Educational Leadership Commons^™

Assessing The Use Of Online Credit Recovery For Economically Disadvantaged Students, Peter Westby

Graduate Teacher Education

As online learning grows, many school districts have turned to online credit recovery (OCR) courses to allow students to retake previously failed courses and earn credit toward graduation. Research is relatively new in this area, and results from different studies contradict each other regarding the effectiveness of OCR programs. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds represent a large percentage of those enrolled in OCR courses. Questions have arisen regarding whether OCR may contribute to a widening gap in achievement between advantaged and disadvantaged students. Results showed that OCR courses have the potential to help older high school students attain credit faster …

Do Student Achievement Scores Differ For Those Taught By Teachers With High Emotional Intelligence As Compared To Low Emotional Intelligence?, Carlos Daniel Mock

Student Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study investigates the influence of teachers' emotional intelligence on student achievement in an American curriculum international school setting in Bangkok, Thailand. Amidst concerns over student proficiency levels in the United States and Thailand, the study aimed to identify whether teachers’ emotional intelligence is linked to a difference in student achievement in reading, language usage, and mathematics. The study responded to calls for further investigation into how teacher emotional intelligence may influence student achievement to inform hiring practices and teacher training priorities to improve educational outcomes. The study aimed to contribute to debate on how to enhance student achievement, …

Education Of Grandchildren Within Skipped-Generation Households: Challenges And Experiences Influencing Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Myra Ann Randolph

Student Theses and Dissertations

Skipped-generation households are not traditional, as the typical guardians do not include the mother, father, or foster parents. They are the households of grandparents who have accepted the responsibility to provide care for their grandchildren. Recent literature demonstrates that grandfamilies, inclusive of grandparents and grandchildren, experience many stress-related challenges. The problem is that grandparents responsible for raising their grandchildren are required to adopt new parental roles. This can become very stressful, as many may not have the knowledge of, or access to, contemporary supports and resources to effectively adopt and raise their grandchildren. The purpose of this study was to …

The Perceptions Of Experienced Teachers On Administrative Support In Rural Classrooms And The Implications On Teacher Retention, Mitchell Reed

Student Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to solve the problem of teachers leaving the profession early, which has led to the lack of educators in classrooms across the country, impacting various stakeholders, including students, school districts, and fellow educators. Depending on where the school district is located and the students the schools serve, Teacher retention is more of an issue. The purpose of this qualitative narrative study is to understand the storied perceptions of experienced teachers as it relates to administrative supports that target teacher retention in a small, rural school district in a state in the Midwest. The theoretical …

An Analysis Of Arkansas Alternative Learning Placement Characteristics, Corey Throckmorton

Student Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the alternative education placement characteristics in the state of Arkansas and the demographics of the students placed in ALE. There are eleven characteristics of which two are required to be present in a student profile in order for a student to be placed in alternative education in Arkansas. This quantitative study analyzed the specific characteristics indicted for students placed in ALE during the 2021-2022 school year. This study found commonalities of selected characteristics among the students placed in alternative education in Arkansas. The study found the most prevalent pathway to ALE is …

Novice Teachers: Thriving In Urban Turnaround Schools, Lacee Rodgers

Student Theses and Dissertations

Students in urban turnaround schools often receive subpar education in comparison to their counterparts in suburban schools due to insufficient resources and a lack of quality, experienced teachers. Urban turnaround schools have a higher number of novice teachers who may be unable to provide quality instruction that closes the achievement gap between students in urban turnaround schools, who are mostly black and brown, and their suburban counterparts. This not only impacts the students’ education, but consequently their entire lives. The purpose of this study is to examine novice teachers in the Achievement School District, an urban turnaround district in Memphis, …

Perceptions Of Academic Letter Grades In K-8 Public Schools Located Inside Of The Cherokee Nation Reservation, Corey Eugene Bunch

Student Theses and Dissertations

Academic letter grades may potentially encourage or discourage Cherokee students from doing well in school and seeking advanced degrees beyond secondary school. Cherokee Nation has just over 100 public school districts located inside the reservation boundaries, in which more than 200,000 students are being served daily, with nearly 32,000 being Cherokee citizens. This study focused on the twenty-five K-8 school districts primarily located in rural areas with the highest populations of Cherokee students. Perceptions of grades may vary widely for students, parents, and school officials. In 2023, there were approximately 10,000 classrooms in the Cherokee Nation, and there was little …

Did School Reform Initiatives In The United States Support Multicultural Teaching Practices In A K-12 School Setting?, Shereen Holmes

