Differences In Job Satisfaction Between Special Educators When Controlling For Sense Of Community, Jennifer Casi Cooke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Attrition among educators is a continuing concern in the area of special education. Job satisfaction has been associated with teacher burnout and teacher attrition. Many times, multiple educators work in a close environment creating a need for community in special education. The purpose of this study is to identify differences in job satisfaction among special educator roles, including collaborative general education teachers and inclusive special education teachers, as well as self-contained special education teachers and paraprofessionals, when controlling for sense of community. A quantitative, causal comparative design was used to determine differences among job satisfaction between special educators. The study …

Predicting The Relationship Between Student, Faculty, And Institutional Diversity With Graduation Rates In Higher Education, Hridya C. Mondal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The importance and significance of diversifying higher education are undeniable. Research has examined that diversifying higher education may produce more graduates, predominantly minority students. However, more literature is needed on how diversifying faculty and students relate to and impacts overall undergraduate graduation rates in higher education in the United States. This study aimed to gauge the predictive relationships between student diversity, faculty diversity, institutional locale, enrollment size and admissions selectivity and construct a relationship with graduation rates. The study examined a random sample of 291 Title IV, four-year postsecondary institutions, and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) employed for the …

Morale Of Educators Amidst A Pandemic: A Heuristic Phenomenological Inquiry, Dawn Dianne Peterson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This heuristic phenomenological qualitative research study aimed to understand the educators' perceptions of their lived experience teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on teacher morale in the U.S. The theory guiding this study is Narrative Identity Theory, in which Dan McAdams proposed the first full theoretical model. This theory contributed significant awareness to the phenomenon studied when trying to understand the evaluative and emotional meaning expressed through the stories of the teachers. The essence of morale is understood more holistically considering the contribution of Narrative Identity Theory. Data was collected through online interviews on Microsoft Teams and analyzed …

Reviving The Roots: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of Black Women In Agriculture And The Influence Of Post-Secondary Education, Alvianna Woodard-Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of twenty Black women in the southern United States and the influence of post-secondary education on agricultural science. Two theories guided this study, Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Crenshaw’s intersectionality theory. When considering the five levels of Maslow's hierarchy, coupled with Black women's marginality as identified by the intersectionality theory, the research helped better define the relationship between Black women in agriculture and the referenced theories. Criterion sampling was used to identify ten experienced Black female producers and ten agriculture students to determine the trend. …

Mental Health Literacy Among Adolescents In Rural Communities, Chantel Amelia-Lyn-Marie Windy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Having an understanding of mental health literacy in rural based adolescents is essential for creating change in levels of knowledge, beliefs about mental health, and help-seeking behaviors. The Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) is a self-report measure of mental health literacy. This study used the MHLS to measure mental health literacy in rural students ages 14-17 and in Grades 9–12. Results from this study can help researchers understand the relationships between mental health literacy, age, gender, and stigma. A sample of 120 participants was used for this study. Participants' guardians were asked to complete a consent form, and participants completed …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Student And Faculty Perceptions Of Academic Misconduct In Advanced Practice Nursing Education, Jennifer Marie Oakes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to identify whether there is a difference between student and faculty perceptions of academic misconduct in APRN education. The findings of this study may aid in the strategic management of academic policies and enforcements. The study took place at a single private university in Texas which houses six graduate-level APRN programs. The sample size consisted of 92 students and 42 faculty. The Exams and Assignments Scale (EAS) was used as an instrument for both groups and anonymous data was collected using an online survey platform. Statistical analysis took place using an independent …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Perceived Influence That Generation Z Has On The Revitalization Of A Church, Linda Proctor Mathis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the perceived influence that Generation Z had upon the revitalization of a church following its in-person decline as a result of the coronavirus in 2020 (Barna, 2020; Braddy, 2021; Earls, 2020). The theory that guided this study was based on research conducted by Lifeway Research, Pew Research, and Barna Group Research concerning Generation Z and based upon the book, You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church…And Rethinking Faith, by David Kinnaman of Barna Research. The theories proposed within the books, Essential Church? Reclaiming a Generation of Dropouts by …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences That Motivate Young People To Volunteer As 4 H Camp Teen Leaders, Ruth E. Wallace

