Educational Leadership Commons^™

Where’S My Teacher? Factors Influencing Teacher Retention/Attrition In A Post-Covid Landscape, Kyle Robinson

CGU Theses & Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event in modern educational history that resulted in a dramatic upheaval of the traditional school system. The shift from brick-and-mortar to virtual instruction resulted in profound anxiety and demand (Kush et al., 2021). As the quarantine ended, the return to the physical classroom brought with it new, unanticipated stressors such as COVID-19 safety protocols, shifts in student behavior, and pronounced learning gaps from virtual instruction. Coupled with existing tensions, many educators who had previously identified as career teachers became “likely pandemic leavers” as they departed the profession (Steiner, 2021). While there is ample research …

Black Principals’ Navigation Of Politically Conservative Challenges To Public School Curricula: Effects On Administrator Attrition, Hamisi Tarrant

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This qualitative study explored the experiences and perceptions of Black principals regarding the influence of politically conservative efforts on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives; critical race theory (CRT); and curriculum related to slavery in K–12 schools. The study was grounded in the increasing politicization of education, particularly as it pertained to race and identity, and examined how Black school leaders navigate these pressures. A review of the literature revealed the persistent challenges faced by Black principals, including racial discrimination, professional isolation, and a lack of support systems, compounded by the rise of conservative ideologies in education. The research sought …

Responding To Disruptive Behaviors In The Classroom, Tatum Bernet

ENGS 15.11: Design and Education

This lesson is designed to prepare Teaching Assistants to effectively respond to disruptive behaviors in the classroom with a 3-step evidence-based framework. It is centered around the overarching idea that all behaviors are a form of communication. The role of an educator is to create an environment that supports learning for all types of students and to teach children how to appropriately communicate their emotions/needs. The 3-step Behavioral Support framework is as follows: 1) Identify behavior 2) Identify the why 3) Identify intervention.

The Impact Of Principal Leadership On Student Achievement Outcomes In K-12 Education, Crystal Valentine-Lindsay

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative scholarly research study was to ascertain to what extent a principal’s leadership contributes to an increase in student achievement outcomes in K-12 education in New York City. The study used the Learning Environment Survey from 2021 and English Language Arts testing data from 2018 for third, fourth, and fifth grades. Two research questions guided this study. First, what are the factors of principal leadership that emerge from the Learning Environment Survey? Second, to what extent do these factors, as a proxy for principal leadership, have an influence on student achievement outcomes, in K-12 education? Four …

Vcu Health & Wellness Fair, Aamir Khan, Lexie Lewis, Abby Matulewicz, Fahim Thawer, Hannah Turazzo, Malorie Burkett

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute Publications

This project proposes the creation of a VCU Health and Wellness Fair, in partnership with both academic campuses, VCUHS, and local community organizations. With over ten health science degree programs available at VCU, our institution is well-positioned to lead a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing community health and well-being. By leveraging the expertise of our students and faculty, we aim to address key health concerns and promote preventative healthcare and wellness practices.

Understanding The Virginia Literacy Act, Candace Bechtold, Kimberly Bridges, David Naff, Joan A. Rhodes, Valerie Robnolt, Tara Davison, Suzanne Alexandre, Michael Crusco, Karli Johansen, Amber Butler, Allison Yandle, Jennifer Askue-Collins, Jean Samuel, Sharrie Merritte, Regina Frazier

MERC Publications

This research and policy brief from the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) offers an overview of the Virginia Literacy Act. It is structured to explore the following questions: 1) What are the recent trends in reading achievement in Virginia? 2) What are the policy implications of the VLA for Virginia school divisions? 3) What does the research say about Science of Reading (SoR)? 4) What core instructional programs are approved to meet the VLA? It concludes with a series of key takeaways and recommendations.

