Educational Leadership Commons^™

Navigating The Personal And Professional Practices Of Social Media In Higher Education: A Phenomenological Investigation, John Ryan Dunne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the navigation of personal and professional social media practices as a lived experience for post-secondary education instructors in higher education. Correspondent inference theory was used to understand how observers assess behaviors that correspond with their own actions. The central research question focused on the lived experiences of post-secondary education instructors who utilized social media personally and professionally. Three research subquestions were more intensely focused on gaining a deeper understanding of (a) how post-secondary education instructors experience and comprehend the partition that separates personal and professional social media use, (b) how …

The Relationship Between The Average Number Of Principal Walkthroughs And School Accountability Grade Of Florida High Schools, Robert Leslie Bennett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative correlational study sought to determine if the administrative time and financial investment in administrative walkthroughs is an effective practice that leads to improved student achievement. This study sought to determine if a predictive relationship existed between the predictor variable mean of principal school-wide walkthroughs, and the criterion variable school grade in Florida high schools. This study was designed to determine if the principal walkthrough is an effective tool to improve teaching practice to improve student achievement to meet accountability measures. The sample include 72 high school principals in Florida. Data was collected through a self-report survey in which …

The Relationship Between Sense Of Community And Job Satisfaction Among Urban Middle School Teachers, Paula Anita Murphy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this correlational study was to investigate the relationship between sense of community and job satisfaction among middle school teachers in an urban school district. This study is important because it helps to develop an understanding of how the cultivation of sense of community is related to job satisfaction and provides insight in middle school urban learning environments. This study examined the relationship between sense of community and job satisfaction where social interaction occurs in an educational setting. The theories guiding this research were McMillan and Chavis’ sense of community theory as it relates to sense of community …

A Multisite Case Study Of High-Performing Charter School Boards In Florida, Kristine Lynn Bennett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multisite case study was to describe the practices and behaviors of high-performing charter school boards. Through description of the practices and behaviors of high-performing charter school boards, the impact of charter school board governance on charter school closures in Florida can be better understood. The theory guiding this study was Coleman’s social capital theory, suggesting that the social capital of members of an organization working towards a common goal through bridging and bonding results in productivity and a positive impact on the organization; in this case study, the organization was the charter school governing board. The …

An Examination Of How Principals In Rural K-12 Schools Foster Technological Literacy Among Teachers: A Multi-Site Case Study, Kathleen Marie Grad

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this bounded multi-site study was to understand how the technological practices of principals in small K–12 rural schools in western Canada foster the technological literacy of teachers. Technological practice was defined as the ability to support the application of technology by guiding, managing, and developing different aspects of the organization to improve performance. The theory guiding this study was the social cognitive theory of Albert Bandura, based on triadic reciprocal determinism which involved personal, behavioral, and environmental experiences. The sample for this research study were principals and teachers in small K–12 rural schools in western Canada. Data …

The Relationship Between Academic Growth Percentiles And Student Perceptions Of School Climate Among Sixth Grade Students, Charles Heath Burch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, correlational design seeks to determine if students’ academic growth during the sixth-grade transition can be predicted by school climate and school climate dimensions. The results of the study will allow leaders to provide targeted support in the areas of school climate that have the greatest impact. The study consists of 150 middle schools in the state of Georgia. The Georgia Student Health Survey was used to determine sixth-grade student perceptions of the school's climate. The Georgia Department of Education determined student academic growth through the Georgia Student Growth Model in the area of language arts at each middle …

A Case Study Exploring The Self-Disclosure Experiences Of Students With Psychiatric Impairments In An Online University Setting, Marcie Anne Dimač

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single case study was to explore the self-disclosure experiences of students with psychiatric disabilities in a fully online university setting. The theory guiding this study was the social model of disability as it focuses on the barriers imposed by society on students with disabilities as it pertains to self-efficacy, academic success, and the need to self-disclose. This case study asked the central question, “What can be learned from the self-disclosure experiences of students with psychiatric impairments?” Perspectives of students with psychiatric impairments, faculty, and disability support services professionals as it relates to the self-disclosure process and …

A Phenomenological Study Of Assistant Principals' Shared Experiences Of Restructuring In Virginia Schools, Lisa Whitmore Rath