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences that motivate teenagers to volunteer as 4 H Camp teen leaders in Virginia. The theories guiding this study were Lerner and Overton’s relational developmental systems theory (RDST) and Ryan and Deci’s self-determination theory (SDT). They relate to the developmental connection between an individual and the surrounding context and internal and external influences as motivating factors, respectively. The two theories together informed this study which sought to answer the central research question “What lived experiences do teens identify that motivate them to volunteer as 4 H Camp teen leaders?” …

The Experiences Of Information Communication Technology (Ict) Graduates' Transition Into A Low-And Middle-Income Economy's Job Market: A Phenomenological Study, David Twum-Barimah

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study aimed to understand the information communication technology graduates’ perceptions and lived experiences as they transitioned into the workforce in Grenada (a low- and middle-income economy island state). The theories guiding this study are Goleman’s theory on emotional intelligence, Knowles’ self-directed learning theory, and Becker’s human capital theory. These theories represent the skill sets that help individuals adapt to new environments, acquire new skills, and become efficient in the workplace. The study used twelve Grenadians with degrees in information communication technology and sought employment in Grenada. The data collection was conducted through individual interviews, focus group interviews …

A Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Graduates From An Early College High School In The South On Their Transition To A Four-Year University, Mikki Andrea Curtis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of graduates of an early college high school (ECHS) in the South on their transition to a four-year university. During this research a students' experiences with a transition was generally defined as their transition to a four-year university after they graduate high school with their associate degree. The theory guiding this study was Schlossberg’s transition theory, which explores how people cope with transitions. The central research question examined during this study is “How do graduates of an ECHS in the South describe their experiences with their transition to …

A Causal Comparative Study Of The Difference In Percentage Of At-Risk Children Served In New Hampshire Childcare Facilities Based On Facility Type, Danielle R. Higuera

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this causal-comparative study was to determine whether there is a difference in the type of childcare center that at-risk children attend. Scholars have noted the importance and long-term benefits of providing quality early childhood education for at-risk children, but limited research has been conducted on where at-risk children attend childcare. A random sampling method was used to recruit programs from the 689 New Hampshire childcare centers for this study. A questionnaire was administered to determine the percentage of at-risk children that attend each of the five childcare program types: license-exempt, licensed center, licensed family provider, licensed-plus, and …

The Impact Of Stressors On Undergraduate College Students With Anxiety Disorders: A Phenomenological Study, Whitney Shea Dickerson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

ABSTRACT The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the essence of the shared lived experiences of undergraduate college students with anxiety disorders at two universities in the Southeastern United States. One institution is a mid-sized, public, nonsectarian university; the other is a small, private, faith-based liberal arts college. The theory guiding this study is Ellis’s cognitive theory, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), which posits that irrational core beliefs create intense negative emotions that cause suffering. The central research question is intended to elicit rich data regarding the shared lived experiences of the study participants. The four …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experience Of Creator-Practitioners Of Open Educational Resources And Practices In The United States, Alex Henry Wanstrath

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the lived experience of creator-practitioners of open educational resources (OER) and open educational practices (OEP) in United States (U.S.) higher education institutions. The theory guiding this study is Vygotsky and Bruner’s constructivist theories, as they describe both the cognitive and social aspects of content creation. Eleven current instructors from colleges and universities across the U.S. participated in this study. These participants had used OER for at least one academic term, were current instructors at their institution, created their own OER, and engaged in OEP in at least one of their …

Experiences Of Early-Career Educators' Preparedness To Identify And Address Substance Abuse Behaviors And Academic Success In The Classroom: A Phenomenological Study, Denise Ann Miles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study aimed to describe the experiences of preparedness of early-career teachers (i.e., teachers in their first five years in the profession) who have dealt with student addiction behaviors and academic decline in the classroom within several Northeast Pennsylvania public school districts. Mezirow’s transformational learning theory guided this study as it addressed how adults interpret and make meaning through life experiences. The central research question guiding this study was: How do early-career teachers describe their experiences dealing with student addiction behaviors in the classroom while preserving their academic success? Fifteen early-career teachers in the public school system (grades …

Leadership Development In The African American Church, Barbara S. Houston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

