Educational Leadership Commons^™

Path-Goal Leadership Theory: An Examination Of Teacher Leadership Behavior And Teacher Motivational Influence Of Vocational Education Students, Genna B. Boyd

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this non-experimental quantitative study was to examine the relationship betweenteacher leadership behaviors and teacher influences on academic motivation amongst students currently enrolled in vocational education and training (VET) programs in the State of Florida. Grounded in Robert House’s Path-Goal Leadership Theory, the study investigated how specific leadership behaviors impact student motivation within VET settings. While research on leadership and student motivation is extensive in general education, limited empirical attention has been given to how these variables interact in the context of VET. Utilizing a quantitative survey design distributed online, data was collected from students across multiple VET …

Retaining Teacehrs In A Small, Rural District In A Post-Pandemic World, Sonya Murrah Bryant

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation in practice uses improvement science to examine the system in an attempt to improve teacher retention. The improvement project centers around improving teacher retention in a small, rural school district in a post-pandemic world. The district in question saw a stark increase in teachers leaving the district after the pandemic. The improvement team consisting of six district certified staff members including the superintendent, the assistant superintendent for personnel and instruction, the director of special services, the public information officer, a primary school principal, and a teacher. After collaboratively designing a fishbone diagram and driver diagram to analyze the …

Exploring Professional Development Of Expatriate Teachers In Kuwait Through Mentoring, Taji Abdul-Raheem

Theses and Dissertations

Professional growth as a teacher is fundamental for teacher retention and an overall determinant of favorable student outcomes. Academic research underscores professional development as an indicator of success for a school’s success as well. Expatriate teachers in Kuwait, who comprise a significant portion of the workforce, come from various backgrounds and levels of readiness for teaching in a contextually and culturally unfamiliar setting. Due to how teachers are hired and approved for teaching without induction, an implementation for continuous professional development has yet to be materialized for teachers in the private sector. This qualitative study leverages Improvement Science to diagnose …

Expenditures Of Title I Funds To Maximize Student Performance, Cornethia Danielle Pressley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This mixed methods case study investigates how Title I funds are allocated and perceived in relation to student achievement in six rural elementary schools in the southeastern United States. Drawing on the Distributive Justice Theory by John Rawls, the study explored the perspectives of three principals and three instructional coaches regarding the effectiveness of Title I expenditures in improving outcomes for economically disadvantaged students. Quantitative data from school report cards (2019-2023), Title I expenditure plans, and SC-Ready English Language Arts assessment scores were analyzed alongside qualitative data from semi-structured interviews about the expenditures.

Findings revealed that expenditures most strongly associated …

The Effect Of Integrating Augmented Reality (Ar) Technology In Science Education Teaching On Improving The Biological Concepts Learning Among Kindergarten Children, Kawthar Habeeb

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

This quasi-experimental study explored the impact of AR on acquiring biological concepts among kindergarteners. The sample comprised 30 second-level kindergarteners from a school in Farwaniya Educational Directorate, Kuwait. Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 15), taught using AR, and a control group (n = 15), taught traditionally. Results revealed statistically significant di erences in biological concept understanding, favoring the experimental group. Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvement from pre-test to post-test stages. These findings highlight the potential of AR to enhance learning outcomes in kindergarten biology education. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating AR …

The Effects Of Digitized Social Stories On Classroom Routine Completion: A Single-Case Study Of Students With Developmental Disabilities, Huda A. Almumen

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

The current study examined the effects of a digitized Social Story, supported by embedded video prompts, on the classroom routine skills of fifth-grade Kuwaiti students with moderate intellectual disability, with or without co-occurring autism spectrum disorder. Using a single-subject, multiple baseline design across six participants, data were collected using an observational card with a checklist of the steps required to perform classroom routines. Participants significantly increased the percentage of correctly completed steps in daily classroom routines, indicating that digitized Social Stories, supported by video prompts, are effective tools for teaching classroom routines to students with developmental disabilities. Implications for future …

Efforts Of Public 2-Year Higher Education Institution Leadership Reducing Nonexempt Student Affairs Employees’ Intention To Quit, Christopher M. Viser

