Educational Leadership Commons^™

My Child Is An Angel From Allah: Perspectives From Muslim Parents Of Children With Special Needs In The United Kingdom, Katie Bonawitz

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation investigated how Muslim parents of children with special needs bring understanding to raising their child with special needs. This researcher conducted a qualitative study to find out if Muslim parents from different ethnic backgrounds had similar experiences to those studied by Jegatheesan, Miller, and Fowler (2010). The researcher developed and administered qualitative interviews to four Pakistani Muslim parents in England and three Somali Muslim parents in Minnesota. These Muslim parents were asked questions regarding background of their child, community experiences, positive and negative school experiences, and whether faith or culture played a greater role as they reflected …

The Moral Reasoning And Moral Decision Making Of Urban High-Poverty Elementary School Principals In A Large Urban Southeastern School District, Robert Strenth

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research was to identify the moral reasoning and moral judgment of elementary school principals who serve in high-poverty schools. The study was undertaken at the request of the client public school district who was attempting to identify characteristics of current elementary principals serving in high-poverty schools. Two research questions guided this study concerning the moral operational level of the principals. The theoretical framework of the study was based on the work of Lawrence Kohlberg and his stages of moral development. Participating principals were administered the Defining Issues Test-2 (DIT-2), a pencil-paper questionnaire that presented five moral …

A Study Of A Third Grade Summer Reading Camp: Its Promotion Of Student Achievement And Its Cost Effectiveness, Krista Bixler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate and long term impact of participation in the 2009 Third Grade Summer Reading Camp, as well as determine the cost-effectiveness of providing this program in comparison to the cost-effectiveness of other reading interventions as identified by Yeh (2010). All students in this study scored an achievement level one on the 2009 FCAT Reading assessment and either attended the summer reading camp or received a good cause exemption for promotion to the next grade level. Data was not available to determine immediate impact of summer school. To determine long term impact …

Deconstructing Differences In Effectiveness Of Teachers Of Tenth Grade Non-Proficient Readers In One Florida School District, Mary Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite an intense focus and considerable financial commitment to remediate nonproficient readers in high school, the large suburban school district that was the target of this study had been unable to consistently improve student achievement in the lowest 25% of students as measured by outcomes on the FCAT Reading. Scholarly literature on high school reading had focused mostly on evaluation of curriculum rather than on teacher practices. A clear understanding of these differences in practice will inform future decisions related to staffing, scheduling, and professional learning. This study sought to identify the underlying professional and instructional differences between the most …

Identifying Most Significant Predictors Of Low Mathematics Achievement In African American Male Middle School Students, Kelley Adams

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that African American males have been singled out due to the fact most local and national data of academic achievement finds the group to underachieve significantly (Garibaldi, 2007). The purpose of this study is to examine variables which significantly predict lower levels of math achievement in regards to African American males. This study also examines variables that predict low math achievement for African American males to determine the most significant of the predictors. This quantitative case study includes sixth, seventh, and eighth grade African American male subjects from a middle school in the Southeast. Socioeconomic status, attendance, …

Examining An Adult Education Partnership Through A Positive Organizational Lens, Lewis H. Burke Jr

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

This companion dissertation reports the findings of applied case study research on four community college organizational units that consistently meet or exceed standard performance measures. In addition, prior ample evidence confirms that performance extended significantly beyond what might be explained by available tangible resources alone. The case study contexts are common in higher education in general: a) an external partnership, (b) an ad hoc team, (c) a traditional, cross-divisional service unit, and (d) a grant-funded student service unit.

Emerging positive organizational theory and research show promise for revealing performance-influencing phenomena and behaviors that are not adequately represented in standard measures. …

Assessing Diversity: A Cost Benefit Analysis Of Culture Centers And Targeted Students' Success, Melissa Anne Ortiz

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The intent of this study was to examine the relationship between funding diversity initiatives in higher education and targeted minority students' academic success. The study explored the relationship between the funding of two culture centers at an IHE in the Midwest and the graduation rates of the targeted minority student populations. Analysis of the data did not determine a significant relationship between the two variables. One culture center funding had a strong but not significant relationship with targeted student graduation rates and that relationship may become significant with additional longitudinal data. In addition analysis determined significant differences between the funding …

Relationships Among Employee Engagement, Communication Climate, And Employees' Communication Channel Preferences, Jessica Roberts