Student Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined the relationship between school reform initiatives in the United States over the last thirty years and multicultural teaching practices. The methodology chosen was a qualitative phenomenological research study that was conducted with six participants, three novice teachers and three teacher educators. The research revealed that though educators valued the importance of multiculturism in the classroom, there was a disconnect in consistent implementation. The findings also revealed that school reform initiatives such as the Every Students Succeed Act (ESSA) of 2015 provided the guidance used by states and school districts to identify standards for the classroom. This suggests …

Disproportionality In Discipline And Academic Achievement Of African American Students In South Carolina School Districts, Joyce Haigler Conyers

Student Theses and Dissertations

In the state of South Carolina, African American students make up 34% of the student population but 59% of students receive out-of-school suspension. It was assumed by prior research statistics that the disproportionality of discipline produces lower academic achievement for African American students. An examination of the disproportionality of discipline through a structural theoretical lens as an effort to understand the inequity in the application of exclusionary discipline, specifically out-of-school suspension, for African American students and how it affects their academic performance was the focus of this study. The data for this non-experimental quantitative study was obtained from the South …

Increasing College Retention And Access For Disadvantaged Mckinney-Vento Students By Exploring Disproportionate Entitlement To Collegiate Resources, Quincy Samuel Smith

Student Theses and Dissertations

Going to college creates a financial challenge for an increasing number of American students. The inadequacy of available financial aid and lack of wrap-around services make the possibility of college graduation increasingly challenging for former McKinney-Vento students. The purpose of this study was to explore the financial, socio-emotional, and academic resources designated for former McKinney-Vento students and how those resources (or lack thereof) influence successful college matriculation and retention. The problem to be addressed in this study is Former McKinney-Vento students no longer receive McKinney-Vento services when they transition to college. This qualitative study utilized an exploratory research method. Functionalism …

Impact Of Implementing A Growth Mindset Intervention On Academically At-Risk Students, Rebecca Anne Kaste

Student Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted education around the world. To help close the achievement gaps incurred from the effects of the pandemic, the state of Tennessee created summer schools programs to remediate learning loss for those students identified as academically at-risk at being retained. The current study addressed how to improve the academic and social-emotional behavioral outcomes of academically at-risk middle school students through the implementation of a growth mindset intervention. The purpose of this quasi-experimental research study was to examine the impact of a growth mindset intervention on academically at-risk middle school students participating in the Tennessee Summer Learning Loss …

Socioeconomic Status And Stereotype Threat: Does Stereotype Threat Associated With Low Socioeconomic Status Impact Academic Performance, Gwendolyn Rains

Student Theses and Dissertations

Stereotype threat effect (STE) is a psychosocial phenomenon that can cause performance decrements on standardized tests. The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore standardized test construct through the lens of intelligence theories as a potential mediator for STE for low socioeconomic status (LSES) students in rural Arkansas schools. The theory of STE will be used to explain why LSES are susceptible to STE. The researcher collected quantitative data through an experimental design; participants took either a performance-based or a traditionally formatted math and literacy test to determine if scores (dependent variable) were significantly impacted by test construct within …

Technology Use Within A Charlotte Mason Liberal Education: A Phenomenology Study On Critical Thinking, Luecrecy Ragan

Student Theses and Dissertations

Technology use, education technology, and innovations continue to grow in the 21st century. Information is abundant, and it can be challenging to process and decipher. Students are deficient in critical thinking and experience negative effects from the overuse of technology. Liberal education philosophy focuses on building critical thinking and educating the whole person. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenology study was to explore and describe the experiences of K-12 leaders and teachers implementing education technology while following a liberal education model focused on supporting critical thinking, cognitive ability, and the whole person. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight leaders and …

Examination Of Hindering Influences Of Uncertified Teachers, Teacher Attrition Rates, And Inexperienced Teachers On Reading Achievement In High-Poverty Schools, Terri Guy

Student Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study examined the influences of uncertified teacher rates, teacher attrition rates, and teacher inexperience rates on reading achievement in high-poverty schools in Arkansas, incorporating the frameworks of Human Capital and Social Capital Theories. Utilizing archival data from the 2021-2022 academic year and employing multiple linear regression and analysis of covariance, the study meticulously examined the relationship between teacher characteristics and third grade reading achievement across the state. Contrary to initial hypotheses, the findings presented a nuanced landscape where none of the teacher-related factors (uncertified status, attrition, inexperience) significantly predicted reading achievement outcomes within the examined cohort. This divergence …

Exploring The Experiences Of African American Female Students In Engineering: A Narrative Literature Review, Anissa Guerin, Phd

