Educational Leadership Commons^™

The Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Teacher Self-Efficacy Among Online Faculty And Residential Faculty Transitioned To Online Teaching: A Causal-Comparative Study, Sheryl Welfel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Teacher self-efficacy within the context of a crisis is valuable to study as it impacts the whole of the educational environment. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in the perception of teacher self-efficacy between instructors who were impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The importance of this study focused on how faculty members described their teacher self-efficacy while implementing online instruction in emergency remote online teaching situations. The participants for this study were higher education faculty from a university in the eastern region of the United States who taught from 2019 to 2022 which …

Family Functionality And Social-Emotional Learning Skills For Middle School Students: A Predictive Correlational Study, Elisabeth Anne Chapman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this non-experimental, quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if there was a predictive relationship between family functionality, based on the linear combination of expressiveness, cohesion, conflict, and social-emotional learning skills for middle school students. The findings of this study provided data to better understand the extent to which home life impacts the ability of middle school students to apply social-emotional skills at school and can provide educators with data to use as a baseline in understanding and evaluating the current levels of a child’s social-emotional learning skills. The research observed 80 middle school students, Grades 6-8, …

2024-08-09 Executive Council's Opposition To Policy Revision, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate., Executive Council

Faculty Senate Records

A letter submitted by the Faculty Senate Executive Committee read before the Board of Regents opposing the administrations policy revisions related to faculty and instructors on August 9, 2024.

2024-08-09 Faculty Regent Report, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Faculty Regent report of the Board of Regents meeting of August 8, 2024.

Coaching And Developing Non-Certified Instructional Staff In Key Literacy Practices, Holly Nicole Bigos

Masters Projects

Paraprofessionals are vital staff members of elementary schools that often provide small group instruction for struggling students to develop key literacy skills. Despite the critical contribution paraprofessionals can provide, schools often neglect to adequately train and develop these staff members to support students’ instructional literacy needs. This project explores the relevant history of paraprofessional staff in schools and the current need for increased development and support of these staff members. Additionally, modern sustainable solutions are explored to develop paraprofessional literacy knowledge and instructional skills for these vital staff members. Programming recommendations are grounded in adult learning theory, feedback and coaching, …

Undocumented And Unsupported: How College Students Navigate To Meet Their Basic Needs, Mario Alberto Gonzalez

Master's Theses

The cost of attendance at colleges and universities across the United States has risen exponentially year after year. Among these costs include tuition, lodging, food, textbooks, academic materials, and health care, many of which are considered “basic needs” that are ultimately essential for human survival. At the same time, certain groups of students continue to be marginalized and presented with additional barriers in accessing higher education in equitable ways. Undocumented students are one of these groups of students, and are the focus of this study. Although the passage of DACA in 2012 presented opportunities for approximately 800,000 undocumented students, it …

Promoting Equitable And Holistic Education: The Role Of Arts Education And Whole Child Policy In Unleashing Potential And Advancing Progress, Collette Ain Williams Alleyne

LMU Theses and Dissertations

Inclusive arts education policy considers the arts a viable entry point to a holistic educational experience. It encourages educators to engage with students on a social and emotional level. Several studies have explored challenges with policy implementation that identify educators' interpretation of policy or assimilation to existing policy as a barrier to the full actualization of policy. Through a rigorous convergent mixed-methods study using convenience sampling, I present a thorough analysis of data that reflects internalized values, beliefs, and ideas. Seven contributors, five educational leaders, and two alumni completed interviews, and twenty-one educational leaders completed surveys utilizing Qualtrics (www.qualtrics.com/), a …

Untapped Potential? Understanding The Paraeducator-To-Teacher Pipeline And Its Potential For Diversifying The Teacher Workforce, Andrew M. Camp, Gema Zamarro, Josh B. Mcgee

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

Paraeducators are among the largest categories of public education employees and are increasingly seen as a pool of potential teachers. However, little is known about paraeducator-to-teacher transitions. Using statewide administrative data, we show that while paraeducators may be more racially/ethnically diverse than the teacher workforce, Black and Hispanic paraeducators are less likely than White paraeducators to transition into teaching. We additionally show that teachers with paraeducator experience are similarly effective to teachers without paraeducator experience. Lastly, we use simulations to show that the potential for the paraeducator-to-teacher pipeline to diversify the teaching profession may be limited unless they are highly …

