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 …

Exploring Nursing Faculty Perceived Individual And Organizational Readiness To Use Online Simulation As A Teaching Strategy, Luz-Patricia Torres

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Problem: Academic institutions have employed online simulations in nursing education to meet the needs of the growing nursing student population and demands for distance learning. While some nursing educators have been trained to use simulation learning experiences, few have specific training in applying online simulation as a teaching strategy. With a dearth of evidence in the literature specific to the use of online simulation in nursing education, exploring nursing faculty's perceived individual and organizational readiness to do so is warranted to optimize the use of this innovation.

Purpose: This study explored the nursing faculty's perceived individual and organizational readiness …

Are They Ready? Do Teacher Preparation Programs Adequately Prepare Students To Implement Culturally Responsive Teaching?, Frances A. Aboushi

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

A narrative study was used to examine the lived experiences of novice teachers and their knowledge base of culturally responsive pedagogy and its implementation in the classroom. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews of 12 participants who completed a teacher preparation program. Through coding analysis, data was analyzed around the tenets of culturally responsive pedagogy and the impact of self-efficacy in its implementation. Although their knowledge about culturally responsive pedagogy varied, their responses illustrated the need for teacher preparation programs to provide a framework of uniformity and accountability.

The level of training obtained substantially impacted their self-efficacy in adopting CRP …

First-Year Engagement And Intention To Return In Higher Education: A National Study Of Undecided Major Students, Jacqueline Galler

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Research suggests that a student’s persistence in higher education is influenced by their academic preparation, commitments, and involvement, (Tinto 2005). Predictors including student demographics, academic preparation and commitments have shown in previously studies to affect the rate at which students persist in higher education, (Pascarella & Terenzini 2005, Astin & Oseguera 2005, Terenzini & Reason 2005). Involvement at an institution contributes to a students’ engagement and intent to persist in higher education or at a specific institution. Researchers have found that students engage in the university, academically and socially, based on how their values align with the institution, feedback they …

Examining The Factors That Influence High School Teachers’ Implementation Of Professional Development, Ellen Gianakis

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This quantitative study investigates the aspects of professional development that have the greatest impact on teachers’ perception of and implementation of professional learning. This study explores the extent to which release time and financial compensation influence teachers’ perceptions of the resources available to support their professional growth as well as the extent to which the format and focus of professional development impacts teachers’ perceptions of professional development relevancy. This archival study examines teacher-level data from the 2017-2018 National Teacher and Principal Survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. Data collected from 14,460 teachers across the nation was used for …

To Teach Or Not To Teach: A Qualitative Study Of Pre-Collegiate Grow Your Own Teacher Programs And The Perceptions Of Alumni, Current Staff, And Former Staff, Natasha T. Pitt

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The teaching profession is in peril. Teacher recruitment and teacher retention are issues that have compounded the teacher shortage crisis, particularly in Black and Latinx communities. Research has demonstrated that there are a plethora of academic and socio-emotional benefits when Black and Latinx teachers are educating Black and Latinx students. The lack of Black and Latinx people choosing to pursue the profession is especially glaring. American public schools are becoming more racially diverse; however, the teaching force does not mirror the racial diversity of the students. While this issue of a lack of teacher racial diversity must be addressed with …

Advisement Challenges And Opportunities In Pre-Service Teacher Education: Insights Into The Experiences Of Diverse Pre-Service Teachers, Latasha Casterlow-Lalla

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Effective pre-service teacher educator programs are among the most important components in preparing the nation’s next generation of educators. Today’s educators collectively work to support the diverse cultural, linguistic, and social needs of students through the unprecedented demands of a transitioning school system. This dissertation examined the components of advisement challenges and opportunities as an impact on the preparation of pre-service teachers in Northern New Jersey. The study explored the influence of approaches available to pre-service teachers in the areas of program structure, a variety of support services, and the role of the advisor-advisee relationship to discover whether such programs …

Black Male Teachers And Their Ability To Break Limitations: A Critical Study Into Why Black Male Teachers Choose To Stay In Education Despite The Barriers And Stereotypes Faced In Public School Districts Of New Jersey, Steven Lewis

