Educational Leadership Commons^™

St. Louis, Missouri’S Gayborhood And Washington, Dc’S Black Lives Matter Plaza: Revealing The Healing Potential Of Resistance Stories That Are Grounded In Place, Ryan R. Lindsay, Lotte I. Lent, Ackesha J. Patrick

Dissertations

Oppressed people resist, even when facing severe consequences for doing so. At the core of systemic oppression—genocide, slavery, racism, and sexism—is a drive to control and dehumanize. Resistance, however, can serve as a powerful act of rehumanization. From enslaved individuals fleeing plantations to LGBTQ+ individuals risking arrest to gather in mid-20th-century bars, resistance reclaims power and autonomy under oppressive regimes. This study applies South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) “four truths” framework—comprising forensic, personal, social, and healing truths—to the interpretation of contested heritage sites. We argue that sites commemorating resistance hold transformative potential for individual and community healing. Using …

Holistic Student Discipline: How A Proactive Empathetic Approach To Discipline Combined With Restorative Practices Can Change The Discipline Landscape, Melissa A. Dunworth

Education Dissertations

Student discipline in the United States consists of a myriad of methods, including suspension, corporal punishment, isolation, seclusion, and restraint. Since the onset of COVID-19, students and staff have experienced an increase in trauma which has impacted the social-emotional skills of students and teacher burnout. Post-COVID student discipline requires a different approach to discipline combined with restorative practices, which can alter the discipline landscape. This qualitative case study investigates the impact of proactive empathetic discipline and Restorative Practices on student discipline, executive functioning, and school culture.

Grounded in Social Learning Theory, Self-Regulation Theory, and Respect for Children, this study examines …

Toward Culturally Responsive Interpretation: Native American Histories, Lifeways, And Ways Of Knowing At The High Desert Museum, Carol Fitzsimmons, Ajena Cason Rogers

Dissertations

Many public museums and historic institutions reflect settler colonial culture and are primarily non-Native led. Although these institutions are trusted, many have perpetuated cultural harm through the theft of belongings, the misrepresentation of stories and histories, and the inaccurate portrayals of cultural content. When interpreting Native American experiences, many non-Native institutions struggle to co-create culturally responsive interpretation. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to apply the four-truth framework, developed by the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to better understand how the High Desert Museum approached the interpretation of Native American content and stories and to explore how …

Iep Process As An Avenue Or Barrier To Inclusion For Autism Spectrum Students: The Importance Of Collaboration, Stephanie C. Holmes

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

Decades of research concerning the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) have shown that building and implementing an IEP for a student with additional needs can be adversarial between the child’s parents and the school system. In 1975, when Public Law 94-142 was passed, the idea behind the law was not only to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with needs and disabilities but also to give parents of these children a voice in the process of creating the child’s IEP. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was not added to the list of needs to be served …

Refugee Student Perspectives On Educators’ Role In Fostering Resilience In U.S. Schools, Ann Marsh, Clementine Msengi, Sandra Harris

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

This qualitative study focused on five individuals who arrived in the United States either as refugees from conflict areas or as asylum seekers already residing in the country. The refugees were from Afghanistan, and the asylum seekers were from Iran. The researchers employed a phenomenological approach to conduct in-depth interviews with refugees, asylum seekers, and parents of such students, all of whom had experienced attending school after their arrival in the United States. The research question explored the role of teachers, instructors, and professors in fostering resilience among refugee students. Consistent with existing literature, the findings indicated that the teachers' …

Global Voices Of Research Fellows: Evaluating Learning Gains From International Research Presentations, Jennifer Butcher, Berenice Casas, Sandra Cleveland, Stacie Shelby

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

The underlying assumption of all study abroad programs is that they provide extraordinary benefits to students who participate in them with benefits that far exceed a course of study that is strictly domestically based. The concept of learning gains, briefly summarized as the improvement in knowledge, skills, work-readiness and personal development made by students during their time spent in higher education, has been hailed by some as an opportunity to measure “excellence” in teaching. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning gains acquired by research fellows through the process of developing and presenting projects internationally. The following …

Understanding The Persistence And Retention Factors Among First-Generation Online College Students: A Comprehensive Study, Lakeeta Q. Prunty, Tana Palafox

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

This qualitative descriptive study examined the impact of internal institutional support on retention, as perceived by first-generation Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) online undergraduate students at a private Christian university. Institutional support encompasses academic advising, tutoring services, mental health counseling, career guidance, financial aid, diversity and inclusion programs, faculty support, and technological resources for online learning. The virtual learning environment presented unique challenges, particularly for first-generation BIPOC students, who navigate multiple layers of identity requiring specialized institutional support. Factors influencing online student attrition, including school policies, instructional methods, and personal circumstances, warrant collaboration among administrators, advisors, and faculty …

