Educational Leadership Commons^™

The Restorative Path To School District Transformation Ii, Louis L. Fletcher Phd, David Watson

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

The Director of Culture & Services and the Director of Safety & Security for a Colorado School district with 27,000 students will share tools, techniques, and experiences, which have cultivated restorative practices (RP) in their district. The presenters will discuss the effectiveness of proactive techniques, provide successful alternatives to traditional punishment, conduct a simulated restorative expulsion hearing, and highlight the district’s partnership with Teen Court.

Lead With Your Heart, So You Don't Lose Your Mind, Larry S. Tomiyama

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Using our trauma-based model I have witnessed minor and major miracles happen with students. Come hear my heart wrenching and/ many times hilarious stories I had the privilege of experiencing. Using brain based research to reinforce conclusions and recommended strategies my message reminds people why we chose to be teachers.

Asset Based Community Development: A Journey To Meeting The Needs Of The Whole Child., Beth Bradley Penley, Victor Morales

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This program will tell the story about one school district's journey to meeting the needs of the whole child. A shift in school culture from a reactive to a proactive purpose shaped the mindset of staff as they embarked in partnering with the local community to build a resource network to meet the needs of the students in which they serve. In addition to building community partnerships, the components of a successful intervention continuum are discussed including Positive Behavior Intervention and Support, Community in Schools, and the American School Counseling Association Model.

Making Connections To Address Mathematics Anxiety: A Case Study Of The Instructional Triangle And Remedial College Instructors, Njeri M. Pringle, Jamie L. Workman, Meagan C. Arrastia-Chisholm

Georgia Educational Researcher

Mathematics anxiety is a reality for many students as a number of community college and four-year university students feel disconnected from math and struggle to pass mathematics courses. Using a case study and grounded theory approach, six remedial mathematics instructors were interviewed and observed to examine their instructional strategies and practices. During the interviews, participants expounded upon the changes in strategies and practices implemented when aiding students struggling with anxiety. The Instructional Triangle was applied across participants to compare and contrast their experiences. The analysis focused on environmental factors that could increase or exacerbate mathematics anxiety. In particular, a theme …

The Differences Between The Instructional Leadership Practices Of Georgia Reward Highest Performing, Georgia Reward Highest Progress, And Georgia Needs Improvement Elementary Schools, Allen M. Price

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate principals’ self-perceptions of their instructional leadership practices in Georgia Reward Highest Performing, Georgia Reward Highest Progress, and Georgia Needs Improvement elementary schools. As such, this causal-comparative study was conducted to determine if differences existed between the instructional leadership practices of principals and school success in the designations of schools as perceived by the principals implementing them in high poverty schools. The sample of this study consisted of Georgia elementary school principals in Title I elementary schools, specifically in the categories of Georgia Reward Highest Performing, Georgia Reward Highest Progress, and Georgia …

Leadership Self-Efficacy Of Students Participating In On-Campus Leadership Programming, Benjamin S. Phillips

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Colleges and universities across the United States are facing continued pressure to meet enrollment and retention goals, as budgets continue to become more important, specifically, being performance-based. On-campus involvement has shown to have a positive influence on a student’s decision to stay at their particular institution and thus being retained. One area of on-campus involvement that has been identified is undergraduate leadership development programs. Students participating in an undergraduate leadership development program, such as assuming an on-campus leadership position often results in higher rates of student success. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional study utilizing a correlational design via survey …

Educational Transformational Leadership And Teacher Organizational Citizenship Behavior Motives, Jeremy T. Davis

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

A principal’s leadership is a key part to the success of a school as their leadership guides both instructional and organizational leadership. Teachers often work beyond their formal duties to see that all of their students have their needs met including academic, social, and physical. The performance of such behaviors is referred to as Organizational Citizenship Behavior, which is when followers display behaviors that benefit the organization or its members beyond their current job requirements. This study investigated the relationship between principal’s transformational leadership and teachers’ Organizational Citizenship Behaviors and related motivating factors. Participants from a single suburban school district …

Perceived Student Gains Associated With Peer Tutor And Supplemental Instruction Leader Experiences, Rebecca Cofer

