Polarization in the United States and controversy over the teaching of content some deem "divisive" has resulted in the enactment of restrictive legislation in many states. Such constraints contribute to a fraught environment in schools today and significantly impact the work of teaching. Utilizing frameworks of "ambitious…

In response to Tennessee's decades-long stagnant reading achievement levels, the Tennessee Literacy Success Act (TLSA) was enacted to ensure all Tennessee children will learn to read using a foundational literacy skills approach. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the TLSA legislation and its impact on educator preparation…

In response to Tennessee's decades-long stagnant reading achievement levels, the Tennessee Literacy Success Act (TLSA) was enacted to ensure all Tennessee children will learn to read using a foundational literacy skills approach. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the TLSA legislation and its impact on educator preparation…

The purpose of this dissertation is to understand how and why different state financial aid policy designs have developed, with particular attention to external influences, and what effect those design choices have on student outcomes. In the first essay, I use the theoretical framework of diffusion to understand the design and adoption of…

This study seeks to examine the relationship between changes in state policies toward developmental education and the number of degrees awarded at community college students in the states of Connecticut, Florida, and Tennessee. It considers the history of developmental education and, beginning in 2003, explores the changes that occur as a result…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the changes in Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) scores and the changes in Per Pupil Expenditures (PPE) after the enactment of "First to the Top Act of 2010" and the receipt of $501,000,000 in federal Race to the Top (RTTT) grant monies. Half of that…

The accelerating cost of healthcare in the United States has prompted increased policy debate. Although it is estimated that prescription drug spending accounts for only eleven percent of total healthcare expenditures, there is evidence that this rate of spending is increasing faster than spending on other types of healthcare. A proven method of…

The purpose of this study was to analyze the Tennessee State University (TSU) fall 2005 Freshmen Cohort (N = 1205) based on the variables of race, gender, persistence, retention and graduation, as well as to examine the impact of the newly implemented Complete College Tennessee Act's (CCTA) funding formula component on the university's budget…