Ensuring Success And Retention: A Review Of Key Factors For Diverse Online Scholars, Leila Romeo, Cicely Ward, Jesiah Brock

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

The widespread adoption of online learning in higher education necessitates a critical understanding of factors that promote the retention and academic success of diverse student populations. This paper provides a synthesis of existing research investigating the numerous elements that influence the educational experiences of distinct student cohorts, with a particular focus on literature pertaining to non-traditional Latina students in postsecondary online learning environments. This review critically examines established scholarship to comprehend the array of challenges and prospects these students encounter, identifying critical determinants of their academic trajectories as established in prior studies. Key determinants frequently cited in the literature include …

Online Learning And Private Christian Hispanic Serving Institutions: A Narrative Review Of The Literature, Daniela A. Hernandez, Brandi R. Munoz, Stephanie Ferrell

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

This narrative literature review explores the intersection of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), online education, and the role of private Christian universities in addressing educational disparities for Hispanic students. It synthesizes existing research on the challenges Hispanic students face in higher education, including financial barriers, limited digital access, underutilization of student support services, and institutional identity issues. Drawing on social capital theory and student engagement theory, this review highlights how HSIs, particularly private Christian institutions, can develop culturally responsive initiatives and leverage federal Title V funding to support Hispanic learners. The paper also examines emerging efforts such as the “Seal of …

Authentic Leadership’S Impact On Black Student-Athletes’ Identity And Persistence, Edward Raimundi Iii, Chanel M. Bradden, Erika Stanley Wesley

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

This mixed-methods study examined the role of authentic leadership in shaping the identity development and persistence of Black student-athletes within collegiate athletic programs. Despite growing research on student-athlete experiences, a critical gap remains in understanding how leadership characterized by transparency, self-awareness, and ethical behavior influences Black athletes’ self-perception, resilience, and ability to navigate academic and athletic challenges. Drawing on surveys (Authentic Leadership Questionnaire) and semi-structured interviews with sports administrators and student-athletes, the study identified key themes: the importance of consistent communication, ethical decision-making, and holistic mentorship in fostering trust and empowerment. Findings revealed that while authentic leadership enhances athletes’ resilience …

Letter From The Editors, Jennifer Butcher, James Wiser, Cicely Ward

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

No abstract provided.

A Case Study Of An Instructional Design Model For Creating Scalable Courses In Healthcare, Zoaib Mirza

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

This case study examines the instructional design model used to develop scalable online courses in the Healthcare Information Management (HIM) program at an online healthcare education institution. With the growing demand for healthcare professionals, heightened by global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, scalable and efficient online education solutions are vital. The study explores how collaboration between Curriculum and Academic departments ensures alignment with industry standards, promotes efficiency, and maintains academic rigor. Using a case study methodology, the research analyzes the roles, phases, and outcomes of the instructional design process, emphasizing reductions in development time, cost, and resources while preserving …

Leadership Attributes To Guide The Adoption And Curricular Design Process Of Environmental Sustainability Education For Ec-12 Public School Districts, Katherine Marie Seguino

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Though awareness of environmental issues increases, limited resources are available as guidance for public school leadership to introduce and implement Environmental Sustainability Education (ESE) into their curriculum. Increasing evidence exists supporting the why ESE should be part of the curriculum, however few resources are available on the how to successfully implement it. This study seeks to provide insight to public school leaders regarding attributes beneficial to gain support of their communities and points to consider for crafting culturally relevant ESE curriculum. Public schools serve over 90% of American students, if this environmental crisis is to be solved, ESE must be …

Exploring The Relationship Between Classroom Management And Relational Leadership, Genie Kim, Nancy Ross

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Our research examines teachers’ capacity to cultivate a learning environment conducive to students’ academic and social-emotional flourishing, specifically as it pertains to love and its intersection with classroom management. Utilizing Ross’ (2023) Relational Leadership Scale (RLS), coupled with an adapted version of Tschannen-Moran’s Teacher Efficacy Scale, we measured loving leadership, from the perspective of Teacher Candidates, as they observed their Associate/Host teachers’ behaviors/dispositions within the context of teaching students. The results of our study revealed a moderate positive correlation between classroom management and the overall RLS scores. It was found that teachers who engage in loving leadership behaviors were perceived …

Exploring South Asian Parent Perceptions Of Involvement In Their Child’S Schooling, Qazi Mohammed Faaizuddin Biabani

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

No abstract provided.

