Educational Leadership Commons^™

Community Impact Of School Closure: Implications For Access To Socially Valued Resources And Services In An Urban Community, Gary Pierson

CGU Theses & Dissertations

This phenomenological single case study explores the lived experiences of community members in Central Bay, California, as Central Bay High School faces the prospect of consolidation or closure. Drawing on in-depth, semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the study examines how the potential loss of a longstanding educational institution affects community access to socially valued resources and services, such as extracurricular programs, health services, safe gathering spaces, and pathways to postsecondary education. The research investigates the multifaceted impact of school closures on the well-being and resilience of residents, highlighting the emotional, social, and economic challenges encountered during the decision–making process. Special …

Social Capital Of Urban School Counselors The Differences In Social Capital Between Counselors From Elite High Schools And Counselors From Public High Schools; And How That Capital Benefits Student Access To Selective Colleges, Candyce Simpson

CGU Theses & Dissertations

This study analyzed the differences in social capital between counselors from elite high schools in comparison to counselors from urban public schools and examined how that capital benefits student access to more selective colleges. Urban schools that serve more low-income population of students need support that appears to be commonplace to their counterparts at more elite high schools. Urban school counselors are considered a primary source of information, and they may not know what they do not know regarding college knowledge. The college application process is tedious; it can be characterized as a full-time job when persisting through the application …

Employment Preparedness Through The Collegiate Experience, Barnaby F. Peake

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Obtaining a college degree is more than the culmination of an educational experience today; studies indicate that two-thirds of jobs require a postsecondary education or specialized training beyond high school. College graduates expect their studies to provide the necessary training to enable them to be successful in the workforce. However, employers report that college students are underprepared in many important career competencies. This study aimed to determine if college is delivering on the promise of career preparedness and to uncover what experiences help students develop career competencies by asking recent alumni to reflect on their collegiate experience and identify what …

Educational Behavioral Strategies For Students Who Have Encountered Adverse Childhood Experiences, Andrea J. Sullivan

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect approximately 1 in 4 children in the United States, often resulting in behavioral and developmental challenges within school settings. This qualitative case study applied Thomas et al.’s (2019) trauma-informed framework to examine the extent to which 15 Title I elementary teachers in a rural West Virginia district implemented evidence-based practices to address trauma-related behaviors. Using semi-structured virtual interviews and a peer-reviewed protocol, data were thematically analyzed across key domains including trauma screening, interdisciplinary collaboration, positive behavior intervention systems (PBIS), cognitive-behavioral strategies, restorative practices, multitiered systems of support (MTSS), social emotional learning (SEL), and family engagement. …

Enacting Change In Student Support Services To Meet The Needs Of Evolving Student Demographics, Justin Schuch

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined the change management leadership strategies employed by Chief Student Affairs Officers (CSAOs) to address the needs of an increasingly diverse student population at midwestern institutions of higher education. The change management leadership strategies employed by seven CSAOs to address the mismatch between the increasing diversity of college student populations and the institutions’ readiness to meet these students' diverse needs were drawn from using in-depth interviews, review of enrollment data, and institutional planning documents. The three research questions guiding this study yielded four major themes. The first theme is related to how CSAOs identify areas for development …

The Role Of Leadership In Creating Dei Plans In U.S. Higher Education, Beatriz Desantiago-Fjelstad, Leslie Darmofal, Kelly Meier, Henry Morris, Luis Posas

Educational Leadership Department Publications

This brief discusses the challenges and strategies in creating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plans in U.S. higher education. It highlights the importance of leadership in this process, particularly the need for courageous leadership to overcome the barriers posed by resistance to DEI plans. This brief illustrates the complexities of creating DEI plans and offers strategies to foster inclusive environments. The discussion emphasizes the need for a long-term commitment and actionable DEI plans beyond performative steps, instilling confidence in the potential for significant institutional evolution.

Administrator Leadership And Collective Efficacy: Enhancing Math Education In Public High Schools In California, Lina Ahmadieh

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative, multicase study was to determine challenges that high school administrators experience when they establish the elements of collective teacher efficacy (CTE) based on the elements of common purpose, collective teacher accountability practices, protocols for collective practices, and interventions in their mathematics department and to determine the strategies that high school administrators use when they establish CTE in their mathematics department.Methodology: In this qualitative, multicase study, five interviews were conducted with public high school administrators in California. The researcher employed qualitative methods to explain the challenges that high school administrators experience when they establish the …

The Making Of A Champion Leader: Insights From The Diploma In Educational Leadership And Management Program In Uganda, West Nile Region, Nipael Mrutu, Richard Anywar, Kulwenza Rachael

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Purpose:

The purposeof this study was to examine the educational leadership development of 35 headteachers who participated in the Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management (DELM) program, a collaboration between Aga Khan University and Muni University under the Foundation for Learning (F4L) project. The study aimed to identify the professional development needs essential for enhancing leadership capacities in low-resource educational settings in Uganda.