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

Abstract

This narrative literature review delves into the experiences of African American female students in engineering, addressing their persistent underrepresentation in the field despite advancements in postsecondary education. By examining a broad range of research, the study explores the unique challenges faced by these students and investigates tools for their persistence and degree completion. The theoretical framework draws from intersectionality theory, emphasizing the intersecting identities of race and gender in shaping these experiences. Methodologically, a narrative literature review approach was employed, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of existing scholarship. Data collection involved rigorous criteria focusing specifically on empirical research or original …

Embracing Change With Power And Love: Shifting Organizational Paradigms Leveraging Systems Thinking, Brandi R. Muñoz

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

This article delves into the complexities of organizational change, emphasizing the critical roles of power and love in facilitating successful transitions. It distinguishes between the generative and degenerative effects of power and love within organizational contexts and underscores the importance of balancing these elements to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable change. Furthermore, the principles of systems thinking are highlighted, advocating for a holistic approach to understanding and analyzing organizational systems. The interconnectedness of system components and the necessity of feedback loops for informed decision-making and strategic planning are examined. Additionally, the article discusses the detrimental impact of overconfidence bias on …

Exploring Work Satisfaction Of Women In Educational Leadership From A Racial Perspective During Times Of Crisis, Kathryn Washington, Sharon Ross, Janice L. Taylor, Kelly Brown

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

In education, critical shifts and pandemic repercussions have heightened pressures. Women leaders, particularly those of color, grapple with gender and racial inequalities that shape their roles (Sanchez-Hucles & Davis, 2010). This study explores women's leadership experiences, focusing on work satisfaction through a racial lens. Utilizing Resilience Theory, it delves into women's perceptions, employing a quantitative approach through an electronic survey at a women educators' conference. Examining racial categories, the research uncovers correlations between work satisfaction, job fit, commitment, and work-family balance. ANOVA results show no significant job satisfaction differences based on race, while Welch t-test identifies varied responses. Findings illuminate …

Middle Management Role In Informally Managing Conflict, Incivility, And Bullying In Higher Education Institutions, Maria E. Caratini Prado

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

Middle-level managers in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) encounter various stress-related conflicts, including instances of incivility and bullying, yet literature on their role in improving workplace interpersonal relationships and suitable conflict-management training is limited. This article represents findings from the qualitative study that delves into conflict management through the lens of HEI middle-level managers within the manager-to-subordinate relationship. Through in-depth interviews with 10 managers, four overarching themes emerged: structural challenges, sources of conflict, conflict training, and managing conflict. Surprisingly, findings revealed that managers did not extensively apply knowledge from conflict-management training, instead crafting their own tactics and strategies. These results contribute …

Vocational Formation, Belonging And Christian Higher Education, Christopher W. Cobbler Sr.

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

Vocational formation and belonging are complimentary concepts. Vocational formation seeks human flourishing by attending to the healing of our social environments. Vocational formation is responding to God’s invitation to participate in the healing of creation from a particular social context, with others, for the sake of the world. Belonging, then, is the natural consequence of such an endeavor. This paper assumes the notion of institutional belonging in Christian higher education to be a kingdom characteristic that is best realized through the various postures of vocational formation. Radical hospitality, missional eschatology and communion with God are among the distinctive qualities of …

And Still We Rise…An Examination Of The Perceptions Of African American Women’S Lived Experiences Regarding Barriers Faced During Their Journeys To Executive Leadership Positions At Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Tanya White, Dianne Reed, Ls Spencer, Charlotte Fontenot, Mack Hines

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

This qualitative case study described the lived experiences of 11 African American women regarding the barriers that they faced on their journeys to obtaining executive leadership positions at historically black colleges and universities and universities (HBCUs). Five of the African American women served in their positions at predominantly white universities (PWIs) in addition to HBCUs. The purpose of the study was to describe the perceptions of African American women regarding steps they have practiced continuing their path to notable success in higher education leadership. We described the behaviors and practices of these African American women leaders and how they engage …

Disparities In Autism Diagnosis: The Role Of Cultural Perceptions And Systemic Bias, Mary H. Jones

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. This article discusses the key characteristics, diagnosis, and disparities in ASD diagnosis and treatment, focusing on the Black community. The article also highlights the role of cultural competence in education and family involvement in advocating for appropriate services for children with ASD.

