Educational Leadership Commons^™

Extending The Applicability Of Thermal Protection System Ballistic Limit Equations Beyond The Testable Regime, William P. Schonberg, Michael D. Squire

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Spacecraft use thermal insulation in their design, which is usually placed on their exterior. As such, it is susceptible to high-speed impacts by meteoroids and orbital debris, which can damage it to a point where the protection it offers is below acceptable limits. It is important to be able to characterize expected levels of damage stemming from such high-speed impacts. In this paper, we extend the applicability of a previously developed ballistic limit equation (BLE) for one such thermal insulation material using the results of a series of Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics Code (SPHC) impact simulations at velocities in excess of …

Full Issue

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

No abstract provided.

A Retention Model You Will Actually Use: The Development Of A Retention Model Grounded In Research And Designed For Practice, Steve Conn

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

No abstract provided.

Inclusive Teaching: Strategies For Promoting Equity In The College Classroom, Kara E. Martin

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

No abstract provided.

How To Know A Person: The Art Of Seeing Others Deeply And Being Deeply Seen, David A. Winkler

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

No abstract provided.

Christian Higher Education: An Empirical Guide, Roy Y. Chan

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

No abstract provided.

First Gen: A Memoir, Hannah Brenton

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

No abstract provided.

Teaching Students To Be Resilient: A Campus-Wide Approach, Connie Horton, La Shonda Coleman, Brad Dudley, Stacey Lee Gobir, Sergio Gallardo Palma

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

In response to escalating mental health concerns among college students, Pepperdine University developed the Resilience- Informed Skills Education (RISE) program to equip students with resilience skills. The biblically sound and research-based curriculum focuses on six dimensions: physical, social, cognitive, spiritual, service, and life skills. All first-year students learn resilience skills through the RISE small-group program. Numerous additional opportunities are made available, including resilience coaching, a resilience interest living community, lunch and learns, a yearly summit, a podcast, a newsletter, and a variety of engaging campus programs. Student leaders have been key to the positive response to RISE, as have partnerships …

The Anxious Generation: How The Great Rewiring Of Childhood Is Causing An Epidemic Of Mental Illness, Aaron J. Howell

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

No abstract provided.

Effects Of A Pornography Use Reduction Program, Justin Heth, John Foubert, Andrew Courtner

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

Pornography use has been shown to be highly common among young men, with numerous documented deleterious effects. Though the dangers of pornography use are well documented, few studies have attempted to determine what methods can be used to decrease use, including use among men attending Christian colleges. The present study began to address this gap by studying different groups of men who sought to decrease their use. Implications of these results are discussed.

Girl, You Betta Testify!: Exploring Brave Narrative Spaces And The Transformative Impact Of Story-Sharing Among Women Of Color In Pre-K–12 Educational Leadership, Amonaquenette Parker

Dissertations of Practice

ABSTRACT

GIRL, YOU BETTA TESTIFY!: EXPLORING BRAVE NARRATIVE SPACES AND THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF STORY-SHARING AMONG WOMEN OF COLOR IN PRE-K–12 EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Amonaquenette Parker, Ed.D.

Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations

Northern Illinois University, 2025

Kelly Summers, Director

This dissertation explores the lived experiences of Women of Color in PreK–12 educational leadership roles. Rooted in the cultural tradition of testimony, the study seeks to illuminate the stories of Women of Color, assess existing opportunities for them to share their experiences, and highlight the power of their testimonies. Grounded in critical race theory (CRT) and intersectionality theory, which acknowledge …

Bridging Language Barriers: How Secondary Teachers Support English Language Learners In The Classroom, Mason Daniel Smith

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

English Language Learners (ELLs) represent a growing student population in U.S. secondary schools, yet many educators feel underprepared to support their unique needs effectively. This mixed-methods study examines how Pennsylvania high school teachers approach the teaching of ELLs, focusing on their self-efficacy, instructional decision-making, and strategies for fostering an inclusive classroom community. Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, data was collected through surveys from a limited group of 40 high school educators followed by in-depth interviews with three participants. Findings revealed that while teachers express a strong desire to support ELLs, they often experience uncertainty and frustration due to …