Click here to listen to our podcast episode on the Virginia Literacy Act and click here …

Promoting Civil Discourse In The Honors Forum Through Argument Mapping And Systematic Empathy, Sean Michael Cassidy

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study investigated the impact that co-curricular programming delivered by the University Honors Program (UHP) at North Carolina State University through the Honors Forum course had on first-year students’ self-reported knowledge of civil discourse, their assessment of its importance and impact, and their evaluation of their commitment to the skills and values related to it. The Honors Forum is designed to help students develop a broad worldview by exposing them to lectures by scholars and public figures, panel discussions about contemporary societal debates, peer-facilitated discussions about books, films, and current events, and conversations with faculty and UHP graduates. This project …

Teacher Self-Efficacy In The Wake Of Natural Disaster, Megan L. Mccleskey

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations - Archive

This study examines teacher self-efficacy after natural disasters, analyzing qualitative data from 10 high school educators from urban, suburban, and rural areas. Using qualitative methodology, interviews were conducted to investigate the impact of natural disasters on teachers’ professional confidence. Findings suggest that natural disasters influence teachers’ self-efficacy, affecting instructional planning and relationship building with students, colleagues, and administrators. This research contributes to understanding how educational institutions can better support teachers in crisis, offering actionable recommendations for professional development and administrative support.

Social-Emotional Learning In High School: How High Schools Engage, Educate, And Empower Youth, Jessica L. Atkins

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations - Archive

In recent decades, the mental health needs of youth have increased, as has interest in social-emotional learning (SEL) in K-12 schools. SEL instruction has been proposed as a way to meet these growing needs while schools struggle with shortages of school-based mental health professionals. While extensive research has been conducted regarding SEL, the majority of these studies have focused on structured programs in preschool and elementary-level populations. As a result, students at the secondary level, particularly those in high school, have received limited attention. In this dissertation, I present my research that explores SEL at the high school level.

This …

Behind The Scenes: Instructional Coaches’ Perceptions Of Curriculum Leadership Development, Cora C. Garner

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations - Archive

Since the 20th century, instructional coaching has influenced curricular and pedagogical practices that impact student achievement in K-12 schools; however, the existing literature provides minimal evidence of their experiences in curriculum leadership development. To fill the research gap, this study explores instructional coaches’ perceptions of their professional learning related to curriculum development and leadership. The research questions included (1) How do ICs perceive professional learning opportunities for curriculum leadership? and (2) How do instructional coaches describe the development of their curriculum coaching knowledge and practices? Upon applying the conceptual framework, which included the Saylor et al. (1981) curriculum development model …

Association Between Workplace Training Design And Student Experience, Jonmichael M. Mcburnett

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations - Archive

ABC (pseudonym) developed the Design Quality Checklist (DQC), so the organization could adopt a set of quality standards for workplace training courses to improve student experience of training. However, the organization cannot determine if the instructional quality criteria that comprise the DQC were developed using rigorous, evidence-based methods for instrument construction unless there is some alignment between the DQC tool and the student experience ratings of workplace training. This study aims to examine the relationship between student experience outcomes in professional development training courses and the DQC instrument used to evaluate them, as to validate the usefulness of the DQC …

"I'M That Girl": Exploring Black Women College Students’ Identity Expression And Hip-Hop, Fallan S. Frank

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dissertations - Archive

Despite the expansion of the literature on Black women in college student identity development, there is little understanding of how Black college women express their identity and what influences the expression of their multiple identities. This study focuses on understanding to what extent the significant cultural influence of Hip-Hop influences Black women college students’ expression of their multiple identities within the various college environments. As Hip-Hop culture increasingly becomes significant within contemporary college student life, it is more critical than ever to understand its impact on Black college women’s identity expression and lived experiences as they navigate college. Thus, in …

The Narrative Journeys Of Women Of Color High-Level Educational Leaders, Alyda R. Mir

