Educational Leadership Commons^™

A Critical Reflection Of The Self: An Autoethnography Of A Mexican American Educational Leader, Adriana Flores-Villarreal

Theses and Dissertations

This autoethnographic study seeks to explain how my "lived experiences" both personal and academic have had a profound effect on the course of my life. Autoethnography has allowed me to utilize "reflexivity, multiple voices, and introspection" to "invoke" readers to enter into my "emergent experience" of doing and writing research. As a first generation, Latina, migrant, high school dropout, I was destined to fail according to research. Through the use of testimonies, I have inscribed the struggles and understanding, creating new knowledge, and affirming my epistemology by writing about what I know best, "familia, barrio, life experiences." Through testimonio pedagogy, …

Existing Con El Lobo, Traversing La Frontera Con Mis Nepantla Coyotes, Y Buscando La Vida Del Zorro: An Autoethnographic Exploration Of A Chicano In Academia, Ernesto Fidel Ramirez

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is the experience of my life, an evolution of pláticas I have had con mis coyotes, my Nepantlero guides. I am one Chicano navigating through the mechanisms of a coercive and hegemonic system which limits our advancement in the academy. My ontology, epistemology, and axiology stem from my cultural and family foundations which I explore through the application of Testimonio. The dissertation consists of several chapter, first a description of the theoretical underpinnings which bolster my approach. I then guide you in a journey along a path of my discovery. My approach to how this study will be …

Elementary Teachers' And Principals' Concerns In The Implementation Of Inclusion In A South Texas School District, Lauren Y. Arce

Theses and Dissertations

This study addressed the in depth concerns that elementary regular education teachers, elementary special education teachers, and campus administrators in one South Texas school district have for the use or non-use of inclusionary practices as a means of educating students with special needs. These concerns that teachers and campus administrators have can influence the practice of inclusion. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to: (a) identify the levels of concern of elementary regular and special education teachers in one South Texas school district concerning the implementation of inclusion; (b) identify the levels of concern of campus administrators in …

Teacher Retention In Rural Schools Nested In Large Districts: An Ethnographic Qualitative Study, Sandra Gomez Cerda

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine the retention of teachers that work in large school districts with rural schools. The study examined: 1) the general characteristics of large school districts that have small rural campuses that retain and recruit teachers; 2) what draws teachers to teach in rural schools in large school districts; and 3) what factors contribute to decisions to stay at rural schools in large school districts. The author offers recommendations to retain teachers in rural schools nested in large school districts.

University Strategic Planning: A Process For Change In A Principal Preparation Program, Federico R. Guerra, Roberto Zamora, Rosalinda Hernandez, Velma D. Menchaca

Organization and School Leadership Faculty Publications

This study describes a strategic planning process used for developing an educational leadership program that prepares principals for leading 21st century schools. The plan is based on recommendations received from the External reviewers representing Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Texas Education Agency, survey responses received from former students currently serving in school leadership positions, and focus group forums. Recommendations received were used to develop a strategic plan that resulted in a more rigorous and accessible, field-based program to better prepare school leaders.

Principals’ Perceptions Of Their Knowledge In Special Education, Maria Banda Roberts, Federico R. Guerra

Organization and School Leadership Faculty Publications

With the Every Student Succeeds Act continuing to legislate accountability for special education and Hispanic students, the appropriate content in principal preparation programs relevant to successful leadership of special education programs is vital. This mixed methods study analyzed the survey responses of 84 principals in South Texas from predominantly Hispanic schools to determine the principals’ perceptions regarding their legal, foundational, and contextual knowledge of special education and their suggested topics for inclusion in curriculum content of principal preparation programs to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement and supervise special education programs. Results indicated that the principals’ greatest …

Using The Jigsaw Method For Meaningful Learning To Enhance Learning And Retention In An Educational Leadership Graduate School Course, Alejandro Garcia, Jesus Abrego, Robert Reguenes

Organization and School Leadership Faculty Publications

This qualitative case study examined factors that were both successful and unsuccessful along with the attitudes and preferences of educational leadership graduate students towards working in an online cooperative jigsaw blog project in which each student had an active role for each topic addressed throughout the semester The theoretical framework for this study was based on the work of Novak 2011 and Ausubel 1960 Their theories explore how the learner processes large amounts of meaningful material from verbal and textual formats in classroom settings Analysis of the online questionnaire and face-to-face interview data indicated that the graduate students enrolled in …

Academic Relationships Between At-Risk High School Students And Teachers Within An Alternative School Setting: "It Is More Than Just Academics, It's Attitude", Daniel R. Galdeano

