Educational Administration and Supervision Commons^™

A Qualitative Investigation Of Secondary General Education Teachers' Perspectives On Their Involvement In Transition Services, Stephen M. Kwiatek

Theses and Dissertations

This exploratory qualitative study was designed to examine the perspectives of secondary general education teachers’ involvement within the transition for all youth, including youth with disabilities. Youth with disabilities continue to find less success than peers without disabilities during postsecondary life. Research has examined special education teachers and transition professionals’ roles within the transition process, but limited research has been conducted relating to general education teachers’ roles. Qualitative data obtained through semi-structured interviews indicate the opportunity for more substantive involvement in transition planning for all students, including those with disabilities. Overall findings suggest that general educators have desired student outcomes …

Influence Of Faculty Status On Pedagogy And Student Services In Community College Developmental Courses, Nanette Berry

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates how the impact of part-time faculty status and full-time faculty status influences pedagogical practices and the incorporation of student services in developmental courses. Data from the 2014 Community College Faculty Survey of Student Engagement [CCFSSE] by the Center for Community College Student Engagement [CCCSE] was purchased by the researcher. Using a sample of 5,746 for the pedagogy variables and 6,297 for the student services variables, multivariate analysis of variance [MANOVA] findings suggest that part-time faculty reported using pedagogical practices in a developmental course at a higher percentage than full-time faculty. However, full-time faculty reported incorporating student services …

Successful Inaugural Major Comprehensive Campaigns: How Organizational Learning Helps Explain The Process, Laza Johany Razafimanjato

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study consisted of two case studies of southern public metropolitan universities, which successfully completed inaugural major comprehensive fundraising campaigns. The purpose of the study was to explore how the process of initiating and competing an inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign was explained by organizational learning and knowledge creation theories. Based on the conceptual framework, the fundraising campaign process required (1) essential conditions (organizational conditions and attributes of leadership) which were considered to be necessary pre-conditions for learning, (2) phases of imaging, interpreting, integrating, which constituted the learning procedure, and (3) institutionalizing, which was the resulting outcome of learning. It …

Perceived Stress, Self-Compassion, And Emotional Variance In Parents Of Children With Communication Disorders: A Family Approach To Service Delivery In Speech-Language Pathology, Olivia Marie Arnos

Theses and Dissertations

The amount of children born with developmental disorders in the United States is on the rise, increasing from 12.8% in 1998 to 15.04% in 2008 (Huang, Chang, Chi & Lai, 2013). Children with developmental disabilities often have chronic conditions that require additional support across their lifetime, ranging in deficits of attention, physical abilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, learning disabilities, and communication disorders. Research has shown as dependency of a child on caretakers increases, there is an increase in parental stress and a decrease in perceived well-being. Hall and Graff (2011) found parents of children with developmental disorders are less likely …

Overcoming Isolation As A Woman In The Male-Dominated Superintendency, Melissa Ann Mccooley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to explore the attributes associated with the leadership of women superintendents and how they overcome isolation in a predominantly male-dominated field. Through a feminist lens, I explored the manner in which women serve as superintendents, particularly, the manner in which they overcome isolation in a male-dominated field. Eleven women, including myself as the researcher, currently serving as superintendents in New Jersey participated in this study. Through the use of graphic elicitation and interviews the participants revealed an array of instances that enhance the feeling of isolation as a woman in the male-dominated …

Characterizing Exceptional Superintendent Leadership In Ethnically And Economically Diverse School Districts, Nicholas Henkle

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined ‘exceptional’ superintendent leadership in ethnically and economically diverse school districts. The purpose of the study was to use comparative case studies to better understand the beliefs and strategies these proven leaders employ to positively impact achievement and close the opportunity gap for students in ethnically and economically diverse school districts. The study examined three superintendents from the state of Illinois with respect to their philosophy, identified district strengths, culturally responsive attitudes and actions, leadership style, core beliefs, direct impact on students, and decision-making process to identify commonalities and differences that exist.

Culturally responsive leadership was the theoretical …

Computer-Mediated Communication Usage And Perceptions Amongst Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Laura A. Massier

Theses and Dissertations

This was a mixed methods study designed to examine the perceptions of young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) regarding usage of computer-mediated communication (CMC), with a focus on benefits, challenges, and support needs. People with ASD are often prone to social and communication difficulties, making it difficult for them to maintain relationships, find and retain employment, and be active members of their communities. Deficits in these areas are particularly hard for young adults who may no longer have regular routines or opportunities for socializing because they have transitioned out of school-based activities. CMC is a relatively new form of …

Students’ Expectations And Faculty Approaches To Instructional Activities: Are Faculty Meeting The Needs Of This Generation?, Julie Ann Brines

