This dissertation study seeks to better understand two main ideas around institutional advancement in higher education: the knowledge and evidence that informs practice and the structures and systems that are set up for the sharing of this knowledge and evidence within and across these organizations. I use a conceptual framework based on…

Because of the flexibility and options online courses provide, students are increasingly enrolling in university online courses. Online learning continues to lag face-to-face learning in measures of student satisfaction and success. Although the incorporation of research-based effective practices increases student satisfaction and success, they…

Professional development (PD) is defined as ongoing learning opportunities available to educators and is known to be one of the most important tools in improving the effectiveness of teachers and teaching practices. Results from state and national reading assessments indicate that reading achievement among grade 4 and grade 8 students has…

Students with Emotional Impairment (EI) often have among the worst outcomes of any category of students receiving services for learning disabilities. They earn fewer credits, are less likely to graduate, are more likely to drop out, and are less likely to pursue education beyond high school than almost any other of the categories identified under…

This study documented an interdisciplinary team of grade 8 teachers' utilization and implementation of research-based reading strategies introduced through collaboration during a Professional Learning Community (PLC). This study also investigated the teachers' perspectives on the implementation of research-based strategies, including the factors…

Sensory processing difficulties (SPD) can significantly impact a child's behavior, learning, and overall well-being. However, many educators, particularly those teaching in the early grades, lack the necessary training to recognize and effectively respond to these challenges. Consequently, students exhibiting atypical behaviors are often…

Globally, nationally, regionally, and locally, we are facing a population shift. The number of individuals aged 65 and older will increase exponentially in the coming years, particularly for racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse groups. People are living longer but not necessarily healthier lives. This increase in longevity, coupled with a…

Self-determination, as a vital topic for individuals with disabilities, has received a narrow investigation in Saudi Arabia and the Middle Eastern communities. Therefore, it is imperative to examine evidence-based practices to furnish insight into the efficacy of self-determination models not only through theoretical research methods but also via…

This systematic literature review aimed to identify the most effective practices for implementing new programs or techniques to help improve elementary teachers' behavior support skills and self-efficacy. A total of 95, mostly peer-reviewed, studies were included in this review. Findings largely supported the provision of professional development…

This study presents a content analysis of Ghana's current standards-based curriculum, with a specific focus on its alignment with evidence-based reading instruction, against the backdrop of low reading achievement and learning outcomes of learners. The research uses content analysis methodology to examine the representation and emphasis of reading…

This qualitative study investigated the action steps, barriers, and results of the college preparation interventions of bridge programs, appointing additional guidance counselors ,involving parents, aligning curriculum, and promoting achievement. This research was exploratory in nature because the researcher explained how college preparation…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how special education teachers described their level of awareness of evidence-based practices (EBPs) and self-efficacy to identify and implement EBPs in one school district in Southern California. The target population was Pre-k to 12, classroom-based special education teachers…

The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified that approximately 1.8 million cybersecurity positions were vacant in 2021 because of a lack of professionals with the required skill sets and who remained in their jobs long enough to contribute to their organizations' cybersecurity needs. Also shown was the rising global…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to understand how K-5 inclusion staff members described their use of the 28 EBPs identified for students with autism and their support needs to implement these EBPs with students with autism in inclusive settings within the Northeastern states. Kolb (1984) stated that learning is a process by…

Individuals with intellectual disabilities often lack access to appropriate sexual education, leading to negative impacts on their well-being and safety. Occupational therapists can play a vital role in addressing sexual education, health, behaviors, and community safety for these individuals. "The Talk" aims to empower school-based…