Competencies, Knowledge, And Skills For Chefs Working In School Nutrition Programs, Marjuyua Lartey Gibson Phd, Rdn, Jane Peterson Phd, Rdn, Kymberle Gordon Phd, Shellie R. Hubbard Ma, Travis Brewington

Institute of Child Nutrition, Applied Research Division

As school nutrition programs increasingly employ chefs to enhance menu quality, culinary innovation, and operational effectiveness, there is a growing need to define the competencies required for success in these roles. Building upon previous research that identified the roles, responsibilities, and impact of chefs working in school nutrition programs, this study sought to develop a comprehensive competency framework for school nutrition chefs.

The study was conducted in three phases. An expert panel of school nutrition professionals, State agency staff, United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service representatives, and Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition staff first reviewed and confirmed …

Ground Testing Of A Magnetic-Electrostatic Separation System For Lunar Regolith Beneficiation, Peter Bachle, Charles Wood, Jeffrey Smith, Fateme Rezaei, David Bayless, William Schonberg, Daoru Han

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The separation of lunar regolith by mineral composition and size category is useful forin-situ resource utilization (ISRU). The research presented herein discusses the designing and development of equipment that has the potential to separate lunar regolith into aluminum, iron-titanium, and magnesium-iron ores. Along with the metal ore separation, this equipment shows the potential to separate regolith by size categories. The combined effect of these separation methods generates output that is valuable to subsequent use in metal and oxygen extraction, additive manufacturing, and regolith sintering processes. The designed equipment uses a dual-strength magnet system with N42 and N52 neodymium magnets for …

Minding The Gap: How Do New Lcap Requirements Address Equity For English Learners?, Magaly Lavadenz, Ph.D., Raquel Gonzalez, Ph.D., Elvira G. Armas, Ed.D., Gisela O'Brien, Ph.D., Hannah Catron, M.A., Jeimee Estrada-Miller, Ph.D., M.P.P.

Reports

California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), signed into law in 2013, centers equity as a key to increased and improved services for three targeted student subgroups, including English Learners (ELs), low-income students, and foster youth. As a component of LCFF, districts develop Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) to specify their goals and strategies for using LCFF funds for equity and continuous improvement purposes. In this report, Lavadenz and colleagues use a sample of 26 California public school districts with high numbers/percentages of ELs, finding that although some progress has been made, public schools continue to miss the mark in …

2024-2025 Ucf Center For Community Schools Progression Data, Ucf Center For Community Schools

Community Partnership Schools Annual Progression Data

No abstract provided.

Persistent Reading Deficiencies In Early Education, William Steven Reed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study investigated early reading teachers’ perceptions of the instructional practices they use to identify early elementary student reading proficiency, including unique challenges they face when addressing the development of early reading skills. The researcher investigated eight first and second grade teacher classrooms during the 2023–2024 school year through collective interviews, observations, and related school data. The researcher performed a qualitative analysis of the collected data to reveal varying themes that support recommendations to reduce persistent reading problems among early elementary students. Using purposeful sampling to select licensed, experienced participants, the insights of eight early elementary reading teachers …

Understanding Teacher Leadership: Development And Testing Of The Survey Of Teacher Leadership, Peter D. Wiens, Vanessa Vongkulluksn, Jori Beck, Brenda Pearson

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Teacher leadership (TL) has been identified as key component of effective schools. While research has grown in this area, there is a dearth of empirically and theoretically supported measures for understanding TL. This study examines the validity and reliability of the Survey of Teacher Leadership (STL). The STL builds on previous theory and research in TL by creating an assessment of teacher TL practices and their associated self-efficacy in these practices. In addition to more established domains of TL, the STL also examines teachers’ leadership practices and self-efficacy in diversity and equity. The STL was sent to all non-charter public …

A Program Evaluation Of Restorative Storytelling As Professional Development For Waldorf Teachers, David Earl Sewell Mccann