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract

The lack of Black male teachers in New Jersey is an ongoing problem. The underrepresentation of Black male teachers in the United States has been recognized as a racial injustice symptom and a cause. The widespread problem of Black male teachers being underrepresented leads to the justification for this study’s need. Often, we are inundated with why Black males choose to forgo a teaching career as a profession. From systemic biases to low income to the trade being viewed as a “woman’s job,” there are qualitative studies on why there seems to be a gravitational pull away from teaching. …

Use Of One-To-One Devices In An Urban School District, Barbara Lewis Mccarthy

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This is a qualitative mixed-methods study of an urban school district in New Jersey. A survey of teachers explored their past and current practices with regard to the use of classroom technology, in particular one-to-one devices; and an interview with the district supervisor for educational technology provided detailed information about district plans during and after the shutdown of schools in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pivot to remote learning during the shutdown forced teachers to learn new technological skills and helped them gain confidence in those skills. Many teachers continue to use these skills in the classroom since …

Effectiveness Of Music-Infused Aba Strategies On Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Josephine A. Sodano

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Given the nationwide increase in the diagnosis of autism, particularly in the pediatric population, there is obvious value in examining the effectiveness of intervention methods. This research sought to examine the effectiveness of a music-infused approach combined with Applied Behavioral Analysis methodology. The exploratory mixed method design pilot study examined and comprehended the narratives of special education early childhood teachers assigned and trained to deliver a music-infused intervention program within a natural self-contained Applied Behavioral Analysis program, five days a week, 20 minutes a day, for a duration of 6 weeks to a population of ten preschool students, ages 3-5, …

The Impact Of Teacher And Student Racial And Ethnic Matching On Student Outcomes: A Quantitative Study, Daryl Minus-Vincent

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study aimed to investigate the predictive relationship of teacher race on student outcomes in New Jersey public schools, as measured by the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA), chronic absenteeism, and graduation rates. Specifically, the relationship between teacher and student race matching with Black students, the schoolwide population of students, and a subset of urban schools was examined. The study investigated the potential of race matching to address the problem of racial and ethnic student achievement gaps. Studies indicate that pairing students with teachers with whom they share the same race and ethnicity can lead to increased cultural understanding …

Levels Of Influence: How Teacher Self-Efficacy Reflects Individual, School, And Country Level Variables, Rachel B. Goldberg

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study investigates relationships between teacher self-efficacy and associated factors not previously studied at an international level. This study used the data gathered through the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) assessment conducted in 2018, with an initial sample size of 107,367 participating teachers from 6,128 schools across 19 countries to gain a global perspective regarding the individual and environmental factors that impact teacher self-efficacy. A blocked hierarchical regression model was chosen to support the theoretical structure of the analysis by examining the relationships between three levels of independent variables and teacher self-efficacy. The model predicted over 30 percent of …

Exploring Teachers’ Perceptions Of Assessment Literacy In A High Performing School District In New Jersey, Marlena Celebre-Baird

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

As teachers gain experience, their assessment knowledge base, personal beliefs, and the educational context come together to shape their identity as an assessor. Therefore, assessment literacy is not simply a stagnant knowledge base of skills but rather that takes shape over time, through reflective teaching continues to develop. This study sought to add to the body of research that highlights and describes, through the lens of the teacher, how beliefs and contextual factors influence a teachers’ assessment literacy in practice.

A qualitative case study methodology was selected for this study to explore how elementary K–5 teachers’ personal beliefs play a …

Teachers’ Perspectives On How One-To-One Devices Influence Their English Language Learners’ Academic Experience, Christine Jimenez-Johnson

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

As the number of English Language Learners (ELLs) continues to grow in classrooms across school districts, educators continue to seek innovative instructional methods to increase ELLs’ learning outcomes. Technological applications and devices are changing the way society communicates and collaborates, and school districts are incorporating different technologies to enhance teaching and learning. More so, technological devices are increasingly being used to enhance the learning experiences of ELLs and are changing the way teachers are teaching English language instruction.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore teachers’ perspectives on how one-to-one devices influence ELLs’ academic experiences. The population included …

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 …

Faculty Perceptions Of Dyadic Advising Relationships, Power, And Cultural Consciousness On College Student Learning Outcomes, Hind Albana