Methodology:

We employed a mixed-methodsapproach using purposive sampling and transformational leadership theory as the framework. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires capturing demographic characteristics, professional experiences, and participation in professional development. Qualitative data wereobtained from semi-structured …

Case Study Examining The Effects Of Mentorship On The Attrition Of Novice Principals In Urban School Districts, Nikia Barnett

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations - Archive

The evolving role of school principals has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from traditional teacher management to a multifaceted leadership position that balances managerial and instructional responsibilities with a primary focus on enhancing student achievement. As principals now face increasingly complex challenges, including heightened school accountability, widening student achievement gaps, diminished community support, and fluctuating parent engagement, state programs and school districts struggle to provide adequate support to ensure the retention and longevity of these pivotal educational leaders in their roles.

This study examined how eight novice principals (with 0–5 years of experience) in urban school districts perceived mentorship influenced …

The Commuter Student Experience: Challenges And Impacts On Student Success, Seth A. Ressl

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations - Archive

Commuter students at large public universities often face barriers to engaging in campus co-curricular activities, primarily due to off-campus commitments, which can affect their academic success and retention. Drawing on student engagement theory, this qualitative narrative study explores commuter students’ experiences with co-curricular involvement and its perceived impact on their academic performance, skill development, social connections, and persistence at a large public four-year university. Data collected through in-depth interviews with commuter undergraduates were analyzed to identify common themes regarding students' perspectives, challenges, and impact related to co-curricular activities. The findings suggest that active involvement in student organizations and campus events …

Assessing Stress, Anxiety, And Burnout In Undergraduate Veterinary Technology Students, Dean Ann Daughaday-Provine

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Academic stress, anxiety, and burnout can negatively impact the mental health and well-being of students pursuing degrees in veterinary medicine. This quantitative study was designed to investigate the effects of academic stress, anxiety, and burnout on undergraduate students enrolled in Veterinary Technology programs. This study gained critical insight from current students transitioning through a rigorous curriculum of standards designed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) has established standards, outlined in policies and procedures, to ensure the quality of assessments and enhancements in veterinary education within accredited Veterinary Technology programs.

Stars: Enhancing Student Leadership, Caroline Budwell, Braden Goddard, Tamer Nadeem, Saleema Karim, Joseph Turner

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

The VCU Division of Student Affairs aims to enhance training for leaders of student organizations, addressing variability in their success. By analyzing data from RamsConnect, surveying advisors, and reviewing best practices from peer institutions, we will identify areas for improvement. Our final deliverable will include a comprehensive analysis and tailored recommendations to strengthen leadership within student organizations, ensuring students benefit from opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and engagement, ultimately supporting their success and retention at VCU.

Orienting New Researchers Across Multiple Pathways: Bridging Research Resource Gaps For New Faculty At Vcu, Maecy Richmond, Sarah Lines, Travis Oakes, Yali Pang

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

New faculty researchers at VCU, who possess diverse research interests or requirements, often find it challenging to navigate the VCU environment in search of research resources necessary to initiate their work. The majority of available research resources highlighted on central VCU pages primarily cater to biomedical research, inadvertently marginalizing those in less prominent fields. Resources in other departments, such as fine arts and education, are limited and often restricted to the departmental or school level. This raises the essential query: "How and where should I begin my research?" The project employs a faculty and staff survey aimed at assessing the …

Investigating The State Of Graduate Education In The Philippines: Challenges, Opportunities, And Policy Implications, Anne K. Candelaria, Eric Arthur N. Dio, Jovelyn G. Delosa

Political Science Department Faculty Publications

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the graduate education sector, revealing that it is highly privatized, NCR-centric, and dominated by enrollment in Education and Business/Administration fields. The analysis confirms that the primary driver for this high demand, particularly in teacher education (which accounts for over half of all enrollment), is the use of graduate degrees as a key requirement for career advancement and promotion within agencies like the Department of Education (DepEd). This policy-driven demand, however, is linked to systemic issues, including the proliferation of “diploma mills” that undermine quality, extremely low on-time completion rates (averaging 18.77% for Master’s …

A Phenomenological Study Of Gender And The Leadership Of Female Academic Library Directors, Julia D. Grace Dr

Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how the gender of female academic library directors affects their leadership. The theory guiding this study was Acker’s theory of the ideal worker, as it offers a framework for examining the impact of worker gender in the workplace. The central research question of this study examined how the gender of female library directors at medium nonprofit private universities and colleges in the U.S. affected their leadership. This study utilized a phenomenological approach, conducting semi-structured interviews of female academic library directors at medium nonprofit private universities and colleges in the U.S. The …

Institution Strategy. Connection| Collaboration| Community 2024-2027, Cct College Dublin

Strategy Documents

CCT's Institutional Strategy 2024-2027

Research Strategy 2024-2027, Cct College Dublin

Strategy Documents

CCT's Research Strategy effective from 2024-2027.

