Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Blended Learning In Elementary Schools: An Interdependent Enterprise, Carrie J. Pratt

All Theses And Dissertations

This qualitative case study, bounded by a scope of leadership, was one way to analyze how leaders encouraged teachers to leverage blended learning in the public elementary school. The theoretical framework lending to cognitivism included sociocultural cognition and contingency theory. With the central phenomenon and research question, “What leadership aspects encourage teachers to leverage blended learning in elementary schools?” the researcher sought to understand the power of leadership and teacher perceptions as change occurs in the public elementary school, integrating blended learning. Subquestion 1 was used to pursue information about teacher identified leadership support that teachers perceived to be helpful …

Succession Planning For K–12 Leadership: Educators' Perceptions Of A Public School District Leadership Development Program, Stephanie R. Sanschagrin

All Theses And Dissertations

An overarching problem that public school districts are facing is a lack of succession planning. Without a succession plan in place, districts are not prepared for the future when it comes to staff development. This lack of foresight and planning causes a ripple effect leading to insufficient leadership. A district-level leadership development program could lessen this burden by providing support for educators with exposure to leadership skills at a school or district level prior to earning an advanced degree. This researcher used a collective case study methodology to investigate a common experience across multiple perspectives. This study utilized demographic questionnaires, …

Place-Based Learning As An Effective Methodology For Developing Self-Efficacy Skills In Students With Learning Disabilities, Melodee Carter-Guyette

All Theses And Dissertations

Research shows that place-based learning is a proven methodology in supporting students in achievement of their academic and social needs. There are inconsistencies related to documenting its success with learning disabled students, especially in the area of self-efficacy. This study attempted to fill this gap in the literature by exploring the perception of educators regarding self-efficacy of students with learning disabilities who have experienced environmental science place-based programs. Elementary educators were recruited from a broad pool of participants via social media. One hundred seventy surveys were received from educators in the six New England states. Five participants provided in-depth information …

Bilingual Student's Perceptions Of English-Only Education: A Study Of Hispanic Students In Central Florida, Lilliam Roman

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

In higher education, the number of Hispanic immigrant students has steadily increased, particularly in central Florida. The purpose of this quantitative study was to analyze the perceptions of higher education Hispanic students whose home language is Spanish and who are enrolled in English-only and bilingual degree programs in two central Florida universities. A quantitative, non-experimental survey research approach was utilized. A variety of descriptive, associative, and inferential statistical techniques were used to answer the research questions. A response rate of 12.7% (n = 71) was achieved. There was no difference in the overall perception of course efficacy between participants enrolled …

Improving The Rigor Of Online Education: Exploring Characteristics Of Faculty And Syllabi Within An Online Program Assessment Process, Brad J. Hamel

All NMU Master's Theses

As online course enrollments grow, overall perception of rigor still lags compared to that of traditional face-to-face education. The purpose of this research was to tie faculty and syllabi characteristics to the rigor of online courses. This study explored the relationship between faculty and syllabi characteristics and performance on an online entry-level course design quality assurance assessment (pass, pass with concern, or fail). A decision tree analysis was used to predict the relationship of the independent (faculty and syllabi characteristics) and the dependent (entry-level course design assessment) variables. Findings suggest that faculty rank and writing intensive are key characteristics predictive …

How Ideology And Pedagogy Impact Technology Adoption In The Classroom, A Causal-Comparative Study, Christopher J. Bernard

All Theses And Dissertations

As the world changes from an industrial driven society to one more focused on services and knowledge, the drive for change within higher education is mounting from both students and employers. With the availability of the vast majority of the world’s knowledge available to an ever-increasing populace via the Internet, students and employers alike are no longer satisfied with the three r’s – reading, writing, and arithmetic. Instead, employers are expecting graduates to be knowledgeable of the three C’s – collaboration, communication, and creative problem solving to negotiate a progressively complex global market.

