Educational Leadership Commons^™

Mentorship Matters: Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders Today, Thomas Davidson

Dissertations of Practice

This dissertation explores the advantages and disadvantages of both tightly and loosely defined principal mentorship programs from the perspective of secondary principals, focusing on how they assess the effectiveness of these programs during their inaugural year. The dissertation is divided into three distinct papers. Paper One reviews existing literature on mentoring, teacher mentorship, principal mentorship, and principal turnover. Paper Two presents an empirical study that investigates how first-year principals view the effectiveness of different mentorship program structures. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 first-year principals; 8 participated in the Illinois Principals Association mentorship program, while 4 had a mentor …

Teacher Retention And Quality In The Four-Day School Week, Andrew Camp

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

The four-day school week is a school calendar that has become increasingly common following the COVID-19 pandemic. Proponents of the calendar often claim that offering teachers a regular 3-day weekend will help schools better retain existing teachers and recruit new teachers to their district without incurring additional costs due to higher salaries or other pecuniary benefits. However, there is scant empirical evidence assessing these claims. I use difference-in-differences and synthetic difference-in-differences models to assess the impact of four-day school week calendars on teacher retention and teacher quality in Arkansas. I find evidence that the calendar may help retain teachers who …

Loan Debt Burden, Student Experiences, And Livelihood: A Study Examining Relationships Between Students’ Education Costs, Financial Viability, And Life Impact, Christa A. Reid

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the complex connections among loan debt burden, student experiences, and post-bachelor’s outcomes, situated within the framework of systemic disparities in educational funding and opportunities. It identifies declines in state funding across educational levels as a systemic and politicized issue, disproportionately affecting students in underserved and underresourced school districts. The study emphasizes the impact of systemic racism and policymaking in perpetuating poverty through higher education, emphasizing the need for equitable policy establishment. Economic downturns and reduced higher education funding necessitate the exploration of alternative revenue streams, such as endowed funds and fundraising efforts, to prevent increased tuition costs …

Return On Investment: Identifying K-12 Funding Inequities To Improve Postsecondary Achievement And Affordability For Marginalized Students, Austin Woodside

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The research investigates persistent inequities in K-12 school funding in Michigan, emphasizingthe correlation between funding disparities and the socioeconomic status of communities. The study highlights how historically segregated communities of color face significant challenges in securing equitable funding compared to predominantly White communities, perpetuating racial inequalities in educational resources. The study explores the impact of funding on key factors affecting student achievement, such as teacher quality, class size, and socio-emotional support, while analyzing the role of parental education attainment in perpetuating intergenerational inequality. Using structural equation modeling, the findings reveal that socioeconomic status significantly influences educational outcomes and per pupil …

Compassion Fatigue In School Principals As A Contributing Factor To School Principal Burnout, Donald D. Howard, Jr.

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In recent years, within the United States and globally, workforce members who directly and tangentially treat and serve traumatized individuals have begun to experience an additional occupational hazard in the form of compassion fatigue.

Consistent school leadership can be a critical factor in increased student achievement and school-based performance outcomes. However, the principalship has become more physically and emotionally taxing due to increasing demands, duties, and expectations. Principal burnout has become a critical factor that has escalated principal turnover, often destabilizing a school community (Buckman, 2021). While many individual and organizational factors contribute to principal burnout but remain relatively unexamined, …

Survival Of Regional Theater In A Post-Covid America, Sasha Brätt

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of the qualitative narrative study is to better understand the innovative strategies and programs used by regional theaters to bring their audiences and revenues back to pre-pandemic levels in a post-pandemic world. 11 current artistic leaders from across the United States were interviewed for this study using a semi-structured interview protocol. The leaders chosen for this study had been associated with a regional theater from the onset of the Covid-19 shutdowns through the various stages of re-opening thereafter. Nine themes emerged from the data: (1) Loyalty; (2) Financial Stability; (3) Adapting and Staying Relevant; (4) Navigating Obstacles; (5) …

Chronic Absenteeism In Ohio: An Analysis Of Four School Districts In Scioto County, Ohio, Gregory Williams

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This present study utilized a phenomenological design to investigate administrators’ perceptions of barriers to student attendance, current approaches to mitigating or removing those barriers, and the extent to which those approaches were effective. This study utilized interviews with area administrators where they were able to provide detailed responses to questions aligned with the research questions. Results found that, in this region of Ohio, administrators believed the biggest barrier to student attendance was parental support and transportation. Through the implementation of multiple innovative and out-of-the-box strategies, administrators felt strongly about the future success of the implementation of state required attendance supports …

Enhancing Public Safety At Virginia Commonwealth University, Rigby Bendele, Les Harrison, Oswaldo Moreno, Chernoh Wurie, Carolina Yaber

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

The authors of this report will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of safety and security measures on both Virginia Commonwealth University campuses (VCU) in comparison to those of similar urban research institutions (N=10). This evaluation will provide campus leaders with recommendations for proactive strategies, community partnerships, and ongoing evaluation through which VCU can increase both actual and perceived safety for members of VCU and neighboring communities.