Returning To School After A Pandemic And The Lived Experiences Of 9-12 Grade Athletic Coaches On Student-Athlete Success, Louie Vallejo

Dissertations

Purpose: This phenomenological examination examines ninth-12th grade athletic coaches’ perceptions of the impact on athletes returning to athletic competition after being online during the pandemic for 2 years with regard to behavior, athletic achievement, attitude, and social connections.

Methodology: This qualitative study interviewed athletic coaches in the Tri-County Athletic Conference in Central California. Semi structured open-ended interview questions were the main source of data collection. Data were coded and the researcher analyzed the data for themes and patterns, and the results were validated through the interrater process by an experienced researcher.

Findings: After analyzing data, codes, and themes, the researcher …

Leadership In Times Of Crisis: Motivating Employees Through The Challenges Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Hanan Khamis

Dissertations

Purpose: This study explores the critical role of leadership and employee motivation in sustaining organizational effectiveness during times of disruption, focusing specifically on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It investigates how leadership styles and motivational theories evolve in response to heightened uncertainty, rapid operational changes, and emotional strain. Central to this purpose is understanding how adaptability, empathy, communication, and relational leadership practices help maintain employee engagement and ensure continuity within higher education institutions during crisis conditions.Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological methodology was used to capture the lived experiences of 10 human resource (HR) leaders representing public and private universities …

The Impact Of Leadership Curriculum On High School Students’ Self-Efficacy, Shannon R. Brown

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This explanatory sequential mixed methods-case study design grounded in Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory, examines the impact of leadership development curriculum on high school students’ perceived levels of self-efficacy as well as researching characteristics students report are most important for strengthening their self-efficacy. Quantitatively, via convenience non-probabilistic sampling, an online Qualtrics questionnaire was used to collect data from 17 students currently in high school who were enrolled in a one-semester leadership development course in their junior or senior year. Qualitatively, six students who completed the questionnaire participated in semi-structured interviews. Additionally, nine students who completed the questionnaire provided three different reflective artifacts …

Adaptive Leadership In Hbcus: Navigating Hybrid Work Dynamics In A Post-Pandemic Era, Brittney A. Brooks

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) institutions influence retention rates of HBCU employees. An organization's culture determines the behavior of its employees. When assumptions regarding organizational structure were made, communication about the company's expectations was often ignored, leading to employees becoming accustomed to the culture and resistant to change. This mindset hindered HBCU growth and the willingness to address the urgency for policy revisions. As institutions continue to transition post-COVID, adjusting human resource policies at HBCUs to cater to the individual needs of these employees is needed to maintain retention.

This exploratory mixed-methods research study investigated leadership in …

Playing Hardball With Soft Money: A Qualitative Analysis Of K-12 Administrators' Experiences In The Esser Era, Mairead K. Barrett

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This interpretive qualitative study aimed to understand K-12 administrators' experiences with the Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) during its funding period and fiscal cliff. The study was guided by one research question: What were the perceptions and experiences of K-12 administrators during the ESSER funding window and its subsequent fiscal cliff? The study employed surveys and semi-structured interviews for data collection. Eight building administrators completed the survey, and nine district administrators were surveyed. The results of the building administrators were inconclusive in finding clear themes. The data collected from district administrators representing seven districts uncovered the following …

From Theory To Practice: A Mixed Methods Study On K-8 Teachers’ Experiences Transitioning To Urban Education, Brittini S. Piercy

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This convergent mixed methods study focused on K-8 teachers’ experiences transitioning into urban education classrooms in Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ. The aim was to better understand teachers’ reflections of their experiences and the impact made by their teacher preparation programs. Connecting with Kramer’s Reality Shock Theory (1974) and Hochschild’s Emotional Labor Theory (1983), I examined how teacher preparation programs are disconnected from the reality of urban classroom experiences. This included an analysis on teachers’ expectations versus their reality and how they are managing their emotions during these transitions. In the quantitative phase, teachers (n=48) reflected on their preparation program, …