If the Church successfully fulfills its mission, it must have skilled and effective lay leadership. This research intends to examine the Christian organization's enhancement through discipleship and leadership development. Leadership development and discipleship are vital to every church organization. However, research shows that many historically African American denominations are challenged perhaps more than others to find and educate new religious leaders for their congregations (Johnson, 2017, kindle, loc. 179). What most African American pastors have discovered is that aging leadership is prominent in all denominations. The reality is that many African American churches are on life support; they are clinically …

The Predictive Ability Of Early Reading Indicators And Spelling On Oral Reading Fluency, Jessie Mackenzie Reed

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to explore the predictive ability of beginning of the year scores of Nonsense Word Fluency (NWF), Oral Reading Fluency (ORF), and scores from a Primary Spelling Inventory (PSI) at mid-year ORF scores for second-grade students in a rural school district in central Pennsylvania. Because reading skills are strongly linked to positive academic and life outcomes, the identification of students who may have reading difficulties is a critical task for schools. Alphabetic and orthographic knowledge is central to reading development and essential for educators to understand the reading aptitude of students. This …

Perceived Effectiveness Of Teacher Preparation For Teaching Students With Low-Incidence Disabilities: A Phenomenological Study, Shannon Lynn Feerrar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the participants' perceived effectiveness of their teacher preparation program and their experience of teaching students who are identified with a low-incidence disability. The theory guiding this study was the experiential learning theory. Kolb's experiential learning theory is based on the belief that meaningful experiences and reflection promote enhanced learning. The research questions for this study focused on teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of their special education teacher-preparation programs. Eleven participants who have completed a special education teacher preparation program and currently teach students who are identified with a low-incidence disability …

Examining The Relationship Between School Climate And Teacher Self-Efficacy In Oregon, Vincent T. Domingo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study is to determine if school climate (SC) factors can accurately predict teachers' self-efficacy (TSE) in Oregon public schools. Using social cognitive theory and ecological systems theory as theoretical frameworks for this study, the importance of this research includes, adding Oregon data to the body of knowledge, narrowing the research gap, and a better understanding of SC and TSE that may be applied to improving a school’s climate, school planning, increasing TSE, and retaining teachers. The sample for this study were Oregon public school teachers, 69 of which participated in the study. Two …

Secondary Teacher Experiences In Professional Learning Communities: A Phenomenological Research Study, Tiphani Jo Morris

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological research study was to describe secondary mathematics, science, English Language Arts (ELA), and social studies teachers’ experiences with PLCs at Central Texas secondary schools. Using Wenger’s (1998) social theory, the study answered the central research question: What are the lived experiences of secondary mathematics, science, ELA, and social studies teachers involved in PLCs in Central Texas? The sub-questions included: What collaborative experiences do secondary teachers have during PLCs? What professional learning experiences do secondary teachers have during PLCs? The setting included two middle schools and one high school located in Central Texas. The sample …

Positively Reinforcing Parent Communication With Students In Special Education Classrooms For The Reduction Of Attention Maintained Maladaptive Behaviors In A School Setting, Jennifer Rose Harmon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A mixed-method multiple-baseline experimental design explored the relationship of frequency of attention-maintained maladaptive behaviors and positive parent communication in a fourth through sixth grade special education classroom using visual analysis and a Wampold-Warsham (Wampold & Brown, 2005) statistical design. The obtained result of -11.021 was found to be the 6th highest mean difference across all 24 possible outcomes, resulting in a p-value of 6/24 = 0.25, which is not statistically significant with α = .05 (one-tailed). However, when looking at the visual analysis of the multiple baseline design graphs, one can see a clear decrease in each of the participants …

Special Education Teacher Burnout: A Phenomenological Study Of The Challenges That Influence Motivation, Sarah Margaret Vaughan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the challenges that lead to special education teacher burnout and how these challenges influence the motivation of special education teachers in North Georgia. In this study, factors that lead to special education burnout were generally defined as potential challenges, such as quality teacher preparation, inadequate professional development, and lack of administrative support, and how these challenges impact motivation and extrinsic influences of special education teachers. The theory that guided this study was Deci and Ryan's (1985) self-determination theory, which allowed for a deeper understanding of motivation and how intrinsic and extrinsic …

