Educational Leadership Commons^™

Do Relationships Matter? An Examination Of The Effects Of Teacher-Student Relationships On Performance And Progress In An Alternative High School, Kellie Cook Mclaurin

Theses and Dissertations

The role of the Teacher-Student Relationship (TSR) has been widely recognized in research for its implications on students’ motivation, achievement, well-being in school, behavior, and ultimately, progress toward completing school and graduating (Barile, 2012; Bergeron et all., 2011; Obsuth et al., 2017; Pianta et al., 2012; Rimm-Kaufman & sandilos, 2011; Uslu & Gizir, 2016). Therefore, the impact of TSR are all the more important for teachers of students who have been identified as ‘at-risk’ – having a higher susceptibility of not completing high school due to poor grades or deficient credits to graduate, truancy, disruptive behavior, pregnancy, or similar factors …

The Transitional Journey From Incarceration To A College Degree Through The Lived Experiences Of Women, Marsha Milan-Bethel

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative narrative study shares the lived experiences of formerly incarcerated women, their reintegration into the community, and their journey to and through college. The eight participants span between 25 and 64 years of age, have spent varying lengths of time incarcerated, and are now either in college or recent graduates of both public and private universities. Research indicates that a large majority of incarcerated women come from economically disadvantaged communities, are vocationally unskilled, and have limited access to in-prison postsecondary programs (Mallory, 2011; Western et al., 2015). However, by earning a college credential, women rebuild their sense of self, …

A Qualitative Study On The Experiences Of Women Principals In Catholic Schools: What Can We Learn?, Carmen Z. Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

“Let it be known to all who enter here that Christ is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever-present Teacher in its classes, the model for its children, the inspiration for its staff.” - Anonymous. This study explored the journeys and experiences of women leaders in Catholic secondary schools, focusing on their challenges and successes. The research included six participants who held leadership positions ranging from school principal to regional superintendent and represented diverse ages and perspectives. Using a qualitative approach with a case study framework, the study drew on Ciriello’s (1996) theoretical framework and Uhl’s (2020) systemic …

Voices Of Strength: An Examination Of A School Based Mentorship Program And The Impact On Underrepresented Students, Arlene Martinez

Theses and Dissertations

Marginalized students often feel a greater sense of detachment from their schools in comparison to non-marginalized peers (Bottiani et al., 2017). Mentorship programs provide positive experiences that enhance adolescents’ social, behavioral, and academic development. These programs help disconnected students establish a stronger connection within their school community. This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of four underrepresented high school mentees. The researcher based the theoretical foundation for the study on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of cognitive development (1978) and Rhodes’ theory of mentorship (2005). The data collection process incorporated various methods including observations, interviews, field and reflection notes, personal documents, and …

Student Barriers And Motivators To Bystander Intervention If Witnessing Potential Sexual Violence On College Campuses, Jaquenette G. Lochrie

Theses and Dissertations

Bystander intervention has received increased attention as a potential sexual violence prevention strategy, primarily to address campus sexual assault (McMahon et al., 2017). Shifting the focus from potential victims and perpetrators, the bystander approach engages all members of a campus community to act by increasing positive attitudes and behaviors related to sexual violence and greater willingness to intervene in pro-social ways. This study examined associations between college students’ bystander intervention behavior and three key factors: (a) perceived self-efficacy, (b) a sense of responsibility to act, and (c) the relationship between the student bystander and the victim or perpetrator. The researcher …

Girl Power: How Can School Counselors Empower Female Students To Study Stem-Related Majors In College And Beyond?, Carly Bank

Theses and Dissertations

There is a gender gap among females studying STEM ( Technology, Engineering and Math) majors and pursuing STEM careers. More males than females pursue these majors and careers. This study explore d how high school counselors influence the choices of STEM majors for female students. The researcher explored the perspectives of seven experienced high school counselors who work with students on college exploration and career planning activities in this multi case study. The processes these counselors apply when working with female students and improving these practices so school counselors can better support their students was examined. Key findings of this …

An Assessment Of The Utilization Of The National Opportunity To Learn Standards In Middle-Level Music Education, Taylor Brooke Browning

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this research was to gain the music educators’ perspectives on the implementation of the 2020 National Opportunity to Learn Standards in West Virginia’s public middle school general music programs. A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized to gather music educators’ perceptions of whether music programs in West Virginia are providing curricula aligned with the National Opportunity to Learn Standards. Through a combination of convenience and snowball sampling, 20 West Virginia public middle school general music educators were identified, and one-on-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Findings indicate a majority of the music programs were somewhat aligned with the National …