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The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship among communication climate, employee engagement and employees' communication channel preferences. The research established a moderate relationship among communication climate and employee engagement. Although this finding aligns with the current literature, the study failed to establish a relationship between employee engagement and employees' communication channel preferences. The research did document that the top three communication channels for employees of all levels of engagement are face to face, email and poster/flyers/brochures. While Chapter 2 reviewed past literature of communication climate, employee engagement and communication channel preferences it was noted that there is …

Emotional Intelligence In Hypercrisis: A Content Analysis Of World Trade Center Leadership Response To The Terrorist Attacks Of September 11, 2001, Megan Lindsay Schwartz

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The purpose of this qualitative content analysis was to examine World Trade Center (WTC) leadership response to the hypercrisis of 9/11. Information on surviving leaders of four companies housed in the WTC on 9/11 was gathered from ten sources including journal articles, newspaper article, magazine articles, a book, and a documentary. The information was analyzed for evidence of emotional intelligence according to Daniel Goleman's five-construct model. Phrases drawn from the sources were coded according to construct. Results indicated empathy to be the most prevalent response, followed by self-regulation, relationship management, self-awareness, and self-motivation. A second round of coding classified the …

Collaborative School Culture In Al Ain Secondary Schools: A Descriptive Study, Muna Mohammed Falouqa

Theses

This study aimed to investigate the extent of the collaborative school culture in Al Ain Cycle Three schools. The study was guided by three research questions and used the descriptive mixed research method. Data for this study were collected through a questionnaire divided into three section. The first section included demographic information of participants. The second part included 29 items about the Collaborative School Culture (CSC), which measures the extent of six components of CSC. These components were collaborative leadership, teacher collaboration, professional development, unity of purpose, collegial support, and learning partnership. The third part was an open-ended question eliciting …

Strategic And Educational Leadership Of Al-Ain School Principals In Accordance With The New School Model., Aysha Saeed Mohammed Al Nuaimi

Theses

This study aims at identifying the roles of school principal according the new school model applied by Abu Dhabi Educational Council, and the extent of applying these roles in the field; more to the point, identifying any gaps between what is requested from the principals and what is really presented. The aforementioned aims are to be reached through answering the following questions:

1. To what extent do principals in Al Ain apply the strategic and educational leadership standards according to the new school model, from principals’ perspective?
2. To what extent do principals in Al Ain apply the strategic and educational leadership …

"A Song For You" As Tribute To The Daughters Of The South: Illuminating The Work Of Black Women Principals, Beverly Cox

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Curriculum can be understood as a place of both struggle and possibility, where curriculum workers engage in complicated conversations about self, society, and the purposes of education (Pinar, 2004). Although curriculum theorists have contributed much to discussions of how to improve the current state of education, little attention in the field is given to the role that leadership can play in educational transformation (Ylimaki, 2011). This study contributes to the field of curriculum studies by exploring the ethics of care of Black women public school principals in the South.

By exploring the life experiences of Black female principals from the …

Sororities, Interpersonal Relationships, And A Dialogical Perspective, Jessica Lynn Fresques

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study focuses on interpersonal relationships and skills gained through sorority membership. The purpose of this research sought to develop the understanding of potential developmental outcomes, in which a sorority can provide to its members. Research methods used: online surveys and follow-up interviews. The dialogical perspective by Martin Buber helped develop an understanding of the I-thou relationship, whereas, each person within conversation is fully valued for what they have to say. In general, sororities are known as social organizations and the use of dialogue is important when communing or working with others. Alumnae who participated provided enough feedback to determine …

A Qualitative Inquiry Into Teachers' Perceptions Of Change, Theresa Gardner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to identify teachers' perceptions of how leadership styles and practices of administration can improve the process of broad-based change in an educational organization. The study focused on the lived experiences of 12 teachers and school administrators (coresearchers) during a major change in their school district. Guided interviews were utilized in order to understand the essence of their experiences. Results indicated the importance of communication during the process of change as it relates to perceptions of involvement, buy-in, self-worth, job satisfaction, and support and impact on instruction.

The Implications Of A High Academic Ability Learning Environment On Third Grade Gifted Students' Academic Achievement In Florida Public Schools, Julie Cady

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this two year study was to investigate the implications of a high academic ability learning environment on the achievement scores of third grade gifted students who attended the Florida Brevard County Public School System. Learning environment was defined by the students’ academic ability level, whether high academic ability or heterogeneous academic ability, and for this study was the independent variable. Academic achievement, as measured by the 2011 and the 2012 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test® 2.0 (FCAT 2.0) Mathematics and Reading Developmental Scale Scores (DSS), was the dependent variable. Other student data such as gender and socioeconomic status …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of The Third Grade Summer Reading Camp Intervention Program In A Larger Urban School District, Danielle Alchin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the third grade Summer Reading Camp (SRC) in a large urban school district. The SRC curriculum was assessed to determine if it aligned with effective remediation and filled the third grade students’ knowledge voids in reading. The study further analyzed how the school district officials selected the curriculum content utilized in the SRC. This study was conducted using qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews of school district personnel on the SRC committee regarding the implementation of the 2012 lesson plan, and from students’ Winter Benchmark Assessment scores. …

