Educational Leadership Commons^™

Teaching Time Management In The Proficiency Based Classroom, Julie Conrad

M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership Research Projects

Students in Maine are currently making the switch to proficiency based education. In transitioning to a grading system based on only academic standards many of the soft skills, such as time management, are often not taught in the classroom as the focus is on only the academic standards. In this action research study, three different time management strategies were introduced to middle school math students in a rural junior high classroom. Each strategy was used for one academic learning standard. Student achievement and perceptions, as well as teacher observations, were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the strategies. The results …

Meeting The Technology Demands Of The 21st Century Student, Angela Bernier

M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership Research Projects

This mixed-method research study examines the scale of technology initiatives, funding options, and the implementation of technology in the classroom in grades four and five in schools in the state of Maine. In this research study, an overwhelming percentage of the fifty eight schools that responded to a quantitative google survey, offer one-to-one technology to their 4th and 5th grade students. A high percentage of those schools are funding their technology initiatives with district funds. Forty nine teachers of the represented schools responded to a qualitative google survey, and it was found that technology is being used extensively in the …

Student Centered Approaches In High School Algebra, Jennifer L. Mahan

M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership Research Projects

This quasi-experimental study evaluated the impact of four, student centered approaches on learning outcomes for high school math students, to determine if algebraic understanding improved in an active learning environment. Specifically, this study investigated high school algebra students’ use of learning stations, hands on manipulatives, small group collaboration and mathematical games, to deepen their conceptual understanding of linear equations. Surveys revealed students prefered to work independently while being led by the teacher, yet this approach yielded the least amount of improvement. Pre- and post-tests showed students from the experimental groups out-performed peers in the control group on achievement of standards …

The Effect On Motivation And Confidence Of The Art Student Of Low Socioeconomic Status, Danielle Guerrette

M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership Research Projects

This action-based research study used student and teacher surveys, as well as researcher observations to examine the effect of formative assessment and exploratory art education strategies in a high poverty school district. Both student perception of ability and confidence in the arts is often based on their previous experiences and past exposure to the arts. This research study sought to investigate students’ experience of art class through exploratory learning, along with the use of formative assessment, to best inform students ways to be successful while fostering a growth mindset. Findings supported that student attendance and teacher-student relationships were most critical …

Increasing Technology Engagement In The Mass Customized Secondary Classroom, Jeremy D. Young

M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership Research Projects

The increase in student-centered and self-directed classroom practices and curriculum delivery methods such as proficiency based education (PBE) and mass customized learning (MCL) coupled with 1:1 technology environments requires the student be productive without direct teacher oversight. Using productivity software, this research project examines student digital engagement in a high school classroom employing student-centered MCL and PBE practices in an attempt to answer the following research questions: “Can the use of self-monitoring productivity applications increase positive technology outcomes while decreasing negative technology outcomes?” and “Do student perceptions of their engagement fit their behavior?” This qualitative study uses three phases of …

Writing Center Use And Perception At Foxcroft Academy, Bridget Wright

M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership Research Projects

This mixed-methods study seeks to better understand how teachers, students, and student coaches (tutors) perceive and use the Foxcroft Academy Writing Center. Surveys for each population, as well as interviews with a teacher, a coach, a native-speaker of English and an non-native speaker of English, were conducted in order to gather data about how different members of the learning community view and engage with the writing center. Findings revealed that teachers and students perceive the writing center to be a support service for help with grammar and other technical English conventions, but also believe that the writing center can help …

Quality Assurance Challenges For Inclusion Of "Non-Formal Education Qualifications" Into Nqfs, Dzelalija Mile, Ivana Carev

Level 3

In this article we analyse practices of various forms of learning in different countries and their key roles for individuals regarding their potential on the labour market, in further education or any other interests of individuals and society. In addition, we analyse validation processes for non-formal and informal learning, as well as quality assurance practices in those countries.

Based on our analysis, we discuss the challenges of the inclusion of ‘non-formal education qualifications’ into national qualifications frameworks, emphasising the quality assurance principles for qualifications that are part of national qualification frameworks, and propose the theoretical base for inclusion of such …

Collaborative Action Research To Implement Social-Emotional Learning In A Rural Elementary School: Helping Students Become "Little Kids With Big Words", Donna M. San Antonio Dr.