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract

Academic advising in institutions of higher education lack consistent assessment and evaluation of practices impairing the ability to define the role, objectives, and methods utilized. Over-reliance on student satisfaction surveys for evaluating advising reinforces this phenomenon. To break the cycle, this study used survey responses from a nationwide sample (N = 156) of faculty advisors from public and private 4-year colleges and universities to examine the relationship between and among the constructs of a working relationship, shared power, cultural consciousness, and student learning outcomes. The questionnaire instrument score produced a Cronbach's alpha of .927, illustrating substantially strong internal consistency. …

The Perceived Competencies Of Faculty In Online Classes From The Perspective Of The Students Of The Saudi Electronic University, Atekah Alshuaibi

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Since the 1990s, online programs have expanded across Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi universities have encountered a variety of challenges in implementing E-learning. A significant challenge is the lack of instructor training in online teaching skills. Consequently, instructors have been unable to adjust to the rapidly growing nature of learning technology. Thus, a few instructors have remained unenthusiastic about distance learning, and online learning has yielded unsatisfactory outcomes. While there are numerous studies related to online faculty in Saudi Arabia, only one of these studies considers students' perspectives for online faculty competencies in Saudi universities. Hence, this study contributes to the …

An Analysis Of The Complex Thinking Requirements Of The Terranova And Iowa Practice Tests In English/Language Arts For Grade 8: A Tale Of Two Tests, Armand Lamberti

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

ABSTRACT

The importance of higher-order thinking, 21^st-Century Skills, and standardized testing are important issues in education. TerraNova and IOWA tests are widely used to assess students’ academic competence. The publishers of the TerraNova and IOWA tests claim that their assessment instruments challenge students to employ higher-order thinking skills. This study sought to examine and describe ways in which the language found in the TerraNova and IOWA English/Language Arts practice tests compared with the language that promotes higher-order thinking found in the literature. A convergent, parallel mixed-methods study with qualitative and quantitative content analysis methods was conducted to (a) …

Urban Public Middle School Teachers And Their Response To High Student Mobility, Maria J. Ortiz

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study examined the teachers’ perspective of student mobility in urban public middle schools in the northeast state of the country. Thirty middle school teachers in an urban public-school system were interviewed about their prior years’ classroom experience with student mobility. They included those teaching English as a Second Language, Special Education, Science, Math and Language Arts, and Social Studies. In addition, student achievement data on standardized tests were studied. The research study concluded that teachers reported that they experienced frustration and anxiety, and that student mobility and its classroom consequences were relegated to the “undiscussable” aspects of the profession; …

Teacher Perceptions Of The Efficacy Of Literacy Coaching As A Valuable Professional Development Practice, Erin J. Stinson-Dioguardi

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived effectiveness of literacy coaching as a valuable professional development practice for teachers in New Jersey provided with literacy coaching support from a school-based literacy coach. This study also explored instructional coaching and the potential impact this support has on teacher practice. The study was designed to identify the successful professional development strategies that instructional coaches in New Jersey utilized to influence teacher practice. This study may be valuable to researchers, school districts, and educators currently or seeking to implement an instructional coaching program as part of high-quality professional development. The …

An Analysis Of The Higher Order Thinking Requirements Of Parcc Practice Assessments In Grades 3 And 4, Leslie A. Solis-Stovall

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract

This mixed methods study aimed to categorize and analyze the frequencies and percentages of complex thinking in the PARCC practices assessments grades 3 and 4. The Hess’ Cognitive Rigor Matrix was employed for the first part of the study to code each of the PARCC assessment questions in Language Arts and Mathematics Grades 3 and 4 based on pre-existing codes. Deductive category application was utilized to connect the language from Hess’ Cognitive Rigor Matrix to the language of the questions in the tests. To ensure reliability we utilized the double-rater read behind method as in other similar studies. In …

The Potential Link Between Teacher Evaluation And Student Achievement, Darrell Stinchcomb

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Abstract

The push for educational accountability and standardization in the United States gained traction with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Uniformity in the curriculum, academic standards, testing, and accountability were some of the requirements that were being touted by politicians, educators, and special interest groups. School districts across the United States were forced to develop systems to prove that teachers were teaching and students were learning. New York State enacted reform legislation under Education Law section 3012-c, which included the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) to evaluate teachers and principals. One of the components of this evaluation …

