Educational Leadership Commons^™

A Phenomenological Multi-Case Study Of Perceptions Of Older Adults’ Loneliness During Covid-19 Within Selected Online Churches, Bethney Wright Sikes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological multi-case study was to understand the perceptions of older adults regarding their feelings of loneliness related to the lockdown during COVID-19 and to discover if online church platforms for the older adult Christian population at Crosspoint Church in Niceville, Florida, Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas, and Community Life Church in Gulf Breeze, Florida, minimized those feelings of loneliness which may have caused mental, physical, and emotional concerns. Isolation from the church body was generally defined as nonattendance via traditional means or online platforms. The theory guiding this study was Lev Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development. …

Perceptions Of Principal Leadership Skills And Knowledge Necessary To Impact Student Achievement, Ezra Jonah Greene

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem is that secondary school students within an education system in a small island Caribbean state are not performing at the required academic standard. The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions of the Ministry of Education and Public Service Commission regarding the recruitment and selection of prospective principals with the leadership skills and knowledge necessary to positively impact student achievement within a local education system. The conceptual framework was guided by principles embedded in Dickinson’s recruitment and selection model. The research question asked how the Ministry of Education and the Public Service Commission perceived the selection …

High School Students’ Expulsion Reintegration Following Alternative School: A Phenomenological Study, Michael Eric Zellous

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was used to understand the lived experience of ninth through twelfth-grade high school expelled students and their perception of support when returning to their home campus in "Pecan Canyon School District" (a pseudonym). This qualitative study examined existing research on exclusionary discipline and documents the expulsion and reentry processes the students faced when leaving and returning to their home campuses. The research, deeply rooted in Moustakas's approach to transcendental phenomenology, has produced a description text of life. Transcendental phenomenology is an attitude of approaching lived experience. Short-term expulsion was the removal of students …

Phenomenological Study On Adaptive Leadership During Times Of Great Change And Opportunity As Perceived By California Public School Superintendents In Los Angeles County School Districts, Darrin Deknikker

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify and describe strategies used by superintendents of California public school districts in Los Angeles County to build an adaptive capacity based on the five key characteristics of adaptive leadership by Heifetz et al. (2009).

Methodology: This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of superintendents serving in public school districts in Los Angeles County. Purposeful, convenience sampling was used to identify 10 participants who met the study’s criteria. The semi-structured, open-ended interview protocol was developed by a thematic research team of nine peer researchers and three faculty advisors. Data collected from …

Making Ai Work: Tools For Schools And Classrooms, Scott Matz, Tracy Driehaus

Education Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Informal Teacher Leadership And Social Networks On Teacher Self-Efficacy In Rural Schools, Cassandra Doty

Ed.D. Dissertations

The number of formal teacher leadership roles, notably as instructional coaches and Professional Learning Community leaders, continued to increase. Rural school districts needed to improve their ability to create these roles. Additionally, researchers indicated many teachers preferred to avoid working with formal teacher leaders. The purpose of this basic, interpretive, qualitative study was to examine informal teacher leadership within the confines of social networks in rural schools and the influence of informal teacher leadership on the self-efficacy of other teachers when implementing instructional strategies. I utilized a questionnaire and snowball sampling, which led to 10 participants to gain insight into …

Personal Disruption Strategies Used By Latina Superintendents For Career Advancement, Dina Hernandez

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this explanatory mixed methods study was to identify and describe the perceived impact of Johnson and Mohr’s (2013) five disruptive career skills on Latina superintendents’ advancement to an executive leadership position.

Methodology: Using an explanatory mixed methods approach, this research studied the experiences of eight Latina superintendents in California. Data was gathered through a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Quantitative data involved collecting responses and calculating mean scores, while qualitative data was gathered through semi structured interviews. Combining quantitative and qualitative data allowed for an in-depth evaluation and the development of themes from survey …

Leadership Reflections Of The Pandemic: Perceptions From Aspiring Assistant Principals, Terrance Mcneil, Trinetia Respress, Soala Dede, Jenna Lehman

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

The initial COVID-19 outbreak within the United States necessitated the implementation of rapid safety measures, prompting educational leadership to establish unprecedented protocols. In the spring of 2020, schools throughout Tennessee closed for in-person learning before re-opening with new protocols in the fall. The purpose of this study was to gain insight from Tennessee educators about the challenges they faced because of these educational protocols enacted by leadership. The study employed a phenomenological qualitative design. The study sample was comprised of ten educators enrolled in the Tennessee Department of Education's Aspiring Assistant Principal Network. The data were collected using open-ended interview …

Best Practices And Perceptions Of Elementary Administrators To Address The Underrecognition Of Culturally, Linguistically, And Economically Diverse Students In Gifted And Talented Education Programs, Marson S. Richardson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Conversations: Matthew A Witenstein With Gerardo L. Blanco, Matthew A. Witenstein, Gerardo Blanco

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

For this issue’s Conversation, Matthew Witenstein speaks with Dr. Gerardo L. Blanco, Associate Professor of Higher Education and Academic Director of the Center for International Higher Education, both positions at Boston College. The conversation was recorded via Zoom on December 7, 2023. Excerpts from the compelling conversation are included here for brevity. We thank Dr. Blanco for his insights that offer our DIME audience keen insights that can impact our research, practice and policy work.

