Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Comparing Fastbridge Reading Assessment Scores: Reading Interventionist Vs. Lexia Powerup For Sixth-Grade Students, Amanda K. Boss

Education Doctorate Dissertations

This study investigates the differences in FastBridge reading assessment scores among sixth-grade students at a middle school in Southeast Minnesota. A sample of 266 sixth graders participated in the technology-based intervention program, Lexia PowerUp, while 35 students received additional support from a reading interventionist using the UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Initiative) Foundations curriculum. Employing a quantitative, non-experimental post hoc analysis, the research revealed that both Lexia PowerUp and UFLI: Foundations enhanced FastBridge AUTOreading scores; however, FastBridge aReading scores showed no significant changes for either program. Notably, students utilizing Lexia PowerUp consistently improved throughout the year, whereas those in the …

Exploring Teachers' Experiences Developing Adaptive Learning Systems With High-Stakes Testing Requirements: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Brian J. Le Fevre

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The theory that guided this study was Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, which was utilized to relate to teachers’ beliefs about engaging in behaviors influenced by high-stakes testing. A transcendental methodology was used for the study design as the study aimed to explore teachers’ shared experiences while bracketing my previous experiences. The sample population consisted of second- to sixth-grade teachers who instructed subjects who were assessed by high-stakes testing in the Southeastern United States. Data was collected using interviews, focus groups, and journal prompt responses. Following data collection, the data was coded and analyzed to develop the essence of the shared experiences …

Effects Of Financial Literacy Education Intervention On Loan Borrowing And Debt Management Of Undergraduate Students In The Southeastern U.S.: An Experimental Investigation, Clement Yeboah

Dissertations

This mixed methods experimental pretest-posttest between-groups effect study examined the causal effects of financial literacy education on loan borrowing and debt management behaviors of undergraduate students in the southeast of the United States. Loan borrowing and debt management behaviors of undergraduate students are understudied. Therefore, this study aimed to fill the gap in the literature about experimental investigations of financial education interventions for university students and provided evidence-based recommendations for improving financial literacy programs in higher education. The study is theoretically grounded on the lens of Behavioral Economics, Planned Behavior, and Social Cognitive. This explanatory sequential mixed method study employed …

Cultural Of Authenticity And Commodification: Analyzing The Aesthetic Waves And Collective Culture In The 2010s And 2020s, Stefanny Leung Yu

Student Theses

The “authentic self” is curated, aestheticized, and most notably, commodified. Digital algorithms, likes, views, and engagement are more than just digital metrics, they are the management of performance. For millions of other users — including the author herself — social media is the locus of personal expression. Most notably, sites like Tumblr, where users in the 2010s posted hazy images or overly filtered graphics along with melancholic song lyrics that match the vibe of the moment, expression was earnest and idealized. Today, social media in the 2020s, new creators like Hannah Neelaman, better known as Ballerina Farm, dress in pastoral …

Relationship Between Local Fiscal Effort And High School Graduation Rate, Zachary Michael Haney

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Education is an investment in human capital, but the cost to provide this public service is significant. Understanding the return on this investment is essential for informed and effective financial decision-making. While previous school finance studies have examined the relationship between funding and various indicators of student achievement and student attainment, most have focused on spending practices rather than the level of investment itself. Although the literature affirms the need for educational resources, further research is required to determine which types of investment most positively affect student outcomes. Therefore, funding must be analyzed prior to budgetary allocation to evaluate its …

An Ethnographic Study: The Influence Of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy On Student Agency, Gerald D. Smith Jr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research study aimed to investigate and analyze the methods and practices of teaching within urban educational settings, with a specific focus on the culturally relevant practices that should be integrated into the learning experiences for Black learners. The primary goal was to highlight the necessity for educators within urban educational settings to adopt a culturally relevant pedagogy within their context that promotes higher academic excellence and meaningful learning experiences for Black students through the cultivation of agency. Using an ethnography qualitative research design, the study worked to answer two questions: RQ1: What culturally relevant pedagogical practices are used to …

A Pipeline To Prison Or A Pathway To Promise? The Inequities Fueling The School To Prison Pipeline, Ranishia Lachelle Bailey

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This systematic review proposal would investigate the school-to-prison pipeline and examine the role of pedagogical interventions in mitigating youth involvement in the justice system. By analyzing existing literature, this proposal would study and explore how school system biases, educational frameworks, and systemic factors contribute to the perpetuation of this pipeline, with a specific focus on how educational policies and disciplinary practices impact at-risk youth. The review aims to identify effective interventions that can disrupt this cycle, including restorative justice practices, trauma-informed education, positive behavioral interventions, and culturally responsive teaching. A comprehensive search strategy should be employed across various academic databases, …