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study explored the peer tutor and Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader experiences in the campus learning center, as seen through the perceived gains in three subcategories: 1) academic performance and learning, 2) non-academic skillsets, and 3) self-confidence and fulfillment. The peer tutor and SI Leaders surveyed in this study had experience in either one or both of these peer educator roles and came from institutions across the nation. In this quantitative study, participants completed a three-part, researcher-created survey that allowed for Likert-scaled responses along with open-ended responses and concluded with demographic items. The major findings from this study showed a …

Relationship Between Participation In A Dual Enrollment Program, Students’ Race And Socioeconomic Status And Their Retention And Graduation, Nicholas Urquhart

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

As of 2019, all 50 states have an official dual enrollment policy or program that allows high school students to enroll in college to earn both high school and college credits. Dual enrollment programs have been around since 1990, and much of the research has shown a positive relationship between dual enrollment participation, college retention, and graduating; however, research is limited on college retention beyond the first year and graduation. Access to dual enrollment programs is limited for minoritized and low-income students. This study utilized archival data from the University System of Georgia in an ex post facto research design …

Why So Few Women? A Case Study Of Female Superintendents In P-12 Public Education Systems, Alfreda M. Howard

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative case study explored the pathways, barriers, and advancement strategies of female superintendents in Georgia. The problem that the study addressed was examining the gender disparity in the superintendency. The purpose of this study was to explore the leadership journey of female superintendents who served in P-12 public education systems in Georgia for the 2021-2022 school year. The researcher created and pilot-tested a semi-structured interview protocol to collect data for the study. Study participants included five current female superintendents in Georgia.

Findings revealed that female leaders are grossly underrepresented in the superintendent role. Graduate degrees and terminal degrees in …

Evidence-Based Leadership Preparation Program Practices: From The Perceptions Of Georgia Rural School Leaders, Kristen N. Dickens, Juliann Sergi Mcbrayer, Summer Pannell, Katherine Fallon

Georgia Educational Researcher

Phenomenological analysis was used to explore Georgia rural school principals’ lived experiences of effective school leadership preparedness. Four overarching themes were found: productive/favorable leadership preparation program culture, bridge theory and practice in educational leadership preparation program, multicultural competencies for practice, and recommendations for effective principal preparation. The findings revealed that school leaders need increased experiential learning opportunities, increased assignments applicable to daily leader tasks, and increased cultural awareness and diversity training in their preparation programs. Principal preparation programs should work with school districts to provide purposeful, collaborative, and sustainable professional learning to prepare competent school leaders. Further research includes recruiting …

Using Data To Advocate For Preventative Interventions - From Practice To Policy, Mike H. Reynolds, Jerome V. Williams, Brent Shondelmeyer

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Explore the theoretical framework of what could be possible with purposeful and actionable data sharing between Non Profits, Philanthropy, and School Districts can change the scenario in the board room and in the classroom. Enhance resource allocation, real time decision making, return on investment for outside partners and interventions, and summative and formative evaluations of effectiveness.

Myth, Power, And Justice: The Danger Of A Single Story, Christen H. Clougherty

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

If we hear only a single story about a group, we risk a critical misunderstanding. In this session, learn to critically analyze assumptions of single stories and dominant narratives about community partners. Engage in hands-on activities to explore this issue as it relates to race, poverty, and social justice. Leave with classroom activities to take back to your classroom.

Emotional Dimensions Of Teaching In Elementary Education Preparation, Kathleen M. Crawford, Juliann Sergi Mcbrayer, Katherine Fallon

Leadership, Technology & Human Development: Faculty Publications

Student teaching is a pivotal event in teacher education preparation programs, and there is a need to investigate emotions in teaching. This study examined how one elementary program navigated the emotional dimensions of teaching. Findings revealed that the emotional dimensions of student teachers were influenced by individualized factors unique to the teacher; certain emotions were perceived as more acceptable to express; and supervisors needed to support student teachers to manage and respond to the emotional dimensions of teaching. The recommendation is to go beyond the technical and academic aspects of teaching and address the emotional dimensions to best prepare the …

Georgia Management Students’ Perceptions Of Faculty Academic Qualifications And Professional Experiences, Juliann Sergi Mcbrayer, Gregory Quinet, Steve Tolman, Katherine Fallon