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

Bulldog Alumni & Friends News

February 15 &16 - SWOSU Jazz Festival, www.SWOSUJazz.com

March 8 - SWOSU Palooza

March 10-15 - SWOSU Giving Week

March 18-22 - Spring Break

April 5 - Friends of Crowder Lake Dinner & North Family Endowed Lecture

April 6 - Crowder Lake Opening Day

April 15 - Dobson Bulldog Golf Classic

May 10 - Distinguished Alumni Reception

May 11 - Spring Graduation

Teacher, Student Support Staff, And School Leader Perceptions About Utilizing A Block Of Time Daily To Meet The Academic, Social-Emotional, And Behavioral Needs Of Students, Olivia P. Cammon-Stevenson

Student Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study aimed to explore school practitioners' perceptions regarding the allocation of time during the school day to address the overall needs of high school students. The Researcher utilized Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Needs and the Whole Child Approach to show the need for a holistic approach to support and intervention. The MTSS framework applied in this study illustrated the benefits of using a tiered approach. The lack of information on successful research-based models and school practitioner voice for high school intervention blocks is a problem. Three questions framed this study: What are the perceptions of teachers, school …

The Use And Impact Of Strategic Planning In Nebraska Public Schools, Jodi A. Frager

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

In the landscape of modern education, the role of a superintendent has become increasingly complex, marked by demands for higher student achievement and round-the-clock communication. This complexity, underscored by technological advancements and evolving accountability measures, underscores the criticality of strategic planning for school districts. This dissertation aims to explore the relationship between superintendent engagement with strategic planning and student outcomes, particularly focusing on high school graduation rates and ACT scores in Nebraska public schools. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as Systems Theory, the study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing surveys administered to superintendents alongside publicly available archival data on graduation …

2024-02-01 Faculty Senate Newsletter, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Faculty Senate newsletter from February 1, 2024.

2024-02-01 Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Faculty Senate meeting minutes from February 1, 2024.

2024-02-01 Amendments Document To Employee Benefits Committee Comments Document, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Amendments document to the Employee Benefits Committee comments document, submitted to the Faculty Senate on February 1, 2024.

2024-02-01 Employee Benefits Committee Revisal Draft, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Revisal draft to the Employee Benefits Committee charter submitted to the Faculty Senate on February 1, 2024.

2024-02-01 Comments Document To Employee Benefits Committee Draft, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Comments document to the Employee Benefits Committee draft submitted to the Faculty Senate on February 1, 2024.

2024 Legislation Introduced In The Kentucky State Legislature, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Legislation introduced in the 2024 Kentucky State legislative session that affects higher education. Presented to the faculty senate on February 1, 2024.

Principal Perceptions On The Digital Divide, Equity, And Learning Barriers During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kristina Ana Chittick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Transforming Arkansas Schools: Leadership Practices To Promote The Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities, Amanda K. Goddard

Student Theses and Dissertations

The education of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment is mandated by law and supported by empirical research. Yet systems of segregation persist and, in Arkansas, at rates higher than the national average. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to examine the practices of successful inclusion-focused leaders and to determine how their approach to inclusion was consistent with Transformational Leadership theory. Leader utilization of occupational therapy practitioners in inclusion initiatives was investigated. Data was collected from three leaders of schools in Arkansas committed to inclusive education. The findings revealed that creating inclusive culture and building …

Retention Of Female Sophomore Students Who Participate In Recreational And Wellness Program, Angie Jane Reay

Student Theses and Dissertations

The study evaluated the relationship between female sophomore students' participation in campus recreational sports, retention at the university, and graduation rates. The purpose is to identify the potential influence of participation in recreational activities on persistence toward graduation. Alexander Astin’s Theory of Student Involvement and Vincent Tinto’s Theory of Student Departure provide the theoretical framework to show the importance of student involvement in higher education. The quantitative binary logistics regression explored the relationship in variables (Creswell & Creswell, 2018) between female sophomore students participating in recreational sports and those not participating. The finding revealed evidence that supports Astin’s and Tinto’s …