A Study Of The Effects Of Voluntary Prekindergarten Providers On Kindergarten Readiness, Toni Drummond

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

American parents have a myriad of choices when it comes to educating their children, and these choices begin in the very beginning stages of children’s educational journey. Where parents decide to have their child spend their early formative years can have far-reaching implications for that child’s future. The focus of this research was to examine if a difference exists in kindergarten readiness preparation offered by Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) providers in the state of Florida. The VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates of public schools were compared to the VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates of private learning centers and, more specifically, of …

A Study Of Elementary Student Course Completion And Achievement In Virtual And Traditional Format Courses Within The Volusia County School District, Janet Garzia

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research study was to determine how elementary students enrolled in virtual education classes performed on state assessments and final report card grades in Reading and Mathematics as compared with students enrolled in traditional classes, and to examine whether there was a difference in the successful course completion rates between the two groups. Five research questions guided this study concerning the relationship of successful course completion, final grades, and FCAT 2.0 achievement level scores and the variables of virtual and traditional education in the School District of Volusia County. This study is significant, as the movement of …

An Examination Of The Relationship Between Marzano's Causal Teacher Evaluation Model And Student Achievement At Nine High Schools In A Large Suburban School District In Central Florida, Dana Jacobson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the relationship between student achievement and teacher evaluation during the first year of implementation of the Marzano Causal Teacher Evaluation model in a large suburban school district in Central Florida. The population included high school level teachers and students. Teacher evaluation and performance data were collected and analyzed for relationships using Spearman Rho and Chi-Square Analysis. Variables reviewed included: (a) Marzano‟s Causal Teacher Evaluation Model iObservation© protocol, (b) categorized teacher years of experience, (c) student growth scores based on a teacher‟s student success on statewide assessments as calculated using VAM or an administered pre- and posttest, …

A Study Of The Implementation Of The Executive Ed. D. In Educational Leadership At The University Of Central Florida 2010-2013: A Professional Practice Doctorate, Nicole Marsh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study conducted at the University of Central Florida was of two-fold importance. First, information gathered via this study has served to continually improve the rigor and relevancy of the curriculum and program requirements to issues in education. Second, the research findings from this study served to move forward the national and increasingly international efforts to improve the Ed. D. and other professional practice doctorate programs. The review of literature was organized to present an introduction for the conceptual framework of the efforts to distinguish between the Ph. D. and Ed. D. and strengthen the education doctorate overall. The review …

The Impact Of Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten On The Academic Achievement And Kindergarten Readiness Of Students In A Large Suburban School District, Jordan Rodriguez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the United States, state governments are allocating millions of dollars to support Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs. Recent research has indicated that students that participate in VPK demonstrate higher academic achievement scores across a number of subject areas. Moreover, VPK participants are more likely to enter primary school on grade level, which in turn leads to a reduction in grade retention. Studies have indicated that although all students that participate in VPK programs benefit from such programs, minority students and students that come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds benefit at an even higher level. The intent of this study was to determine …

A Study Of Student Achievement And Educational Intervention Strategies In Traditional And Virtual Format Algebra 1 Courses Within Volusia County School District, Paul Nehrig

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare achievement results of students enrolled in traditional and virtual Algebra 1 courses in the School District of Volusia County, Florida and to identify which educational interventions are utilized by traditional and online teachers to promote student success, especially for at-risk populations. Two research questions guided this study. This study is significant, as school districts expand virtual options for K-12 students to meet legislative mandates and student demand, while also exploring and developing methods to ensure student success. Student scores on the Florida Algebra 1 End of Course Exam (EOC) were compared to …

An Urban School District's Preparing New Principals Program: Completers' Perceptions Of Program Effectiveness Related To Florida Principal Leadership Standards Adopted In 2011, Kelly Pelletier

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to measure the extent to which school leaders who completed the preparing new principals program in School District A perceived the program’s effectiveness in preparing them to demonstrate Florida’s principal leadership standards as adopted in November 2011. This study also identified the components of the preparing new principals program that influenced the professional practice of the program completers in their current leadership roles within School District A. This study was conducted at the request of the professional development services designee in School District A and is a companion study to research conducted by Eddie …

