Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Developing A Bilingual Education Program For Middle Schools In Richland School District 01: Promoting Literacy Through Culturally-Relevant Pedagogy, Paige E. Swanson

Caroliniana Undergraduate Research Journal

The following study explores how bilingual and immersive language learning programs can enhance multi-subject literacy and academic engagement among at-risk African American middle school students in Richland County School District One (R01) in Columbia, South Carolina. Through a qualitative thematic analysis utilizing a literature review of fifty sources that explore education, linguistics, and psychology, the research identifies intersections between bilingual education, culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP), and literacy development in at-risk youth populations. Six themes were revealed by the analysis. From these themes, the results conclude that African American students experience greater academic success when classroom instruction integrates their cultural identities, …

Ready-To-Teach Reads: Standards-Aligned Novel Studies For Seventh Grade Using Contemporary Middle Grade Fiction, Elizabeth Duvall

Senior Theses

This project aims to provide middle school English teachers with an easy way to update their curriculum to be culturally relevant using ready-to-teach unit plans based on diverse novels. Since research shows students benefit from reading texts from diverse cultures, each novel features minority voices. Both units include lesson plans for each day, and resources like slideshows, worksheets, and discussion questions. They were created using the South Carolina College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts. While these units are tailored to South Carolina teachers, they can be used by any educator whose standards align with the units’ learning …

Beyond The Binary: Examining The Impact Of A Restorative Justice Intervention On Administrator Perceptions And Disciplinary Disparities For Black Male Students, Arianne A. Booker

Theses and Dissertations

For decades, black students have experienced educational inequalities, particularly when it comes to academic achievement and school discipline. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to investigate the factors leading to the racial discipline gap among Black male students in middle schools. Black males face more punitive consequences that often result in exclusionary practices than their peers. This problem is due to cultural differences between teachers and students, where teachers’ subjective interpretations of behavior—such as disrespect or defiance—lead to removal from the general education classroom. The theoretical framework that guided this study was Critical Race Theory and Culturally Responsive Teaching. …

Teacher Self-Confidence And Cultural Responsiveness With Multilingual Students: A Mixed Methods Study, Stasha Renee Grooms

Theses and Dissertations

This is an action research study that examined how an eight-week Culturally Responsive Instruction (CRI) Cohort influenced teachers' self-confidence when working with multilingual (ML) students. The primary objective was to explore changes in teachers' empathy toward ML students, uncover shifts in unconscious bias, assess the impact of translanguaging integration on teacher confidence, and evaluate overall self-confidence in serving ML learners. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining pre- and post-intervention surveys, weekly reflective discussions, and practical classroom assignments to measure growth in teaching strategies and cultural mindset. Findings indicated that participants learned strategies to make instruction more accessible for ML …

The Affects Of Purposeful Play, Computer Based Instruction, And The Utilization Of Rotational Learning Stations, As An Intervention For The Academic Development Of Early Childhood Children, Jennifer Fanning Long

Theses and Dissertations

This case study explores how purposeful and structured play and computer-based instruction impacts the academic development of young children. Purposeful play and computer-based instruction positively impact children in so many ways. It impacts their cognitive, social, emotional, and academic development. Students are active learners who learn best while playing and participating in their learning. Play is often left out of Early Childhood classrooms due to time constraints and vast academic goals. This can negatively impact the social and academic development of young students. The following dissertation will examine how the intervention of purposeful or structured play and computer-based instruction positively …

Teaching English As A Living Language: An Action Research Study Of Communication And Learner Confidence, David Lawrence Brian Levy

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study examines the disconnect between language learning in schools and the ability to use the language as a communication tool. Unfortunately, many educational institutions teach language with an emphasis on grammar rules, written exams, and rote memorization instead of as a living language used for everyday communication. This results in students receiving grades which do not reflect their ability to speak the language effectively. The purpose of this study was to explore how instructional practices influence both students’ communicative competence and confidence levels. It also intends to examine ways to redesign classroom instruction to better support real-world …

Freedom On The Sea: The True Story Of The Civil War Hero Robert Smalls And His Daring Escape To Freedom, William Bintz P

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

Book Review

The Impact Of Students' Attendance On Their Academic Success: A Ypar Study, Quennella Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Youth participatory action research (YPAR) is a collaborative research approach that empowers students to examine issues affecting their lives and communities. This action research aimed to investigate the relationship between students’ attendance and academic success on middle school students, focusing specifically on eighth-grade students based on the theoretical framework of the critical race theory (CRT) in education and the self-determination theory (SDT). Three research questions were explored related to the impact of students’ attendance on their academic success: 1) What do students consider factors that lead to their poor attendance? 2) How do students feel they can be supported in …