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Although their numbers are growing in the field of education, women of color are highly underrepresented in high-level leadership positions such as superintendent of schools. The purpose of this narrative research study was to explore the experiences, facilitators, and barriers of 20 women of color high-level educational leaders, including district superintendents and assistant/associate superintendents in California. Framed by the concepts of the Leadership Labyrinth, Critical Race Theory, and Intersectionality Theory, this study aimed to elevate the voices of a marginalized group of educators who earned high-level leadership positions in public educational organizations. This study shed light on the experiences, trajectories, …

Twenty First Century Principal Leadership, Shannon R. Goodacre

Dissertations

With the shifts and newly evolving complexities of the 21st century, the significance of what is needed from a successful school principal has reached a critical point. Today, one of the most vital roles of an effective principal is to, "Create a climate hospitable to education so that safety, a cooperative spirit, and other foundations of fruitful interactions prevail" (Foundation, 2013, p. 6). Therefore, the present study, using a constructivist research approach to conduct a phenomenological study, strove to understand a phenomenon, in this case, the phenomenon of leadership as it is practiced by high school principals (Adom, 2016). This …

Up For The Challenge? A Phenomenology Of Secondary English Teachers' Text Selection Experiences, Selene S. Mcalister

Dissertations

This study sought to describe secondary English teachers’ experiences with text selection. Its first aim was to determine how secondary English teachers perceive the use of young adult literature (YAL) with adolescent students. The study also details factors that influenced teachers’ text selections. Finally, the study describes how teachers’ perceptions of administrative support influenced their self-efficacy.

The study was conducted using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), a qualitative research method that employs in-depth, semi-structured interviews to develop descriptions of participants’ experiences. Participants included six secondary English teachers from a school district in the southeast United States. Teachers completed a survey about …

Changes In Values And Perception Of Life: Natural Disaster Devastates A Mountain Community, Sharifullah Baig, Abida Begum

Professional Development Centre, Gilgit

The mountain communities of Karakorum and the Himalayas in Pakistan are frequently experiencing climate change-induced natural disasters, which are inflicting irreparable losses to their generation's old value system and socio-economic life. Focusing on the value system, this small-scale study explored the change in values and perceptions of a disaster-affected mountain community about natural hazards and its implications for their future lives. Twenty participants from the affected community, including local political activists, religious leaders, teachers, and youth activists, were thoroughly interviewed. The study explored significant deviations from their traditional values of connectedness to each other and with their ancestors' land. The …

Online Education And Lessons Learned In K-12 Urban Schools During The Pandemic Era: A Three-Article Study On Students’ Views, Principals’ Views, And Factors Impacting Student Achievement, Michael Kuran

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional K-12 education worldwide, forcing a rapid shift to emergency remote teaching and learning. This dissertation utilizes a three-article approach and investigates the multifaceted impact of the pandemic on urban charter high school students and their principals in under-resourced communities. The first article employs the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework to explore the relationships between social presence, engagement, and achievement of students in asynchronous online classes during the pandemic. The second article, framed by Transactional Distance Theory (TDT), delves into factors influencing students' online learning experiences by using quantitative and qualitative methods to capture the nuances …

University Student Worker Productivity: A Qualitative Analysis, Amanda S. Mansfield

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Student worker productivity is an important aspect of higher education, since many functional units rely on student employees to operate. Student workers communicate with all stakeholders of universities, including incoming and current students and their families, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. Universities facing issues related to budgeting, enrollment, retention, and employability of their graduates can combat those issues by strengthening the largest labor pool on campus, student workers. The study explored what it means to be a productive university student worker within the framework of Social Exchange Theory and Grounded Theory. The study sought to provide recommendations to universities …

Career And Technical Education: Historical Insights, Current Impacts, And Policy Implications, Meleah Ellison, David B. Naff, Phelton Moss, Jenna Lenhardt, Morgan Meadowes, Jonathan Staylor, Latonja Y. Wright, Luke Parker, Andy Bristow, Kelsey Pacer, Samantha Hope, Shelby Garofalo, Singith Nawagamuwage Perera, Georgia Youngquest, Rachel Hale, Sharrie Merritte