An Instrumental Case Study Of Low-Income, African-American Parents’ Perceptions And Experiences Of Parent-Teacher Relationships In Midwestern, Pk-8 U.S. Public Schools, Rochelle Rolle

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Positive parent-teacher relationships are vital for student success in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, particularly among low-income, African-American parents and guardians. Research suggests respect, trust, and open communication as key factors for cultivating positive parent-relationships; however, race and social class have influenced the development of African-American parents and guardians’ relationships with their children’s teachers. This instrumental case study investigated how six low- income, African-American parents and guardians in Midwestern PK-8 public schools perceive their relationships with their children’s teachers. Using a qualitative method approach, the study was guided by the Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler Model of the Parental Involvement Process and Critical …

Developing Full Performance Interpreters: Cultivating Interdisciplinary Mindsets And Skillsets To Engage Audiences In Climate Change, Women's History, And Other Contested Heritage Topics, Delia A. Lister

Dissertations

Heritage sites immerse visitors in places where the impacts of climate change are readily apparent. They are also powerful places to elevate untold stories of women and girls. Heritage site interpreters interact daily with audiences who bring diverse lived experiences, different levels of subject matter knowledge, and multiple perspectives on climate change and the role of women in history. Every visitor interaction has a set of meanings, values, and narratives that visitors knowingly or unknowingly espouse. To interpret contested heritage topics, such as climate change and women’s history, interpreters must cultivate interdisciplinary mindsets and skillsets. The purpose of this basic …

Arts-Based Sustainability: From New York To Malawi, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Recognizing that libraries serve multiple constituencies and subject areas, this chapter documents and advocates for development of transdisciplinary arts-based research (ABR) and culture-related projects linked to environmental challenges. Libraries contribute collections and spaces, as well as the research of library and information scientists. Libraries are currently among invisible contributors to sustainability planning and services. The chapter will link this invisibility to the value of what visual arts refer to as negative space elements in subjects ranging from traditional ecological knowledge to environmental science. Library collections, projects, and research contribute to education for sustainable development (ESD) as required to achieve the …

K-8, Private, Midwestern School Principals And Their Experiences Of Work Demand, Emily Madden Roth

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is increasing job demands and insufficient job resources plaguing K-8 principals across the nation. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate K-8 principals’ perceptions of increased work demands and their influence on excessive stress, burnout, and turnover in a private, Midwestern school district. Bakker and Demerouti’s job demands-resources theory served as the theoretical foundation for this study. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 10 principals from the same district. Participant responses were analyzed through several rounds of coding, which led to the emergence of the following six themes: …

Ethical Leadership Of Universities Concerning Outreach Efforts During Covid-19, Sandra Bogard

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic proved challenging for Institutions of Higher Education. This study investigated the responses of higher education leadership to the pandemic as it related to their outreach efforts to assist their local community and healthcare system. The crisis leadership theory directed this research, focusing on the importance of leadership roles within institutions of higher education and how they responded to a crisis. This research concentrated on university leadership and whether they felt ethically obligated to assist their community during the pandemic, how they assisted, and whether they perceived their assistance as imperative for the community to overcome the …

Our Hbcus Matter: Factors Influencing Hbcus’ Graduation Rates, Brandon Markelle Graham

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative comparative multi case study examined how institutional practices, leadership philosophies, and academic support systems affect Pell Grant recipients' student success at Atlantic A&M University (AAMU) and Heritage State University (HSU). Based on Swail's Geometric Model of Student Persistence and Achievement, the study examined cognitive, institutional, and social factors of student success using institutional data, NCES datasets, and two former HBCU presidents' perspectives. Semi-structured interviews with former tenured HBCU presidents illuminated how financial constraints, performance-based accountability metrics, and admissions standards shaped campus strategies from 2012 to 2021. The study examined first-time, first-year Pell Grant recipients' graduation outcomes, standardized test …

Bridging Gaps Between Training And Teaching Demands In The 21st Century Classroom: A Qualitative Study Of Principal Perceptions On The Quality Of Teacher Preparation Programs, Marvyn C. White

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined teacher preparation programs in K-12 public schools, focusing on principal perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of teacher preparation programs and their connections to teacher attrition. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with K-12 public school administrators to gain insight into the effectiveness of teacher preparation programs. The research highlighted the need for principals' perceptions of the quality of teacher preparation programs. Current literature indicates that these programs often lack adequate practical classroom experience, provide insufficient training for managing diverse student needs, and fail to equip teachers with effective classroom management strategies. Additionally, principals' insights could …

Factors Influencing Graduate Student Success On The Texas Principal Exam In A Predominately Hispanic University, Rosalinda Hernandez, Alejandro Garcia, Federico R. Guerra