Community Ramgagement: Vcu Festival Of The Arts, Stephen Bar, Paula Coates, Laxmikant Deshpande, Faika Zanjani

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

The proposed project aims to align with VCU's Quest 2028 vision to seek community partnerships and opportunities to elevate awareness and collaborative action between VCU and communities. The VCU Festival of the Arts (VFOTA) is envisioned to embody community engagement and collaborative excellence. Drawing inspiration from established and successful art fairs, VFOTA fosters direct artist-audience interaction, promotes enrichment, and can highlight student accomplishments and education. Celebrating diverse artistic expression, the VFOTA can support regional talent and the local arts ecosystem that can enhance community well-being. Through initiatives like the VFOTA, VCU can demonstrate its UNwavering dedication to fostering thriving communities.

An Analysis Of K-8 School Transportation: Understanding The Need, Gauging The Effectiveness, And Defining Best Practice, Leeann D. Taylor

Dissertations of Practice

School transportation plays a critical role in schools, helping students gain access to their education and school sponsored extracurricular activities each day. This study examined the history, need, and future of school-provided transportation in efforts to establish the components of a tool by which districts can gauge the effectiveness of current transportation practices. To organize the research, data, and final framework in the most meaningful way, the final product was divided into three individual papers.

Paper 1 reviews the existing literature reviewed the history, significance, and anticipated developments in the field of school transportation. Paper 2 curates the results of …

Learning To Lead With An Equity Lens: A Case Study Of A Principal Residency Program, Maurice L. Davis

Dissertations of Practice

School districts throughout the United States are challenged with the plague of educator turnover. In particular, building principals are exiting school buildings causing gaps in system consistencies leading to negative perceptions of school culture and decreases in student achievement. Universities are working to assess and redevelop principal preparation programs (PPPs) to support principals and the skill sets needed to be successful within schools today. By increasing the skill of a building principal to lead using an equity lens and developing theories of action to address the frustration initiated by urban school working conditions, principals may develop a greater sense of …

It Takes A Village: Understanding Community College Chief Diversity Officers’ Experiences With Mentoring Relationships, Keith R. Barnes Dr.

Dissertations of Practice

This interpretive phenomenological analysis explores community college CDOs’ experiences with mentoring relationships. Seven CDOs employed at community colleges in the US Midwest Region participated in a semi-structured interview to share how they made meaning of their mentoring experiences and their impact on their career and psychosocial development. The findings highlighted two pivotal moments when the community college CDOs in the study received mentoring experiences to form an evolutionary process: the onboarding phase, when the participants sought mentoring relationships from the institution, and the sustaining phase, when the participants were more self-directed in securing high-quality mentoring experiences. The findings illuminated five …

Lean On Me: The Importance Of An Informal Social Support Group From The Community College Workplace For Black Women Doctoral Students (Bwds) To Foster Degree Completion, Terrica J. Huntley

Dissertations of Practice

This qualitative study investigates the importance and impact of social supports from the Mountain View Community College (Pseudonym) on Black Women employees who have completed doctoral studies, are currently pursuing doctoral degrees and are considering the pursuit of doctoral education as a vehicle to foster degree completion. Six Black Women employed at the college engaged in conversation through SistaCircles to discuss the impact of being a black woman and working professional at the community college on their degree attainment. The impact of social supports within the workplace were also discussed. The findings of the study illuminated the following themes: 1. …

Talking Leadership: Voices Of High School Athletes (And Their Coaches), Ann Senn

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Every organization in every geography and discipline is challenged to develop leaders who can be effective in complex situations. The ethical conduct of appointed leaders is of particular concern. While some individuals possess natural leadership qualities, anyone can build leadership capacity if they put in the work and have the opportunity. Adolescents and even young children can develop foundational leadership skills; in fact, research suggests that it is vital they do so as these skills correlate with later success in both professional and personal pursuits. Youth sports programs are a promising platform for developing leadership capacity due to strong participation …

Factors That Inhibit And Support The Work Of School-Based Mental Health Providers, David B. Naff, Jennifer Murphy, Alexandra Javna, Wyatt Aldrich, Erin Standish, Jeen Joy, Ciana Cross, Sandra Saji

MERC Publications

This research brief comes from the MERC Supporting Mental Health in Schools study. Launched in 2021 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study explores research-based strategies for supporting mental health in PK-12 school settings, as well as the emotional and professional capacity of PK-12 faculty and staff in the MERC region to support the social and emotional wellness of their students. This brief shares takeaways from a systematic literature review that highlight the factors that inhibit and support the work of school-based mental health providers, including school counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists. It outlines the roles …