Faculty Scholarship

Research has shown that social and emotional learning (SEL) can benefit students in affective, interpersonal, communicative, and academic realms. However, teachers integrating SEL face a variety of logistical, pedagogical, and skill development challenges, including how to effectively facilitate classroom conversations on social justice and personal loss. This article draws from classroom observations, teacher conversations, interactive journals, and field notes to describe a seven-month-long university-school partnership to carry out an action research project in a high-poverty rural elementary school in the US. Teachers grappled with how to address race, immigration, and gender discrimination in a predominantly White community. Classroom vignettes, and …

Student Attributes Related To Dual Enrollment Baccalaureate Degree Outcomes In A Rural State, Charles Scott Inghram

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A decrease in West Virginia in-state college-going and graduation rates and a need for additional postsecondary degrees in the workforce in the state by 2020 require the support and implementation of an evidence-based intervention to ameliorate the pressing issue. This study considers the outcomes in regard to persistence and completion of West Virginia students enrolled in public baccalaureate degree granting institutions in the state who entered as first-time, full-time freshmen during the 2010 academic year with dual enrollment credit. The population of the study was drawn from preexisting data provided by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Propensity score …

Are Higher Education Institutions Addressing The Employment Needs Of Clinical Laboratories In Rural Areas?, Pamela Dawn Meadows

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Clinical laboratories across the nation are faced with a shortage of qualified Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) and Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLSs). As the clinical laboratory workforce continues to shrink, it is essential that higher education institutions acknowledge the employment needs of rural laboratories to ensure quality health care in underserved areas. An aging workforce, program closures, and a general increase in demand for laboratory testing have compounded the workforce shortage for rural clinical laboratories, which often face unique challenges. The purpose of this research study was to examine the perceptions of rural clinical laboratory managers toward higher education’s response to …

Literacy Leaders : An Analysis Of West Virginia Secondary School Principals' Self-Reported Literacy Leaderships Perceptions And Practices, Stephanie Adria Burdette

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Sweeping changes, such as those ushered in as a component of contemporary school improvement initiatives, have created an educational culture in which all teachers are now considered to be literacy instructors with principals being placed in the role of instructional leader. Yet, review of research literature reveals a severe lack of funding and adequate professional development necessary to ensure that secondary school teachers and administrators have the training they need to provide such literacy services to students. The purpose of this research study was to examine the literacy perceptions and practices of West Virginia’s secondary school principals to ascertain the …

Principal Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Wvbe Policy 5800: Standards Of Professional Practice For West Virginia Superintendents, Principals And Teacher Leaders, Allen Ray Laugh Jr.

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Since the late 1980s, standards for students and teachers began to be the focus of education, creating demands and pressures on school leaders to become more than managers of a school. This change of focus expanded to include principals and required school leaders to possess instructional leadership qualities beyond managerial skills. In 2010, the West Virginia Board of Education enacted the Standards of Professional Practice for West Virginia Superintendents, Principals and Teacher Leaders (WVBE Policy 5800) to guide West Virginia educational leaders toward instructional leadership. The purpose of this study was to gain West Virginia principals’ perceptions at all grade …

The Access Network: Bringing Together Student Leaders To Support Equity Programs, Gina Quan, Chandra Turpen

Faculty Publications

The Access Network consists of nine university-based programs from across the country working towards a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible STEM community. Each program places a strong emphasis on undergraduate and graduate student leadership, and some programs are entirely student-led. One component of Access is an annual Assembly, which brings together representatives from current and potential Access sites to update each other, share lessons learned, support each other in overcoming challenges, participate in professional development, and build relationships with others interested in promoting justice in STEM education. The Assembly is co-designed by a team of student leaders from each …

Underachievement In Gifted High School Students: Examining School Administrator Perceptions, Lamont Moore

Education Dissertations and Projects

hroughout the history of gifted education, the underachievement of gifted students has been a conundrum for educators. In fact, underachievement in gifted students is defined in various ways by researchers. A wide range of contributing factors for gifted underachievement exists in previous studies. The perceptions held by students and educators regarding these factors have been studied by many researchers as an attempt to understand the nuances that exist within the concept of underachievement in gifted students.