Deconstructing Differences In Effectiveness Of Reading Teachers Of Ninth Grade Non-Proficient Readers In One Florida School District, Jason Wysong

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was undertaken to identify specific instructional and professional differences between the most effective and least effective teachers of ninth grade students enrolled in intensive reading courses in one Florida school district. Teachers from eleven schools were invited to complete a survey that included categorical, Likert, and openended response items. Principals and assistant principals at these schools were also invited to complete a similar survey. Teacher respondents were then divided into three effectiveness groups based on the percentage of their students who met 2011-2012 FCAT performance targets established by Florida’s value-added learning growth model. Inferential statistics were used to …

An Investigation Of First-Year Teacher Induction Programs In Jesuit Secondary Schools Within The California Province, Justin James Dixon Christensen

Doctoral Dissertations

This mixed methods study invited principals (n=5) and first-year teachers (n=25) in five Jesuit secondary schools in the California Province to participate. Online surveys and follow-up online interviews were designed to assess the degree to which the schools met 11 standards that constituted the conceptual framework for the study: (a)Program vision, goals, and institutional commitment, (b)Formation of the Ignatian educator, (c)Program administration and communication, (d)Principal engagement, (e)Program assessment, evaluation, and accountability, (f)Assessing first-year teacher practice, (g)First-year teacher professional development and learning communities, (h)Mentor role and responsibilities, selection, assignment, and assessment, (i)Mentor professional development and learning communities, (j)Focus on instructional practice, …

Examining Culture And Structure: A Case Study Of Three Middle Colleges, Anne F. Weyandt

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this case study was to examine and extrapolate the primary design elements of middle/early colleges in Minnesota that are most likely to support expanded statewide implementation of the model. These middle/early colleges are presently located in Anoka and Rochester and on the Iron Range in the northeastern region of the state. Through a case study analysis of each location, the cultural attributes of each community or region influencing the structural design of each early/middle college were examined in the context of the common design elements represented in the review of literature. A cross-case analysis examined the themes …

Contextual Pedagogy: A Praxis Engaging Black Male High School Students Toward Eliminating The Achievement Gap, Timothy Alan Berry

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Problems facing black male students in K-12 education are as multiple as they are complex. Regarding this issue, the research literature revealed three major themes that came to the foreground: 1) the lack of school engagement, 2) academic achievement gaps, and 3) racism. In response, the purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the contextual pedagogical influences of Project-Based Learning (PBL) on school engagement, creativity, and problem solving for fourteen black male students in a suburban Minnesota high school. The methodology for this was an instrumental case study (i.e., seeking understanding of phenomena beyond the case itself). Findings …

Building Self-Directed Teachers: A Case Study Of Teachers' Perspectives Of The Effects Of Cognitive Coaching On Professional Practices, Kevin S. Bjerken

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This case study of a single school district aims to identify teachers' perceptions of how their professional practices have been affected after four years of receiving Cognitive Coaching. Cognitive Coaching was used in participants' professional development as a part of an Alternative Teacher Professional Pay System and included three observational cycles per year for four consecutive years with a certified Cognitive Coach. Through focus group interviews and surveys, Cognitive Coaching was found to have multiple positive effects on professional development, according to the perspectives of the sample group. Themes of an increase in reflective practice, increased awareness level, and greater …

The Good Teacher: A Qualitative Analysis Of Perceptions Of Asian American Parents, Mariam Zia Qureshi

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This research study examined the general question "What do Asian American parents believe to be important characteristics of an effective elementary teacher?" In order to investigate this question, the researcher used a qualitative research design employing a semi-structured interview which probed into the personal perceptions voiced by a sample of twelve Asian American parents on the characteristics of good teachers. The twelve Asian American parents who participated in this study were from nine different Asian countries covering the three main regions defined as Asian according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Far East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian sub-continent. Also, …

Undergraduate Sport Management Students' Perceptions Of Leadership Behaviors Through Service Learning: A Quantitative, Quasi-Experimental Study, Bryan Romsa

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This quantitative, quasi-experimental study examined the effectiveness of a service learning activity on the perceived leadership behaviors of sport management undergraduate students at a mid-sized, Midwestern, public university. The participants in the study were 74 undergraduate students who were enrolled in four undergraduate sport management courses. The first research question analyzed how a service learning experience affects the self-reported perceptions of leadership behavior in sport management undergraduate students. The findings indicated that the students who participated in a service learning activity (experiential group) self-reported a decrease in all five leadership practices. The second research question asked how not having a …