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This narrative qualitative study examined the influence of leadership support and workplace factors on the intentions of nonexempt student affairs employees to leave a public 2-year higher education institution (HEI) in Texas. The study addressed the issue of workplace factors contributing to these employees’ developing intentions to quit their jobs. The research focused on identifying the workplace factors that most significantly influenced nonexempt student affairs employees and explored how leadership support influenced employee experiences. The study used narrative inquiry as its methodology to gather employee narratives through semistructured interviews conducted via Zoom, a communication platform. Nine participants were selected for …

Tell Me How You Really Feel: A Case Study On Restorative Practices, Marissa Santiago

Theses and Dissertations

Restorative Practices are gaining popularity as the primary form of handling student discipline. In the past, school districts have heavily relied on exclusionary practices, such as suspension and expulsions. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore and understand how educators make sense of restorative practices in an urban intermediate school serving students in fourth to sixth grade. The guiding framework for this study was Sensemaking Theory. Sensemaking theory helps researchers to understand how participants make sense of their experiences. Ten teachers, from an urban intermediate school, participated in this study through semi-guided interviews, observations, and document collection. …

El Modelo Educativo Digital Transmoderno (Medit): Una Respuesta A La Educación Del Siglo 21 (Segunda Edición), Adriano Muñoz Barrera

Institucional

La implementación del Modelo Educativo Digital Transmoderno (MEDIT) está enfocado con el plan estratégico "Disoñando la universidad que queremos 2016-2026", alienados con los Planes de desarrollo institucionales. Esta publicación compendia documentos de su autor, Adriano Muñoz, rector de la Universidad de Cundinamarca.

En esta 2ª edición se ha organizado la tabla de contenido para que sea más comprensible y se ha incluido el capítulo 6, correspondiente al plan rectoral presentado para la elección de rector del periodo 2023-2027, denominado “Campo Multidimensional de Aprendizaje de Alta Calidad Translocal, Más Allá de la Universidad Tradicional.

Es importante mencionar que, a lo largo …

Transforming Primary Care: Innovative Post Graduate Pa Training For Real-World Solutions, Kenneth Botelho, James Ali

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The ongoing crisis in primary care demands innovative and scalable strategies to prepare and retain advanced practice providers. This article introduces the Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) Program, a conceptual postgraduate training model designed for certified physician associates/assistants (PAs) who aim to serve in underserved and rural communities. The program integrates advanced clinical training, leadership development, telehealth competencies, VR-enhanced simulation, and evidence-based strategies to promote provider resilience. Rooted in systems-based thinking and real-world applicability, the PCP Program culminates in capstone projects that encourage innovation in care delivery and population health.

Aligned with national frameworks such as the HRSA Primary Care Training …

Team Strong: Developing Resiliency In Rural Schools & Communities: A Multi-System Perspective, Pamela Shockley-Zalabak

DU Rural Summit Conference Proceedings

This session introduces how two transformative resilience programs, USOPM's Becoming Your Personal Best: Life Lessons from Olympians and Paralympians (BYPB) and UCCS's Greater Resilience Information Toolkit (GRIT), when combined as the Team STRONG program, offer support to positively impact our rural youth, families, schools, and communities. Team STRONG focuses on the development of healthy, strong, and supportive relationships in the lives of our children and the adults that support them. BYPB teaches resiliency skills to youth via the powerful stories of Olympians and Paralympians. GRIT is designed to harness the power of the community surrounding our youth to provide every …

Recruiting Tomorrow's Teachers Today Through Research Based Recruitment Strategies, Denise Cunningham, Rhonda Bishop

DU Rural Summit Conference Proceedings

This presentation addresses the critical teacher shortage by outlining effective recruitment strategies for Missouri State University's College of Education. Recognizing the decline in teacher education enrollments, the presentation focuses on research-based approaches to attract prospective teachers, particularly for rural schools. Faculty will share their experiences implementing these strategies, including challenges, successes, and program evolution. Strategies include targeted recruitment efforts, engaging on-campus experiences, and preparing students for the college application process.

