The one-size-fits-all instructional and assessment practices of the past no longer equitably meet the needs of all students. Competency-based education (CBE) has emerged not only as an innovation in education, but as a true transformation of the approaches to how we traditionally "do" school. In "Deeper Competency-Based…

Despite the growing evidence on promising approaches to postsecondary instruction--and particularly on the benefits of student-centered, conceptually oriented instruction for underprepared students--there has been limited investment in supporting these approaches' widespread implementation. Most postsecondary instructors have limited training in…

The purpose of this study is to describe the management style, performance appraisal and employee development of selected personnel from an academic institution in Central Luzon, Philippines. The study used a descriptive-correlation research design with survey as the primary instrument for data gathering. 75 personnel took part in the survey with…

Formal leadership development programs enhance what students learn in the classroom by giving them powerful tools for personal and professional success. They are also a differentiator for many institutions. They help schools attract more high-ability students, distinguish themselves from peer institutions, and increase the value of a student's…

The purpose of this dissertation was to: (1) conduct a systematic review of the literature to identify single-case research studies that examines coaching interventions focused on targeted teacher practices that address social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of children in preschool settings; (2) review the quality of studies meeting specific…

The research examines whether and how performance-based funding formulas adopted by state policymakers for their public colleges and universities influence administrative behavior, both across and within institutions in states where the formulas are in place. The research builds from the public management literature and argues that despite the…

This dissertation is composed of two manuscripts that study the early development of infants at an elevated likelihood of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (EL-ASD). In the first manuscript, the language profiles (i.e., receptive dominant, expressive dominant, balanced) and the predictors of the language profiles are examined in infants at…

To address the problem presented in this research, the purpose of this embedded mixed methods case study was to explore accounting students' perceptions about the efficacy of using authentic assessment to determine how and to what extent experiential learning in the curriculum contributes to their preparation for certification and work in the…

Field-based experiences are vital components of many undergraduate programs. However, assessing student performance in these settings can be challenging. Video-based observation is an approach to providing performance feedback that addresses these challenges and may also provide benefits not inherent in live observations. Using examples from our…

This qualitative multiple case study explored the experiences and perspectives of instructional coaches that support teachers with the literacy instruction of students from historically marginalized populations through the lens of the following three theoretical frameworks: the partnership approach, critical literacy, and culturally relevant…

This study examined the effect of a virtual reality intervention on the symptoms of music performance anxiety among university-level music majors. During the two sessions, subjects (N=12) reported anxiety levels and symptoms before and after performing a short piece or excerpt. I measured treatment (n=6) and control (n=6) groups' heart rates prior…

The innovation coaching framework describes the support innovation coaches provide school-based implementation teams as they implement innovative programs and initiatives that support transformational change in student outcomes. The Maine Department of Education (MDOE) and the Region 1 Comprehensive Center (R1CC) co-designed this framework to…

This dissertation examines performance-based funding policies in higher education. Performance-based funding policies allocate state funding via student outcomes instead of by student enrollments. The first paper in this dissertation provides an in-depth analysis of Ohio's performance-based funding policy for two-year institutions. Then, the…

Background: Given the body image and disordered eating struggles prevalent in young adults, weight-inclusive anti-diet programs are needed on college campuses. Such programs replace weight loss advice with changes that center physical and mental well-being. Methods/Program Design: University health and wellness programs such as University Coaching…

Purpose: Elementary-aged peers often need support for them to have positive interactions with classmates with autism who are minimally speaking (i.e., fewer than 30 functional spoken words). This study examined whether peers could learn to use responsive interaction strategies to support inclusive play and communication within a peer network…