The Impact Of Texas High School Teachers' Perceptions Of Culture On Their Intent To Stay Or Leave From Their Position, Abigail Crawford, Lesley F. Leach, Ron Rhone, Juanita Reyes

School Leadership Review

ABSTRACT

Teacher attrition has been an issue in education for decades, however, post-pandemic, the problem has grown exponentially. Teachers at the high school campus are often particularly difficult to replace because of their specialized areas. Yearly faculty surveys often ask teachers to share their perceptions of their campus, including but not limited to, faculty relationships, administrative decisions, student discipline, and learning and assessment. While teachers’ perceptions of these areas of campus life might be positive or negative, do any of these areas motivate a teacher to leave or to stay? The purpose of this research is to investigate high school …

Bilingual Education Program Type And The Reading Performance Of Emergent Bilingual Children: A Multiyear, Texas Investigation, Clare A. Resilla, John R. Slate

School Leadership Review

In this study, we examined the extent to which Grade 3 reading performance of Emergent Bilingual students differed by bilingual education program type (i.e., Dual Language Two-Way, Dual Language One-Way, Transitional Early Exit, Transitional Late Exit). We specifically analyzed data for three consecutive years (i.e., 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019) of data about their performance in the three reading reporting categories (i.e., Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3) and the three grade level performance measures (i.e., Approaches Grade Level, Meets Grade Level, and Masters Grade Level) before the pandemic. In all 18 analyses, Emergent Bilingual students in the Dual Language …

2024-06-20 Non-Tenure Track Ad Hoc Committee Report, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

A report from the Non-Tenure Track Ad Hoc Committee submitted to the Faculty Senate on June 20, 2024.

2024-06-20 Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Faculty Senate meeting minutes from June 20, 2024.

Perceived Influence Of Artificial Intelligence On Educational Leadership's Decision-Making, Teaching, And Learning Outcomes: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Mousa Fayiz Abduljaber

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand and describe the perceived influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on educational leadership's decision-making, teaching, and learning outcomes as revealed by educational leaders at a group of secondary public schools in the Middle East. The theory guiding this study was the distributed cognition theory, as it shows the dynamics of human cognition and AI cognition, making it possible to understand the perceived influence of AI. As the study reflected on AI’s past, present and, future, the central question that focused on this study is: How do educational leaders perceive the influence …

A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Analysis Of Cross-Race/Cross-Ethnic Academic Advising First-Generation Latina/O Students Attending A Predominantly White Institution, Aisha A. Alvarez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of first-generation Latina/o students with non-Latina/o academic advisors at a Predominantly White Institution, Pink Ivy University. It is important to identify policies and practices for academic advising that can strengthen the relationship between first-generation Latina/o students and non-Latina/o academic advisors. Miller’s relational-cultural theory (RCT) guided this study. RCT was used to shape the sub-research questions and was used to frame the data analysis. First-generation Latina/o students over 18 who have completed at least one full year at the selected PWI and have used the services of their non-Latina/o …

The Persistence Of African American Doctoral Students And Graduates From Or In Stem Programs: A Transcendental Phenomenology Study, Tanisha Johnson Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the persistence efforts for African American doctoral science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students or graduates. The theory guiding this study is Tinto's theory of student departure with a focus on the model of student persistence as it lays the foundation for how students persist to degree completion. The following questions guided this study: What lived experiences have helped African American current doctoral students or graduates persist in a STEM program? What challenges have African American graduate or current doctoral students experienced while completing a STEM degree program? What strategies …

A Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Secondary Teachers And Teacher Retention In Low-Income Schools, Kaila Morris Segres

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological study aimed to understand retention for secondary teachers at high-needs schools. Drawing upon Bandura's cognitive theory, this study examined how self-efficacy and motivation are crucial to secondary teacher retention. Through in-depth interviews with teachers, the research aimed to understand their perspectives and experiences regarding the factors influencing their decision to stay or leave. The study took place at Black River High School. It consisted of purposive sampling, which is a concise approach to generating suitable and practical information from specific kinds of people with minimal resources. The findings shed light on the dynamics between organizational and …

Exploring Land-Grant Institution Partnerships To Better Serve Audiences, Carol A. Roberts, Kenya N. Washington, Alicia Betancourt, Holly Abeels, Dreamal Worthen, Martha Monroe

Journal of Extension

Programs within the Cooperative Extension Service often develop partnerships with other agencies and organizations to better meet their common goals. While there are many benefits of partnerships, they can be challenging when the partners are unequal or have dissimilar needs. Using a survey and interviews with faculty and administrators at two land-grant institutions we explore the similarities and differences that pull and push at their partnership. Recommendations to strengthen partnering opportunities at the institutional and program levels are provided.