Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Aligning Sport Management Programs With The Evolving Needs Of Hopeful Intercollegiate Athletic Administrators., Kelly P. Elliott, Don Rockey

The COSMA Journal

Pathways to becoming an Athletic Director (AD) vary considerably across intercollegiate athletics, highlighting the need for sport management programs to better align academic preparation with evolving professional expectations. While prior research has explored AD roles across NCAA divisions, limited attention has been given to how academic curricula and experiential learning opportunities support students pursuing these careers. This study examines differences in sport management curricula and experiential offerings across programs affiliated with Division I FBS, Division I FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA institutions. Two research questions guided the study: (1) What differences exist in required coursework across divisions? and …

School Leader Implementation Of Transformative Social And Emotional Learning Professional Development, Alana Raybon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite the wide use of social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools, and some evidence of SEL positively impacting students of color, racially and ethnically marginalized students experience inequitable educational outcomes. Transformative SEL (tSEL), a justice-focused framework from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), provides students with the liberatory tools to dismantle systemic inequity through collaborative problem solving. More research is needed on the professional development of staff implementing justice-focused SEL in diverse school settings. This revelatory, qualitative, single case study examined how a school leader implemented tSEL professional development in a school setting that served racially …

Second Annual Advances In Business Education Conference 2026 Proceedings, Kelsey Metz

Advances in Business Education (ABE) Conference Proceedings

Conference Overview: The Second Annual Advances in Business Education (ABE) Conference was held on May 21–22, 2026, at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Hosted by the LMU School of Business, the ABE Conference exists to promote teaching excellence, scholarly inquiry, and regional engagement through innovation and collaboration in business education.

With a focus on fostering meaningful dialogue among educators, researchers, students, and industry professionals, the conference welcomed more than 70 attendees representing 11 institutions from across the Appalachian region and beyond.

The event was structured around four key tracks:

Pedagogy and Teaching Excellence: Showcasing innovative teaching methods, instructional technologies, …

Examining The Learns Act And Its Effect On Teachers' Pursuit Of Advanced Degrees In Arkansas, Demetre Calhoun

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The focus of this study was to examine the relationship between the Arkansas LEARNS Act and public-school teachers’ choices on their intent to pursue an advanced degree. The results provide insight into the potential impact of changes to the salary structure and financial incentives for completion of an advanced degree and the implications for teachers, school districts, and higher education programs.

The results indicated that while salary considerations were significant factors for teachers in their thinking about advanced degree completion, professional goals and career plans for teachers were ultimately the guiding factors. This suggests that compensation reform will not sufficiently …

Incorporating Play-Based Learning While Meeting State Standards, Alicia Muer

Graduate Teacher Education

This paper reviews the benefits of incorporating developmentally appropriate practices into the classroom through a play-based approach. This is a controversial topic, as most teachers are more concerned with teaching to the standards than with the needs of students as a whole. Fifteen studies, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and action research, were used to examine what developmentally appropriate practices are. Three themes emerged from the studies: play-based learning, professional development, and teacher-student collaboration. In the play-based theme, a sub-theme emerged which focused on games and gaming. The findings showed that students thrive more in an environment where play-based learning is …

A Comparative Analysis Of Professional Development Perceptions Among Baby Boomer, Generation X, Millennial And Generation Z Teachers, Lynsey R. Reynolds

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

ABSTRACT

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PERCEPTIONS AMONG BABY BOOMER, GENERATION X,

MILLENNIAL AND GENERATION Z TEACHERS

Lynsey Ratzlaff Reynolds

This quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional survey study examined differences in perceptions of professional development among Baby Boomer, Generation X, Millennial, and Generation Z secondary teachers employed in one northwest Arkansas school district. Using the researcher-developed Teacher Professional Development Perceptions Survey, data were collected from N = 145 certified secondary teachers in grades 6–12 during February 2026. Four research questions guided the study, each concerning a distinct construct: perceived relevance of professional development to instructional practice, perceived efficiency of professional development …

Examining The Impact Of Professional Development On Paraprofessional Self-Efficacy In Rural Settings, Elise Murray, Moriah Smothers, Tori L. Colson, Stacey Keown-Murray

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Due to an increasing reliance on special education paraprofessionals in rural schools, this study examines their self-efficacy beliefs before and after professional development. Using a mixed-methods approach, findings suggest no significant change in self-efficacy post-training. Paraprofessionals’ confidence was more influenced by on-the-job experiences than by a single professional development session.