Through advances in cognitive science, we now …

The Potential Of Rethinking The Teacher Observation And Evaluation Model, Cheryl L. Lang

All Theses And Dissertations

Today, across the United States of America, ongoing efforts are underway to transform the teacher evaluation system into a useful and manageable tool for improving teaching and learning in the classrooms. Currently, school districts in Maine are required to implement teacher observation and evaluation systems as a method of improving instructional practices in the classrooms. According to Mezirow’s adult learning theory, adults learn best when the learning fits into their frame of reference that has been long cultivated through maturity into adulthood, and they become invested in what they are learning. School districts have an opportunity to make teacher observations …

Walking The Talk: Embedding Standards-Based Grading In An Educational Leadership Course, Matt Townsley

Journal of Research Initiatives

The purpose of this paper is to provide a model for educational leadership faculty who aspire to walk the talk of effective feedback by embedding standards-based grading (SBG) in their courses. Rather than focusing on learning, points are the currency of K-12 classrooms across the country. Over 100 years of grading research suggests typical grading practices are subjective at best. Some schools are responding by implementing SBG, yet few articles describe how higher education embeds this philosophy in educator preparation coursework. In this essay, the author documents how to design assessments, align rubrics, and provide feedback to aspiring school leaders …

An International Comparative Study: Exploring Students’ College And Career Readiness Needs, Olcay Yavuz, Sabri Dogan, Omer Faruk Kabakci

Journal of Research Initiatives

This international quantitative study was designed to investigate the college and career readiness needs of students in the U.S. and Turkey. Results indicated that there are various factors including gender, country type, academic achievement, parent education and parent socio-economic status influence the students’ perception of college and career readiness. The significant findings and discussions provide school leaders, policy makers and counselors with valuable information to improve student achievement and school effectiveness through identifying and prioritizing the specific attitudes, knowledge and skills students should be able to demonstrate for their college and career readiness.

Veteran Transition From Combat To Campus: A Mixed-Methods Study, Joanna R. Jones

Dissertations

The current research was carried out to investigate the overall satisfaction and benefits concerning student veteran programs at a public university located in southcentral Kentucky and the possible correlation of effectiveness within the supportive transitioning assistance programs for student veterans. The study included survey(s) distributions to administrators of veteran programs and student veterans.

The descriptive investigative study involved both aspects of quantitative and qualitative design, hence categorizing the study as mixed-methods. Descriptive research design is considered a scientific method which involves observing and/or describing behavior regarding the subject without influencing it in any way. Surveys were used during this study …

Student Connectedness And Academic Achievement: A Quantitative Study Of Career And Technical Education Students, Kern Mcginley

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The focus of this correlational study in an Alaskan career and technical (CTE) school environment was to explore the research question that guided this study: In a large urban school district of Alaska, with a diverse student population, what is the relationship between the CTE student connectedness level and academic achievement levels? Participants included 132 high school students, Grades 10 through 12. Additional research questions were developed to examine the strength of the relationship between student connectedness and academic achievement by gender and ethnicity. Data were collected using an online survey with a combination of demographic questions and Goodenow’s (1993b) …

Overview Of The 2018 Inclusion In Science, Learning A New Direction, Conference On Disability (Island), Cary A. Supalo, Jasodhara Bhattacharya, Daniel Steinberg

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.

From The Co-Editors..., Todd Pagano, Sami Kahn

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.

The Predictive Power Of Teacher Practice In Explaining Student Growth, Nick Pillsbury

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

In recent years, states across the nation have increased their interest to develop specific teacher accountability measures and improve student achievement. On August 6, 2012, the state of New Jersey approved the TEACHNJ Act, which reformed tenure laws and linked student growth to a teacher’s evaluation. The ultimate goal of the TEACHNJ Act is to “raise student achievement by improving instruction through the adoption of evaluations that provide specific feedback to educators” (TEACHNJ Guide). The 2013-14 school year was the first full year of implementation, which included student growth percentile (SGP) scores as one component of a teacher’s evaluation.