The Digital Forum: A Pedagogical Approach To Teaching College English Composition, Thomas Edward Plichta

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study focused on the identification of ways to improve the curriculum of freshman Writing Intensive Seminars using an innovative multimodal pedagogical methodology, the Digital Forum, in addition to formal papers and in-class writing. The research examined a Writing Intensive Seminar with approximately 20 students; There were two Research Questions for the present study. RQ1: How does the incorporation of the Digital Forum as a pedagogical approach in college freshman writing classes influence students' levels of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement? RQ2: How does the incorporation of Digital Forums in freshman English Composition courses affect the quality of …

A Study Of Ci3t Implementation: Middle School Ela Teachers' Perceptions Of Tier 1 Academic Practices On Student Performance, Martha Kathryn Jenkinson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods action research study was to understand teachers’ perceptions of Ci3T tier 1 academic practices following the first year of implementation. Tier 1 instruction, delivered primarily by classroom teachers, is meant to meet the needs of a majority of students. Understanding teachers’ perceptions of program implementation, as well as reviewing student data to seek impacts of Ci3T on student learning, are important considerations when deciding how to improve the system. This study focused on the experiences and perceptions of English Language Arts teachers and Special Education teachers who work in ELA classes.

Data were gathered …

The Impact Of Social Emotional Learning (Sel) Lessons On Students’ Mental Health Surrounding Standardized Testing, Margaret Denning

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative action research examined the emotional impacts of standardized testing on 4th and 5th graders and the effects of targeted social-emotional learning lessons in a Title 1 school. Pre- and post-intervention data were gathered through surveys (Children’s Test Anxiety Scale) and focus group interviews. By employing thematic and narrative analysis, findings revealed significant initial cognitive anxiety, physical symptoms, and difficulties in self-regulation. Following the SEL intervention, the data indicated that students exhibited improved emotional resilience, reduced anxiety symptoms, and enhanced coping skills. Although the SEL interventions enhanced overall emotional well-being, anxiety was not fully eliminated. This study highlights the …

Teaching Critically In Contentious Times Black Consciousness, Historical Knowledge, And Educational Policy, Lagarrett J. King, Daniella Cook Sumpter

Faculty Publications

Editors’ Introduction to Special Section of Critical Education: Teaching Critically in Contentious Times

Thematic Geo-Inquiry In Seventh Grade Geography, Rebekah Driscoll Austing

Theses and Dissertations

With the growth of globalization, geography is an important subject for students of the 21^st Century to understand. Being adept in geography will aid our future generations to be able to use geographic skills to answer complex world issues. Unfortunately, geography has been a long-neglected subject of social studies; often considered boring and not worthwhile with teachers using teacher-centered curriculum methods and memorization. A teacher’s job is to provide appropriate experiences, materials, and context for students to construct and connect knowledge that is useful and beneficial to them. Through a constructivist lens, inquiry-based thematic units can be used by …

The Effects Of Implementing A Mindfulness Program In Two Elementary School Math Classrooms, Sara Lilley

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study examined the effects of utilizing trauma-informed social-emotional learning (SEL) teaching practices in two elementary math classrooms located in a Title 1 public school in North Carolina. The classrooms consisted of one third-grade classroom with 18 students and one fifth-grade classroom with 22 students. These classrooms integrated 10 minutes of mindfulness practice which included direct instruction on calming strategies and breathing techniques. This study worked to help foster a learning environment that supported the academic and mental health needs of the student participants and looked at potential relationships between calming strategies and math assessment data. This study …

Bridging The Gap Between Science And Technology: A Descriptive Study Identifying Factors Influencing 6-8th Grade Science Teachers’ Implementation Of Virtual Laboratory Simulations, Coral Nicole Hoesli

Theses and Dissertations

Teachers at a South Carolina middle school in the United States were not implementing virtual laboratory simulations at the same rate as other middle schools in the district. This descriptive research examined 6th-8th grade middle school science teacher perceptions and influencing factors behind the choice to implement virtual laboratory simulations. The study examined two research questions: (1) what are the personal and social factors influencing science teachers’ decisions to implement a virtual laboratory simulation, and (2) what are the structural factors influencing science teachers’ decisions to implement a virtual laboratory simulation?