A Predictive Study Of Factors Impacting Technology Integration In Elementary Public Charter Schools, Carrie D. Ortiz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this predictive correlational study was to determine if technology integration in elementary public charter schools can be predicted from a variety of factors. These factors included self-efficacy for technology usage, perceived benefits of technology usage, teachers’ beliefs and behaviors related to technology, and the available support. The study addressed technology integration in public charter schools by analyzing relationships between these factors and the level of technology integration. The target population was public charter school classroom teachers in the state of New Mexico. All teachers were general education teachers in grades kindergarten to sixth. Teachers completed the Teacher …

A Phenomenological Study Of Pastors Leaving Employment Due To Experienced Poor Person-Organization Fit, Stephen T. Buys

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe pastors’ experiences who have served full-time in a lead/senior pastor role in evangelical churches after having lost or left their employment as a result of experiencing poor person-organization fit. For this study, pastoral staff turnover was defined as the employment of full-time pastoral staff employed for at least one year who have resulted in voluntary or involuntary resignation from their place of employment because of value incongruence. In this phenomenology, the church is viewed as an educational institution, including similarities between pastoral roles and educator and administrator roles. As …

The Impact Of High School Math Teachers' Conceptions Of Teaching And Learning On Implementation Of Student-Centered Instructional Practices, Melissa Marie Lute

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive, correlational study is to investigate the relationship between high school math teachers’ conceptions of constructivist instructional practices and their conceptions of traditional teaching practices with their implementation of student-centered learning (SCL) practices in their math classes. Cognitive constructivism, theories of teacher beliefs, and teacher self-efficacy provide a theoretical framework for understanding math teachers’ beliefs about teaching and learning and their use of SCL. This quantitative, nonexperimental study uses a correlational research design to investigate teachers' conceptions of teaching and learning and their implementation of student-centered instructional practices. The convenience sample included 68 high school …

First Drug For Rett Syndrome Tested At Uab, Alicia Rohan

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No abstract provided.

The Chanticleer, 2023-04-06, Coastal Carolina University

The Chanticleer Student Newspaper

The editorially independent student produced weekly newspaper of Coastal Carolina University.

Unlocking The Doors To Engagement And Accessibility: A Curriculum Development For Second Grade Learners In Social Studies, Jeanette Mcnair

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

The goal of this project is to create a second-grade Social Studies curriculum that increases engagement and provides accessibility to all students. The intent is to pull from the instructional frameworks of Universal Design for Learning developed by CAST, Project-Based Learning by The Buck Institute and differentiation by Carol Ann Tomlinson. The following research question was used to propel forward the goal of this project: How can a second grade Social Studies unit unlock student engagement and universal accessibility by applying three educational frameworks? This question was answered by literature research on the topics of engagement and accessibility followed by …

Critical Reflections In Stem Education, Jessica R. Stephenson Reaves, Anna Maria Arias

KSU Distinguished Course Repository

The purpose of this course is to foster abilities to teach, assess, and critically reflect on STEM learning that supports authentic engagement in interdisciplinary design and inquiry. Students will engage in making connections to STEM research literature with learning and teaching practice. Field placement in a K-5 learning environment is required for this course, which is typically fulfilled through a candidate’s full time teaching position. Other arrangements are permitted but not provided. This placement is the responsibility of the candidate.

Survey On Current Interventions For Childhood Problem Behavior And Their Link To Future Criminal Behavior, Jada N. Stevens

Honors College Theses

Criminal behavior is a prevalent concern for many communities. As such, researchers and clinicians often look for core causes of criminal behavior to address them early. Some theorize that childhood problem behavior is a common predictor of adult criminal behavior. As a result, emphasis is often placed on addressing childhood problem behavior early in order to prevent future criminal behavior. The current study explores the link between childhood problem behavior and adult criminal behavior. Specifically, we will look at how middle school teachers are addressing childhood problem behavior and how that relates to future predictions of criminal behavior. Data will …

2023-April-06-Dream Realized- Marching Bucs In Macy's Day Parade, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

NEW YORK, NY & JOHNSON CITY, TN – April 6, 2023 – Today, the East Tennessee State University Marching Bucs were selected to perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, representing the state of Tennessee. This will mark the first Parade appearance by the band. The ETSU Marching Bucs will join the Parade to the call of “Let’s Have a Parade,” the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.

Each year, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence, musical and marching abilities to captivate millions …