A Comparative Study On Parent Engagement Through The Lens Of Instrumental Music, Chad Altman

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Lowel Mason highlights the importance of integrating music learning into the curriculum alongside other fundamental skills such as reading, promoting his belief in the transformative power of music education and its impact on child development. Mason stated, “Children must be taught music as they are taught to read” (Pemberton, 1992). The benefits of music extend beyond mere enjoyment among children, as they actively participate in class by singing, dancing, and playing instruments. The arts offer cognitive benefits that extend beyond student engagement, and researchers continue to explore the association between music and academic achievement. Participating in a string orchestra or …

University Presidential Update- January 2024, Academic Affairs

University Updates & Communications from the University President

This is an Otterbein University presidential update to the staff and faculty, informing them on changes to campus.

Positionality In The Politics Of Education: Mapping The Strategies And Constraints Of Education Reformers, Jose Eos R. Trinidad

Interdisciplinary Studies Faculty Publications

The success and failure of education reform policies often depend on the strategies of reformers. This article suggests a framework to understand the positionality of reformers, as they vary in their strategy (i.e., technical vs. relational) and focus for change (i.e., process- vs. outcomes-focused). Using the case of individuals who initiated new data systems in Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City, the study discusses four groups of reformers: Engineers privilege efficient technical fixes that may be resisted by people on the ground. Capacity-builders focus on empowering schools but may lead to variable successes. Framers research and disseminate ideas to reframe …

Women In Leadership Positions In Higher Education: Challenges, Opportunities, And Strategies For Success, Maria Bowen

M.S. in Leadership

This research project is aimed to identify the challenges and barriers women face in higher education while striving to obtain leadership positions and provide possible solutions to resolve the gender gaps found in higher education’s leadership. A literature review was conducted, which informed questions that were asked in an interview setting. Interviews were conducted with leaders that identify as women in higher education and sought to provide personalized accounts of the researched trends. Ultimately, despite higher education being perceived as a progressive industry and having legislature in place to combat gender disparities, leadership positions are not reflective of gender distribution …

School Monitors: A Quantitative Study On The Support Needed For These Professionals, Sara Goldberg

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Minimal research has been focused on the role of school monitors in the public-school setting. This study explored the perspectives of school monitors on preparation, training, communication, and feedback. The study looked to examine if these aspects contribute to the overall role of school monitors and to identify specific areas where they require guidance and support to assist students throughout their day. Additionally, the study determined if schools who use a social emotional curriculum have school monitors who feel more supported in their role. Preparation, support, communication, and feedback was investigated using a 27 statement Likert-scale survey and three open-ended …

Transformational Leadership Behaviors Of Department Leaders As A Predictor Of Collective Teacher Efficacy, Jason Stanton

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

Researchers generally credit Albert Bandura for providing the theoretical framework for studying collective teacher efficacy. Research shows that principals using transformational leadership behaviors significantly impact collective teacher efficacy. Policies, such as Every Student Succeeds Act, increasingly put pressure on school districts to improve student achievement or lose funding. Supporting literature and research shows that improving collective teacher efficacy improves student performance regardless of student socioeconomic status. Therefore, a department leader’s ability to increase collective teacher efficacy amongst staff directly influences the student achievement within their school district. This researcher investigated the relationship between transformational leader behaviors of department leaders and …

A Statewide Study Of Secondary Cte Policies, Practices, And Procedures, Avery D. Anderson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions of selected CTE directors regarding policies, practices, and procedures in West Virginia. Specific CTE components investigated included philosophy and rationale, structure, curricula, partnerships, evaluation, challenges, and future goals. Purposeful and snowball sampling were used to select study participants (N=20) who were active CTE directors in West Virginia. Participants had to possess at least one year of experience as a CTE administrator in their current position to be eligible for the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the 20 directors to gather their perspective regarding CTE policies, practices, and procedures. …

The Impact Of Perceived Job Satisfaction, Motivational Attitudes, And Organizational Commitment: A Comparative Analysis Between Special Education Teachers Employed In Public Versus Private Schools, David Haimovich

Theses and Dissertations

During and after the Covid-19 pandemic, a high turnover rate of PreK-12 special education teachers continues to persist. To ensure all students with disabilities receive equitable access to a special education teacher, turnover intentions among private school teachers require further insight due to a long-standing gap in research. Using the theoretical frameworks of Herzberg’s (1959) Two-Factor Theory and Meyer & Allen’s (1997) Three-Component Model of Commitment, this non-experimental correlational study examined the influence of six demographic factors related to teachers’ perceptions of job satisfaction, motivational attitudes, and organizational commitment among special education teachers employed in PreK-12 suburban schools in the …