Theses and Dissertations

The first public schools in the United States were originally created to give all school-aged children the opportunity to gain access to a well-rounded education (Cable, Plucker & Spradlin, 2009). Options in public schools, preparation for high-stakes standardized tests, and graduation requirements are among the many educational reform policies that have been implemented in hopes of enabling students to reach their academic potential (Lange & Sletten, 2002). As a substitute to dropping out, alternative schools are among the leaders in the charge to try to curb the dropout problem that schools are facing. Alternative schools have existed since the civil …

A Journey To Understand Dual Language And The Bilingual World: An Autoethnography Of A Bilingual Program Director In An Urban District, Olivia Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

This research represents a personalized account of the complexities, interpretations, and reflections on the life-long epistemological development of a bilingual program director currently implementing a dual language program in an urban school district. Using myself as a subject and a researcher in cultural, personal, and professional contexts provided the impetus for this self-study. Through the lens of a mother, daughter, sister, teacher, principal, and bilingual program director, I have chronicled and traced the epistemological conception of the assets that guide my advocacy in the academic realm of bilingual education. As an autoethnography, this study invites the reader to experience the …

Elementary Students' Perceptions Of Teacher-Student Relationships, Jayne S. Pocquette

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore at-risk student's perceptions of teacher-student relationships and the context in which at-risk students perceived these relationships. The study was conducted in two phases: first a student self-survey was given and second two focus groups with students was conducted. The Children's Appraisal of Teachers as a Secure Base (CATSB) self-report was given to 145 fourth grade students of which 86 students were identified as at-risk and 59 students were not identified as at-risk. The results revealed two factors in which students perceived teachers as a secure base, "Accepting/Available" and "Rejecting". Although there was …

A Case Study Of Hispanic Female School Superintendents In Rural Schools Of The Rio Grande Valley In Deep South Texas, Irma C. Castillo

Theses and Dissertations

Underrepresentation of women in the position of school superintendent is an ongoing dilemma impacting social constructs, as well as public education. The few Hispanic females that lead schools tend to be employed in rural schools. The dearth of female Hispanic school superintendents questions the factors impacting such a trend. This study explored the factors contributing to the low rate of Hispanic female superintendents; attempted to understand the extent to which Hispanic women are more likely to secure positions in small rural school districts; and examined the discrimination issues these women may have experienced. A qualitative, case study methodology was used …

Latina Titans: A Journey Of Inspiration, Velma D. Menchaca, Shirley J. Mills, Filomena Leo

Organization and School Leadership Faculty Publications

This qualitative research examined the journey of renowned female leadership in higher education. Two top level Latina administrators of universities were interviewed extensively to discover their journey to leadership. The theoretical framework used was Latina critical race theory, feminist theory, and counter-storytelling. Themes that surfaced were strong supportive mother, fervent faith, humble beginnings, mentors, intelligence, and challenges not obstacles. These guiding themes serve as a path for Latinas who aspire to higher educational leadership positions.

The Effect Of A Writing Course On The English Language Arts State Assessment Examination In A South Texas High School, Esmeralda V. Munoz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact a writing course will have on test scores for At-Risk students who are taking the English I and/or English II State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness End-of-Course exam. The group analyzed was comprised of 2nd and 3rd year cohort students.

Influence Of Property School Wealth On Fifth Grade Student Achievement In Reading And Mathematics, Jesus R. Reyna

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether, or to what extent, property wealth of the upper and lower 5% districts, per pupil expenditure, limited English proficient students, economically disadvantaged students, membership, and teacher experience contribute to student achievement in 5th grade reading and mathematics. To do this, the fifth grade reading and math achievement scores, based on the TAKS Assessments, to represent student achievement were evaluated against district wealth, per pupil expenditure, economic disadvantage, limited English language proficiency, membership, and years of teaching experience of teachers for the years 2009, 2010, and 2011. A combination of descriptive statistics, …

Effect Of Instruction And Textbook Adoption Procedures On Kindergarten Students' Learning Of The Concept Of Rectangle, Francisco Rivera

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this study was to produce scientific knowledge about the ability of kindergarten children to learn the correct mathematical concept of rectangle. The subjects of this study were kindergarten children in a public school district whose population had a large proportion of Hispanic and economically disadvantaged children. A Solomon Four-Group Design as described by Campbell and Stanley (1963) was used. Both the control and experimental groups received instruction using a district adopted curriculum. A description of how the district's curriculum addressed the concept of rectangle was included in the results. The experimental group received additional instruction using a …

Educational Practices, Funding, And The Implementation Of A Reading First Program, Maria Maricela Rodriguez-Salaiz