The National Educational Technology Plan (NETP) and the International …

Young Children’S Reading Experiences In An Online Family Book Club Centered On Multimodal Responses, Ling Hao

Theses and Dissertations

This ethnographic case study explored Chinese American children’s heritage language and culture learning and their multimodal responses to culturally relevant picture books. I focus on six Chinese American families who participated in an online family book club. The children were between four and six years old. In each session, I first introduced Chinese characters or cultural traditions related to the book, and then had an interactive read aloud of a culturally relevant picture book. The children discussed the book with one parent and came up with a question and a connection. The children then responded to the book through creating …

Keep Your Head Up: An Examination Of Out-Of-School Literacy Practices In An Intergenerational Family System, Johnnie D. Bryant-Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The asset-based qualitative study used a phenomenological approach within a Community Cultural Wealth framework to question the practices of an intergenerational family system in the Southeastern United States. The study investigated the family system’s out-of-school literacy practices and the exposure to culturally relevant literature. The study revealed that an elder who actively participated in rearing school-aged children intentionally introduced culturally relevant literature. Similarly, the study revealed that the primary caregivers did engage their school-aged children in conversations related to social justice and introduced them to culturally relevant texts. However, a child's inquiry into the topic initiated primary caregivers’ introduction to …

The Benefits Of Authentic Learning In English Language Arts Classes, Karissa Marie Connors

Theses and Dissertations

In education, it is important that teaching and learning evolve alongside an ever-changing world. Educators must teach 21^st century skills such as inquiry, independence, flexible and persistent thinking, and student motivation and engagement to help students prepare for the real world after graduation. It is imperative that educators begin to challenge students to learn within class settings that offer opportunities for real-world learning, even if confined to the physical classroom setting. The purpose of this action research study was to examine the benefits of authentic learning opportunities in English Language Arts classrooms while exploring the need for teaching life-long …

Cultivating Cultural Competence To Inspire Social Responsibility In Middle School Students, Jamie Shapiro Blau

Theses and Dissertations

In World Language education, teachers pair linguistic and cultural instruction to prepare students to engage effectively with speakers of the target language. In my French classes, where most students enjoyed dominant racial and socioeconomic identities, I noticed limited cultural competency skills in students, as well as a lack of readiness to engage with diverse cultures. This was unsurprising, as pervasive White eurocentrism permeates American schools, covertly impacting students' social and curricular experiences. Specifically, curricula of World Language courses where the language of study originates in a country with colonial history, such as French, cloud and ignore the linguistic and cultural …

Ashs To As: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Mandatory Athletic Study Hall In Improving High School Athletes’ Academics, Angela Pilson

Theses and Dissertations

During the 2023-2024 academic year, this action research study was conducted at local, mid-sized high school in South Carolina using a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the efficacy and impact of a mandatory athletic study hall (ASH) program on high school athletes’ academic performance. Through this program, during each academic quarter, any in-season athletes with any grades below 69% to either attend after-school study hall sessions or complete tutoring. The study both reviewed the academic performance of athletes and nonathletes and collected qualitative data from stakeholder surveys completed by nonathletes, athletes, teachers, coaches, and parents. The findings revealed a significant difference …

If We Only Had A Wheelbarrow: Asset-Based Pedagogy In The Elementary Classroom, Elizabeth Bedell

Theses and Dissertations

The challenges facing today’s educators are much and many. Among them ranks the persistent underachievement of students from racially and culturally diverse backgrounds. Attempts to remedy this have historically taken a deficit approach, one that attempts to “fix” students by melding them to the norms of the dominant culture, ultimately diminishing their cultural ways of knowing and being and perpetuating inequity. Although educators want to do better, most have simply not been provided with the professional learning that would support their centering students’ voices and experiences as essential to learning

With a focus on asset-based pedagogy, this convergent mixed methods …

Nurturing Multiracial Identity: A Community Of Practice Approach To Developing Culturally Responsive Pedagogy And Seeking Curriculum Justice For Multiracial Learners, Laura Althea Mosman Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This action research dissertation examines the impact of participation in a community of practice on teachers' beliefs and behaviors regarding the selection of representative curriculum and building culturally responsive pedagogy, especially when considering the growing population of multiracial learners in U.S. classrooms. The study involved 4 English Language Arts teachers in an Upper Elementary School engaging in a comprehensive text audit followed by the application of the critical redesign cycle to modify the curriculum, aiming to better address the needs of multiracial learners. Data was collected through surveys, interviews, and observations over six Community of Practice meetings to assess changes …

The Impact Of Pbis Programs On Discipline Referrals In A Secondary School, Tameika Shantrelle Valentine