College Readiness In Mathematics Related To Student Academic And Belonging Mindsets, Tabitha Sherrell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My quantitative study investigated the differences and correlations between students’ academic (growth vs. fixed) mindsets and belonging mindsets when enrolled in a college-level mathematics course or enrolled in both the college-level mathematics and learning support mathematics courses. The study was conducted at a Tennessee community college in the Fall 2021 semester. Sixty-two students completed the paper survey, which consisted of 17 items that measured academic (growth vs. fixed) and belonging mindsets and included demographic items (age and gender) and ACT mathematics scores. I conducted independent t-tests to find any significant differences between academic (growth vs. fixed) mindset scores and belonging …

“I Have Returned Home”: Understanding The Re-Entry Experience Of Saudi Female Scholars After Completing Their Doctoral Studies In The United States, Hajer Asiri

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The experiences of Saudi female scholars returning from abroad remain underexplored. This study investigates how Saudi women in higher education institutions readjust and reintegrate into professional and cultural environments after completing doctoral studies in the United States. Using a narrative approach informed by transformational learning theory (TLT), it examines reverse culture shock and the coping mechanisms employed by these women. Five female participants from various Saudi institutions were interviewed in semi-structured sessions lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: Cultural Readjustment, Professional Reintegration, Family and Social Dynamics, Personal Transformation, and Coping Strategies. The findings underscore the …

Building A Future Of "Vision, Passion, And Possibilities" In Eastern Kentucky: How Veteran Educators Understand And Suggest Improving Teacher Retention., Robert Brian Collins Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study investigates the root causes of teacher attrition, retention, and turnover in Eastern Kentucky through the perceptions and lived experiences of highquality veteran educators—those who have persisted in the profession for five or more years. Grounded in participatory action research, asset-based community development, and future-creating methodologies, the study centers the voices of experienced teachers not only as subjects of inquiry but as co-constructors of knowledge and potential solutions. Drawing on empathy interviews with educators across Eastern Kentucky districts, the research identifies core tensions contributing to attrition, including policy misalignment, lack of autonomy, and emotional exhaustion. Simultaneously, it illuminates …

Analyzing The Impact Of Motivational Interviewing In A School Counseling Setting With Academically At-Risk High School Students, Brian Linhart

Dissertations

This study investigates the impact of motivational interviewing (MI) on the academic performance and motivation of academically at-risk high school students over an eight-week period. The primary research questions examine whether there is a statistically significant impact of using MI in a school counseling setting on academic performance and internal motivations. Data collection methods included academic performance, the Self-Reported Academic Beliefs, Behavior, and Self-Efficacy questionnaire, and the MI Pre and Post Meeting Questionnaire to assess students’ motivation and engagement. The study employs a quantitative approach using Friedman’s rank sum test and a paired t-test with a Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test, to …

Empowering Educators: Implementing Trauma-Informed Practices To Support Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders, Danielle A. Spadaccino

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This study, grounded in the Improvement Science framework, explored factors influencing educators’ ability to manage behaviors in students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) at a school within a psychiatric treatment facility. Existing research highlights the significant impact of behavior management on academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes, particularly for students with EBD. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, the researcher combined quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the effects of a 6-week professional learning series on trauma-informed practices. The study examined its impact on educators’ knowledge, attitudes, professional growth, and efficacy in supporting students with EBD. Findings indicate that the professional …

Building Educator Sel Capacity To Support Disruptive Student Behavior, Kendall Eshenfelder Fenton

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This improvement science dissertation addressed disruptive student behavior by building educators’ SEL capacity and knowledge. Specifically, the study provided classroom teachers with Tier I SEL instructional lessons and training to support managing disruptive student behaviors within the classroom. This intervention at a suburban elementary school consisted of a six-week intervention that included weekly professional learning sessions and SEL lessons to be implemented in the classroom. This action research, using a mixed methods convergent preexperimental design, included quantitative data assessing classroom teachers’ SEL knowledge and capacity. The researcher also gathered qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with participants following the completion of …

Lessons Through Affirmations: Increasing Educators’ Capacity To Empower Children To Push Through, Jasmyn N. Wright

