Elementary Education Commons^™

Wrap-Around Support Services For The Spanish-Speaking Immigrant Student And School Belonging, Genesi Miles

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Wrap-Around Support Services for the Spanish-Speaking Immigrant Student and School Belonging

Genesi Miles, Ed. M

Immigrant students and families continue to navigate systemic barriers that limit equitable access to educational opportunities and meaningful school engagement. Language differences, racism, transportation challenges, childcare constraints, intimidation, and concerns related to legal status frequently hinder immigrant families’ participation in schools (Sibley & Brabek, 2017). In New Jersey, approximately one-third of immigrant parents live below 200 percent of the federal poverty line (Hofstetter & McHugh, 2021), further compounding these challenges. Despite these realities, many U.S. schools lack intentional planning to support immigrant populations, a gap …

Teacher Perceptions Of Instructional Coaching Impacts On Instructional Practice And Student Learning, Alpaslan Ozdogan

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This exploratory study investigates the role of instructional coaching in elementary education through the lens of teacher perceptions, with a focus on its influence on professional development, instructional methodology, educator well-being, and student academic achievement. The research pivots around four key questions examining the perceived impact of instructional coaches on:

1. Teachers' professional growth within elementary educational settings.
2. The evolution of instructional strategies and classroom practices.
3. The emotional and mental well-being of educators.
4. The academic performance and learning outcomes of students.

A narrative research approach was adopted, collecting and analyzing data through elementary teacher surveys, in-depth interviews with both teachers and …

Joy In Lifelong Learning: An Introduction To Planning For Learning Disabilities In Museum Education, Elaine L. Davis

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

For over a century, the role of museums as learning institutions has been considered alongside that of schools. However, special education practices are rarely adapted for museum education, requiring educators in museum contexts to undertake extra work to accommodate those with learning disabilities. This thesis used Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Textual Analysis to review pedagogical white papers and academic research on museum programs aimed at neurodivergent audiences. The findings were used to create a professional development guide for museum educators at a range of different types of museums.

Diocese Of Raleigh K-8 Catholic School Principals’ Perceptions On Latino Student Recruitment Practices, Darrell Fulford

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The underrepresentation of Latino students in K-8 Catholic schools, despite the significant growth of the Latino population in the United States, presents a challenge for Catholic school leaders seeking to mirror the communities they serve. This qualitative narrative inquiry explores the perceptions of Diocese of Raleigh K-8 Catholic school principals regarding Latino student recruitment practices. Through interviews with principals, this study examines (1) the perceived value of Catholic education for Latino students, (2) factors influencing Latino student enrollment, and (3) how these perceptions shape recruitment strategies.

Findings indicate that while principals acknowledge the alignment of Catholic education with Latino cultural …

Exploring K-3 Teachers’ Perspectives Of Effective Resources And Strategies Used To Close Student Learning Gaps In Reading, Samantha Lott-Velez

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This qualitative study explores the perspectives of effective K-3 teachers on the resources and strategies they use to close student learning gaps in reading. Despite decades of federal and state initiatives, including Response to Intervention (RTI), differentiation, and the Science of Reading, a significant number of students, especially those in economically disadvantaged communities, continue to struggle with reading proficiency. Through a narrative qualitative design, this study examines the experiences of highly effective elementary teachers working in an urban Title I school district to identify the most impactful instructional approaches for accelerating student reading achievement.

Data was collected through one-on-one interviews …

A Document Analysis: In What Ways Do Elementary Schools Display Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports (Pbis) As An Educational Evidence-Based Practice?, Catherine Chidiac

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Research indicates that positive reinforcement can improve student achievement and increase positive student behavior. The purpose of this study was to explore the ways public schools in New Jersey communicate the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) practice to their staff and students. This document analysis reviewed the themes and practices presented in each school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) implementation manuals.

This qualitative research examined 17 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Implementation Manuals, seeking to better understand how New Jersey public schools communicate Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and how the information aligns with the national …

Perceptions Of School Readiness Through The Lens Of Sel, Lisa Goncalves

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

School readiness includes a range of competencies and is influenced by both parental beliefs and teacher perceptions. Despite its significance, only a small number of states have an established definition of school readiness, which raises questions about how well stakeholder understandings align and the effectiveness of parental activities in promoting school readiness. In New Jersey, significant investments are being made to expand early educational opportunities, emphasizing the critical nature of this topic. With no standardized definition of school readiness and given the gaps in existing research, it is essential to explore the alignment between parent and teacher perceptions of school …