Educator Perceptions Of Secondary Students’ Pleasure Reading: Obstacles And Motivation, Andrew Mark Brunner

Student Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate high school educators’ perspectives on obstacles and motivational factors to student pleasure reading. The study explains aspects of students' desires to read as a pleasure activity along with which aspects serve as obstacles to pleasure reading as perceived by English teachers and librarians. Through a narrative design, this study collected qualitative data by interviewing seven high school English teachers and five high school librarians regarding their experiences working with student readers. The data collected revealed themes as to what educators perceive to be the greatest obstacles to student pleasure reading and what …

Ineffective School Leadership: Teachers Weigh-In, Jerry Burkett, Sonya D. Hayes

School Leadership Review

Effective school leaders are essential to the success of the school environment. Teachers have left schools due to poor and ineffective campus leadership, but often do not report the reasons why they left or do not have a safe mechanism in place to support their claims and drive campus change. The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand the perceptions of teachers who work in elementary, middle, and high schools in Texas on the qualities of ineffective principals and how these qualities affect teacher retention. Respondents in an open-ended survey reported that ineffective principals lacked character, professionalism, and ethics; …

2024-01-26 University Graduate Committee Meeting Minutes, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate., University Graduate Committee.

Faculty Senate Records

Meeting minutes from the University Graduate Committee from January 26, 2024.

The Power Of Spiritual Leadership In The Rite Of Christian Initiation Of Adults, Stefanie Mingari

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

Executive Summary Faith and spirituality are becoming increasingly sought-after anchors in mounting challenges in the contemporary world. The need for effective leadership, spiritual guidance, and mentorship have become more pivotal. Evidence also suggests that spiritual leadership values and practices are related to leadership effectiveness and encompass the behaviors needed to motivate oneself, satisfy spiritual well-being, and positively influence others within that organization. However, more research has yet to explore how spirituality affects leadership behavior and action in faith-based programs such as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This study explored the lived experiences of RCIA leaders and participants …

Student And Principal Perceptions On Social Pedagogy For Immigrant Students, Jennifer Shure

Student Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study explored the perceptions of immigrant students, regarding social pedagogical praxis within the United States’ education system. In parallel, it investigated the viewpoints of school principals concerning the implementation of social pedagogy. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted to address the following research questions: 1. What perceptions do students have concerning the dimensions of social pedagogy? 2. What are the perceptions of principals toward implementing a mobilizing social pedagogical praxis? a. What roadblocks do principals experience concerning social pedagogy? b. What benefits of social pedagogy do principals perceive? Findings highlight several key insights. Immigrant students express a …

Family Engagement: Barriers, Perceptions, And Responsibilities, Carla Jean Singleton Narlesky

Student Theses and Dissertations

Twenty years of research report that family engagement makes a difference in student achievement and well-being. However, most of that research was conducted in urban and suburban settings. Therefore, there is a vital need to explore family engagement in rural settings. This study focused on that. The purpose of this quantitative correlation study was to discover the barriers rural families face when engaging with their child’s school while understanding their perceptions, roles, and responsibilities towards establishing and creating a reciprocal family engagement partnership. Using Bronfenbrenner’s’ ecological systems theory, research was conducted focusing on the first layer, microsystem. Approximately 120 participants …

Investigation Into The Influences Of Emotional Intelligence And Cultural Intelligence On Students’ Public-School Experiences, Rania Maalouf

Student Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to develop an understanding of how students’ Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Cultural Intelligence (CQ) influence their communication with teachers and peers. This investigation is rooted in Daniel Goleman’s Theory of Emotional Intelligence and Christopher Earley’s work on Cultural Intelligence. Responses from one-on-one interviews with five teachers were analyzed for qualitative data. The analysis led to eleven emerging themes. The findings indicate that students’ EQ and CQ can influence students’ communications with peers and teachers. When students possess EQ skills such as naming emotions, recognizing others’ emotions, and responding appropriately to those emotions their …

School-To-Prison Pipeline: The Importance Of Teachers’ And Administrators’ Perceptions Of Their Social Bonds With Students, Garrett Whitley

Student Theses and Dissertations

The increasing trend of Black and minority students being channeled from classrooms into the juvenile and criminal justice systems, known as the school-to-prison pipeline, presents a pressing concern in the U.S. educational landscape. This study sought to address the gap in understanding the perceptions of teachers and administrators regarding effective strategies to foster social bonds, which could deter students from this pipeline. Drawing from Hirschi’s social control theory, the research emphasized the importance of attachment between students and the educational system in preventing delinquent behaviors. Utilizing a qualitative narrative approach, this study explored the lived experiences of six administrators and …