Leadership, Technology & Human Development: Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of undergraduate management students at one Georgia institution of higher education regarding the importance of academic qualifications and professional experiences possessed by their management faculty. The study addressed the importance of these attributes to include relevant practical experience, traditional academic training, scholarly productivity, higher education institutions attended, and level of engagement with the business community. This quantitative study surveyed 70 upper-level management students using Likert categories to provide an exploratory view of attributes that today’s students view as important in faculty. The findings ranked attributes of relevant professional experience more important …

School Leaders' And Teachers' Perceptions Of Preparedness For The Online K - 12 Setting, Deirdre Daniels

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Nearly half of new teachers leave the profession within five years of employment, and most would not recommend teaching as a profession. A shortage of highly effective teachers continues in public schools across the nation; hence, meaningful professional development needs to be implemented to adequately prepare teachers for the classroom, and this is further compounded in the online setting. The goal of this study was to ascertain school leaders’ and teachers’ perceptions of preparedness for an online K – 12 school by examining perceptions of preparedness in three categories: student learning and engagement, curriculum and instruction, and data driven decision-making. …

Dying For Change: The Impact Of Awareness Prevention And Intervention On Graduate Assistant Stress, Marla Bruner

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

As challenges surrounding mental health and well-being in doctoral graduate students (GAs), continue to rise, it is imperative that higher education institutions evaluate the stressors that GAs experience, their awareness and use of campus resources for dealing with stressors, and the impact that additional resources and programming may have on stress. The research questions for this study sought to examine the stressors experienced by doctoral level graduate students working in GA positions and their corresponding awareness and use of campus resources, and to determine what impact, if any, providing additional services, resources, and programming in had after a three-year implementation …

Book Review- The Mind Of The Leader, Rebecca Cofer

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

Book review of The Mind of the Leader .

Hougaard. R. & Carter, J. (2018). The Mind of the Leader: How to Lead Yourself, Your People, And Your Organization for Extraordinary Results. Harvard Business Review Press. 224pp. ISBN 9781633693425. $25.20 suggested retail price.

The Lived Experiences Of First-Generation College Students Of Color Integrating Into The Institutional Culture Of A Predominantly White Institution, Talisha L. Adams, Juliann Sergi Mcbrayer

Leadership, Technology & Human Development: Faculty Publications

As many colleges and universities continue to increase their enrollment and diversification of their student body, the number of first-generation college students of color will continue to rise. Colleges have been charged with the challenge of not only enrolling this student population but also ensuring that they are connected to the university and persist to graduation. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to examine the lived experiences of first-generation college students of color at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI). This study utilized individual in-depth interviews and a focus group to examine how first-generation students of color experienced college …

Empowering Teacher Teams To Expand Student Ownership, Paul Martuccio, Paul J. Bloomberg Dr.

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

The notion of empowerment is at the core of The Public School 13 learning culture. Empowerment is about creating conditions for strengthening efficacy school wide – for students, for teachers, for teams – for the COLLECTIVE! Learn how The Public School 13 cultivates teacher leadership through collaborative inquiry with a laser-like focus on expanding student ownership and agency.

Parent/Guardian Experience: How Schools Can Improve The Parent Experience And How That Leads To Positive Outcomes., Wesley H. Walters

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Parent/Guardian eXperience: How creating an awesome Parent/guardian experience can lead to increased parent participation, and how parent participation leads to success of the student & the overall success of the school. The goal of this presentation is to engage parents in their child’s school experience by building a genuine connection with the school and a positive parent experience.

“Re/Imagining Culturally Responsive Educational Practices (Crep) And Effectively Implementing Crep To Meet The Needs Of A Diverse Student Population”, Rena' Glass-Dixon, Shelbie Dixon-Brown

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

The aim of this interactive workshop for educators and administrators is to promote cultural awareness and reflect on the impact that our own cultural influences have on the teaching and learning process. This interactive session will also allow professional educators and leaders to apply culturally informed practices to foster positive school climate, learning and academic achievement relevant to a widely diverse student population. The workshop strives to encourage dialogue between educators, administrators and interdisciplinary/inter-agency team members through the application of evidence-based practices for the development of a deeper understanding of ourselves and how our views as educators, schools and districts …