The Impact Of Cooperative Learning On Student Success: A Program Evaluation, Alyssa M. Gomez

Doctor of Education (EdD)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an elementary school’s use of a Cooperative Learning Model Program and consider the impact on students’ behavior, social emotional learning, and academic achievement. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analyzed to understand the impact of the program on the school’s staff and students. Interviews were conducted to gather the school administrator’s and teachers’ perceptions of the effects of the program on students’ academic performance, engagement, behavior, and social-emotional learning in the classroom. A self-completing student climate survey was also utilized to gather insight on students’ social-emotional states …

Exploring The Relationship Between Academic Program Assessment Practices And Institutional Performance, Nicholas T. Christian

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Researchers (Stanny & Bryan, 2021; Tinto, 2012) have claimed without empirical evidence that academic program assessment is important to student success. This study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to identify the relationships between academic program assessment practices and institutional performance based on responses from faculty at U.S.-located four-year institutions of higher education. The theoretical foundations of best practices in program assessment, organizational learning, faculty motivation, and institutional performance were examined and included as the primary variables. Assessment practices in higher education are best summarized by the assessment loop: articulating the intended learning outcomes; selecting appropriate assessment measures; developing curriculum and …

Where’S My Teacher? Factors Influencing Teacher Retention/Attrition In A Post-Covid Landscape, Kyle Robinson

CGU Theses & Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event in modern educational history that resulted in a dramatic upheaval of the traditional school system. The shift from brick-and-mortar to virtual instruction resulted in profound anxiety and demand (Kush et al., 2021). As the quarantine ended, the return to the physical classroom brought with it new, unanticipated stressors such as COVID-19 safety protocols, shifts in student behavior, and pronounced learning gaps from virtual instruction. Coupled with existing tensions, many educators who had previously identified as career teachers became “likely pandemic leavers” as they departed the profession (Steiner, 2021). While there is ample research …

Black Principals’ Navigation Of Politically Conservative Challenges To Public School Curricula: Effects On Administrator Attrition, Hamisi Tarrant

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This qualitative study explored the experiences and perceptions of Black principals regarding the influence of politically conservative efforts on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives; critical race theory (CRT); and curriculum related to slavery in K–12 schools. The study was grounded in the increasing politicization of education, particularly as it pertained to race and identity, and examined how Black school leaders navigate these pressures. A review of the literature revealed the persistent challenges faced by Black principals, including racial discrimination, professional isolation, and a lack of support systems, compounded by the rise of conservative ideologies in education. The research sought …

Responding To Disruptive Behaviors In The Classroom, Tatum Bernet

ENGS 15.11: Design and Education

This lesson is designed to prepare Teaching Assistants to effectively respond to disruptive behaviors in the classroom with a 3-step evidence-based framework. It is centered around the overarching idea that all behaviors are a form of communication. The role of an educator is to create an environment that supports learning for all types of students and to teach children how to appropriately communicate their emotions/needs. The 3-step Behavioral Support framework is as follows: 1) Identify behavior 2) Identify the why 3) Identify intervention.

The Impact Of Principal Leadership On Student Achievement Outcomes In K-12 Education, Crystal Valentine-Lindsay

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative scholarly research study was to ascertain to what extent a principal’s leadership contributes to an increase in student achievement outcomes in K-12 education in New York City. The study used the Learning Environment Survey from 2021 and English Language Arts testing data from 2018 for third, fourth, and fifth grades. Two research questions guided this study. First, what are the factors of principal leadership that emerge from the Learning Environment Survey? Second, to what extent do these factors, as a proxy for principal leadership, have an influence on student achievement outcomes, in K-12 education? Four …

Vcu Health & Wellness Fair, Aamir Khan, Lexie Lewis, Abby Matulewicz, Fahim Thawer, Hannah Turazzo, Malorie Burkett

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

This project proposes the creation of a VCU Health and Wellness Fair, in partnership with both academic campuses, VCUHS, and local community organizations. With over ten health science degree programs available at VCU, our institution is well-positioned to lead a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing community health and well-being. By leveraging the expertise of our students and faculty, we aim to address key health concerns and promote preventative healthcare and wellness practices.

Understanding The Virginia Literacy Act, Candace Bechtold, Kimberly Bridges, David Naff, Joan A. Rhodes, Valerie Robnolt, Tara Davison, Suzanne Alexandre, Michael Crusco, Karli Johansen, Amber Butler, Allison Yandle, Jennifer Askue-Collins, Jean Samuel, Sharrie Merritte, Regina Frazier

MERC Publications

This research and policy brief from the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) offers an overview of the Virginia Literacy Act. It is structured to explore the following questions: 1) What are the recent trends in reading achievement in Virginia? 2) What are the policy implications of the VLA for Virginia school divisions? 3) What does the research say about Science of Reading (SoR)? 4) What core instructional programs are approved to meet the VLA? It concludes with a series of key takeaways and recommendations.