Theses and Dissertations

Students who engage academically and socially with others on campus are more likely to stay at their institution and graduate, and the continued success of higher education institutions depends on the persistence of those students. An extensive body of literature for student retention and faculty teaching practices exists, but the present study focused on how student persistence may be affected by the interactions between students and faculty, especially when students and faculty were members of different generational cohorts. Investigating those interactions revealed there is a significant difference between students’ expectations and faculty approaches to instructional activities inside and outside the …

Examining Fifth-Grade In-School Physical Activity Patterns And How Many Days Of Monitoring Are Needed, Tyler R. Langosch

Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine in-school physical activity patterns among fifth-grade students residing in a Midwestern community. Variables observed were minutes of vigorous + activity, vigorous activity, moderate activity, easy activity and very easy activity along with steps and calories expended. A secondary purpose of this study was to determine the minimum number of days necessary to estimate mean physical activity levels, as both moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and steps per day, in fifth-grade students using objective physical activity monitors across two semesters. METHODS: Activity patterns were assessed during two school semesters, spring (N = 82 …

Faculty Role In Curriculum Delivery At An International Branch Campus, Edith Pfeifer List

Theses and Dissertations

Focusing on faculty and curriculum at international branch campuses (IBCs), this study uses a qualitative case study method to examine faculty role in and perception of curriculum delivery. Interviews and observations were conducted at a midwestern institution and it’s European IBC. The areas of investigation include faculty involvement in curricular decision making, modifications for curricular delivery at the course and program level, communication between campuses, perceived differences and similarities between campuses, and professional development opportunities through the institution. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the program-level curriculum and course decision-making and delivery at international branch campuses …

Caregivers' And Professionals' Perceptions On Collaboration In Early Intervention, Sara J. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

The current study explored the perceptions of collaborative practices and possible methods to overcome the challenges identified by caregivers and professionals in Early Intervention by documenting the perspectives of four multidisciplinary team members. This qualitative study included in-depth interviews with a caregiver, service coordinator, occupational therapist, and developmental therapist/hearing specialist whom all shared an Individual Family Service Plan within the past year. Data analysis revealed five major themes that included: 1) communication, 2) best practices, 3) co-treating, 4) knowledge, and 5) respect. Future research ideas and implications for caregivers, early intervention professionals, early intervention program managers, and agencies employing early …

The Effects Of Text-To-Speech On Reading Comprehension Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Mary Cece Young

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, I implemented the use of technology to investigate the effectiveness of text-to-speech (TTS) on the reading comprehension of students with learning disabilities (LD). In a freshman self-contained classroom, I used the classroom-based text and TTS on four participants during a 48-min English class period for 16 weeks. An A-B-A-B withdrawal design evaluated the effectiveness of TTS on reading comprehension, the dependent variable, measured through accuracy of participants’ responses to reading comprehension questions from curriculum-based measures (CBMs). Following intervention, I assessed maintenance of the effect of TTS on reading comprehension for 4 weeks. Additionally, I measured participants’ perspectives …

The Effects Of Sex And Professional Experience On Superintendent Selection Decisions By School Board Chairpersons, Patrick Jarrett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects that a superintendent candidate’s sex and professional background and school board chairpersons’ sex have on resume screening decisions. School board chairpersons were selected randomly from across the United States to receive one of six types of hypothetical superintendent candidates’ resumes and respond to a survey which requires subjects to rate the likelihood they would recommend the candidate depicted in the resume for an interview. Variables examined were candidates’ sex (male vs. female), professional experience (business vs. education vs. military) and sex-similarity with school board chairperson. An ordinal regression was used …

Evaluación Del Impacto De La Desnutrición Por Exceso E Interacción Social En Escolares Del Segundo Ciclo Del Nivel Básico, Ysabel Noemí Tejeda Díaz

Theses and Dissertations

Esta investigación consistió en la evaluación del impacto de la desnutrición por exceso e interacción social en los escolares del segundo ciclo del nivel básico en una escuela pública en Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana. Se estudiaron (a) los tipos de interacciones que se producen entre los participantes y (b) las interrelaciones sociales desarrolladas en el entorno escolar. Así como el impacto en los niveles de popularidad e influencia de acuerdo a las teorías de Herrera (2008) y Rizo (2007) en el ámbito escolar.