Foundations For Change: A Year-One Analysis Of Thinking Maps Professional Development In Secondary Education And Classroom Adoption, Tiffani Isaacson

Boise State Graduate Student Projects

Following two years of Thinking Maps professional development, educators at the secondary level have increasingly integrated them into instruction; leading to improvements in student engagement, organization and explanation of thinking. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Thinking Maps professional development in enhancing instruction. Survey results showed that staff found the training beneficial and felt comfortable utilizing Thinking Maps. To support proficiency both the curriculum coach and teacher trainer provided weekly structured activities with video instruction that modeled implementation, reinforcing student understanding and increasing staff confidence. Thinking maps showed promising results as an instructional tool. with continued reinforcement they will further …

The Perceived Barriers Of A One-To-One Technology Implementation: A Post-Covid Case Study, Adam Howard Creasy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative dominant, exploratory sequential case study aimed to identify stakeholder perceptions of technology within a one-to-one technology initiative and outline any possible barriers. The study examined the perceptions of teachers, parents, and administrators within a rural K-12 public school district in Pennsylvania. The study provided school district stakeholders with data they can use to improve existing and future initiatives by early intervention within areas of concern identified by the study. Data were collected using a two round approach which includes focus groups and targeted surveys utilizing research-backed electronic survey tools. The research questions addressed in the study were the …

Early Childhood Echo (Ec Echo) Start-Up & Operations Manual, Lisa Long, I. Michelle Gaither, Ruby Brenner, Bradley Long, Emily Mcclelland, Malcolm Huell, Lauren Elliott, Katerina Sergi

Publications

The Early Childhood ECHO (EC ECHO) Start-up & Operations Manual is a practical guide to launching case-based telementoring and professional development using the Project ECHO® model. Prepared for early childhood programs and agencies. Adapted from Mississippi’s EC ECHO implementation (2023–2025) and aligned with Project ECHO® guidance.

Bridging Vision And Practice: A Case Study Of Educator Perceptions Within The Community School Model, Jessica M. Riedel

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

Guided by a qualitative collective case study employing two focus groups and six individual interviews, this dissertation in practice examined educator and community school specialist perceptions of the community school model and sought to understand how those perceptions inform the district’s approach to teaching and school operations. Findings indicated a genuine desire to make the community school model successful for students within the buildings but also emphasized a lack of role clarity and professional development opportunities, misconceptions around the model, and siloing within different programs in the schools. These results highlight the need for more communication within districts and schools …

The Effects Of Grading Equity Professional Development On Student Outcomes, Sarah R. Morris, Sarah Mckenzie, Jonathan Wai, Robert A. Maranto

Journal of Global Education and Research

This study examines the impact of a 6-hour professional development (PD) program on grading equity and student outcomes. The PD aimed to enhance teachers’ grading practices to foster fairness and inclusivity, based on the growing advocacy for reform to address systemic inequities in traditional grading systems. Utilizing a randomized control trial, the study compared student perceptions of grading equity, academic achievement, and psychosocial outcomes between groups whose teachers either received or did not receive the training. Results indicated no significant improvements in student outcomes post-PD, suggesting the duration of the intervention may be insufficient for substantial changes in grading practices. …

Talis 2024 Australian Report: The Teaching And Learning International Survey, Tim Friedman, John Ainley, Wolfram Schulz, Katherine Dix

OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS)

The OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) collects internationally comparable data on the learning environment and the working conditions of teachers and principals in schools across the world. This report outlines the results of the 2024 survey of Australian teachers under the headings of: teaching for today's world; thriving in teaching; the demands of teaching, developing teacher expertise, teacher leadership and autonomy, professional relationships in schools, and sustaining the teaching profession. Australia’s participation in TALIS 2024 was managed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).