Integrating Social, Emotional, And Academic Learning (S.E.A.L.) Into School Culture: It Starts With All Of The Adults, Joelle Hood

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

In this engaging session, Dr. Joelle Hood will demonstrate how SEL needs to be modeled from all adults and integrated into all areas of the school site and district. She will share how she has brought this deep dive learning into Executive Cabinets and District Management Retreats, into multi-day sessions with teachers and counselors, and into an innovative and interactive online course to empower educators with the opportunity to strengthen their own social-emotional intelligence, well-being and resilience, and deepen their understanding of WHY these skills are so important to students and staff. Participants will engage in discussions and activities that …

Rising Up: Kids Who Own Their Learning And Behaviors, And The Supports Which Made It Happen, Brian Keefer

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

A success story connecting Head and Home will be explored focusing on Hampton Elementary School’s strategic integration of STEAM Focused Project Based Learning, Authentic Learning, Student Goal Setting and Reflection, Social and Emotional Learning, and Increased Parental Engagement. Participants will leave with applicable ideas and strategies to grow student and parental engagement promoting increased academic outcomes in their own setting.

The 5 Love Languages Of Children, Latifah J. Potter, Joan C. Day, Craig M. Kahn, Kristen Boyd, Hollisha Bridgers

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Do you know what the 5 Love Languages are? Everyone has a unique way of feeling loved. Based on the #1 NY Times Best Selling book, “The 5 Love Languages of Children,” this session offers information/strategies into the secret of incorporating effective and loving teaching/administrative practice that enables children to achieve their greatest potential. We will discover the “5 Love Languages of Children,” and the importance of ensuring all students’ social/emotional love tanks are full!

The Domino Effect: Lessons From The Prison Walls, Trent Grundmeyer, Jamie Ross

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This presentation is designed to provide insight to those who serve at-risk populations. Participants will explore the risk factors and statistics around at-risk youth. Furthermore, participants will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from an incarcerated women who can testify to successful and unsuccessful interventions adults attempted to help her with. She is both a victim and success story that is the face of how education can indeed make a difference for kids.

After successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Build empathy for students who do not have support from parents.
2. Understand why attendance is often …

From Crime And Punishment To Harm And Healing, Louis L. Fletcher Phd, David Watson

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Expulsion hearings do not have to be contentious events. Using restorative practices in an accountable environment changes the expulsion hearing into an alternative placement discussion where parents, students, and school officials figure out the next step together.

Does Dual Enrollment Impact Ctae, Robert J. Dollar

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was examine if legislation that greatly impacted the number of students taking dual enrollment courses in the state of Georgia was having an impact of CTAE programs in seven, rural school districts in southeast Georgia. This study employed a mixed methods research design. Quantitative data supplied by the Georgia Department of Education regarding enrollment numbers, as well as qualitative data gathered by the utilization of an open-ended questionnaire, were analyzed conjunctly to ascertain if an impact existed. This study focused on four overarching research questions regarding any potential impacts experienced with the implementation of the …

Perceptions Of The Impact Mathematics Support Classes Have On Student Achievement, Cordaryl Charles Middleton

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Many students today struggle with mastering grade-level mathematics standards. School leaders have implemented mathematics support classes as a possible solution; however, not all students are showing significant improvement. The challenge is determining an effective mathematics support class that has the most positive impact on student achievement. As a result, the purpose of this research study was to examine the perceptions of principals, mathematics teachers, and mathematics support teachers on the impact mathematics support classes had on student achievement. This study employed a qualitative case study research design that consisted of one overarching research question and three sub-research questions that framed …

The Relationship Between Servant Leadership And Teacher Retention And Student Achievement, David Earl Murphy

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This non-experimental quantitative study aimed to determine if servant leadership influenced teacher retention or student achievement and if teacher retention influenced student achievement. This study’s respondents were 145 middle and high school teachers within a contiguous rural region of the Southeastern United States. Survey responses were received and analyzed during the late summer of 2020. Three research questions guided this study: Does servant leadership [high, low] influence teacher retention intention; What is the effect of servant leadership [high, low] on student achievement by categorical population groups as identified by the GaDOE; and lastly, What is the effect of teacher retention …