Se realizó una investigación mixta, a partir del abordaje del problema desde los aspectos cualitativo y cuantitativo, …

Examining The Evolution Of A Teacher Induction Program In A Diverse, Urban, Southeastern School District, Karen Pack

Theses and Dissertations

Educational institutions struggle to increase student achievement. While the educational needs of students remain at the forefront, teachers’ needs must also be met—before and after entering the classroom. My experience in public education has shown most beginning teachers depend on the support a teacher induction program provides to manage the multitude of new responsibilities faced during the first year in the classroom. Induction programs are constructed and implemented within school districts in a variety of ways. This study is an in-depth analysis that identifies factors that impacted an effective teacher induction program, examines how the program changed as a result, …

Implementation Of Common Core State Standards And South Carolina College And Career Ready Standards: Successes And Struggles, Matthew D. Scandrol

Theses and Dissertations

In 2009 the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) initiative was introduced to the nation’s education systems. The CCSS initiative compelled schools and districts to re-evaluate instructional programs to better meet the instructional needs of students as well as the professional development needs of teachers and administrators.

On May 30, 2014, South Carolina became the second state to withdraw from the CCSS initiative. South Carolina developed its own statewide set of standards to replace the Common Core for the 2015-2016 school year. Titled the South Carolina College and Career Ready Standards (SCCCRS), these standards are heavily influenced by the Common Core. …

The Private University Faculty Perspective Of Community College Transfer Students: An Ethnographic Interview Study, Sally E. Hyatt

Theses and Dissertations

Faculty/student relationships have a significant impact on student retention and success (Tinto, 1975, 1993). However, little is known about how faculty perceive community college transfer students and how they make meaning of their interactions with these students. This qualitative, descriptive, ethnographic interview study describes faculty/student interaction and the ways in which community college transfer students are perceived by the faculty at one small, private, nonprofit, masters-level university. The research questions used for this study were designed to investigate the faculty’s perception of community college students, the students’ academic experiences and the faculty/student relationship.

The researcher gathered data during 12 in-depth …

Role Of The Principal In Implementing Blended Learning In Algebra I Courses In South Carolina Public Schools, Corey J. Murphy

Theses and Dissertations

In the state of South Carolina, the primary indicator of student achievement in high schools is the End of Course Test. In order to increase passing rates on this test, many schools are turning to online tutorials or more advanced online intelligent tutoring systems. Any combination of online delivery of educational content with classroom interaction and live instruction is known as blended learning. This study examined the role of the principal in implementing blended learning in Algebra 1 courses in South Carolina public schools.

This study was guided by three primary research questions: What is the self-perceived role of the …

Black Minds Matter: The Academic Identity Of First Year African American Stem Students, Christa Dawn Platt

Theses and Dissertations

A national push exists to increase the number of African American students who pursue STEM majors (Baber, 2014). While African American students have high aspirations to pursue STEM disciplines, an incongruence remains between their aspirations and their attainment of STEM degrees (Archer, Dewitt, Osbourne, 2015). This work seeks to critically underscore the structural issues that impede African American students in their journey as STEM majors. These impediments have been explored as factors that influence the identity of African American students. In the spirit of Critical Race Theory, the goal of this study is to give voice to first year African …

Pathways To A Brighter Future: Narratives Of Latino Students’ Perceptions At Community College, Columba Myra Gaytan-Morales

Theses and Dissertations

Helping Latino students into leadership roles begins with a college experience. Latino students are the largest and fastest growing student population within community colleges, yet they are less likely to graduate. Blame is often placed on minority students and their families for the students’ poor academic performance. Deficit thinking models have impacted this way of thinking and this adds to the variety of factors that prevent students’ from successfully completing a college degree. An analysis of nine Latino students’ college experiences was examined to determine the types of barriers that were evident. Critical Race Theory and Latino Critical Race narrative …

An Investigation Of Perceived Principal Stress And Its Impact On Principals In Southwest Georgia, Dorothy Young Ingram

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine to what extent southwest Georgia principals perceive they are stressed, identify principal stressors and how the stressors impact the principals’ work. Principals are leaders of school building who are experiencing increased stress. Therefore; it is important to understand what causes principal stress as well as how the stressors impact principal work. Principals are expected to maintain building safety, student safety, student achievement, retention of quality teachers, as well as act as instructional leaders. The mixed method study of public elementary school principals was conducted in four southwest Georgia school districts. The researcher …

Principals' Perceptions Of Professional Development: Options That Support Effective Leadership, Lisa Lee Geren

Theses and Dissertations

This study is designed to investigate the perceptions of elementary school principals in the state of Arkansas regarding what supports they need to be effective instructional leaders. Phase I of this mixed method study uses an online survey of 112 elementary school principals to better understand their descriptions of an effective instructional leader and the professional development supports they need. Phase II consists of personal interviews of 12 elementary school principals. The research revealed four overarching themes: Personal Attributes, Values Relationships, Leadership Skill Sets, and Meaningful Professional Development. Principals described effective leaders as visionaries, hospitable, empowering others, visible, good listeners, …