State Of Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guides: 2025 Utilization Report, Meagan Mitchell Phd

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

The State of Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides were developed in collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) through a process led and facilitated by Education Systems Center (EdSystems) at Northern Illinois University. The process included extensive research into labor market information and credential programs, as well as dialogue across secondary, postsecondary, and employer stakeholders. With the support of ICCB, EdSystems researched the utilization of the State of Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides: Culinary and Hospitality and Human and Public Service.

We consulted with ICCB to receive the Perkins V …

Career Advising Utilization: A Quantitative Archival Analysis Of Student Engagement Across Academic Levels And Colleges At A Southeast University, Edward Raimundi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative ex-post facto study examined patterns of career advising utilization at a large, R1 public university in the southeastern region of the United States. Institutional advising data from the 2023–24 advising year was utilized to identify usage patterns across different demographics such as college affiliation and academic level. The descriptive stats from the archival data were used to measure topic distributions, undergraduate–graduate usage by college, and contact engagement. The sample size included over 35,000 students with 10 different college affiliation labels. Significant differences across advising usage in the different colleges were found during the study. Undergraduate students had higher …

Evaluation Of A Classroom Management Program For Improving Student-Teacher Relationships, Social Skills Instruction, And Teacher Self-Efficacy, Alex Mason, Ying Guo, Ashley T. Scudder, Kathleen A. Clancy, H C. Yeh, Richard Spoth, Tricia K. Neppl, Chungyeol Shin, Patrick M. Tyler

Journal of Educational Research and Innovation

This study tests the effectiveness of Well Managed Schools (WMS), an established classroom management program, for improving student-teacher relationship quality, teacher social skills instruction, and teacher self-efficacy. Participants were 415 Grade 1-5 teachers in 49 schools representing 24 school districts across six states in the United States. Teachers were assigned randomly to either the WMS condition (n = 210) or a usual classroom management practices control condition (n = 205). Data were collected via teacher surveys and classroom observations across five waves over two years. Results from analyses of covariance showed a significantly higher adjusted mean level of …

Preschool Teachers’ Perspectives On Conceptual Movement In Academic Instruction: A Mixed- Methods Study With Implications For Early Math, Kehinde H. Orimaye

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This convergent mixed-methods study investigated Missouri preschool teachers’ familiarity, implementation, and perceptions of conceptual movement (CM), the purposeful integration of bodily actions to support young children’s understanding of abstract academic concepts, particularly in early mathematics instruction. Grounded in embodied cognition and informed by enactivism and the theory of event coding (TEC), the study explored: (a) preschool teachers’ awareness and frequency of CM use; (b) how teacher characteristics such as experience, age group taught, and math anxiety relate to CM implementation; and (c) teachers’ perceptions of CM’s instructional value, implementation challenges, and professional development needs.

Quantitative data were collected through a …

Enhancing Educational Outcomes For English Learners: The Role Of Culturally Responsive Teaching And Professional Development In Texas, Elisa Garcia, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

The increasing population of English learners (ELs) in Texas public schools requires a focused approach to their education. This article explores the challenges faced by ELs, including the risk of misplacement in educational programs and the need for culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices. Drawing on recent research, the article highlights the importance of professional development (PD) tailored to the unique needs of ELs. Effective PD programs should prioritize cultural and linguistic awareness, collaborative learning opportunities, and strategies for differentiated instruction. The article also discusses the significance of engaging parents and the community in supporting ELs. By implementing these recommendations, …

Sg-Met: Past To Present Day Evolution, Aiden Echols, Bs, Madison Via, Bs, Audrey L. Zapletal, Otd, Ms, Otr/L, Cla, Chse, Karla A. Bell, Pt, Dpt, Phd, Fnap

Thomas Jefferson University Faculty Days

Background

LGBTQ+ communities experience health care and health disparities; some reasons include:

• barriers in care,
• negative attitudes,
• lack of awareness by healthcare providers.