Innovative Partnerships To Expand School-Based Health Capacity In Rural Communities, Robyn Thomas Pitts, Amy K. Mcdiarmid

DU Rural Summit Conference Proceedings

Our nation's youth are in dire need of increased access to high-quality school-based mental health (SBMH) services. In Colorado’s rural areas, the school psychologist-to-student ratio is 1:2,128— over four times the recommended level. Our team secured $4M in federal and state funding to implement an innovative partnership strategy for strengthening rural SBMH capacity. We describe how innovative partnerships enabled us to overcome systemic barriers to training future school psychologists as they live, work, and learn in rural settings. Our culturally sustaining approach to program design, implementation, and evaluation leverages family-school-community partnerships to expand rural SBMH capacity.

Maximizing Limited Resources In Rural Schools: Toward Effective Gifted Programs, Celeste Dc Sodergren

DU Rural Summit Conference Proceedings

Participants will receive knowledge and tools to support the implementation of local norms and universal screening within the boundaries of rural gifted programming. Participants will examine the variables impacting gifted identification and programming in rural school districts, evaluate rural gifted identification scenarios, and will explore ways to adapt universal screening and local norms to their own rural school districts' identification process.

Why Rural Matters 2025: A Preview And A Forward Look, Jerry Johnson

DU Rural Summit Conference Proceedings

This presentation will provide a preview of the Why Rural Matters 2025 report that is currently in progress, including an overview of statistical gauges and indicators, topical essays, and key findings. Additionally, and looking forward beyond the report, presentation and discussion will engage the topic of cuts to federal programs that provide extant data essential for projects like Why Rural Matters and consider the implications for scholars, practitioners, and the general public.

Mentor Teachers As Leaders In Rural Schools: A Case Study In Retention And Renewal, Mandi Leigh

DU Rural Summit Conference Proceedings

Teacher recruitment and retention remain critical issues for rural schools in Colorado. This study explores the role that leadership development for mentor teachers may play in addressing the retention of veteran teachers and new/novice teachers alike. Rural veteran teachers are resilient leaders who introduce new teachers to the unique challenges of rural schools and their community contexts. By identifying and training mentor teachers, districts can simultaneously elevate veteran teacher expertise, celebrate their community contributions, and create capacity for leading induction programs. Ultimately, these can increase teacher retention in rural settings where teachers are most needed.

Teacher Perceptions Of The Arkansas Rise Initiative Regarding Student Performance And Teacher Training, Susan Hoffman Lawrence

Student Theses and Dissertations

The Arkansas Reading Initiative for Student Excellence [RISE] works to build a culture of reading for students in Arkansas through the coordination of a statewide reading campaign that utilizes the Science of Reading, which incorporates a wide body of scientifically-based research that informs stakeholders of how students can effectively learn to read. In addition, tenets of the RISE Initiative encourage building a community of partners and teachers to establish the importance of reading in homes, schools and communities. This mixed-method study explored teacher perceptions of the Arkansas RISE Initiative regarding its effectiveness in terms of students’ reading achievement, as well …

Special Operations Forces Cadre Self-Efficacy: Insights From A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study On Education And Training, Edward O. Funes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of the special operations forces’ cadre self-efficacy throughout their educational journey at the Special Operations Forces Training Center (SOFTC). The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s self-efficacy, based on the social cognitive theory, which posits that individuals’ belief in their capabilities is crucial to their success. The central research question is: What are the experiences of the special operations forces’ cadre self-efficacy throughout their educational journey? The methodology used in this study ensures that all its chapters are interconnected with a robust, cohesive, and rigorous approach to …

The Torchbearer Project At The Whitefield Center Lessons Learned From Developing An Adolescent-Level Christian Discipleship Program, Kenneth Reed Vaughn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this dissertation, the author discussed the lessons learned regarding building and administering Christian discipleship programs for adolescents. The discussion involved three institutions influenced by the work of the Reverend George Whitefield, all of which have recently faced challenges related to forced organizational transformation or renewal for sustained growth and service. At Bethesda Academy, founded by Whitefield in 1740 as an orphanage, the need for transformation arose from the decreased necessity for the academy to continue providing that service, prompting Bethesda to seek a new purpose. In the case of Christ Church Anglican, founded in 1733, where Whitefield served as …

