This mixed methods study evaluated the effectiveness of the Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP) on kindergarten reading readiness using Stufflebeam's (2003) context, input, process, and product (CIPP) model. The program was implemented in a rural school district in 2014 and the program's goal is to provide high-quality…

As the cornerstones of societies, teachers play crucial roles in which society can build and shape an inclusive, equitable, and quality education system (Lawrie, 2013a). Stemming from the research that has established strong connections between teacher quality and student success (Darling-Hammond, 2000; Guskey & Sparks, 2004), also highlighted…

This was a basic qualitative study conducted by partnering with participants from two suburban school districts. This study examined the perceptions of technology-focused professional development on teachers' confidence and focused on individuals' perceptions of professional development activities. Data were collected using selective sampling, a…

Teacher retention continues to be an issue in rural school districts nationwide. The problem is teachers are leaving the profession within the first 5 years. While there is evidence to show a correlation between mentorships and teacher retention, there is a gap in the literature on effective teacher mentorship program experiences and rural teacher…

This study aimed to provide a quantitative analysis of industry's perception of the effectiveness of community colleges, specifically from industries in the advanced manufacturing sector, within the state of Michigan. This study investigated interactions, awareness, and perception of effectiveness by industry leaders with community college CTE…

Possessing sufficient social skills is a crucial aspect of child development. The level of social skill that a child has is a strong predictor of their future behavioral functioning and academic achievement. Due to the impact social skills have on a child's later life, having a better understanding of how to enhance social development is…

Climate change is a defining challenge that is impacting the globe, associated with harsher weather, increasing temperatures, and increased landfills. The problem addressed in this dissertation research study is understanding how to engage individuals to adopt environmental attitudes. Environmental education is known to support…

As the largest sector of higher education in the US, community colleges serve a critical role in helping many students pursue and achieve their educational goals. Most community college districts are led by a team that includes a governing board of trustees and a lead administrator (often called a superintendent, president, or chancellor) who…

This research examined how teacher efficacy impacts the delivery of instructional practices. Teachers' self-efficacy influences critical academic outcomes and well-being in the working environment. Teacher efficacy is their belief in their ability to effectively handle the tasks, obligations, and challenges related to their professional activity.…

Professional development for teachers must evolve to provide a personalized approach to better meet the needs of the individual. Micro-credentialing is one way to provide teachers with personalized professional development. This case study explores the implementation of a micro-credentialing course in one school district. The district selected a…

Mindfulness-based training of educators in our schools is a necessary skill for the success of young children. As a professional educator and a parent of three children, my interest is in exploring this topic and uncovering the "why" behind student executive functioning skills and the mindfulness-based strategies incorporated into their…

Topics of school culture and climate are evolving in the education field. Researchers continue to study to refine and provide empirical research offering school districts, schools, principals, other scholars, and the general audience solutions and recommendations to transform, reform, and provide change in schools. This study explores school…

The teaching and learning of mathematics are essential to building daily discipline and encouraging logical reasoning and mental rigor. Engaging in mathematics helps to provide an overall understanding of the world. Exposing students to use mathematics to identify relationships and patterns is the basis for engaging in carrying out daily tasks.…

Concerns about low mathematics achievement have created a push to increase national mathematics proficiency levels through research and policy. Efforts have largely focused on early mathematics interventions for students with or at risk for mathematics learning difficulties implemented within multi-tiered response to intervention (RTI) frameworks.…

As the technological world continues to grow and expand, the use of social media marketing continues to increase. Graduate programs looking to increase the number of applications received can turn to Facebook to market their programs. This study looks at the use of self-presentation, from a graduate program level of Facebook use, to create content…