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Storytelling, when using the National Storytelling Network’s definition, “the interactive art of using words and actions to reveal the elements and images of a story while encouraging the listener’s imagination,” can be found in most classrooms around the world. If we agree with Walter Fisher and see stories as content with “coherence” and “fidelity” (Fisher, 1987), then much of the communication in classrooms could be considered a form of storytelling. A real question then becomes apparent: why aren’t teachers given extensive training and tools to strengthen their storytelling skills? Restorative Storytelling, a practice I developed out of my years as …

Block Schedules In Virginia Schools: Purposes, Outcomes, And Policy Considerations, David Naff, Meleah Ellison, Jamelle Simmons, Xun Liu, Martin Darby, Crystal R. Bell, Shelby Garofalo, Obed Boateng, Wendy Rodgers, Audrina Farrar, Karli Johansen, Mysia Perry, Maggie Szydlowski, Fatemah A. Khawaji, Katherine Urban

MERC Publications

When schools and divisions choose a daily schedule structure to follow, it is important to consider its purpose and potential impacts on students, educators, and families. The purpose of this MERC research and policy brief is to inform the work of school division leaders and school board members making decisions about whether to adopt or continue the use of block scheduling in middle and high schools. It explores the following questions:

1. What are block schedules and where are they used?

2. How are school schedules related to student outcomes and educator quality?

3. What policies at the federal, state, …

Exploring Facilitators’ Experiences Addressing Students’ Needs In A Higher Education Work-Based Engineering Program, Cody D. Mann

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study addresses a critical gap in higher education by examining the unique facilitator position at Iron Range Engineering (IRE), a work-based program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Facilitators are full-time teaching staff in support roles that focus on helping students achieve positive outcomes, such as students successfully transitioning into working professionals. No formal research has been conducted to explore the comprehensive support and overall implications of this role. This qualitative study focused on phenomenography to capture the different experiences of 12 facilitator participants. Data collection was guided by role theory to explore the expectations and perceptions of facilitators, and …

From Enrollment To Graduation: How Social Support Shapes Latino Educational Trajectories In Minnesota, Erick Heaney

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Latino students represent the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the United States, yet their post-secondary completion rates remain significantly lower than those of other student populations. This study explores the educational trajectories of Latino students in Minnesota, focusing on the role of social support networks in shaping persistence and attainment. The research identifies peer and family support as the strongest predictors of Latino students' confidence to graduate (p < .001), underscoring the central role of close personal networks in persistence. Findings suggest that while financial and structural barriers continue to hinder success, culturally responsive support systems can positively influence degree attainment. Although centered on Minnesota, the study offers broader implications for higher education policy and practice, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions and institutional accountability in addressing equity gaps. Strengthening support for Latino students is essential to advancing educational and economic opportunity nationwide.

Cultivating Counter-Stories To Deficit Narrative Of Students: A Literacy Problem Of Practice, Amanda Brown

Theses and Dissertations

In urban schools across the United States, literacy outcomes remain inequitable, especially for BIPOC students and those living in poverty. In District 17, the mandate to rigidly implement a purchased curriculum resource reinforces deficit-oriented views of student ability and limits teachers’ professional agency to adjust instruction based on formative data. As a result, instruction becomes disconnected from student needs and identities, further exacerbating literacy inequities.

Guided by Mintrop’s cycle of inquiry, this qualitative study examined how participation in a 90-day inquiry cycle influenced the narratives teachers constructed about their students’ literacy abilities. Kindergarten through third grade teachers collaboratively planned and …

An Examination Of Preservice Teacher Knowledge Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd) In The Elementary Classroom, Breana K. E. Webb

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study examines the knowledge of preservice teachers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and how well prepared they might be when supporting students in elementary classrooms. ADHD is a diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder in children and has been increasingly diagnosed over the past several years. Teachers play a crucial role in providing effective instruction to each and every student in the classroom. Managing classroom instruction with diverse learning capabilities and behaviors requires teachers to understand the characteristics of ADHD, as well as instructional adaptations and behavioral interventions, among preservice teachers. Findings indicate that while most preservice teachers recognize the basic …

2025 Merc Annual Report, David B. Naff, Jesse Senechal, Paula L. Ogston-Nobile

MERC Publications

This is the annual report of the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) at Virginia Commonwealth University for the 2024-2025 academic year. It includes vignettes depicting MERC activities in the past year that align with each of its five principles: research, relevance, rigor, multiple perspectives, and impact. It concludes with a discussion of MERC's commitment moving forward.