The …

Does Art Make You Smart? A Longitudinal Experiment Of The Effects Of Multiple Arts- Focused Field Trips, Heidi Holmes Erickson, Jay Greene, Angela Watson, Molly I. Beck

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

This paper presents second year results from the first ever multi-visit, longitudinal experiment on the benefits from arts-focused field trips. Students in fourth and fifth grades in ten elementary schools in a large urban school district were randomly assigned to receive three arts-related field trips throughout the school year, including an art museum, a live theater production, and a symphony performance or to serve as a control. We find that treatment students exhibit higher levels of school engagement as measured by students’ behavioral infractions and self-reported engagement. We also find that treatment students perform significantly better on their end of …

Brookings, South Dakota: Learning Lab, Doriane Paso

Empowering Research for Educators

The following paper explores the possibilities of education in one local setting using both an insider and outsider perspective. Education is a part of society, and as society changes, why should education not change with it?

Alexa?: Possibilities Of Voice Assistant Technology And Artificial Intelligence In The Classroom, Patrick D. Hales, Melissa Anderson, Tonya Christianson, Amber Gaspar, Billi Jo Meyer, Beth Nelson, Krista Shilvock, Mary Steinmetz, Makenzi Timmons, Michelle Vande Weerd

Empowering Research for Educators

The following paper represents the combined effort of 10 educators exploring the experience and use of voice assistant technology in classrooms. This reflection and study of our classrooms looks to better understand both our use of technology and students’ use of technology in very specific ways. Is there a place for voice assistant technology in our classrooms? What benefits are there? What obstacles exist? We tell our stories and experiences here with the intent to provide context and continue the discussion among more of our colleagues.

From Assertion To Conversion: Classroom Management For 21st Century Teachers, Benjamin Halbkat

Empowering Research for Educators

The following position paper provides a new teacher's perspective on modern classroom management. Where is there room for improvement? What might the future hold?

High School Biology Preparation: Do Students Feel They Have Been Adequately Prepared For Introductory College Biology?, Mara Neitzel

Empowering Research for Educators

The purpose of this study was to determine how well students are being prepared in high school for introductory college biology courses. Specifically, the objectives of the study are as follows: To gain a better understanding about how well students feel they have been prepared for college science classes based on their high school education, to gain insight on how college preparation in high school impacts students’ self-confidence, and to determine if the accessibility of advanced education courses is influenced by the size of a high school. A mixed methods survey was distributed to freshman in the fall semester of …

In Support Of The Tinker V. Des Moines Decision, Matthew Olson

Empowering Research for Educators

The following position outlines a case for the Tinker v. Des Moines decision, including a historical and modern perspective. With freedom of speech and protest being a regular part of the discussion about U.S. society and schools, now is a good time to look back.

Incorporating The Fifth Domain To The Danielson Framework To Support Charism In Catholic Education, Emily Jane Hanson Ramos

All Theses And Dissertations

Catholic school academic leaders need to work to not only increase student achievement and instructional outcomes for students but also to increase those through the lens of the Catholic school identity and the individual school’s charism (Belmonte & Cranston, 2009; Cook, 2015; Dygert, 1998). The research was driven by the central research question: How have Catholic school academic leaders utilized the Danielson Framework to improve definitions of good teaching within a Catholic school through the addition of a 5th domain to the Danielson Framework for Teaching? Catholic school academic leaders need to create a culture where these processes also support …

Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports In An Alternative Education Setting: Examining The Risk And Protective Factors Of Responders And Non-Responders, Amy-Jane Griffiths, Jared T. Izumi, James Alsip, Michael Furlong, Gale M. Morrison

Education Faculty Articles and Research

This research examined the risk and protective factors of responders and nonresponders to a schoolwide implementation of positive behavioral interventions and supports (SW-PBIS) within an alternative school. Students completed self-perception measures of individual, school, community, and home systems. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated a statistically significant difference between responders and nonresponders on the individual and school systems models. Direct logistic regression indicated that within these models, hostility, destructive expression of anger, depression, academic self-concept, attitude to teachers, and attitude to school each made a significant contribution in identifying responders and nonresponders. Findings suggest that factors at the individual and school …

Local Labor Market Conditions, Principals’ Leadership, Conscientiousness, And Beginning Teacher Turnover: A Study During The Great Recession, Dillon Fuchsman, Gema Zamarro