Utilizing Teaching Strategies To Create Productive Coaches: Teaching Competencies For Student-Athlete Development, Marina D. Niehoff

Leadership Education Capstones

This mixed-methods study explores the connection between teaching and coaching, focusing on how teaching competencies can be applied to coaching to develop student-athletes. The research addresses three key questions: which pedagogical strategies can be transferred from teaching to coaching, how the dual role of teacher-coach affects relationships with students and players, and how leadership techniques are utilized in both contexts. The theoretical framework is based on the intersection of educational pedagogy and athletic coaching. Data were collected through online surveys and individual interviews. The study used an online survey in addition to in-person interviews to collect data from teacher-coaches (people …

Disrupting The Disconnect And Delving Deeper: A Study Exploring The Dimensions Of Black Male Educators, Terri Elaine Cole Brown

Dissertations

Nationwide, the role and impact of Black male educators and administrators in schools is a critical area of study. This research focuses on a predominantly Black, Catholic high school in the Midwest, where Black male educators and administrators comprise 40% of the staff, providing a unique setting for exploration. While numerous studies have examined Black male educators' experiences, motivations, and perspectives, this research seeks to understand the dynamics within a school where they are significantly represented. This study provided a comprehensive understanding of their influence through surveys, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups with Black male teachers, administrators, alumni, and parents. …

Perceptions Of The Differing Preparatory Needs Of Teacher Leaders And Educational Leaders, Kimberly Green

Dissertations

This dissertation explores the differing preparatory needs of teacher leaders and educational leaders through a phenomenographic approach, identifying unique and overlapping elements of these two leadership domains. Grounded in Adult Learning Theory, the study emphasizes self-directed learning and practical knowledge for professional development. Thematic findings reveal that Teacher Leadership Preparation Programs are primarily research-based on the practitioner’s perspective, offering insights grounded in classroom experience, while Educational Leadership Preparation Programs focus on developing supervisory skills for school and district leadership roles. This highlights the different focal points in leadership training, with teacher leadership prioritizing mentorship and educational leadership focusing on supervision. …

A Qualitative Narrative Study About Mental Well-Being And Coping Strategies In Generation-Z Undergraduate Student Leaders, Lacey Folsom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was a qualitative narrative on the advantages experienced by Generation Z students who participated in leadership roles within university-sponsored student organizations. This study incorporated generational, coping, and transactional theories to help the researcher establish a potential link between the mental well-being of students and their participation in cocurricular university-sponsored groups. The primary goal of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how students perceived the influence of their participation in student organizations on their ability to handle mental well-being issues. It sought to explore whether factors such as time commitment, skill development, or an increased sense …

School Culture And Teacher Retention, Verley Lanns-Isaac

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, single case study was to gain insight into the culture construct in relation to whether it contributes to teachers’ decisions to either leave or stay in a school for the long haul. The research questions of the study were the following: What is the influence of school culture on teacher retention? What aspects of school cultures inform teachers’ decisions to stay or leave the school or teaching profession? What measures instituted by school leaders help to sway teachers’ decisions to either stay or leave the school or teaching profession? Why do some school cultures tend …

Perspectives Of Student Affairs Staff: Impact Of Employee Engagement On Student Success, Kourtney Ross

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

August 2024 Bulldog Alumni & Friends News, Kari Jones, Garrett King

Bulldog Alumni & Friends News

July 29- August 9th

Online Auction- 18th Annual SWOSU Athletic Auction

August 1

SWOSU Near You- Okarche

August 9

SWOSU Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet

August 10

18th Annual SWOSU Athletic Auction

September 13

SWOSU Charitable Hunt

October 26

SWOSU Homecoming

Public School And District Leaders’ Understanding Of Cybersecurity Practices And Policies, Jaye-Jaye Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Educational technology (EdTech) interoperability throughout cyberspace provides the financial opportunity for collecting and selling of student privacy information. The research problem addressed throughout this study is the public school district leaders' (SDLs) understanding of EdTech cyber security practices and policies (EdTechCSPP). Little is known regarding SDLs’ understanding of EdTechCSPP in schools because of oblique EdTech business practices. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine differences in SDLs’ EdTechCSPP response scores between independent variables (IV) of SDLs’ gender, educational achievements, age ranges, or types of school districts. The theoretical framework was based on Nissenbaum’s contextual integrity theory. Four research …

Can You Hear Me Now? An Improvement Science Study On Policy Change In Public Schools, William G. Rhoden Jr.

All Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to discover what the perceptions of music teachers, specifically high school band directors in upstate South Carolina (S.C.), on their ability to affect meaningful policy change in SC public schools and what roadblocks exist or remain in the way of affecting policy change. Using improvement science as the methodology, this study employed the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle to discover the effectiveness of this study, make recommendations for future research, and plan for future PDSA cycles. This study used interviews to collect initial data on the participants’ perceptions on their abilities to affect …

Improvement Cycles In The Wake Of A Crisis: A School Leadership Team’S Approach To The Unknown, Andrew S. Brandt

All Dissertations

Organizational leaders frequently face challenges when navigating crises or unexpected problems. In such situations, leaders often rely on unbending emergency plans that lack the necessary flexibility, learning opportunities, and effective communication strategies to address the complexities of a crisis. This failure can result in repeated adverse outcomes the next time a crisis surfaces. This qualitative case study examined one high school leadership team’s use of PDSA cycles and the improvement science framework to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and emerging problems. Principles of the improvement science framework and chaos theory were applied to the collection and analysis of data. The …

Ot's Role In Community Accessibility At Public Parks And Playgrounds For Parents With Disabilities, Janae Paulo, Amy Lyons-Brown, Stacy Frauwith, Lena Gipson Showalter

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Public parks and playgrounds play a crucial role in fostering parent-child interaction, social inclusion, and community engagement. However, these essential recreational spaces often remain inaccessible to individuals with disabilities (Lynch et al., 2020). Research underscores the benefits of inclusive playgrounds, yet many are not designed to accommodate adults with disabilities, thus creating barriers for parents with disabilities who wish to engage with their children (Dalpra, 2022; Jacob et al., 2017). Although occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are instrumental in ensuring environmental accessibility within home settings, their involvement in the design of public spaces is limited. Young et al. (2019) advocate for …

Project-Based Learning And Its Impact On Student Engagement, Well-Being, And Learning Outcomes: A Study Of Teachers’ Perspectives., Stefania Rubino

Student Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, the field of education has experienced major shifts characterized by a significant increase in the research of innovative instructional approaches. Project-based learning (PBL) is an educational approach that prioritizes collaborative projects and experiential learning activities, offering a unique framework for exploring the factors that influence student engagement, academic achievement, and overall well-being. Project-based learning (PBL) places emphasis on inquiry-based and student-centered learning through the successful completion of meaningful projects. The present study explored the impact of project-based learning (PBL) on student engagement, well-being, and learning outcomes as perceived by educators. This qualitative research was conducted, featuring interviews …

South Carolina Instructional Leaders’ Conceptualization And Perception Of Learning Thrill: An Exploratory Interview Study, David Paul Cupolo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Numerous students across the United States are observed as being disengaged and bored in several of their learning experiences. Similarly, innumerable students also self-report being bored and disengaged. Over 40% of South Carolina (SC) students in Grades 3–8 report being compliant, disengaged, or mixed in all three domains (behaviorally, cognitively, and emotionally). Hattie and Donoghue propose a new conceptual learning model—skill, will, and thrill. They suggest that this model will improve student learning experiences to the transfer level, which is thrill. At the thrill level, students can then apply their learning to similar or different contexts. As the concept of …

Removing The Deficit Lens: Determining Support For Hispanic Newcomer Families In Public School Based On Their Unique Needs And Experiences, Shauna Schubiger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods study is to better understand the diverse needs of Latine newcomer families relocating to the United States and enrolling in a southeastern elementary school. Specifically, this study gathered and analyzed the unique experiences of these families immigrating into the U.S. to fully comprehend what they have been through to arrive here and how schools can help their families become involved in their children’s education. In K-12 education, there is a void which exists regarding who these families are and the need to humanize their journeys. This lack of research can be exacerbated by the …

Exploring Early Childhood Teachers’ Experiences In Teaching Multilingual Children In Public Mainstream Schools In Tennessee, Maria Dias

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study, grounded in a phenomenological perspective, delves into the lived experiences of early childhood teachers who teach multilingual children in mainstream classrooms in Tennessee. Amidst the rising number of multilingual learners in mainstream educational settings and the dearth of adequate teacher training to address their needs, this research illuminates the experiences of these teachers. Furthermore, it seeks to advocate for the integration of translanguaging pedagogy into teacher training programs and state policies. This study employed a qualitative study using the three-in-depth-interview series from a phenomenological perspective (Seidman, 2019). The first interview focused on participants’ overall teaching experiences and …