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the impact of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) on discipline within a secondary school setting. PBIS is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture needed for all students to achieve social, emotional, and academic success. The research focuses on a comprehensive analysis of disciplinary records before and after the implementation of PBIS, comparing metrics including the number of disciplinary referrals, suspensions, and expulsions. Additionally, qualitative data from teacher surveys provided insights into changes in school climate and perceptions of behavior management. Preliminary findings suggest that the adoption of PBIS impacted a significant …

A Comparison Of Curricula At The University Of South Carolina School Of Medicine And The Unité De Formation Et De Recherche Simone Veil And Their Impacts On Student Outcomes, Bailey Kicklighter

Senior Theses

This study examines the impact of medical school curricula on student outcomes. It does so by analyzing the current curricula at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine (USC School of Medicine) and the Unité de Formation et de Recherche Simone Veil (UFR Simone Veil). The UFR Simone Veil is a medical education program at the Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. This research is important because it could encourage educators to examine the effectiveness of their current practices through comparison with the practices of other academic institutions. It also allows students to consider the course of study they might like …

Weathering The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Study Examining How The Lived Experience Affected English Learners, Mary Kathryn Maxwell

Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted many students, especially the English learners who require specialized instruction and additional support to develop English language proficiency. This study examines how the pandemic created barriers that caused a decline in the academic achievement and engagement in the learning process of sixth-eighth grade English learners in an urban district in Ohio. In this mixed-methods study, using an explanatory sequential research design, quantitative data were collected through an online Likert survey while qualitative data were gathered from semi-structured interviews, artifacts, and researcher field notes. A total of 21 participants completed the survey and interviews. The merged …

An Examination Of Physical Literacy: Learning Through A Technology Integrated, Flipped Classroom Approach., Euan M. S. Frew

Theses and Dissertations

Technology integrated, flipped classroom design offers opportunities to engage students on various levels and through meaningful ways. Introducing this learning environment to students at an early age is likely to change their motivation for learning towards physical literacy and influence their lifelong participation in physical activity. The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the implementation of a new technology integrated, Flipped Classroom in a physical education class, to increase eighth -grade students’ physical literacy at an international middle school. The following research questions guided this study: (a) How and to what extent does a technology integrated, flipped classroom, …

Critical Literacy And Student Engagement: Disrupting The Canon In The Secondary English Classroom, Katherine Burdick Ramp

Theses and Dissertations

Canonical literature is typically featured on the required texts list of secondary English classes while culturally relevant literature is frequently eschewed. Students struggle to understand and connect with the canonical literature as there are limited cultural connections that are relevant to their lives. As a result of this lack of culturally relevant literature in modern English curriculums, there has been a decrease in student engagement. The purpose of this study was to determine whether students’ engagement and their academic performance increased through the inclusion of these culturally relevant texts. Two research questions guided this study: (1) What effect does the …

The Impact Of Ability Grouping On Academic Achievement In Elementary Reading, Kristi Bissell

Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT This action research study describes the impact of ability grouping on fifth-grade students’ academic achievement in reading. The theoretical framework that supported this study is embedded in cooperative learning, social learning, and social interdependence. This study used a mixed methods design to consider the following research questions: “How does ability grouping impact students’ academic achievement in reading in a fifth-grade classroom?” The study also examined the impact that reading had on students’ confidence through a second research question: “What is the impact of ability grouping as it relates to students’ reading confidence?” A third research question was examined to …

The Impact Of Differentiated Affective Curriculum On The Asynchronous Social And Emotional Development Of Gifted Elementary Students, Michelle Koehle

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed-method action research study was to support the asynchronous development of third-grade gifted students at GWE by identifying their key social and emotional needs and determining the outcomes of a differentiated SEL curriculum. The four most significant affective areas of social and emotional need as self-reported by the participants on a quantitative pre-survey were emotion regulation, goal management, emotional knowledge, and relationship skills. Qualitative observations and exit tickets were collected to understand participants’ perceptions of the differentiated affective curriculum on their social and emotional development. Quantitative data was collected at the end of the study and …

Unveiling The Lifeworld Of Educators’ Social Justice Journeys: A Phenomenological Investigation, Maria Rocas Halkias

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this qualitative phenomenological action research was to explore the viewpoints of educators participating in a community of practice that integrates the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework with culturally responsive teaching and personalized learning. The study involved six teachers from a competitive public school district in New Jersey. Data collection methods encompassed weekly reflections, researcher’s field notes, audio-recorded sessions, and interviews. The study yielded valuable insights into organizational frameworks and learning strategies that enhance educators’ ongoing reflective practices, while also advocating for districts to allocate resources to support teachers' continuous personalized professional development. Analysis of the findings …