MERC Publications

This research and policy brief from the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) summarizes recent peer reviewed literature, publicly available trend data, and policies at the federal, state, and school division level related to Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. It explores the following questions:

1. What are the purposes of CTE courses?
/="/">2. What are the trends in CTE participation and how does this vary by student and school demographics?
/="/">3. What are the impacts or benefits of CTE?
/="/">4. What are evidence-based practices and innovative programs related to CTE?
/="/">5. What are policies guiding the …

Charting New Paths: Exploring The Influence Of Followership Perspectives On Millennial Career Behaviors In The Changing University Workplace, Kimberly M. Stapleton

Dissertations

This dissertation will explore the attributes and application of the Reversing the Lens Approach (Shamir, 2007) to followership and its influence on career advancement strategies for millennials working at universities. The research will assess millennials as being born between 1980 and 1995 and currently working at universities in the southeast United States. This is a phenomenological study with an exploratory qualitative research design that seeks to uncover and understand to what extent millennials' roles as followers and their interactions with their leaders influence their career advancement strategies and what, if any, are the implications for their current institutions and higher …

Interviewing K-12 Education Experts And Elites, Jose Eos Trinidad

Interdisciplinary Studies Faculty Publications

Understanding education experts and elites is crucial in the context of their larger influence on education and the public’s greater skepticism and criticism of their work. This paper distinguishes between traditional and expert/elite interviews (EEIs), and highlights strategies for conducting them. Experts and elites have relatively broader influence, more synthesized but less situated knowledge, more embedded professional networks, and less anonymity than the lay public—and interviews need to adjust to these differences. To do so, researchers should consider strategies for (1) access, (2) trust, (3) preparation for interviews, and (4) asking sensitive and awkward questions in contexts of significant power …

Teacher's Perception Of Emotional Intelligence In Administrators And How It Impacts Teacher Job Satisfaction In Rural Nebraska, Thomas Lee Schneider

Dissertations and Theses

This qualitative comparative case study explored teachers’ perceptions of emotional intelligence in administrators and its impact on job satisfaction. The research addressed whether teachers perceive administrators as meeting their emotional needs and how administration influences job satisfaction. Participants from two comparable rural school districts were purposefully selected and assigned pseudonyms. Data collection methods included small focus groups and journaling. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: (a) administrative support, (b) fostering a positive culture and relationships, and (c) managing feelings of being overwhelmed or burnout. These interconnected themes underscore the importance of emotionally intelligent leadership in enhancing teacher support and overall …

Spanish Heritage Language Program: A United States, Mexico, And Japan Collaboration To Improve Instruction, Philip H. Swartz, Lilia Lopez Arriaga, Daniel P. Swartz, Kathy Pitchford, Aki Kanebako, Stanley L. Swartz

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

No abstract provided.

In It And Of It: A Black Principal’S Self-Examination Of Anti-Blackness And Critical Leadership Praxis, Donya Odom

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Narrative inquiry is my research method, and my goal is to validate the use of narratives, including my reflective memos, journal reflections, and interpretations of various artifacts that share my students' experiences. As a Black woman and an educator, I emphasize the importance of culturally responsive school leadership for K-12 principals, which includes fostering connections with and amplifying the voices of marginalized Black students to improve their academic engagement. My study also highlights my experiences' critical role in building positive relationships with the school community, particularly in enhancing Black students' climate and cultural experiences. With this study, I shed light …

Pk-12 Faculty And Staff Capacity To Support Student Mental Health, Chin-Chih Chen, David B. Naff, Xun Liu, Jennifer Murphy, Margaret Wallace, Sunny Shin, Kade Goldin, Shenita Williams, Caleb Armwood, Riley Jenkins, Marlene Gooding