Studies have found healthcare professionals are not adequately trained in LGBTQ+ care

Educators benefit from professional development related to LGBTQ+ inclusivity in higher education.

A Design Based, Mixed Method Study On Evaluating Traditional Grading Practices And The Implications For Mastery Learning And Educational Equity In A Midwestern School District, Christina Kirchner

Dissertations

“Grades are an essential currency of our schools. Schools, colleges and employers use grades to determine many important, and in some cases, life-altering decisions-college admission, financial aid and scholarships, athletic eligibility, promotion, retention, awards, and supports” (Feldman, 2018, p. 3). Grading is not addressed in teacher preparation programs, or within professional development during teachers’ careers; teachers have chosen their own way to grade guided by their own personal experiences, uninformed of research or best practice. Using a human centric, design-based approach, the researcher identified multiple discrepancies with grading practices among the K-12 school organization. Within the discrepancies, other issues were …

Talis Teacher Knowledge Survey 2024 Conceptual And Assessment Framework, Jonathan Heard, Pina Tarricone

OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS)

The Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) is the world’s largest international survey of teachers and principals. In 2024, TALIS added the Teacher Knowledge Survey (TKS), a special module to investigate teachers’ general pedagogical knowledge (GPK). GPK is the specialised knowledge of teachers for creating effective teaching and learning environments for all students, independent of subject matter; it is part of the specialised body of knowledge that makes teaching a knowledge profession. The TKS conceptual and assessment framework underpins the survey, describes its contents and explains its importance. Key themes in the framework include teaching diverse learners, using technology for …

Uncovering Best Practices For Professional Learning: A Focus On Dialogic Discourse, Belinda Jaquez

Dissertations

The education system rests in a paradox with an ever-changing world and classrooms frozen in time. Though technological advancements, societal changes, and policy reforms are continuously reshaping the world, classrooms have remained anchored in traditional teaching and learning practices. This study examined the relationship between professional learning programs and the quality of classroom instruction with a focus on implementing more collaborative and dialogic approaches to both student and professional learning. This research involved a multifaceted program evaluation of the learning environment centered on the learning experiences of both students and teachers. A utilization-focused evaluation approach was implemented to ensure the …

First Annual Advances In Business Education Conference 2025 Proceedings, Kelsey Metz, Joshua Ray

Advances in Business Education (ABE) Conference Proceedings

Conference Overview: The First Annual Advances in Business Education (ABE) Conference was held on May 16, 2025, at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Hosted by the LMU School of Business, the ABE Conference was established to promote teaching excellence through innovation and collaboration in business education. With a focus on fostering meaningful dialogue among educators, researchers, and students, the conference welcomed participants from across disciplines and institutions. The event was structured around three key tracks:

Pedagogy & Teaching Excellence: Showcasing innovative teaching methods and strategies for enhancing student learning and engagement.

Business Research: Presenting research focused on advancing knowledge …

Resources And Readiness: Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Secondary Teachers In Rural Texas With Being Prepared For Students Diagnosed With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Their Classrooms, Barbara L. Chase

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines how prepared secondary teachers in Texas rural public schools are to work with students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who are placed in their classrooms. I investigated the professional development and higher educational training experiences of secondary teachers regarding contributions to both their knowledge of the etiology of ADHD and interventions and behavior management strategies. This dissertation was motivated by a curiosity to understand how secondary teachers in rural schools describe the knowledge they obtained regarding ADHD etiology and interventions through their higher education programs and professional development opportunities. As well as a desire to …

Teacher Support And Professional Development Needs In A New Virtual Academy, Joshua Young