High-Ability Middle School Girls In Independent Schools, Maria Arellano

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Research shows that middle school is a critical time for gifted girls. There is much research as to why and the ways in which girls’ intellectual ambitions significantly wane during the middle school years, but not much on how to combat the issue. Whatever studies have been conducted in the area of gifted and talented female learners has been largely done in the public sector. Given the unique culture and practice of independent schools existing research on this topic in public schools does not provide a clear view of how independent schools are catering to their most highly able female …

The Influence Of Professional Development Methods On Student Mathematics Performance In New Jersey Public Elementary Schools, Xanthy Karamanos

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This quantitative study was developed to determine the influence of professional development methods on student academic performance in elementary mathematics. The study also reviews the relationship between content that was delivered in professional development programs and student performance. Additionally, the research analyzes the difference in student math performance when professional development decisions are made by administrators versus a mixed group of stakeholders. An online survey was conducted to collect data from district- and school-level administrators in New Jersey public school districts that serve elementary students from grades three to six. The study includes representation from 11.4% of public school districts …

The Type Of Questions Being Promoted In A 10th Grade Social Studies Textbook, Christie A. Vanderhook

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The importance of questioning is a crucial skill for the 21st century learner. The importance of having questioning designed to develop higher order thinking is critical. Much of today’s educational research notes the importance of the competitive skills and knowledge students must obtain in order to be successful academically in college entry courses, in vocational training programs, and ultimately, when navigating the real world. Questioning within the classroom setting can help students develop critical thinking ideas, scaffold classroom discussions, and guide students to an advanced level of cognition. Through the skillful art of questioning, teachers can establish students’ prior knowledge …

The Influence Of Principal Leadership Behaviors On The Development Of Professional Learning Communities In Title I And Non-Title I Schools, Alicia Kingcade

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The quest to seek effective school improvement initiatives has been an ongoing challenge for schools across the country. As we continue on this search to find strategies to promote high-quality education and improve teaching and learning for all, school leaders are implementing creative approaches to enhance collaboration, learning, and results. This study examined the influence of principal leadership behaviors on the development of professional learning communities (PLC) in Title I and non-Title I schools. The study uncovered specific leadership practices and PLC structures that positively affect the development and sustainability of professional learning communities in two schools within Alexandria City …

Understanding The Biopsychological Effects Of Trauma On Learning: An Investigation Of Interventions To Support Faculty, Joan Buzick

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The current era in higher education has brought changes to the academic profession. Faculty have an increasing number of responsibilities in addition to their traditional role as an instructor. At the same time, faculty are engaging with a changing and diverse student population. The population has more challenges, with increased stressors, than have been historically observed in higher education students. For many, the stressors are trauma-related and are a growing concern. Trauma has been shown to impact cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well-being. What has been learned about trauma is, to a great extent, a result of the relatively recently …

The Effect Of Coaching On Teachers’ Instructional Technology Use In A 1:1 Environment, Michael L. Mitchell

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Current research has reported the benefits of integrating technology into the learning experience for students to promote greater engagement and collaboration. Schools across the country have begun implementing one-to-one learning environments in which each student uses a mobile computing device. However, use of technology in the classroom has failed to produce the expected transformational benefits. In order for technology to be integrated effectively, current research suggests that teacher pedagogy must adjust to the one-to-one classroom approach, and requires professional development to facilitate growth in their instructional practices while integrating technology. Research shows that coaches working one-to-one with teachers can be …

Peer Observation As A Job-Embedded Professional Development Tool, Daniel J. Breiman

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Teacher professional development is typically provided outside of the workplace, and is therefore disconnected to daily classroom practices. An alternative model of professional development is peer observation, which is contextualized through coaching and collaboration in the classroom. To date, research and investigation into the practice of peer observation is lacking. To fill that gap, this study examined the influence of peer observation on teacher practice, while identifying factors that were most beneficial and challenging about peer observation and its influence on workplace collegiality.

This study used qualitative methods and action research that allowed teachers to be part of the research …

Comparison Of National Assessment Of Educational Progress (Naep) Reports And State Physical Education Mandates, Erick Alfonso

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

There have been several studies that analyzed the relationship between physical education and academic achievement at a local level, but a longitudinal analysis across the United States has not been done. An understanding of the relationship between physical education policies across the United States and academic achievement at the state level may provide insight into best practices to ensure that comprehensive physical education policies are adopted in all states. Using data from the Society of Health and Physical Educators and The National Assessment of Educational Progress, I investigated the relationship between physical education policies and academic achievement. Minor relationships with …