MERC Publications

This report from the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) depicts findings from a regional survey of PK-12 faculty and staff exploring their professional capacity to meet the mental health needs of their students. Based on responses from approximately 1,000 educators in the MERC region, there were six dimensions of capacity: mental health knowledge, mental health training and confidence, multi-tiered systems of support, positive mental health culture, supportive policies and practices, and responsibility and impact. Findings in the report include position comparisons along these six dimensions as well as an exploration of how capacity varies by school size and demographic composition. …

Examining Strategies Embraced By Educational Leaders Towards The Integration Of Digital Technology In Teaching And Learning Process., Godfrey Joseph Shirima

Master of Education

This study examine strategies embraced by educational leaders towards the integration of digital technology in teaching and learning in Hai district, Tanzania. It emphasizes the urgent need for educational leaders to devise and embrace strategies for the integration of digital technology in modern education, grounding itself in the theoretical frameworks of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and transformational theory. The integration of digital technology in secondary education can be greatly enhanced by using the frameworks of transformation theory and TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge). TPACK emphasizes the junction of technical, pedagogical, and content knowledge to guide instructional tactics. On the …

Examining The Role Of Secondary School Leaders In Promoting Students' Achievement In Igunga District., Ambrose Albogast

Master of Education

Effective school leadership plays a pivotal role in creating an environment conducive to academic success. However, research on context-specific leadership strategies employed by secondary school leaders in Igunga district to promote student achievement is limited. This qualitative case study aimed to address this gap by examining the role of secondary school leaders in promoting student achievement in Igunga district, Tanzania - a rural context facing academic challenges. Data was collected through interviews, focus groups, document analysis, and observations from three schools, involving school leaders, teachers, and students. Key findings pertained to prevalent leadership styles employed, such as transformational, distributed, and …

Digital Technology Integration For Enhancing Physics Teachers’ Pedagogy In A Selected Secondary School, In Terego District, Uganda., Adrabo Atiku Robert

Master of Education

This dissertation aimed at investigating the transformative impact of digital technology integration on the pedagogical practices of physics teachers in a secondary school context within Terego District, Uganda. A mixed-methods research approach, combining participatory action research methods and quantitative techniques was used. The main research question was: How can the integration of digital technology enhance physics teachers' pedagogy in a secondary school within Terego District, Uganda?

Research tools employed in this study included interviews, lesson observations, document analysis, and intervention workshops. Additionally, pre and post-tests were utilized to quantitatively measure the impact of digital technology integration on student learning outcomes, …

Exploring Junior Secondary School Teachers’ Experiences In Teaching Subjects Outside Their Subjects Specialization - A Case Study Of Selected Schools In Chonyi Sub-County, Kilifi- Kenya., Caleb Kaleli Kisangau

Master of Education

This study explored the experiences of junior secondary school teachers teaching subjects beyond their areas of specialization in Kilifi County, Kenya. Using a qualitative case study approach, data was collected from five teachers and three headteachers across three schools through interviews, observation, and document analysis. The findings revealed several challenges faced by teachers, including limited content knowledge, lack of experienced mentors, and insufficient pedagogical training. As a result, teachers struggled to effectively teach unfamiliar subjects, often resorting to superficial teaching. This negatively impacted the quality of education provided to students. Despite the difficulties, teachers devised adaptive strategies such as using …

Exploring The Discretion Of Principals In The Implementation Of Language Policy: A Case Of French In Secondary Schools In Kakamega County, Kenya., Samson Oduor Otieno

Master of Education

Principals, as street-level bureaucrats, play a monumental role in shaping policy outcomes through the interpretation and operationalization of policies in schools. They have substantial discretion to modify policies thereby being ‘policymakers.’ The present study explored the discretion of principals in implementing the language policy regarding French in secondary schools in Kenya. A qualitative case study approach was used to examine the principals’ understanding of the language policy in Kenya, the discretion that principals have in policy implementation, and the effects of these discretionary powers in two purposively selected secondary schools in Fierte County, one with a principal trained in French …