All Dissertations

ABSTRACT

As the need for virtual learning options for K-12 public students rapidly grew in large part as a response to COVID-19, Foothills Virtual Academy^[1] (FVA) has developed as an option for online learning for students enrolled in the School District of Foothills County^[2] (SDFC), a district of approximately 16,000 students located in South Carolina. This educational program offers families the option for their students to become full-time virtual students while still remaining enrolled as a student in SDFC. This program features instructional programs specifically tailored for each age and grade level and features a mixture of synchronous …

K-12 Special Education In The South: Where Are We And Where Should We Be Going?, Jack G. Walker

Honors Theses

Throughout the past century, special education has undergone significant transformation and increasing accessibility to those who need it. However, persistent challenges remain. Some of these challenges include but are not limited to teachers still challenged with job stress and paperwork overload, schools faced with lack of funding for the program, and the lack of importance seen by administration on close relationships with parents of said students. These problems can affect all involved and especially the students who deserve the best education experience they can receive. The purpose of this thesis is to look into what has gotten policymakers to where …

Lived Experiences Of High School Teachers' Professional Development Post-Covid-19 Pandemic In Rural Georgia: A Transcendental Phenomenology Study, Jesse Regalado

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of high school teachers' professional development post-COVID-19 pandemic in rural Georgia, U.S.A. The theories guiding the research are Piaget's theory of disequilibration, addressing how one accommodates and assimilates to adapt to change, and Festinger's (1957) theory of cognitive dissonance, explaining how one adapts, assimilates, and accommodates to avoid disharmony. The study's central question is, what are high school teachers' perceptions on the practical or academic professional development they received post-COVID-19 pandemic in rural Georgia, United States, used to promote leadership, teaching mastery, or pedagogical practices? This study utilized …

Gy2022 Rapid Response Survey #3: Determining The Training Needs Of Child Nutrition Professionals, Keith Rushing Phd, Rd

Institute of Child Nutrition, Applied Research Division

Child nutrition professionals must maintain current knowledge and skills to effectively implement program regulations and nutrition standards. This study examined the training needs and preferred training delivery methods of school nutrition and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) professionals across the United States to support future professional development efforts.

Using a two-phase research design, researchers conducted a literature review, expert panel review, survey development, pilot testing, and national survey administration. The final survey was distributed through the Institute of Child Nutrition’s national contact database, resulting in 777 completed responses from school nutrition directors, managers, staff, and CACFP professionals representing …

Rapid Response Survey #3: Determining The Training Needs Of Child Nutrition Professionals, Keith Rushing Phd, Rd, Ruaa Al-Juboori Phd, Mackinsey Shahan Phd

Institute of Child Nutrition, Applied Research Division

Child nutrition professionals must continually develop knowledge and skills to meet evolving program regulations, nutrition standards, and operational demands. This study examined the training needs and preferred training delivery methods of school nutrition and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) professionals across the United States.

Using a two-phase research design, researchers conducted a literature review, expert panel review, survey development, and national survey administration. A total of 777 child nutrition professionals, including school nutrition directors, managers, staff, and CACFP personnel, participated in the study. Respondents identified high-priority training topics and preferred methods for receiving training, including in-person, live virtual, …

A Predictive Correlational Study Of The Relationship Between Two-Year College Faculty Participation In Professional Development And Career Commitment, Faculty Leadership, And Professional Service Activities, Deborah Josey Burks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this predictive correlational non-experimental study was to examine the relationships between faculty participation in professional development, and career commitment, faculty leadership, and engagement in professional service activities. The predictor variable was faculty professional development and criterion variables were career commitment, faculty leadership, and engagement in professional service by faculty employed within two-year colleges in the southeastern United States. This study contained a convenience sample of 76 faculty employed at two-year colleges within a system of colleges. Data was gathered utilizing the combined self-reported Career Growth Opportunity Measure (Adams, 1999), the Teacher Leadership Inventory [TLI] (Angelle & DeHart, …