Leveling The Playing Field: Covid-19’S Impact On Interscholastic Athletic Participation In New York State Public Schools: An Ex Post Facto Analysis Of District Demographics And Sport, Justin T. Cobis

Theses and Dissertations

Each year in New York state, tens of thousands of student-athletes participate in interscholastic athletics on over 15,000 public school teams. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interscholastic athletic participation rates in New York state public schools and their relationship to school districts’ demographics, including percentage of non-White students, percentage of economically disadvantaged students, total enrollment, and graduation rates. The sample consisted of 218 public school districts located throughout New York state, with approximately 20 participant districts from each of the 11 New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s governing …

An Examination Of The Cultural Competencies And Practices Of Preservice Teachers Enrolled In Nonurban Alternative Teacher Preparation Programs, Terrie L. Gyles

Theses and Dissertations

The critical shortage of qualified teachers in hard to staff urban schools has been a persistent issue in the U.S. for decades. Teachers and researchers have pointed to the inadequacy of teacher preparation programs to prepare teacher candidates to address the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students and special education students as the catalyst of the teacher shortage in urban schools. Urban school systems, like the New York City Department of Education, have had success in filling their teacher shortages through alternative teacher certification programs. Through these programs, teacher candidates are given a preservice teacher preparation that incorporates three …

The Experiences Of Formerly Incarcerated Black Male Students At A Northeast Community College, Ashtian C. Holmes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological inquiry is to understand the experiences of formerly incarcerated Black male students who attend a Northeast urban community college and the unique barriers they encounter while navigating the institution. The United States imprisons more people than any country in the world, and Black men are disproportionately overrepresented in the United States criminal legal system. At the same time, Black men, are severely underrepresented in higher education and lag behind their White and female counterparts in nearly all indicators of collegiate success, including enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. Formerly incarcerated individuals face unique and substantial barriers …

The Impact Of Catholic Education On Non-Catholic Chinese Immigrant Students, Huifu Hou

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated teachers’ and parents’ perspectives on the impact of Catholic education on non-Catholic Chinese immigrant students. The research attempted to answer three questions: How did teachers and parents perceive the impact of Catholic education on non-Catholic Chinese immigrant students’ academic achievement? How did teachers and parents perceive the impact of Catholic education on non-Catholic Chinese immigrant students’ personal moral values? And what are non-Catholic immigrant parents’ perceptions of Catholic education? The study is framed by moral development (Kohlberg & Hersh, 1977) and sensemaking (Weick, 1995) two frameworks. The methodology chosen for the research was a single case study, …

Is Proximity Enough? A Case Study Examining A College Access Program On The Grounds Of Public Housing On The West Coast, Nicole S. Berry

Theses and Dissertations

The issue of college access for students from low-income communities has been a longstanding challenge in American higher education. Despite numerous efforts to address the gaps in college attendance and graduation rates between students from low-income and more affluent communities, the problem remains present. This has led to a need for an in-depth analysis of college access programming explicitly tailored to low-income communities, particularly those residing in public housing authorities. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD, 2016) has recognized this need by funding and piloting college access programs in several public housing authorities around the United States. These …

The Journey Of Dominican Women As Administrative Leaders In U.S. Higher Education, Kelba M. Sosa

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative narrative study delved into the experiences and journeys of Dominican women ascending to administrative leadership positions within U.S. higher education institutions. The main purpose was to explore the challenges and successes encountered by these women, addressing the identified issue of their underrepresentation in such roles. Participants, comprising 13 Dominican women, held positions ranging from Directors and Faculty/Professors to Vice Presidents, Chiefs of Staff, and Presidents. Their ages spanned from 45 to 75, representing a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. The research methodology embraced a qualitative approach with a narrative design, aligning with the study's theoretical framework rooted …

The Personal Journey Of Individuals Self-Disclosing Their Disability Status Within An Urban Postsecondary Environment, Nelson Carrillo

Theses and Dissertations

A qualitative narrative study was conducted on the personal journey of individuals self-disclosing their disability status within an urban postsecondary environment. The study was intended to uncover the personal journey of students with disabilities self-disclosing their disability status within an urban postsecondary environment. Through semi-structured interviews and targeted journal responses, it explored the students’ lived experiences of seeking out and using accommodations and the students’ perceptions of faculty members’ use of universal design for instruction and universal design for learning. The findings demonstrated that a community-based institution that values diversity among professors, faculty members, and students is an environment that …

Hospitality In The Christian School Enrollment Process: How Theology And Theory Inform Professional Practice, Lane Rice

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Hospitality is an ever-growing area of academic inquiry. While some studies relating hospitality theory to the education field exist, there is a gap in the literature at the intersection point of hospitality theory and private Christian school enrollment practices. This case study seeks to explore the relationship between three theories emerging in hospitality research - social exchange theory, social identity theory, and the commitment trust theory of relationship marketing - and the theological and pragmatic guidelines for private Christian school enrollment offices.