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology study was to describe the experiences of assistant principals before, during, and after restructuring in Virginia. Restructuring is defined as the transition or movement from one setting to another. Schlossberg’s transitional theory was used as the theoretical framework for this study, answering the essential question: How do assistant principals describe their experiences associated with being restructuring? The sub-questions explored the experiences of the assistant principal before, during, and after the restructuring. Sub-questions inquired as to what the experiences were before the restructuring, during the restructuring, and after the restructuring occurred. The research design used …

Improving Student Attendance In Two Rural Mississippi Elementary Schools, Angela A. Bonner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied study was to solve the problem of low student attendance for two elementary schools in southwest Mississippi by reviewing interventions designed to improve average daily attendance among elementary students. This study sought to review previous interventions and determine which initiatives worked to improve student attendance using qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative methods such as interviews and document analysis were conducted with staff and administrators who work within the school district, ensuring attendance regulations are being met. Their responses, along with a review of related literature, provided insights into recent initiatives undertaken to address attendance issues. …

The Objectives Of Public Higher Education In New York City Through The Lens Of Language, John-Nicholas Parker

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This paper displays the objectives of public higher education in New York City and their relation to changes in the city. Public higher education in New York City relies on the support of the public. This paper details adjustments to the lexicon of the school in response to changing demographics and historical events by examining statements provided by the school during different periods. Changes to the lexicon relating to class, gender, race, ethnicity, and military service are examined in relation to their historical context. Sources examined in this paper include commission reports, student newspapers, and mission statements. The paper finds …

Subsidiarity & Innovation During The Pandemic, Timothy D. Uhl

Journal of Catholic Education

As the pandemic has unfolded, schools have been faced with challenges in finance, human resources, and curriculum, to name only a few. A system founded on subsidiarity provides an uneven capacity for each school. A system founded on allowing each school to make its own decisions has provided uneven results.

A Case Study Of Factors That Influence The Implementation Of Full Spectrum Contraceptive Care In A University Student Health Center, Cecile Dahlquist

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Large, prospective cohort studies such as The Contraceptive Choice Project have been conducted regarding safety, efficacy, satisfaction, and usage of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) such as the Contraceptive Implant (Nexplanon) and Intrauterine Contraception (Winner, Peipert, Zhao, Buckel, Madden, Allsworth & Secura (2012). Despite these findings, access and financial barriers remain for many women, and less than 7 percent of women utilize the most effective methods of contraception in the United States (Winner et al., 2012). Barriers to effective LARC methods exist at a higher rate with our young, poor, and non-white marginalized populations (Finer & Zolna, 2016).

Unplanned pregnancies have …

The Relationship Between Teacher Beliefs, Classroom Management, And Teacher-Student Relationships, Joann Conriquez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which teachers’ pupil control ideology relates to teachers’ management beliefs and their perceived relationships with their students. A mixed methods approach was used to explore the correlations between teachers’ pupil control ideology, classroom management beliefs, and their perceived student-teacher relationships, with pupil control ideology as the basis for teachers’ beliefs and attitudes about control. This study included 34 middle school participants from a school district that serves low income students of color. Significant correlations were identified between teachers’ years in the profession and control ideologies, with qualitative results providing …

Crime Reporting Through Social Media: Potential Opportunities In Community Policing, Kimberly Washington

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

The popularity and usage of social media over the years has increased. Due to this increase there has now been an influx of information shared on a global platform. This information that has been shared can be as superficial as daily activities, food eaten or as sensitive as graphic crimes committed. The Perceived Social Media Anonymity Effect is a concept that I am introducing and seek to explore. It is based on the premise that allows one to relinquish the fear of being in large crowds and speaking up when crimes have been committed while also being able to seek …

State-Funded Dual Enrollment Program: One State’S Personalization Approach To Increase High School Graduation Rates And Reduce Dropout Rates, Debra H. Harris

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

In December 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) asked each state to design a plan to hold accountable their State Education Agency to provide flexible pathways to college and career with a commitment to ensure personalized learning and equitable opportunities for high school learners. With decades of effort to provide personalization through college and career pathways, the Vermont House and Senate Committees on Education holds its Agency of Education (VAOE) responsible for reporting how the Agency increases high school graduation rates and reduces dropout rates through the state-funded dual enrollment program. As State Education Agencies implement their ESSA plans, …

Relational Trust As A Determinant Of Principal Turnover: A Quantitative Analysis, Steven Michael Jeretina