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The National Reading Panel (NICHD, 2000) found that too many children struggle with learning to read. Through a Congressional mandate, the panel identified key skills and methods that were central to reading achievement in the grades kindergarten through third grade. According to the United States Department of Education (USDE) Summary of Discretionary Funds (2008b), over $6 billion were allocated to the schools to implement the research based strategies from 2002 to 2008. States throughout the country showed gains from the states’ first year of implementation to 2008 in grades 1-3 in comprehension assessments. The Reading First: Student Achievement, Teacher Empowerment, …

Disparity In The Superintendency, Ava J. Munoz, Shirley J. Mills, Anita Pankake, Sandra Whaley

Organization and School Leadership Faculty Publications

This paper examines the career aspirations of female and male central office administrators and their reasons for or against pursuing a superintendency, in the Texas, K-12 public school arena. Information unique to seeking and attaining superintendencies by these central office administrators will be presented, to assist with illuminating gender specific commonalities and differences, between all of the superintendent aspirants, involved in the study. This study provides insight, as to why gender disparity persists in the office of the superintendency, despite the availability of similarly, talented female and male central office administrators who aspire to gain the position of superintendent.

Strategy, Politics And Latino Graduate Education: A Descriptive Policy Analysis Of The South Texas/Border Initiative, Emily Calderon Galdeano

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Prior to 1987, appropriations to universities along the Texas-Mexico border were much less than in other areas of the state. As a result the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) v. Richards lawsuit was filed, claiming inequities for higher education funding. Between 1989 and 1995, the Texas Legislature approved a group of bills known as the South Texas/Border Initiative (STBI). The goals of this initiative were to: 1) provide equitable funding to nine universities along the South Texas border; 2) merge these regional institutions with the larger university systems in the state; and 3) create additional graduate programs at …

Factors That Contribute To Hispanic English Language Learners' High Academic Performance In High School Science In The Rio Grande Valley Of Texas: A Multicase Study, Antonio Elizondo

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this study was to identify, discover, uncover, examine, and document factors that contribute to Hispanic English Language Learners’ (ELL) high academic performance in high school science in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Participants were high school seniors enrolled in college-level classes who had scored commended on the science exit-level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills and ranked toward the top of their class. One science teacher and school administrator from the respective schools also participated in this study. One student from each of four different high schools in south Texas was selected to participate. School officials …

Coaching Teachers Of English Language Learners, Alma D. Rodríguez, Michelle H. Abrego, Renee Rubin

Organization and School Leadership Faculty Publications

The following qualitative study examined how Reading First Literacy Coaches refined their literacy coaching to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of Hispanic English language learners (ELLs) in 30 elementary schools located along the US Mexico Border. Data were gathered from the coaches through written surveys and a focus group. Findings from the coaches' practices identified three themes: 1) Coaches understood bilingual programs and the theory underlying such instruction; 2) Coaches supported teachers of ELLs by sharing their knowledge and experiences about ELLs; and 3) Coaches faced challenges in meeting the needs of teachers of Hispanic ELLs. This study is …

Examining The Perceptions Of Trust Between Principals And Teachers In Elementary Schools With High Student Academic Achievement, Gabriela Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of trust between principals and teachers. The problem identified that few scholars have examined the perceptions of trust of Hispanic Teachers and Administrators to determine if there are similarities or differences, and how this is sustained to improve student achievement. The reviewed literature argues that school administrators need to carefully assess if their interactions include characteristics of building trust because it may be related to student academic achievement. This research study was quantitative and conducted in Brownsville, Texas in Cameron County. The Brownsville ISD is comprised of 37 elementary schools …

A Study Of Hybrid Instructional Delivery For Graduate Students In An Educational Leadership Course, Alejandro Garcia, Jesus Abrego, Meagan M. Calvillo

Organization and School Leadership Faculty Publications

This paper describes a qualitative study in which ways to improve instructional delivery for graduate students in an Educational Leadership course in Master of Education program in a predominantly Hispanic university located in South Texas were examined. Questions explored perceptions, attitudes, and reasons for choosing a hybrid instructional delivery model. Five themes emerged from the data: flexibility, assumption of responsibility in learning, emphasis on active learning, building peer relationships, and deepened learning.