The study related the three hospitality theories to philosophical/theological and pragmatic considerations through the literature review. Data regarding …

Educators’ Beliefs About Using Academic Acceleration With Gifted Math Students And Others: Barriers And Opportunities, Jason Gorgia

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examined the perceptions of educators (i.e., math teachers, administrators, and others) for insight into the absence of acceleration as a common pedagogical strategy in mathematics, despite longstanding research supporting the practice for students gifted in math and the interest frequently articulated by policymakers and educators in boosting American K-12 students’ math achievement. Educators from 48 states responded to scale-based and open-ended questions about math acceleration through an online survey where 713 of 818 respondents were teachers, balanced almost evenly among elementary, middle, and high schools, and among urban, suburban, and rural settings. The responses of teachers and non-teaching …

Educator Perceptions Of Appropriate Social Media Practices, Amanda Hope Preece

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this qualitative pilot study was to investigate the perceptions of educators regarding appropriate social media practices. Specific elements of appropriate social media use by teachers investigated include understanding of acceptable use policies and freedom of speech, the relationship between social media and professional development, and best practices for educators concerning their social media usage. Purposeful, convenience, and snowball sampling were used to select study participants. Study participants (N=24) were preservice teachers completing student teaching or mentor teachers for Marshall University College of Education and Professional Development. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 teacher candidates and 12 mentor …

An Exploration Of Teacher Perception And Practices Of Using Assessment Data To Improve Achievement Of Equity Student Groups, Laurie Mazelin

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

While utilizing assessment data has been a pervasive practice in educational reform for decades, and teachers are expected to use assessment data to improve instruction, little is known about how the practice of requiring teachers to review test data affects their perception of effectiveness in addressing the learning gaps of student groups. This qualitative phenomenological research study used open-ended, semi-structured interviews to help better understand how the expectations of teachers analyzing and integrating assessment data translates into teacher instructional practice and self-efficacy. This study aimed to explore the shared experience of teachers required to participate in collaborative planning centered on …

Elementary School Administrators’ Preparedness In The Area Of Special Education Leadership: Implications For School Administrative Preparation Programs, Jeanette E. Wojcik

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

This study explores the perceived preparedness of elementary school building leaders in special education leadership and its implications for school administrative preparation programs. This study aimed to address this problem by examining two research questions. The first was to investigate course offerings in administrative preparation programs in New York State (NYS) to better understand how many special education-specific classes are included in such programs. The second research question was to explore the extent to which public elementary school building leaders in Long Island, New York perceive their preparedness for managing special education issues related to their professional duties, staff, and …

Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Special Education Teachers Tasked With Ensuring Parental Involvement In Special Education Processes, Dharmisha Tailor Narayanan

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004) mandates parental participation in special education processes, yet families, especially culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) families, often face obstacles in their active involvement as an equal team member in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Although there has been research on identifying the barriers families face in their active involvement in their child’s special education programming, little has been done to understand the impediments teachers face in alleviating this problem and adequately enforcing parents’ rights within special education processes. This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of special education teachers responsible for implementing …

The Experiences Of Hmong American Parents And Guardians Who Navigate The U.S. Public School System Through Hmong American Charter Schools, Lee Thao

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the experiences of Hmong American parents who navigate the U.S. public school system through Hmong American charter schools. The purpose of this study was to determine the successes and challenges, as defined and described by Hmong American parents, in the hope of creating a positive and effective educational experience for Hmong families. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was selected to gather the narrative and provide a comprehensive understanding of the parents’ experiences. Through purposive sampling and snowball sampling, 10 Hmong American parents were interviewed for this study. Through the process of verification and credibility and analytical coding, …

From Teacher Attrition To Teacher Retention: The Role Of School Principals, Karen Balmer

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study explored the role of school principals as an intervention to the teacher shortage crisis in the United States. The shortage of teachers is not a new topic in public policy and research; however, the strategies set forth in prior literature have not yielded substantive change to this stubborn problem. Using data from the 2020–2021 National Teacher and Principal Survey, this study analyzed the relationship between the perceptions of early career teachers (within the first 5 years of teaching) about behaviors of their school principals and these teachers’ intentions to remain in the teaching profession. Specifically, this study …