A Narrative Portrait Of Black Teachers Mitigating Deficit Thinking Through Culturally Responsive Professional Learning, Mia A. Rollack

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This qualitative study was developed in response to the deficit thinking Black students experience, which stems from the historical and ongoing racism in the United States. As result of receiving my K-12 education and teacher education in this country, it is no surprise that I, along with other Black teachers, can also hold a deficit perspective of Black students. After engaging in equity-based professional learning, I had a shift in beliefs that made me curious about the experiences of other Black teachers participating in professional learning as well. A combined focus on culturally responsive leadership and deficit thinking informed the …

Finishing My Sentence: A Critical Autobiography Of A Black Woman Who Has Been The Principal And The Prisoner, K.C. Wilbourn Snapp

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This critical autobiography explores how my experiences as a Black woman born and raised inDetroit profoundly shaped my worldview, leadership style, and professional decisions as a school principal. Anchored in the theoretical framework of critical race feminism, this study examines the intersections of race, gender, and place, revealing how Detroit’s complex social, historical, and cultural dynamics informed my development and the paradigms that guided my thinking as both an educator and a leader. Through self-reflection and scholarly inquiry, I analyze how these lived experiences influenced my approach to problem-solving, community engagement, and the pursuit of equitable learning environments. This work …

The Effectiveness Of Teaching With Interactive Infographic In Acquiring Scientific Concepts And Developing Visual Thinking In Science Among Fourth-Grade Students, Manal K. S. Al-Hattali, Wafaa M. M. Abd-El-Aal, Sameh S. Ismail

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of teaching with interactive infographic in acquiring scientific concepts and developing visual thinking skills in science among fourth grade students in the Sultanate of Oman. The study followed the quasi-experimental design based on the design of the treatment and control groups. The study sample consisted of (60) male and female students, and the sample was distributed in two different schools. The results of the study indicated that there was a statistically significant difference at the level of significance (α ≤ 0.05) between the mean scores of the treatment group and the control …

Being And Becoming Third-Space Professionals: A Case Study From Low-And-Middle Income Countries, Azra Naseem, Jannat Karim Khan, Tashmin Khamis, Jane Rarieya

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

This case study explores the authors’ experiences of establishing the identity of third-space professionals at a multi-country university with campuses on three continents. In particular, it draws on their identities and experiences as female leaders in educational development. Using autoethnography, the authors reflect on their experiences to identify issues, strategies, and areas for further development regarding third-space professionals’ identities, particularly with regard to women. As the concept of third-space professionals is relatively new in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) where the university is located, this journey of becoming and being third-space professionals was fraught with challenges that question traditional norms …

Middle School Teachers’ Integration Of Artificial Intelligence Tools And Its Impact On Learning Outcomes In A Suburban School District, Donica Thompson-Chan

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study examined middle school teachers’ adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, emphasizing how perceptions, instructional support, and integration strategies shape classroom use. The sample comprised 56 teachers across grades 6–8, representing multiple subject areas. Quantitative analyses revealed notable trends by teaching experience and subject specialization. Teachers with 0–5 years of experience reported the highest mean AI use scores, while those with more than 16 years of experience reported the lowest. Subject-specific differences were also observed, with mathematics teachers demonstrating the most favorable perceptions of AI tools and English teachers reporting the least …

Teacher Attrition During And After A Pandemic: A District’S ‘New Normal’ View, Tammy H. Jacobs

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Teacher attrition has long been a concern in the K-12 educational sector, driven by various factors such as low salaries, lack of administrative support, increased teacher workload and responsibilities, and teacher stress and burnout. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, these existing pressures intensified. The abrupt transition to remote learning placed additional stress on teachers, who had to rapidly adapt their teaching strategies and engage students in virtual learning environments. As educators faced heightened expectations and were given additional duties, many chose to leave the profession entirely or retire early, exacerbating the ongoing teacher shortage. The combination of …

“Globes" Module (Guiding Learners Towards One Health, Biodiversity, And Environmental Stewardship): Catalyzing Synergies To Advance Leadership And Scholarly Engagement With One Health In Under Graduate Medical Education, Krishna Mohan Surapaneni

Health Professions Education

Background: The concept of One Health addresses the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment, offering a critical framework for tackling complex health challenges. However, gaps in the integration of One Health principles into medical education limit the ability of future healthcare providers to operationalize this knowledge in practice. The "GLOBES" module (Guiding Learners towards One health, Biodiversity, and Environmental Stewardship) was designed to bridge these gaps, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3, 13, 14, 15) to promote holistic and interdisciplinary healthcare education. Methods: The "GLOBES" module was developed with 22 competencies across ten categories, incorporating case-based learning, …