Ties That Bind: A Study Of Relational Networks And Spiritual Formation, Joshua Michael Leborious

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In His earthly ministry, Christ tasked the church with the responsibility of making disciples. Today, God calls leaders into professional ministry to discern specific means of doing so. The calling does not make that task easy and the methods for making disciple vary greatly, leaving Christian leaders overwhelmed by trying to figure out how to disciple the people in their care. A mountain of sources suggest that a relational approach has remarkable potential for making disciples. The purpose of this quantitative research study was to explore the potential relationship between relational networks and quantifiable habits of spiritual formation for adult, …

“You Learn To Control What You Can Control”: A Mixed-Methods Examination Of Burnout In Rural Pk–12 Administrators Using The Pillar-Integration Process, Brooke Hildebrand Clubbs, Eu Gene Chin, Rollin D. Nordgren

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Teacher burnout is a growing concern among educators and the communities they serve, due to a nationwide shortage of teachers. Burnout of principals and other school administrators, however, is relatively unexamined. This mixed-methods study of pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade (PK-12) administrators in rural Midwestern school districts found that contributors to burnout included safety concerns and student behavior, lack of resources and support, and mandatory assessments of student learning. Factors that mitigated burnout included choosing to protect personal energy, getting support from colleagues and administrators, and making a difference in students’ lives. Forty-three administrators completed a survey adapted from the Maslach …

Fostering Inclusive Teaching: Care-Centred Approaches In Business Schools Of The Visegrad Countries, Agnieszka Brzozowska

Studia i Materiały Wydział Zarządzania Uniwersytet Warszawski

Purpose: This study aims to explore the experiences of business students in the Visegrad Group countries during the transition to online learning prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the social aspects of their educational experiences.

Design/methodology/approach: Utilizing qualitative research methods, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 students across four business schools in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The interviews were analysed thematically to identify key insights regarding students' perceptions of online education and the importance of social interactions.

Findings: The findings reveal that students significantly missed interpersonal relationships during online learning, highlighting a strong …

The Squandering Of Critical Thinking In Our Schools And What We Can Do About It, Nick Pocius

Essays in Education

In the face of increasing disinformation, reduced student engagement, and rigid educational structures, this article critiques the current U.S. public school system’s failure to cultivate critical thinking in students. Drawing from over two decades of classroom experience, the author argues that the systemic emphasis on standardized testing, prescribed curricula, and diminished access to arts and physical education have contributed to a decline in curiosity and creative inquiry. Furthermore, the omnipresence of smartphones and social media has robbed students of the boredom that often sparks critical thought. The article proposes several pragmatic solutions, including banning phones during school hours, reintroducing recess …

The Roots Of Our Food: Relationships Are The Seeds Of Care-Based Food Heritage, Nicole E. Post, Raena D. Parsons, Adrian Boone

Dissertations

The purpose of this co-authored, general qualitative research

study was to examine food relationships between individuals,

communities, and Earth. We explored the concept of relational food

systems pertaining to engagement ideas at EarthDance Organic Farm

School and Hawai’i Institute of Pacific Agriculture. Our research

furthers understanding about how to engage people, individually and

collectively, with the land to inspire action. We argue that care-based

relationships can inspire action, helping individuals reconnect with

their food heritage by engaging with land, community, and self.

Heritage site leaders in food systems who center interconnectedness

create places where relationships between people, land, and food …

Caught In Citizenship Limbo: Lessons From The 2025 International Student Visa Crisis In The U.S, Jinke He

Critical Internationalization Studies Review

No abstract provided.