The Impact Of Stem Self-Efficacy And Sense Of Belonging On Academic Performance For Students Of Color In Introductory Stem Courses, Danyelle Nichole Stokes

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The study explores the interplay between STEM identity development, race and gender in relation to academic performance in STEM at the beginning of post-secondary education. Statistical analyses of this study included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests and a multiple linear regression. The quantitative results indicated no statistically significant differences in self-efficacy and sense of belonging scores between White students and students of color. However, participants’ open-ended responses warranted a holistic examination to look for qualitative differences in the STEM identities of students of color and White students. The findings supported existing literature on disparities in support, inclusion and access to …

First-Gen Latinx/Afro-Latinx And Complex: Keeping Resilient Responses On Shuffle, Tibisay I. Hernandez

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

This qualitative study examined the racialized experiences of first-generation Latinx and Afro-Latinx students in higher education. Fourteen participants engaged in pláticas, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups to reflect on how their identities, race, and institutional dynamics shaped their collegiate journeys. The study examined how these students navigated both personal and institutional settings, revealing the emergence of tensions around belonging, authenticity, and cultural responsibility in everyday interactions. Using Latino Critical Race Theory (LatCrit) alongside Multidimensional Identity Negotiation Theory (MINT) and Co-Cultural Communication Theory (CCCT), this study developed an emergent framework—the Resilient Response Model—to better understand how students respond to complex identity …

Reputation Management: Branding A Higher Education Graduate Program To Increase Visibility, Vanderbilt Artaxerxes Brabson Iv

Student Theses and Dissertations

This capstone project offers a comprehensive training tool for non-communication professionals working in higher education programs. Its main goals are to give users (1) a summary of valuable research on higher education reputation management, branding, and strategic communication, and (2) an online toolkit for non-communication professionals to boost the visibility and impact of their educational initiatives. By providing practical, actionable resources, these tools help higher education professionals effectively handle the challenges of strategic communication management. The toolkit is especially useful because it delivers evidence-based strategies and methods that can be directly applied to improve communication efforts in higher education. It …

Reputation Management: Branding A Higher Education Graduate Program To Increase Visibility, Vanderbilt Artaxerxes Brabson Iv

Student Theses and Dissertations

This capstone project provides a comprehensive training tool for non-communication professionals working within higher education programs. Its primary objectives are to provide users (1) a summary of valuable research on higher education reputation management, branding, and strategic communication, as well as (2) an online toolkit for non-communication professionals to enhance the visibility and impact of their educational initiatives. By providing practical, actionable deliverables, these resources can enable higher education professionals to effectively navigate the complexities of strategic communication management. The toolkit is particularly valuable as it offers evidence-based strategies and methodologies that can be directly applied to improve the communication …

Course Registration Practices At A Jesuit University: Practicing Critical Hope To Address Barriers To Access And Belonging, Corey Knadler, Laura Diaz Martinez, Annmarie Caño, Kirk R. Anders, Yolanda Gallardo, Nancy L. Staub

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

Solidarity and critical hope support faculty and staff who wish to accompany students, read the current reality of their experience, and imagine new practices that can rectify injustices and promote access and belonging. Here, we describe an example of this praxis by responding to student concerns about injustices in a course registration process. With some exceptions, undergraduates at this institution register for classes according to their earned college credits. At first glance, this meritocratic system shows care to students by recognizing their hard work. However, our analysis shows that it also discriminates against underserved groups of students. Using 10 years …