Transgender Bathroom Rights In K-12 Public Education, Carrieann Olivero

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this study is to interpret the sex-based classifications in Title IX and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Between 2016 and 2022, how have circuit courts interpreted the Equal Protection Clause of the 14^th Amendment and the sex-based classifications of Title IX. The study will attempt to answer the following research questions: Does the Equal Protection Clause of the 14^th Amendment relate to transgender bathroom rights? The sex-based classifications of Title IX (of ESSA) as it is applied to transgender bathroom rights? Both the 14^th Amendment and Title IX as applied to …

The Effect Of Small Class Size From Kindergarten Through Third Grade On Eighth-Grade Gender Reading Achievement, Christopher Harry

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study examined the effect of small class size intervention on student outcomes using reading achievement scores as measured by the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS), a standardized, norm-referenced test, while controlling for independent variables inclusive of students' gender, race, socioeconomic status (SES), and environment. This study included students who participated in a randomized, long-term study, the Tennessee Student Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR) experiment from 1985 through 1989. The STAR study took place in the Tennessee public school system, encompassing two groups of students: those who received treatment, small class intervention, 657 students, and students who did not, 5,689. …

Teacher Self Efficacy And The Work Environment, Marium Carpen

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

In a time of uncertainty, teachers have been the backbone of the educational world. They provide a sense of consistency to many students who may need positive role models in their life. Teachers take on roles as caregivers, educators, friends, and are often a “safe place” for students. Yet, how have teachers been supported during times of crisis? With the recent COVID-19 pandemic shifting the world of education, elementary school teachers have had to adapt to new changes within their daily work environment. From transitioning to immediate virtual learning and returning to in-person learning with safety protocols, understanding teacher self-efficacy …

Black Superintendents’ Perceptions On The Effectiveness Of Diversity And Equity Professional Development In New Jersey Schools, Tanisha Hinton

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Providing an accessible and equitable education for all students has been an ongoing process mandated by the Managing for Equality and Equity initiative to close the achievement and opportunity gaps among students. This qualitative study examined Black superintendents' perspectives about the effectiveness and impact of diversity, equity, and inclusive initiatives in majority White staffed school districts in New Jersey. Furthermore, the study explored the perceptions of Black superintendents across different regions of New Jersey to understand if there were significant differences in how DEI initiative was perceived. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 Black superintendents and the data was analyzed …

Exploring Special Education Teacher Perceptions Of The Effects Of A School-Based Yoga Program On Adolescents Classified As Emotionally Disturbed, Ivette Brown

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Adolescents with behavioral disorders suffer academic and social struggles when compared to general education adolescents in the United States. As behavioral health strategies gain greater priority in schools, interest has increased in the use of yoga practices as one of the key approaches to addressing student well-being. The majority of previous research relating to adult yoga has shown positive benefits; however, research on teacher perceptions of youth yoga is lacking. This study explores special education teachers’ perceptions of school-based yoga programs and their impact, if any, on students with behavioral disabilities with special interest in adolescents’ personal and social experiences …

Assessing Higher Order Thinking In The New Jersey Social Studies Standards For Grades K-8 By Using Artificial Intelligence (Ai), Connie Sanchez

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

New Jersey consistently ranks as one of the top-performing states in the country when it comes to education. Most recently, it was ranked third in the nation. A look at the state standards in any subject shows the state works diligently to vertically align standards while also challenging students in order to better prepare them for the future and to be able to live in a global society. It is evident in looking at the New Jersey Department of Education’s standards that the planning they do is performed with an eye toward the future. The social studies standards are no …

A Qualitative Study Of Principals’ Perception As Implementers Of The Teacher Evaluation Model, Achievenj, And Federal Education Policies In An Urban Public School District In New Jersey, Petra Liz-Morell

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The study explores the implementation of teacher evaluation models and federal education policies, particularly AchieveNJ, in an urban public school district in New Jersey. It focuses on principals' experiences and perceptions, uncovering their challenges and thoughts on the policy's effectiveness in enhancing teacher performance and student learning outcomes. The research delves into the complexities and uncertainties principals face, examining how these align with their leadership practices and impact policy execution. It also investigates the contextual factors influencing AchieveNJ's execution and effectiveness, providing insights for future policy formulation and practical implementation.

A key aspect of the study is its use of …

A Study Of Elementary Teachers' Data Driven Decision-Making Practices And School Performance, Julianne K. Kotcho

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The notion of using data to inform educational decisions is not novel; in fact, teachers and school leaders have used data in various forms and for a variety of reasons for decades. However, challenges remain with the timely availability of data, accessibility to the data, and teachers’ understanding of how these data can be transformed into action that impacts instructional decisions. Without appropriate professional development, support, and leadership, teachers may struggle to use data to make sound decisions and take action in their classrooms.