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

The issue of principal turnover in American schools has gained greater attention over the last twenty years due to the trend of double-digit annual principal turnover rates. The connection between principal turnover and school climate has largely been focused on how changes in the principal position negatively affects school climate. No research, to this point, has examined the correlation between relational trust between teachers and their principal and principal turnover rates. This study achieves this goal by addressing the question: What, if any, is the relationship between relational trust and principal turnover? This study employed a quantitative methodology supported by …

A Phenomenological Study Of Chicago's Independent School Principals, Jerry Travlos

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 identifies principals and teachers as equally important components of effective schools. Competent and skillful principals are needed to improve struggling schools and maintain high performing schools. Despite their importance, Chicago’s principals are leaving their schools in high numbers. The systems that surround, support, and retain principals are failing. Reacting to the large number of principal departures and a lack of qualified replacements, the Chicago Public Schools added principal leadership capacity and retention as priorities to their reform efforts. School improvement efforts are undercut when principals depart their roles prior to making sustainable impact. …

Academic Engagement And Institutional Experiences Of The Undergraduate Community College Student From Marginalized Communities, Fashawn D. Jones

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

This study will analyze the kinds of support that undergraduate community college students from marginalized communities need to successfully complete their Associate Degree. The study will examine how student’s academic progress is influenced by limitations that result from attending failing high schools. The participants for this study will be between 18-24 years of age. This study seeks to identify factors affecting the successful completion of community college degrees by students from marginalized communities. The study will focus on current community college students who have graduated from high schools serving low income communities. The research will include an analysis of data …

The Importance Of Leadership Activities In Addressing The Shortage Of African American Men Completing Doctoral Degrees, Lerita Watkins

Dissertations

Abstract

The focus in this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine the experiences of African American men who obtained a doctoral degree and the role of leadership in their success. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 African American men from across the United States. The research develops an understanding of patterns of leadership within institutions of higher education from an African American male perspective. Elements of the critical race theory served as the basis for the conceptual framework. The significant statements made by the 10 African American men reflected their distinct perceptions of the role leadership plays in African …

The Primary Dilemma: Determining And Overcoming Barriers To A Focus On Prekindergarten Through Grade 3, Sarah Turner Lukas, Sarah Turner Lukas

Dissertations

In 2017, reporters of national data in regard to reading ability among American, fourth grade students indicated low proficiency and achievement gaps. These results were also consistent within the state and district under study. There is a need to increase the focus on prekindergarten and primary grade education taking place prior to the grades in which federally mandated, accountability assessments for student learning take place. The purpose of this study is to determine the potential barriers to a paradigm shift at the state and district levels from a focus on state-assessed grade levels to prekindergarten and primary grade levels. The …

Competency-Based Education Through The Lens Of Personalized Learning In A Large Public High School, Marcus J. Belin

Dissertations

When students end the chapter of high school, the question education must ask is, “What does it take for a student to walk across the stage and receive their high school diploma?” Is it a transcript full of passing letters ranging from A–D or is it a known belief that students do not have gaps in their knowledge and can apply their knowledge in real-world situations? This study identifies the problem and the basis of research in the program evaluation. It also focuses on identifying a policy that best supports competency-based education (CBE). Lastly, the study …

Computer-Based Learning: Effects On Student Learning And Interpretation Of Curriculum, Hasani Jackson

Dissertations

ABSTRACT In 2010, the Superintendent of Prestige School District (a pseudonym) implemented online learning programs that would cater to student learning while increasing achievement. With the adoption of computer-based programs into Prestige School District System, curriculum specialists wanted to align programs to the Common Core State Standards initiated by the Department of Education. Through gathering quantitative and qualitative data on behalf of various stakeholders within Prestige School District, the goal of this study was to uncover the key elements of online learning programs that can be improved to enhance student achievement. Results provide a foundation for positive learning initiatives that …

Black Girls Matter: The Impact Of Historical Representation On Contemporary Education, Carolyn Strong

Dissertations

A long history of misogynoir and negative stereotypes about Black
girls and women can be found throughout the literature and popular
culture of the United States. These stereotypes inform the lived
experience of Black girls and women, and in particular interfere with
African American girls’ ability to thrive in a school environment. An
autoethnographic research approach shows that various strategies, in
particular, Black girl-centric spaces, have proven to be helpful in
supporting Black girls who have to negotiate varying degrees of
hostility in general environments. These could be applied more broadly
to improve Black girls’ mental, psychological, physical, and
educational …