أثر بيئة العمل في الإبداع الإداريّ لدى مديري المدارس الحكوميّة في لواء ديرعَلّا, Balqis Hamdan Salem Alramadina

Journal of the Association of Arab Universities for Research in Higher Education مجلة اتحاد الجامعات العربية للبحوث في التعليم العالي

هدفت الدراسة إلى بيان أثر بيئة العمل في الإبداع الإداري لدى مديري المدارس الحكومية في لواء ديرعلا. وتمّ اتّباع المنهج الوصفيّ التحليليّ، وتمّ اعتماد الاستبانة أداة لجمع البيانات، وتكوّن مجتمع الدراسة من مدراء ومديرات المدارس، وبلغ حجمه (49) مديرًا، ومديرة، وتمّ أخذ العينة بطريقة المسح الشامل، حيث بلغ عدد المدارس في لواء ديرعلا (49) مدرسة، توزّعت ما بين (14) مدرسة ثانويّة، (35) مدرسة أساسيّة، وتمَّ إجراء مسح شامل لمجتمع الدراسة، حيث بلغ حجم العينة (49) مديرًا، ومديرة، وتمّ توزيع أداة الدراسة (الاستبانة) بالطريقة الإلكترونية، حيث تمّ توزيع (49) استبانة، وتمّ استرداد (45) استبانة، وبعد الفحص تمّ استبعاد (3) استبانات، حيث …

A Roadmap To Good Practice For Training Supervisors And Leadership: A European Perspective, Seán Lacey, Tamarinde Haven, Rita Santos, Tom Farrelly, Máiréad Murray, Panagiotis Kavouras

Publications

Purpose: Supervision and leadership are regarded to have a major role in promoting responsible research. Various approaches to training for supervisors and leaders have been proposed. However, little is known about what works best, what kind of hurdles are faced in implementation and engagement, and what methods of assessing the effectiveness of training programs are available. Through exploring these points, this research aims to propose a roadmap to good practice for training supervisors and leadership.

Design: A virtual marketplace for exchanging current practices and approaches for training supervisors and leadership took place in March 2024. Twenty-two policy makers from thirteen …

The Slow Leadership Framework: A Humanizing, Social Justice Approach To Leadership, Christine E. Crouse-Dick, Sheryl R. Wilson, Rachel Epp Buller

Feminist Pedagogy

This essay introduces the Slow Leadership Framework as a humanizing, social justice-oriented alternative to conventional leadership models. Challenging Eurocentric, hierarchical approaches that prioritize efficiency over human connection, Slow Leadership integrates three complementary practices: Circle Process, Self-Compassion, and Deep Listening. Circle Process creates equitable spaces for dialogue that value marginalized perspectives; Self-Compassion disrupts internalized patterns of self-criticism and perfectionism; and Deep Listening transforms communication by prioritizing multisensory perception and awareness. Particularly resonant in higher education contexts, this framework offers practical implementation strategies for educators, administrators, and community partners seeking to dismantle systemic barriers, foster inclusive environments, and redistribute power. Through qualitative …

Exploring Dimensions Of Crystallized Identities, Candice L. Ruh

Feminist Pedagogy

For college students, learning about the components of identity can generate deeper knowledge about how personal and social identities differ, and how identities influence the way individuals experience socio-cultural systems and structures. The Exploring Dimensions of Crystallized Identities activity uses principles of self-reflexivity and dialogue to explore theoretical frameworks for practical application. This experiential activity is a facilitated dialogue driven by student involvement and is best suited for students in mid- to upper-level undergraduate courses. It encourages students to reflect on their and others’ identities, and to consider the social impacts of diversity in their lives.

Learning To Support Science: Gender Differences In How Scientific Literacy Mediates Formal Education's Effect On Us Adults' Public Support For Science, Kevin Mark Roessger, Arie Todd Greenleaf

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction Scientific literacy is targeted by the knowledge deficit model, which predicts that increased scientific literacy improves public support for science. The model, in part, assumes formal education drives scientific knowledge, which, in turn, drives support for science. To date, though, this relationship is unclear, and research shows that, while formal education is associated with adults' public support for science, scientific literacy maintains only a small relationship with support for science, one that may differ by gender.Methods Using a conditional process analysis, we drew on 2018 General Social Survey data to examine whether scientific literacy mediates education's effects on support …