Implementing State Initiatives In A Pk-1 Primary School: A Case Study Exploring Instructional Leadership, Jennifer Baldwin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods case study is to explore the practices that a principal has used to address the individual needs of students through instructional and cultural changes, which resulted in increased student achievement. Using Lambert’s (1998) Leadership Capacity Survey, the espoused beliefs of the principal are correlated to the teachers’ ratings of the principal’s performance. The findings indicate an overall emergent theme that the principal uses broad-based leadership and skillful participation to establish reciprocal trust among the staff by creating teacher leaders. An additional theme of the community’s principal illuminates the work the principal’s efforts to establish …

Illinois Stakeholders’ Perceptions Of Advanced Placement® And Dual Credit Courses, Glenn A. Wood

Theses and Dissertations

Advanced Placement® and dual credit coursework have been associated with positive educational attainment outcomes for students and yet opportunity gaps exist for children to access these programs depending on the school they attend. The many benefits of Advanced Placement® and dual credit coursework for students make it necessary that any education agenda by policymakers should include avenues to increase access to these programs for students. This study explored Advanced Placement® and dual credit coursework in Illinois through the perceptions of teachers, principals, superintendents, and school board members using a cross-sectional survey. The survey was administered to examine whether there are …

Understanding The Self-Efficacy Beliefs Of Preservice Learning And Behavioral Specialists During Their Practicum, Field-Based, And Student Teaching Semesters, Alice S. Cahill

Theses and Dissertations

The study of self-efficacy has become a dominant topic in psychological and educational research over the last 50 years. However, little information is known about preservice teachers and even less about preservice special education teachers’ beliefs. This study was designed to survey preservice special educators’ self-efficacy beliefs placed outside of the college classroom in the education field.

The participants (n = 74) were special education preservice teachers in the state

of Illinois in their practicum, field-based, or student teaching semesters. The participants completed a 24-question online survey designed by Tschannen-Moran and Hoy (2001) on their self-efficacy beliefs in the areas …

Influence Of Mentors Of Female Development Among Higher Education Administrative Professionals, Courtney Van Leuvan

Theses and Dissertations

Leadership is a socially constructed concept that has been seen as a masculine quality; because of this women struggle reaching leadership positions and face many challenges when holding leadership positions. This study investigated the development of leadership styles and qualities of selected female administrative leaders at Rowan University through survey and interview data. The study specifically looked at the influence of these women’s mentors on their leadership development. The findings of the study showed that the women reported no negative experiences with male mentors, however several with female mentors. The interviews also revealed that there were differences among qualities and …

The Evolving Role Of Higher Education In Community Engagement And Economic Development, Kelly Hunt Lyon

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study uses grounded theory to develop a substantive level theory (Glaser and Strauss, 1967) of a non-traditional approach to economic development and community engagement in 42 economic development and community engagement projects at 30 higher education institutions in 22 states. Institutions include research universities, land-grants, and community colleges. Documents were from the University Economic Development Association (UEDA), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), and the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) during 2012-2013. Primary characteristics of projects included: student participation, regional alignment, faculty involvement, networks. Secondary characteristics included: built spaces, funding, and mentorship.

An Examination Of The First-Generation Student Experience At A Small, Private Institution, Joshua Erik Hayes

Theses and Dissertations

The postsecondary completion gap – the differential between those who access postsecondary education and those who complete a postsecondary credential – is a complex crisis that permeates U.S. higher education. One postsecondary student segment that continues to lag behind other segments in terms of degree completion is first-generation students, or those who are the first in their immediate families to attend college. The current study explores first-generation students’ experiences of their postsecondary environment viewed through unique lenses shaped by external contexts and prior experiences. Through a qualitative investigation of the experiences and perceptions of first-generation students at a private, residentially-based …

Assessing Self-Authorship Among Athletic Training Students, Jeffrey G. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the nature and development of self-authorship among athletic training students. A cross-sectional, survey design was used and students enrolled in Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited professional athletic training degree programs were included as participants. Systematic sampling was used to recruit participants from the target population. Participants were recruited through batch email addresses of non-certified student members of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) membership database.

The quantitative measure of self-authorship described by Creamer, Baxter Magolda, and Yue (2010), referred to as the Career Decision Making Survey-Self Authorship (CDMS-SA), …

Thorn In The Side Of Segregation: The Short Life, Long Odds, And Legacy Of The Law School At South Carolina State College, Alfred D. Moore Iii

Theses and Dissertations

The Law School at South Carolina State College, or more commonly known as “State College,” opened on September 17, 1947 with nine African American students. It closed on May 15, 1966 when the Law School graduated its final class. The Law School was conceived when John Wrighten, an African American veteran of World War II and graduate of State College, applied for admission to the University of South Carolina (USC) School of Law on June 30, 1946. Wrighten, who was denied admission due to his race, sued the University on grounds that the rejection violated his constitutional rights under the …