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This improvement science dissertation explores how affirmation-based practices can enhance teachers’ capacity to support student engagement, resilience, and healthy self-concept, particularly in high-needs urban classrooms. The researcher employed a participatory action research design using mixed methods over an eight-week intervention. The “Lessons Through Affirmations” program included structured daily affirmations, reflective journaling, and teacher professional development. Quantitative data from pre/post surveys and weekly rubrics indicated consistent growth across SEL domains, notably in student resilience and instructional confidence. Qualitative reflections and interviews revealed that students internalized affirmations, demonstrated improved emotional regulation, and took ownership of the practice, while teachers reported personal growth …

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 …

A Weapon In One Hand And A Bible In The Other: Places Of Worship Are Under Attack, Edmond J. Bergeron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative descriptive study aims to ascertain the degree of preparedness for reducing and preventing extreme violence and the countermeasures that are in place (or lack thereof) at houses of worship. All places of worship in this study are considered soft targets and not “holy ground” as traditionally referenced. The terms “places of worship” and “church” will be used interchangeably in this study. A place of refuge for both the physical and spiritual is now considered vulnerable as the congregants are focused on worship rather than protection from an attack. Violence against places of worship will be described at this …

Investigating The Impact Of Gear Up Arkansas On College Readiness And Post-Secondary Enrollment In The Delta, Erika Mcmahan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluates the impact of the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Arkansas initiative on improving college readiness and postsecondary enrollment among low-socioeconomic status (SES) students in the Arkansas Delta, a region marked by systemic educational inequities and persistent poverty. Framed by Opportunity Gap Theory, this quantitative, quasi-experimental research addresses two questions: (1) How does GEAR UP participation influence postsecondary enrollment compared to nonparticipants? (2) Do participants achieve higher ACT scores than nonparticipants? Using data from 491 students across high-poverty schools, the study employs logistic regression to assess enrollment rates and multiple regression to analyze …

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 …

Am I Woke Enough To Serve In Healthcare: A Secondary Analysis Of Pre-Health Students’ Personal And Professional Growth By Engaging In Cultural Competency Assessments, Harolynn Williams

All Dissertations

Healthcare providers must be equipped to serve an increasingly diverse population, yet cultural competence remains underemphasized in undergraduate pre-health education. This study explored how embedded cultural competency training influences undergraduate pre-health students’ perceptions of personal and professional growth. Using a qualitative descriptive design, the research incorporated intercultural assessments, the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), and the Global Competence Certificate (GCC), along with qualitative reflections from students enrolled in three versions of a cultural competence course: a year-long course, a semester-long course, and a short-term study abroad immersion six-week course. Findings revealed that students demonstrated measurable growth in cultural awareness, knowledge, communication, …

Meeting The Challenge: The Relationship Between Students’ Educational Gains And Teacher Full-Time Versus Part-Time Status, Dorissa Kaufman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the effect of instructor status—full-time versus part-time—on student Educational Functioning Levels (EFLs) in adult education centers across Arkansas from 2018 to 2023. Given that funding for these centers is directly tied to student performance, determining the most effective type of instructor is essential. The research examines programs like GED, English Language Learners (ELL), Integrated Education and Training (IET), and Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy (WAGE), addressing challenges such as a high number of adults without high school diplomas. Employing a regression model for analyzing EFL gains, the study seeks to provide actionable insights for hiring …

How To Write A Successful Research Manuscript: Back To Basics, Nayda Parisio Poldiak, Nancy Crossley

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Writing a research manuscript is a meticulous process necessary for effective communication of scientific findings. In this article, we cover the key concepts and steps involved in crafting a well-structured manuscript. Research manuscripts use a formal structure with discrete sections that facilitate data review and interpretation. The opening section is a structured abstract, which summarizes the entire manuscript in about 300 words and highlights the research problem, using the headings Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusion. The introduction provides context, states the research question and justifies its significance. The methods section details the study design, data collection, and analysis procedures. The …

Breaking The Pipeline: Exploring Exclusionary Discipline, Restorative Justice, And The Attitudes And Beliefs Of Educators, Ericka J. Varnedoe

Honors College Theses

This study explores the connection between exclusionary disciplinary practices and the school-to-prison pipeline. It highlights how exclusionary discipline, including suspensions and expulsions, disproportionately affects marginalized groups such as students of color, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ youth, further contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline. In contrast, restorative justice, a non-punitive approach, offers a promising alternative. Initially adopted from the criminal justice system, restorative justice has been integrated into school environments to foster positive school climates, improve experiences, and mitigate challenging behaviors. This research examines educators' attitudes toward both exclusionary and restorative practices, as well as their awareness and implementation of restorative …

Reducing Barriers To Entry: Enhancing Inclusivity And Engagement In Elementary School Extracurricular Programs, Katie A. Monahan

Education Doctorate Dissertations

This mixed-methods action research study explores the barriers and strategies related to developing inclusive extracurricular programs in an urban elementary school. Through stakeholder surveys, interviews, and archival data, the study investigates how extracurricular activities support student engagement, social-emotional learning (SEL), and a sense of belonging, particularly for students from marginalized backgrounds.

