LGBTQ+ youth make up a significant portion of the United States student population (Conron, 2020). A sense of belonging for middle school students is an essential indicator for academic achievement and positive motivational and health outcomes (Kosciw et al., 2020; Steiner et al., 2019), yet LGBTQ+ students experience less belonging than their…

Federal and state guidelines on when students with disabilities should become more active in their own special education are notoriously vague, often leaving many school districts across the United States to their own interpretations on the appropriateness of when and how to do so. This is especially pertinent for younger students with…

This qualitative phenomenological study used narrative research to investigate the diversity gaps in teachers' preparedness and their perceptions of diverse teaching methods in multicultural middle school classrooms. The student population became diverse in the last years. To close the diversity gaps, create equity and social justice it was…

The qualitative research study was guided by the following research questions: What factors impede how parental advocacy works in collaboration with the IEP team, and what motivates parents to be involved and/or engaged with their child? The qualitative study examined the everyday experiences of parents and school personnel as they collaborate to…

Youth mental health concerns, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, are a global public health concern. These concerns inevitably manifest in school settings, where K-12 youth are spending significant portions of their time. While schools, districts, and state and federal policies are working to expand mental health support in school settings, school…

School bullying is a significant health concern for youth worldwide. The struggle to combat bullying in schools is an ongoing issue. There is no universally accepted definition for bullying, though there is widespread agreement. The voice and understanding of those that experience bullying the most has not been considered in defining and…

The purpose of this self-study was to investigate the implementation of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the music classroom without a district-level music administrator. With two guiding research questions, the study involved using culturally responsive music education and a community of practice to implement DEIB music…

The advisory period is a key component of a successful middle level experience for young adolescents. Advisory is designed to be a time when students build relationships with peers as well as one trusted adult, referred to as an advocate. During the advisory period, the academic and social-emotional needs of students are addressed. In order to…

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of teachers currently serving in Title I schools in South Georgia and how the challenges from these experiences influenced them to remain in the role for five or more years. The purpose of the study was to capture the voices of ten veteran middle school teachers currently serving at schools…

According to the National Alliance for Equity (NAPE) (2019), out of a total of 3,168 students enrolled in Career and Technical Education courses at William Penn High School, there are 532 Students with Disabilities (SWD). In 2017 and 2018, NAPE reported that only 66% of students with disabilities left William Penn High School with no post…

Students with disabilities are entitled to attend a school of their choice. In order for the rights of students with disabilities to be honored during the high school choice process, principals must create school structures and systems that are alignment to federal policies to lead in the best interest of students. This mixed methods, qualitative…

The presented challenge in education revolves around the effective utilization of differentiated and individualized instruction by special education teachers, aiming to address the unique needs of students with learning disabilities. This study's purpose was to identify ways to use these instructional methods to develop methods that create better…

Despite an increase in mental health needs for Black adolescents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017; Moyer, 2018; Pettiti et al., 2017;) in the past few years, many middle schools in urban areas have not responded to the mental health demands that Black students require, and many urban school districts do not provide adequate…

This study focuses on the use of American Invention Kits from the Smithsonian Institute in conjunction with a 3D printer. In conjunction with a large dataset from a study funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), this innovative research focuses on the effect the digital fabrication curriculum unit has on gifted and talented students'…

This qualitative study aimed to explore ESL teachers' and school leaders' perspectives of K-8 social studies content. Specifically, this study sought to answer the following guiding research questions: What are English as a Second Language teachers and school leaders' perspectives of self-efficacy among their English language learners? What are…