Click here to listen to our podcast episode on the Virginia Literacy Act and click here …

Promoting Civil Discourse In The Honors Forum Through Argument Mapping And Systematic Empathy, Sean Michael Cassidy

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study investigated the impact that co-curricular programming delivered by the University Honors Program (UHP) at North Carolina State University through the Honors Forum course had on first-year students’ self-reported knowledge of civil discourse, their assessment of its importance and impact, and their evaluation of their commitment to the skills and values related to it. The Honors Forum is designed to help students develop a broad worldview by exposing them to lectures by scholars and public figures, panel discussions about contemporary societal debates, peer-facilitated discussions about books, films, and current events, and conversations with faculty and UHP graduates. This project …

Teacher Self-Efficacy In The Wake Of Natural Disaster, Megan L. Mccleskey

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations - Archive

This study examines teacher self-efficacy after natural disasters, analyzing qualitative data from 10 high school educators from urban, suburban, and rural areas. Using qualitative methodology, interviews were conducted to investigate the impact of natural disasters on teachers’ professional confidence. Findings suggest that natural disasters influence teachers’ self-efficacy, affecting instructional planning and relationship building with students, colleagues, and administrators. This research contributes to understanding how educational institutions can better support teachers in crisis, offering actionable recommendations for professional development and administrative support.

Social-Emotional Learning In High School: How High Schools Engage, Educate, And Empower Youth, Jessica L. Atkins

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations - Archive

In recent decades, the mental health needs of youth have increased, as has interest in social-emotional learning (SEL) in K-12 schools. SEL instruction has been proposed as a way to meet these growing needs while schools struggle with shortages of school-based mental health professionals. While extensive research has been conducted regarding SEL, the majority of these studies have focused on structured programs in preschool and elementary-level populations. As a result, students at the secondary level, particularly those in high school, have received limited attention. In this dissertation, I present my research that explores SEL at the high school level.

This …

Behind The Scenes: Instructional Coaches’ Perceptions Of Curriculum Leadership Development, Cora C. Garner

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations - Archive

Since the 20th century, instructional coaching has influenced curricular and pedagogical practices that impact student achievement in K-12 schools; however, the existing literature provides minimal evidence of their experiences in curriculum leadership development. To fill the research gap, this study explores instructional coaches’ perceptions of their professional learning related to curriculum development and leadership. The research questions included (1) How do ICs perceive professional learning opportunities for curriculum leadership? and (2) How do instructional coaches describe the development of their curriculum coaching knowledge and practices? Upon applying the conceptual framework, which included the Saylor et al. (1981) curriculum development model …

Association Between Workplace Training Design And Student Experience, Jonmichael M. Mcburnett

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations - Archive

ABC (pseudonym) developed the Design Quality Checklist (DQC), so the organization could adopt a set of quality standards for workplace training courses to improve student experience of training. However, the organization cannot determine if the instructional quality criteria that comprise the DQC were developed using rigorous, evidence-based methods for instrument construction unless there is some alignment between the DQC tool and the student experience ratings of workplace training. This study aims to examine the relationship between student experience outcomes in professional development training courses and the DQC instrument used to evaluate them, as to validate the usefulness of the DQC …

"I'M That Girl": Exploring Black Women College Students’ Identity Expression And Hip-Hop, Fallan S. Frank

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations - Archive

Despite the expansion of the literature on Black women in college student identity development, there is little understanding of how Black college women express their identity and what influences the expression of their multiple identities. This study focuses on understanding to what extent the significant cultural influence of Hip-Hop influences Black women college students’ expression of their multiple identities within the various college environments. As Hip-Hop culture increasingly becomes significant within contemporary college student life, it is more critical than ever to understand its impact on Black college women’s identity expression and lived experiences as they navigate college. Thus, in …

The Narrative Journeys Of Women Of Color High-Level Educational Leaders, Alyda R. Mir

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Although their numbers are growing in the field of education, women of color are highly underrepresented in high-level leadership positions such as superintendent of schools. The purpose of this narrative research study was to explore the experiences, facilitators, and barriers of 20 women of color high-level educational leaders, including district superintendents and assistant/associate superintendents in California. Framed by the concepts of the Leadership Labyrinth, Critical Race Theory, and Intersectionality Theory, this study aimed to elevate the voices of a marginalized group of educators who earned high-level leadership positions in public educational organizations. This study shed light on the experiences, trajectories, …