This quantitative study examined the perceptions of school administrators concerning the factors that impact underachievement in gifted students. The study surveyed administrators from multiple …

An Investigation Of The Characteristics Successful Executive Directors Perceive To Be Most Important In Charter Schools, Jeremy Wayne Quick

Education Dissertations and Projects

This study was a multiple case study to explore the phenomenon of the charter school executive director and the characteristics needed for success. The executive director characteristics directly affect the success or failure of a charter school (Berman, 2008). A variety of studies have researched the skill sets needed for successful leadership in several types of organizations; these skill sets overlap, and the research has revealed how these skills were interconnected. The evaluation of all these leadership skills helped define the skill set needed for successful charter school leaders and can be used by many stakeholders to improve upon current …

An Analysis Of The Relationship Between Principal Self-Efficacy And Collective Staff Efficacy In A Rural North Carolina School System, Douglas Ray Massengill Jr

Education Dissertations and Projects

"The purpose of this research was to determine if a statistically significant relationship exists between principal self-efficacy and the collective staff efficacy in the public schools of a rural North Carolina school district. This study focused on overall efficacy beliefs of principals and teachers as well as efficacy beliefs related to the constructs of instructional leadership, instructional practices, school management, and classroom management. This study, conducted during the 2017-2018 academic year, included a population of 22 principals and 1,017 certified staff members in a rural North Carolina school district. The Principal Sense of Efficacy Scale by Tschannen-Moran and Gareis (2004) …

Sr. Sarah Grace: The Common Good, Caleb Wright

Ask a Sister: Interview Wisdom from Catholic Women Religious

This paper includes part of an interview with Sr. Sarah Grace from January 2, 2018. She is a women religious who has worked in education for 25 years. This paper includes a portion of the interview where she shared her perspective on the common good.

Program Evaluation Of The Leader In Me In A Rural Elementary School With Emphasis On Hispanic Students, John Shepard

Education Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of The Leader in Me (TLIM) program and philosophy on a highly diverse, rural elementary school in North Carolina. TLIM is a program for school-wide transformation that seeks to teach all students 21st century leadership and life skills. TLIM is based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Covey (1989) and is an integrated approach to teaching leadership development. The study took place at School X, which has over 440 students. School X is diverse: 46% of the students are Hispanic; 41% are White; and 13% are Asian, …

The Use Of Response To Intervention With English Learners, Anna Burnley

ECTESOL Review

RTIs assist teachers in adjusting instruction to support ELs in acquiring English and content-area knowledge and learning behaviors. The use of RTIs with ELs can supplement support for ELs as an integrated concept of the sheltered instruction (SI) commonly provided for this student population.

Connecting North And South: Engaging Latin American English Learners, Kenyan Intercultural Communications And American Undergraduate Students Through Reciprocal Service Learning, Laureen Fregeau, Ukaiko A. Bitrus-Ojiambo, Suhana Chikatla, William Cornejo

ECTESOL Review

Reciprocal Service Learning through videoconferencing is an efficient tool for connecting native English speakers of various world Englishes and ELs in other nations for the benefit of all. The authors of this study recognize the reciprocal nature of teaching and learning and the social justice of equalizing power structures through the inclusion of participants and researchers from both North and South as members of a project and research team. Through participant observation and document review the authors examine the experiences of educators and learners in the phenomenon of reciprocal service learning through videoconferencing focused on cultural competence and English language …

From The Editor, Laureen Fregeau

ECTESOL Review

No abstract provided.

Employing Word Study With Spanish-Speaking Els, Timothy Rodriquez

ECTESOL Review

Phonics Instruction has had a controversial history. How to teach phonics to Spanish-speaking ELs is also controversial. Understanding the differences between Spanish and English and how phonics instruction occurs in each language would be insightful. Also, knowing how the nature of the two languages affects instruction would be beneficial. Furthermore, exploiting similarities between English and Spanish and examining differences will bolster instruction. This paper will discuss the reasons for word study and how it may be utilized to teach spelling and decoding to Spanish-speaking ELLs.