This quantitative correlation study examined elementary school teachers’ levels of readiness regarding data-driven decision-making (DDDM) practices …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Student Factors And Middle School Student Achievement In Priority Schools Supported By Regional Achievement Centers, Krystal Lassiter

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this quantitative predictive analysis study was to identity what student characteristics such as subgroups’ gender, ELL, race/ethnicity, more specifically Black and Latino, are important in predicting student achievement in two Priority schools in their final year of Regional Achievement Center (RAC) delivery and support to these schools, as measured by Language Arts PARCC 2017–2018 for 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade scores. Regional Achievement Centers (RACs) were instituted as a reform method to support New Jersey’s efforts to improve low-performing schools. The New Jersey Department of Education defined these schools as Priority, with the lowest-performing student achievement and graduation …

Do Community Schools Make A Difference? Comparing Community Schools And Noncommunity Schools In Baltimore City, Tiffany Bonds Mason

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Schools are frequently seen as the hubs of the community, providing resources and a gathering place for members of the community. The process of surveying the community in order to identify unique needs within the community, and then intentionally forging partnerships capable of ameliorating the specific needs, are strategies used by community schools to support their students and the communities from which they are drawn. Baltimore City Public Schools has created a community school management system in of their elementary schools. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of community school management on the success of students …

The Type Of Questions Being Promoted In A 3rd Grade Reading Textbook, Suzanne Olivero

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Asking questions is essential for checking student understanding and keeping them engaged with the task at hand. It is crucial to the way students receive and process information and it encourages independent and critical thinking. Statistics show that the average teacher asks between 300 and 400 questions per day. To have the desired effect, these questions need to be effective, well-considered, and challenging.

Effective, cognitively complex questioning involves using questions in the classroom to open conversations, inspire deeper intellectual thought, and promote student-to-student interaction. Effective questions focus on eliciting the process, i.e. the ‘how’ and ‘why’ in a student’s response, …

The Influence Of Publicly Funded Preschool Programs In New Jersey Public School Districts On Student Achievement In Fourth Grade, Stephanie Elizabeth Kuchar

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This correlational, explanatory, cross-sectional study aimed to explain the influence of a school district having a publicly funded preschool program on English language arts and mathematics test results on the New Jersey Partnership for Assessment for Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) for fourth graders. The study aimed to provide research-based evidence on the influence of publicly funded preschool programs on a district. The study used focused on the thirty-five (35) New Jersey school districts that had public preschool programs in 2012. The study concluded that consistent student attendance was a significant factor in districts with preschool programs when it …

The Effect Of Organizational Commitment On Teacher-Coach Burnout, Matthew O'Brien

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this investigation was to explore the levels of burnout and organizational commitment within teacher-coaches, and additionally, to explore the degree to which organizational commitment mediated the relationship between teacher-coaches and burnout. The data was analyzed with quantitative analyses including multiple regression analysis and mediation analysis. Survey data was collected through the use of the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Educators Survey (Maslach, 1986) and the Meyer, Allen, and Smith’s (1993) Revised Three-Component Model (TCM) Commitment Survey. In total, 42 teacher-coaches and 21 teachers from Orange County, NY were eligible for the study, and thus, 63 total sets of …

Teachers Perception Of The Influence Of Trauma Informed Classroom Practices On Elementary School Students: A Case Study, Kelly Murray

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the lived experiences and perceptions of elementary school teachers as they seek to bring trauma-informed classroom practices to their students. Around the world, there has been an increase in the need for trauma-informed classroom practices based on the lives and struggles of those who are walking through our public school doors. Teachers implementing trauma-informed classroom strategies do so to attempt to create environments for students to share their life experiences while simultaneously teaching them coping strategies for a better future. Educators and students become part of an environment in which …

The Influence Of A Phonics-Based Program, Wilson Fundations®, On Primary Children's Reading Skills, Teresa Debrito

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This case study focused on the experiences of teachers who utilized a reading program, Wilson Fundations®, to teach phonics-based instruction to primary age children at an urban elementary school. Face-to-face interviews and a review of preliminary data verified for this community of educators that the phonics-based program was leading to significant improvements in reading for their students.

Based on brain imaging and significant intervention research, children with reading difficulties do benefit greatly from multisensory phonics-based instruction. Although the research is clear, children in the United States continue to struggle with reading. The National Association of Educational Progress (NAEP) results …

The Effect Of A Blended Learning Instructional Model On The Mathematics Performance Of Sixth And Seventh Grade Students In A Small Northeastern Urban School District, Debra Joseph-Charles

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Closing the achievement gap has been the focus of education reform for decades. Federal educational reform policies No Child Left Behind (2002) and Race to The Top (2009) renewed attention on the achievement gap and the quest to find ways to improve student outcomes. The latter addressed the needs of 21st century learners, and as such, the need to look towards new, innovative ways of addressing students' individual needs. In 2010, in its National Educational Technology Plan, Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology, the USDOE stressed that there needed to be a shift in how students were educated, …

Does The Parcc Exam Alter The Landscape Of A School In Grades 3-6 In The Areas Of Evaluation, Curriculum, Staffing And Technology?, Michael Stefanelli

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This qualitative study explored whether the New Jersey PARCC exam altered evaluation, curriculum, staffing, and technology in Grades 3 to 6 of the state’s public schools. Semistructured interviews were implemented to determine whether administrators and teachers believed that the PARCC test changed the landscape of public schools. Fifteen administrators and teachers were recruited to participate in this study from a consortium of schools in northern New Jersey. The interview instrument for this study was based on existing literature.