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

An abundance of literature sheds light on which factors determine teacher turnover, but it has yet to consider the role that local labor market conditions may play in teachers’ turnover decisions and how these labor market conditions may influence the quality of teachers who might be retained. The effect of local labor market conditions on teacher turnover could be relevant especially in times of high economic instability like the Great Recession. To study the determinants of teacher turnover, we match the Beginning Teacher Longitudinal Study (BTLS) with local unemployment rates from the USC Great Recession Indicators Database (GRID). We also …

Community-Engaged Teaching: Lessons From A Participatory History Project, Amie Thurber, Sarah V. Suiter

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

How can we create opportunities for students to gain experience in community-engaged scholarship that truly benefits the community given the constraints of the academic calendar, students’ varied capacity to develop reciprocal and responsive community relationships, and the tendency for community-engaged research to instrumentalize community partners in service to academic deliverables? This paper explores one attempt to meet this challenge: an experimental graduate course in community development that linked course content to a participatory history project. Designed as a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) study, instructors studied the instructional process as well as outcomes for students and community partners. We …

Gender And The Yale Faculty: A View Of The Data, Emily Stark, Nancy Ruther, Paula Kavathas, Claire Bowern

Yale Day of Data

Every five years, the Women Faculty Forum compiles the demographics of the University’s faculty in a report called “The View.” The findings of The View of 2016-2017 belong in the context of a series of structural changes at Yale over the past five years that contribute to a widespread effort to foster gender equity and to recruit, retain, and support a more diverse faculty.

The 2016-2017 report shows the gains made in university leadership (particularly administrative leadership and Heads of College) by women faculty since 2012 but a stagnation in numbers of URM (under-represented minorities) faculty and women with tenured …

An Analysis Of The Research Methods Used In Select Peer-Reviewed Law Enforcement Journals, 2010 To 2014, David L. Lemmon Ii

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study provided a descriptive analysis of five peer-reviewed journals related to various law enforcement topics within a five-year period, 2010- 2014. It determined the type of research methodology that was applied and specified the authors’ characteristics of sex and role/function for all research related articles selected from the five peer-reviewed journals published during this time period. The five journals used in this study were International Journal of Police Science and Management, The Official Journal of the Society for Police Criminal Psychology, Police Practice and Research, Policing and Society, and Police Quarterly. This descriptive study provides practitioners, academicians, and other …

A Grounded Theory Exploration Of Teacher Grading Practices, Ingrid Rockhead

Education Dissertations and Projects

An examination of the history of grading reveals that many of the problems associated with current traditional grading practices are not new. Despite impassioned pleas from researchers and grading experts, practices such as assigning zeros on a percentage grading scale, assigning grades for practice such as homework and classwork while students are still learning, using the mean to report on students’ overall grades, and not allowing reassessments continue to occur. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe and report on Title I teachers’ grading practices and explain using grounded theory methods, the influences on those practices. This study …

A Praxis Briefing: Mental Health On The Campus: Defining Challenges And Opportunities, Stephen Beers, Connie Horton, Brad A. Lau, Nathan Greer, C. Skip Trudeau, Kim Stave, Brenda Roth

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Ecologies Of Faith In A Digital Age: Spiritual Growth Through Online Education, Eric Fehr

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Parent Involvement In Contested Times: A Brief Analysis Of The Effects Of Anti-Immigrant Policies On Latinx Immigrant Parent Involvement, Maria Isabel Morales

CGU Theses & Dissertations

How do perceived community and school cultural values affect Latinx immigrant parents’ decisions to engage with their children’s schools? What lessons might their experiences have for our understanding of parent involvement beyond the parameters of traditional models of parent involvement? Engaging parents as advocates for school success in the home is particularly important for English Language Learners (ELs). Tapping into the experiences of EL parents is a resource educators can use to increase parental involvement and, consequently, student academic achievement.

This qualitative case study grounded in Critical Inquiry and Cultural Historic Activity Theory examined the perceptions and experiences of 5 …