The Study Of Black American Male School Principals’ Life Experiences And How They Affect Black American Male Students In Their Schools To Close The Academic Achievement Gap, Linda Palija

Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study was conducted to inform the present educational system concerning what is known about Black American male former principals and district leaders and how they affected Black American male students in closing the academic achievement gap. The context of this inquiry was an examination of three Black American male former principals/district leaders in one region of the United States, and the study focused on how they used their life and professional experiences to help Black American male students in their schools to close the academic achievement gap. Three themes were acknowledged in this investigation: the impact of …

Infographic: Principal Wellbeing – Sources Of Stress And Support, Dominique Russell

Teacher infographics

The latest Principal Health and Wellbeing Survey reveals 19 sources of stress for school leaders. In this infographic, we look at the top 10 sources of stress reported by school leaders, and their top 5 sources of support.

“Give Them A Firm Handshake, Look Them In The Eye, Try To Make A Connection”: Critical Graduate Perspectives On School Advancement Practices Of De Marillac Academy, Alicia M. Tapia

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation engages graduates of De Marillac Academy, a NativityMiguel school in San Francisco, in critical inquiry regarding school advancement practices. Graduates were asked how they participated in school advancement practices face-to-face with guests and donors, through media, on-campus and off-campus at their Annual Scholarship Benefit. Graduates engaged in photo and video elicitation interviews, in which photos and videos were used to spark commentary regarding their thoughts and experiences in advancement settings. As Catholic school educators, we are called to investigate the effects of a student’s formal and hidden curriculum in all aspects of their educational experience. This study found …

#Adultingwhileblack: Encountering In The Campus Climate And The Formation Of Racialized Adult Identity Among Traditional-Age Black College Students, Sarah Nana Kutten

Dissertations and Theses

The college years represent a time when traditional-age students transition from adolescence to adulthood. During this period, many Black students encounter racist campus climates that can hinder their academic success and lead to marginalization and departure. Educational scholars have long understood the relationship between identity development and college student success, yet adult identity models often fall short for Black students because they do not consider the impacts of racism on development. As such, Black students face systemic, organizational, and individual racist encounters in higher education that keep them from fully engaging in the college experience and their personal development. This …

Where's The Learning In On-Campus Student Employment? An Inquiry Into The Experiences Of Undergraduate Student Employees, Patricia Ann Dorman

Dissertations and Theses

Student employees spend a significant amount of time at work. Prior research has primarily focused on the deleterious academic impacts on students, with little consideration of how student employment could be effectively framed as an educationally purposeful activity. This qualitative study explored how individual, social, and organizational factors influence learning while working on campus. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with undergraduate student employees who work within student affairs units. The findings indicate that on-campus employment is a site for learning; particularly competency development in communication, professionalism, problem solving, and leadership skills. Interdependent personal, interpersonal, and environmental factors of campus employment …

The Relationship Between Superintendent Servant Leadership Behavior And Principal Job Satisfaction In Iowa, Brady Fleming, David De Jong, Paul Von Fischer, Mejai Avoseh, Susan Santo

Servant Leadership: Theory & Practice

Data from recent studies indicate that school principal turnover is high and that some principals suggest low job satisfaction levels. Superintendent leadership can influence the job satisfaction level of principals. This study examined the extent to which superintendent servant leadership behaviors correlate with principal job satisfaction. The population included all public school principals in the state. The final sample size consisted of 312 principals. The study utilized two survey instruments to explore superintendent servant leadership characteristics and job satisfaction data. The servant leadership characteristics included accountability, authenticity, courage, empowerment, forgiveness, humility, standing back, and stewardship. Questions investigating principal job satisfaction …

An Inquiry Into Developing College Student Socially-Responsible Leadership: Ethics Of Justice And Care In The Midst Of Conflict And Controversy, Jill Frances Childress

Dissertations and Theses

Colleges not only educate students in academic discipline knowledge, but also help them develop skills to meaningfully lead and participate in our complex democracy as socially responsible citizens. All campuses have formal and informal opportunities to engage students in roles that challenge and develop students' socially responsible leadership skills including commitment, common purpose, and collaboration. However, individual and organizational elements such as differences in perspectives and hostile climates can quell leadership and educational participation, inhibit critical student development skills, and result in disempowerment, especially for those students from underserved communities. Given this, a critical question is how can colleges foster …