Four major themes emerged from the interview data. The first related to PARCC’s influence on staff morale due to the tests direct …

A Comparison Of Complex Thinking Required By The Elementary New Jersey Student Learning Standards And Past New Jersey Curriculum Standards, Gerald Fitzhugh Ii

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Academic learning standards define the necessary skills and knowledge that students need to master in order to become college and career ready. The best 21st century learning standards are those that provide the opportunity to develop complex thinking skills including creativity, strategic thinking, and critical thinking. The learning standards that provide an insight into complex thinking are identified as critical thinking, creativity in practice, and strategic thinking. This dissertation’s intent was to examine the language of complex thinking of the newly adopted New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) in Grades 4 & 5 Mathematics as compared to the language of …

The Influence Of An Interdisciplinary Elementary Curriculum On Student Outcomes: Providing Cognitive Student Learning Through An Integrated Approach, Ann Marie Harris

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

In order to provide students at the elementary level a thorough and efficient method of learning, the integrated–interdisciplinary approach to teaching curriculum was explored to reveal the impact on student achievement of fourth graders across the state of New Jersey in a randomly selected grouping of 50 schools using integrated–interdisciplinary curriculum and 50 schools using subject-specific curriculum. The research was an investigation of the integrated–interdisciplinary approach to teaching when compared with subject-specific curriculum to explore the impact on student achievement.

Integration of curriculum aligned to the state standards at the elementary level was a focus for this research; elementary curriculum …

The Influence Of The Student Mobility Rate On Grade 3 New Jersey Assessment Of Skills And Knowledge Scores, Rose L. Morrisroe

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This correlational, explanatory, cross-sectional study explained the influence of student mobility, at the school level, on the percentage of students who scored proficient on the 3rd grade English Language Arts Literacy NJ ASK. The variables in this study included: student characteristics (percentage of students who were economically disadvantaged (on free lunch status), percentage of students in Special Education, percentage of students who were Limited English Proficient, percentage of students who were mobile); and school characteristics (percentage of mobile teachers). The statistical analysis in this study included: Correlational Matrix, Simple Regression Model, Simultaneous Multiple Regression Model, and Sequential Regression Model. The …

Exploring The Influence Of Mindfulness On Elementary-Aged Students Through The Lens Of The Classroom Teacher: A Case Study, Angela Penna-Wilkos

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this research study is to explore schoolteachers’ perceptions and experiences regarding the implementation of mindfulness practices with school-aged elementary students. The concept of mindfulness involves three interrelated mental skills and dispositions: (a) concentrating attention intentionally on the here and now; (b) perceiving the present moment in a calm, clear, and receptive manner; and (c) experiencing each moment just as it is without bias or judgment (Kostanski & Hassed, 2008). As mental health education gains greater priority in schools, interest has increased in the utility of mindfulness practices as one of the key approaches of addressing student well-being. …

The Effect Of Family Engagement On Parents' Abilities To Help Their Children With Math, Kathleen A. Kalena

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this study was to ascertain if parents’ reported participation in specific math intervention strategies increased their abilities to help their children with math. The five math intervention strategies were Everyday Math Online Tools and Games, Star Math Reports/Home Connect from Renaissance Learning, HomeworkNOW, Study Island, and Family Math Nights. This research also served to examine if there was an association between parents’ participation in the five math intervention strategies and parents’ reported demographics. Parents of students in Grades 1 through 5 in a large, urban rim school district were surveyed. Survey respondents encompassed 694 parents. Descriptive statistics …

The Influence Of Chronic Absenteeism On Graduation Rate And Post Secondary Participation In New Jersey High Schools, Michael Jay Tash

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Chronic absenteeism affects the majority of schools in the United States. An assessment of centers of learning illustrates that a majority of students miss a month of learning in an academic year through excused or unexcused absences. The majority of schools exhibit 95% average daily attendance rates, as the learners tend to not miss school, on the same day. Results from previous studies have focused on factors that influence chronic absenteeism within the kindergarten level and elementary school, and these evaluations contribute to the development of interventions that cut across the K-12 system.

This study explains the influence of chronic …