Context-Focused Grammar Teaching: A Comparison Between English Present Perfect And Past Tenses And Affects On Korean English Learning, Seungheui (Ellie) Lee

ECTESOL Review

Despite massive amounts of time Korean English Learners (KLL) study English grammar, they continue to have problems becoming proficient in verb tenses, especially the present perfect. This study examines this problem through a linguistic comparative analysis of Korean and English present perfect and past tenses. Two possible reasons for KLL difficulty with verb tenses could be mode of instruction and L1 interference.

Not “One China,” Not “One Culture”: Multicultural Exploration Of Differences And Similarities Between Mainland China And Taiwan, Philip J. Ward, Michelle Loo

ECTESOL Review

This study focuses on the outwardly similar cultures of Taiwan and mainland China and the subtle differences within them. The study was conducted as part of the requirements of doctoral program in Instructional Design and Development at a public university in the southeastern United States. Using a qualitative case study approach, the study demonstrates that there are cultural similarities between mainland China and Taiwan, however instructors should also be aware of the differences when developing relationships with students and developing course content. A mini-workshop was developed for the study to help teach instructors about the two cultures. However, the mini-workshop …

What College Presidents Need To Know About College Students And Student Affairs, Jennifer M. Miles

Journal of Research on the College President

The college presidency is filled with challenges and opportunities, ranging from maintaining communication with on-campus and off-campus stakeholders, coordinating work being done across campus, to simply keeping all of the institution’s operations up and running in an efficient manner. These activities are all designed around a specific purpose: providing opportunities for students to learn.

Vocational Development Of Introverted College Students, Alex T. Crist

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

While vocation is an increasingly popular research topic, research has not addressed how one’s personality shapes his or her vocational development. Therefore, the purpose of the research is to explore the vocational development of introverted college students. Using a two-part qualitative study, 101 participants provided online essays and nine participants participated in face-to-face interviews to understand the influences and process of introverts seeking to discover their vocation. Results suggested various external and internal influences of vocational development, as well as the perceived relationship between vocation and introversion. Based on the results of the study, the Vocational Development Model for Introverts …

Leadership Practices In Similar Schools With Varying Primary Grade Reading Outcomes: A Comparative Multiple-Case Study, Jacqueline M. Cuthill

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students who are below grade level before they leave third grade are less likely to graduate. A large number of schools are failing to increase student achievement in reading, especially for students of color and those who are economically disadvantaged. Leadership can influence student achievement; however, literature lacks specifics about leadership practices that could help school leaders improve student outcomes. This multiple-case study explores the leadership practices in three similar elementary schools with varying primary grade reading outcomes and contributes details about the leadership functions of Setting Direction, Developing People and Redesigning the Organization (Leithwood, Seashore, Anderson, & Wahlstrom, 2004). …

High-Performing Charter Schools And Leadership Continuum: Reconceptualizing Dual Realities, Brittany M. Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study examines the experiences and identities of school leaders who currently lead or have lead in high performing charter schools. Using educational criticism and connoisseurship, the author focuses on the impact of leaders' experiences and identities, which shape leader intention, school culture, and school development and growth to inform current practice. The author also explores how co-connoisseurship may enhance one's understanding of the nuances of the subject, adding to the literature on the methodology employed.

The Next Generation Of Community College Presidents: Who They Are, How They Prepare, And How They Lead, Results From A National Study, Matthew Cooney, Kenneth Borland

Journal of Research on the College President

Community college scholars and professional organizations are preparing for the expected turnover of the current generation of community college presidents and the present study examines potential community college presidents who may fill this leadership void. The researchers present information on senior, community college administrators who indicated they are interested in pursuing the community college presidency (N=436) as part of a national study including how the potential community college presidents utilize transformational leadership and if their utilization of transformational leadership differs based upon their current position and highest degree earned. The researchers conclude with recommendations on next steps to move the …

The Digital Self: A Qualitative Approach To Studying Female College Students' Use Of Social-Networking Platforms, Megan Christine Gore

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to understand how female college students make use of social networks, specifically how they use the medium to connect with others. Researching socialnetworking use pertaining to the phenomenon of connection will give a richer understanding of female students’ lived experience of social networking. Many quantitative studies have been conducted about social networking, but more qualitative measures are needed to explore social networking. With the continuously changing social-networking platforms, there is little research that sheds light on social-networking use among female college students. My goal was to conduct a qualitative research study that examined female …