Consultation Versus Direct Special Education Services And Postschool Outcomes For Individuals With Disabilities As Assessed By Indicator 14 Data, Callie Welch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is abundant research relating to transition supports and services for students with disabilities as they move out of high school into adulthood; however, relatively little is known about the relationship between the type of special education services they received and their postschool outcomes. Guided by the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and Tennessee’s Indicator 14 survey, I sought to better understand the relationship between the type of special education services received in high school and student further schooling or employability after graduation. Data were drawn from Indicator 14 surveys from 2021 and 2024 conducted by a rural school district …

Student Achievement In The State Of Tennessee Through Virtual Learning In Asynchronous, Bisynchronous, And Hybrid Approaches, Lindsey Weeden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was used to investigate the differences in asynchronous, bisynchronous, and hybrid learning environments in student achievement in online schools. Utilizing quantitative data analysis, the research examines student growth data, chronic absenteeism, graduation rates, and ACT scores across these modalities. The research holds significant implications for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in enhancing the quality of online education. The results may contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding effective pedagogical practices in the digital age by providing evidence-based insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each instructional mode. By addressing the challenges of the digital divide, the results may be used …

Trauma Informed Schools: Investigating K-12 Educator Perceptions From Professional Learning To Implementing Practices, Kelsey Cupp

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to further the understanding on how access to trauma-informed professional learning changed research-based practices in classroom and school-wide settings in K-12 schools. The guiding question for this quantitative study was: How has trauma-informed professional learning influenced changes in research-based practices in school-wide and classroom settings in K-12 schools? This research assessed the perceptions of elementary, middle, and high school teachers in one school district to investigate access to trauma-informed professional learning and potential changes in research-based practices in school-wide and classroom settings. Participants were teachers, in Northeast Tennessee, employed in urban schools implementing …

The Game Is The Game: Othermothering And Hbcu Student Affairs Job Burnout: A Quantitative Study, Adolphus A. Mcdonald Iii

All Dissertations

This study investigated the use of othermothering as a relationship building approach in student affairs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and its association with job burnout outcomes in HBCU student affairs professionals. Job burnout outcomes affect job turnover intention decisions (Michaels & Spector, 1982); therefore, this quantitative study investigated whether othermothering and additional demographic factors were a root cause to job burnout and job turnover intention among HBCU SAPs. The review of literature provides knowledge on the foundation of othermothering which began as a term to describe Black slave women caring for children displaced and separated due to …

Getting Better Faster: An Examination Of Instructional Specialist Role Clarity And Efficacy, Jasmine J. Scott

All Dissertations

An instructional specialist, sometimes also known as an instructional coach or curriculum specialist, plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of education. To fulfill the role of an instructional specialist, the educator must understand the expectations of their role and have the capacity to coach teachers. Effective coaching can play a significant role in leveling the educational playing field. Equitable instructional support requires acknowledging and addressing teachers' diverse needs and contexts (Desimone, 2009). This study is designed to capture and quantify the effectiveness of instructional specialists. This study addresses missing data gaps by providing data from instructional specialists on …

Lab To Leadership: How Do Women College Stem Students’ Classroom Experiences Inform Their Leader Identity Development?, Meredith Mcdevitt

All Dissertations

This dissertation is an exploration of leader identity development and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) college academic classrooms. While there continues to be research promoting diversity in STEM professions, women remain underrepresented in STEM disciplines, leadership positions, and for this specific study, the college academic classroom. This dissertation represents an opportunity for women in STEM college students to reflect on their experiences in STEM academic spaces and communities, while self-exploring factors that shape their leader identity development. The research utilized a basic qualitative research design to understand the participant’s authentic experiences within the academic environment. Conducting semi-structured …

How School Leaders Can Increase Teacher Satisfaction In A Rural Fringe High School In South Carolina, William T. Dyer

All Dissertations

Unfilled teaching positions are rising in South Carolina, increasing year over year. To combat this problem of practice, I conducted an improvement science study to understand factors that impact teacher satisfaction levels aimed to raise teacher retention rates. The study aimed to allow teachers to identify areas that school administrators can target to positively affect teacher satisfaction levels. I created a change idea based on this teacher feedback to impact their retention decisions. As an educator, I have identified three major themes in this area. First, influence over their profession impacts teachers' decision to return to their position each year. …