton Wilde, Eric Thacker, Ryan Larsen, Chad Page, Burdette Barker, Mark Nelson, Matt Palmer, Steven Price, Jacob Hadfield, Kalen Taylor, Ethan Gilliam

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

A collaboration between Extension Agriculture and Natural Resource specialists and county faculty responded to a need to educate public land grazing permit holders, public land management agency personnel, and public members on regulations, management, economics, and social values associated with public land grazing permits.

The Utah Urban And Small Farms Conference: A Model For Small Acreage Producer Extension Programming, Katie Wagner, Ruby Ward, Kynda R. Curtis, Sheriden M. Hansen, Melanie Stock

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The Utah Urban and Small Farms Conference (USFC) provides outreach to small acreage and urban producers facing urbanization and environmental challenges and offers marketing and profitability opportunities. The annual event attracts new and existing farmers, stakeholders, and representatives. The USFC model may assist communities facing similar challenges, helping producers navigate obstacles and opportunities through localized information sharing.

Satellite Campus Enrollment: A Qualitative Investigation Of Enrollment Preferences Of The Post-Traditional Student, Alexis K. Wood

Dissertations

For many, the “American Dream” involves earning a college degree. This degree promises a brighter professional and personal future and an improved overall quality of life. The steps taken to achieve this dream are graduating from high school, heading straight to college, graduating with that bachelor’s degree, and moving forward in the “perfect” career. While this step-by-step process seems natural to most, the reality is that in the fall of 2022, 69.2 percent of high school graduates entered the workforce, opting to pursue that degree much later in life ("College Enrollment," 2023). Researchers refer to this type of student as …

Play-Based Learning: A School Improvement Plan, Pamela Butler

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

In early childhood education, the benefits of play-based learning are widely recognized. Research indicates that it has a significant impact on a child’s social-emotional development, literacy skills, and mathematics. Within the West Elementary building at Knoxville Community School District, studies suggest that children could benefit from more time spent in play-based learning activities. This school improvement plan outlines the steps necessary to increase the time dedicated to play-based learning in transitional kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms. By implementing these strategies, the district aims to enhance student engagement and overall academic achievement.

The Incorporation Of Social-Emotional Learning Into The School Setting, Josh Reynolds

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The concept of social and emotional and learning has been prevalent for years, however, it has not been at the forefront of educational initiatives until recently. Today, we understand through extensive research that social-emotional learning can be utilized to strengthen the whole school experience for all students. The purpose of this school improvement plan is to decrease problem behaviors, and help our students become more engaged in the whole school experience. Modern education has moved into the realm of symbiosis, where learning is reciprocated, and where learning is a process rather than simply a beginning and an end. We are …

Multi-Tiered System Of Supports: Positive Student Impacts, Taylor Panoch

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Research shows the plethora of benefits that a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) has on students of all ages when implemented with fidelity. Through MTSS, students receive leveled interventions appropriate to their needs, which has proven to be valuable. Studies have shown that a Multi-Tiered System of Supports has great impacts on academics, behavior, students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), English Language Learners (ELLs), students who have experienced trauma, mental health and professional development (PD) for staff. With these important research findings in mind, this school created a school improvement plan implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports within their middle …

Sw: Library Resources For Practicum Students, Usu Libraries

All E-Learning Resources

Attention: As of 2026 updated versions of this module will no longer be available on Digital Commons. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Your practicum will include activities that help you develop CSWE Competency 4: "Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice." You may need to research populations, treatments, models, interventions, evidence-based practices, and more. This module brings together tips and resources for doing so in one place.

Sw: Accessing Research After Graduation, Usu Libraries

All E-Learning Resources

Attention: As of 2026 updated versions of this module will no longer be available on Digital Commons. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

As a practicing social worker, you'll "engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice" (CSWE Competency 4). This module contains pages on the following topics:

• What changes after graduation, including how you can still use the USU Libraries
• Free research databases
• Information about Open Access
• Tips for finding free copies of articles
• Other helpful sources, including reports, dissertations/theses, evidence-based practices, data/statistics, and tests/measures

Sw 1010: Finding And Using Research (Library Module), Usu Libraries

All E-Learning Resources

Attention: As of 2026 updated versions of this module will no longer be available on Digital Commons. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

In this module you'll learn:

• What a peer-reviewed source is and why you'll want to use them for your research assignment
• How to avoid paywalls and get full access to peer reviewed sources for free
• How to break your research topic into keywords for database searching
• How to cite your sources using APA citation style

Soc Proseminar - New Grad Students (Library Module), Usu Libraries

All E-Learning Resources

Attention: As of 2026 updated versions of this module will no longer be available on Digital Commons. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

This library module contains a few pages to help you get to know what library resources you have access to and strategies for using them:

• Sociology research resources
• Accessing materials
• Demography and data resources
• Organizing materials
• And more!

The Responsible Research In Business And Management (Rrbm) Community: Responsible Management Education And Impactful Research, Howard Thomas

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Recently there has been a noticeable ‘turning point’ in the thinking of business school leaders and their stakeholders about the impact, purpose and value of business schools in society. Evidence from faculty, students and professional organisations, such as the Aspen Institute surveys in the United States of America (US) and the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) manifesto on the future of management education, clearly suggests that there should be a much greater focus on tackling pressing societal issues, including sustainability (e.g., the UN Sustainable Development Goals), inequality, and social and financial inclusion. More balanced and holistic models of management …

Swosu Fact Book Summer 2024, Joel Harrel Kendall, Diane Fitzsimmons, Kelsi Burghardt

Fact Books

Starting in 2024SU, Southwestern Oklahoma State University will produce a Summer Fact Book, which will provide information on enrollment, student demographics, and academic programs for the summer semester. The report is designed to help faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders better understand the student body and university trends. The data analyzed for this report was collected on the 5^th day of each summer semester 2015 through 2024.