School Principals' Perceptions Of Bilingual Education And Their Relation To English Language Learners' 8th Grade Reading Performance On Staar, Imelda Mares

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This research examined school principals’ perceptions of bilingual education to determine whether perceptions were a function of gender, age, years of experience, level of academic knowledge of bilingual education, and language discourse or bilingualism. Moreover, this study explored whether principals’ perceptions of bilingual education were related to English language learners’ 8th grade reading performance as measured by the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). Thirty-one middle and high school principals in five school districts from south Texas and one district from southeast Texas responded to an electronic survey that solicited demographic information, perceptions of bilingual education, and academic …

Bicultural Self-Efficacy, Student Achievement, And Persistence Of Mexican American College Students, Richard Kirk

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This mixed methods study will explore the relationship of bi-cultural self-efficacy with student achievement and persistence for first generation Mexican American students enrolled at a two year college. The Bicultural Self Efficacy Scale for Minority Adults (BISES-MA ) will be used to collect quantitative data from a study group and control group. The study group will participate in a student success course using high engagement strategies developed by Advancement Via Individual Determination for Higher Education (AHE). Analysis of variance will be conducted to determine the degree of difference between the study and control groups on bicultural self-efficacy and student achievement …

Braceros, Mexicans, Americans, And Schools: (Re) Imagining Teaching And Learning In Mexican America, Francisco Guajardo, Stephanie Alvarez, Miguel Guajardo, Samuel García Jr., José Ángel Guajardo, Jocabed Márquez

Organization and School Leadership Faculty Publications

This article examines the stories of Braceros, Mexican contract workers who participated in an international labor agreement between the United States and México between 1942 and 1964. The stories Braceros tell challenge some conventional historiographical notions that they were powerless agents and victims of exploitative labor practices. The stories shed new light regarding the kinds of agency and power Braceros actually displayed in negotiating certain circumstances specific to their work.

Graduation As A Function Of Attendance And Discipline Of Students In The Student Success Initiative Of Texas In One South Texas Urban School District, Maria Luisa Trevino-Guerra

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This study examined the trends and patterns across time of grade placement committee students on the dependent variable, graduation. Longitudinal data for independent variables, attendance and discipline was collected for 173 students from 2005 to 2013. The independent variables of attendance and discipline were examined to determine whether or not high school completion is dependent on these two measures.

The Grade 5 students of 2005-2006 in one south Texas large urban school district who were retained in the fifth grade or advanced to the next higher grade by the grade placement committee in accordance with the Student Success Initiative (SSI) …

The Effectiveness Of Alternative Certification Teachers Versus Traditionally Trained Teachers In Three School Districts In Texas On Hispanic Students' Scores In 9th Grade Algebra I: What Leaders Should Know, Anysia R. Trevino

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this quantitative study is to measure the effectiveness of alternative certification teachers versus traditionally trained teachers of 9th grade Hispanic students enrolled in Algebra I. The dependent variable, teacher effectiveness, will be measured by the students' raw score on the Texas Algebra I End Of Course (EOC) Assessment. The factors examined in this study will be 1) teachers trained through a traditional teacher certification program and 2) teachers trained through an alternative certification program. The researcher will examine the identified group of teachers' attendance as well as years of experience to determine if there is a correlation …

The Power Of Plática, Francisco Guajardo, Miguel Guajardo

Organization and School Leadership Faculty Publications

Francisco and Miguel’s research agenda is centered in educational leadership and community development. Their work is interdisciplinary and is situated within the intersectionalities of identity formation, race, class, gender, plática and story. In operationalizing this work, Guajardo and Guajardo employ an epistemological construct congruent with their research partners that challenges higher education to engage in research that privileges the lives of youth, elders, and the organic leaders from the community.

Miguel A. Nevárez: A Life History Of Educational Leadership, Rolando Avila

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this qualitative study was to analyze Miguel A. Nevárez’s educational leadership style by focusing on his notable contributions to The University of Texas-Pan American. The researcher defined leadership style as actions by the leader. After examining Nevárez’s background to place his motivations and actions in proper context, this study analyzed what Nevárez did, how he perceived his actions, and how others perceived his actions. The life history written by the researcher was primarily based on data collected through 25 interviews; however, the researcher also utilized other available published and unpublished sources to supplement the interview data. The …

Case Study Of A District's Implementation Of Culturally Relevant Social Studies Curriculum, Dagoberto Eli Ramirez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Texas districts approved Update 93 from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) in spring 2012. The policy update called for use of culturally relevant materials in school districts’ implementation of their instructional program. The policy uses seventeen words to describe resources necessary to deliver, support, enrich, and assist in implementing the district’s educational program: materials that “represent many ethnic, religious, and cultural groups and their contributions to the national heritage and world community”. Using a qualitative case study approach in a Texas school district, this University of Texas-Pan American Educational Leadership Doctorate Degree research project investigated how and to …