Findings highlight persistent barriers, including funding limitations, staffing shortages, logistical challenges, and the absence of a centralized system for tracking participation. These issues disproportionately impact students with disabilities, English Language Learners (ELLs), and those from low-income households. The study also identifies key supports, such as community partnerships and culturally …

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 …

Evaluation Of Online Learning And Educational Resources On Learning Outcomes In Medical Education: A Systematic Review, Ryan Victor-Joseph, Misa Mi, David Stewart

Posters

No abstract provided.

Integrating Human-Centered Design Into Undergraduate Stem Capstone Courses: A Food Product Development Case Study, Saadeddine Shehab, Dawn Bohn, Lucas O'Bryan, Luettamae Lawrence, Mike Tissenbaum

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

This study examines the integration of human-centered design (HCD) in a Food Science capstone course and explores its impact on students’ learning outcomes and skill development. This case study investigated how 42 undergraduate students engaged with HCD processes—including understanding, synthesizing, ideating, prototyping, and implementing—to develop innovative food products. Through pre- and post-surveys, interaction analysis, and performance assessments, the findings revealed that HCD activities significantly enhanced students’ knowledge, collaboration, creativity, and metacognitive skills. Additionally, students demonstrated improved food science competencies, such as product formulation and sensory evaluation. This study highlights the benefits of embedding HCD within STEM curricula to foster authentic, …

Equipping Teachers To Support Comic Literacy: An Analysis Of The Educational Potential Of Toon Book, Kayla Whitlock, Jewel Yoder Kuhns, Sara Kersten-Parrish Dr.

SANE journal: Sequential Art Narrative in Education

Teachers frequently reach for leveled readers to help facilitate their guided reading groups; however, there can be limits in using these leveled readers. One such limit relates to enjoyment and engagement. An answer to this is using TOON books during guided reading time. TOON books are graphic novel leveled readers and were created in response to a need for high quality books for readers of all levels. However, in reading these books teachers need to be aware of the comics form and how those features impact the reading process. In this article, we outline the features common in graphic novels …

Using Social Emotional Learning To Connect Social Awareness And Classic Literature, Erin Anderson

Honors Projects

The following case study explores how social-emotional learning (SEL) teaching strategies enhance seventh-grade students’ engagement with classic literature during English Language Arts (ELA) class. Using S.E. Hinton’s classic novella The Outsiders as a foundation for this research, this study examines whether SEL-based lesson plans help adolescents make deeper connections between literature and their own lives. Two groups of students were compared in the study: one group received traditional, comprehension-based instruction, while the other participated in SEL-based assessments, encouraging perspective-taking and personal reflection. This study utilizes qualitative assessments like character analysis, reflection, and surveys to affirm that students who are exposed …

How Not To Teach With Technology: A Lighthearted Look At Educational Technology Pitfalls, Alethea Inns, Safiyya Bintali, Andrew Borts, Ted Weisman, Lindsay Erdem

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

Educational technology can be both a catalyst for engagement and a source of unexpected chaos. The Do's and Don'ts of Teaching with Technology: A Lighthearted Look at Educational Technology Pitfalls distills insights from IT support tickets, faculty consultations, and student feedback into practical (and lighthearted) DOs and DON’Ts. This poster highlights four key areas of tech use in higher education: Choosing the Right Tools, Setting Expectations, Avoiding Tech Overload, and Designing Intentionally, complete with comic-style illustrations and real-world wisdom. A companion guide, available via QR code, expands on these themes with additional examples, citations, and strategies for designing tech-enhanced learning …

Facilitating Student Advancement: A High School Toolkit For Developing Professional Skills, Makenzie J. Mccain

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

Objective:

As students transition from high school to their next step, they are expected to demonstrate a different and often higher level of professional skills to successfully navigate their new roles. Existing research identifies these skills as highly valuable in industry and education, however there is a gap in research and resources that focus on high school students developing these essential skills. This quality improvement project focused on the development of a toolkit to fill this gap, providing an explicit, student-centered resource for professional skill development.

Methods:

The development of the Professional Skills Student Toolkit utilized established theoretical frameworks and …