Organization and School Leadership Faculty Publications

The role of school principals in shaping effective learning environments and supporting positive student outcomes has gained increasing recognition in educational research and policy. This study investigates university admission factors of a predominantly Hispanic institution associated with success on the 268 Principal as Instructional Leaders Examination, a critical assessment for aspiring school principals in Texas. Employing a quantitative research design, this study analyzed data from 145 graduate students who took the examination. This study employed multiple regression analysis to examine the relationship between various admission predictors, academic and demographic variables, and exam performance. Key findings revealed that the bachelor’s GPA …

Technology Infusion In Higher Education Curriculum: A Case Study Of The Strategic Educational Leadership Program, Chloe R. Kiser

Dissertations

This program evaluation examines the integration of technology-infused curricula in the Strategic Educational Leadership (SEDL) program at National Louis University (NLU). With the growing need for digital competence in educational leadership, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study used the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) Standards for Education Leaders to guide recommendations for curriculum enhancement. A mixed-methods approach explored how faculty currently infuse technology, key outcomes of aligning with ISTE standards, essential digital skills for doctoral students, and challenges faculty face in implementation. Findings revealed a shared interest among faculty and students in practical, real-world technology applications. The …

Advancing Equity Through Social And Emotional Learning, Tosha N. Jackson

Dissertations

This study examines how Chicago Public Schools (CPS) promotes equity through social and emotional learning (SEL) within its Healing-Centered and Equity Frameworks. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these frameworks in addressing trauma, fostering equitable learning environments, and implementing culturally responsive practices. Using qualitative methods, data were gathered from semi-structured interviews with four former CPS leaders and a document analysis of CPS frameworks. The analysis revealed the alignment of CPS practices with equity-focused priorities outlined by the Learning Policy Institute (Hammond et al., 2020). Findings suggest that Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) can effectively mitigate the impact of trauma and …

Riding For The Brand: Advancing Leadership Development In The Poly Royal Rodeo Program, Jack Busch

Agricultural Education: Graduate Internship Reports

While the Poly Royal Leadership Class provides a valuable platform for student involvement in large scale event planning, the structure lacked consistency in leadership development methods, project management tools, and hands-on training simulations, resulting in uneven engagement, limited collaboration efficiency, and varied preparedness levels among student leaders and committee members.

A Comparative Case Study On Special Education Administrator’S Education And Experience: Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of The Support Provided To Probationary Special Education Teachers, Diane Smith Glover

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to explore the education and experience of special education administrators (SEAs) and their perceptions of the effectiveness of the support they provide to probationary special education teachers (SETs), particularly in relation to the teachers' professional growth and job satisfaction. This qualitative study employed an interpretive approach, focusing on the perspectives of SEAs regarding their knowledge in special education, the workplace supports they provide, and the impact of these supports on SETs' professional development and career decisions. Data was collected from interviews with 11 SEAs who had experience supervising probationary SETs.

The findings revealed …

June 2025 Bulldog Alumni & Friends News, Kari Jones, Garrett King

Bulldog Alumni & Friends News

Join us Friday, June 6, for the Steve Price #6 Lounge Dedication, followed by a preview of the football program and the Alumni Kickoff Social.

Unraveling The Decline: A Phenomenological Narrative Exploration Of Chinese Students' Experiences And Decisions In Selecting U.S. Higher Education, Lorne K. Brandt

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

This study examined the declining trend of Chinese student enrollment in U.S. higher education by incorporating recent enrollment data and findings from the 2024 Open Doors Report. The researcher employed a phenomenological narrative inquiry approach and conducted semi-structured interviews to explore the lived experiences of Chinese international students through the lens of the push-pull theoretical framework. The analysis confirmed several well-established push-pull factors, including the influence of exchange programs and parental guidance. One counter theme emerged as most participants described a desire to avoid China’s high-stakes exam system. The study identified six additional themes: flexible admissions, desire for independence, merit-based …

Empowering Educational Leaders: Enhancing Administrative Leaders’ Effectiveness Through Strategic Professional Development, Elizabeth Reed

Dissertations

This study analyzed the current state of professional development opportunities for administrative leaders across ten U.S. states. The research aimed to explore trends, perceived needs, and gaps in professional learning programs for educational administrators. The central research question guiding this study asked: How do administrative leaders perceive and experience existing professional development opportunities, and what areas require strategic improvement? A mixed methods approach was used, with survey data collected from administrative leaders serving in K–12 school settings. The survey instrument was designed to assess participants' perceptions of the relevance, effectiveness, and accessibility of their current professional development experiences. Data analysis …