This study addresses the underexplored terrain of conceptualizing and operationalizing race and ethnicity as grouping variables in Differential Item Functioning (DIF) studies within the context of psychometric research. The investigation extends beyond the identification of DIF and delves into the theoretical framing and communication of findings…

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictability of selected academic, demographic, and job-related factors on the job satisfaction of faculty members employed at a Historically Black University. Specifically, this study was concerned with the relationship between academic (tenure status, academic discipline, and professional…

Considering the significance of integrating students with disabilities into general education classes in Mississippi, it is critical to identify the methods by which co-teachers report working together, whether they have obtained the needed professional development, and which teaching model they employ in the inclusion classroom. This data can…

There is a gap in research focusing on how leaders implement complex policies such as Response to Intervention/Multitiered Systems of Support (RTI/MTSS). Response to Intervention/Multitiered Systems of Support (RTI/MTSS). To address this gap, this phenomenological case study examined school leaders' perceptions of their roles as leaders…

This multiple-bounded case study explored charter-school music teacher practitioners' (MTPs') and instructional leaders' (ILs') perceptions of professional development (PD) in four charter management organizations (CMOs). The purpose was to provide a rich description of these practitioners' professional development, with the goal of spurring…

Creating cross-cultural understanding amongst students and incorporating music from various cultures around the world has become essential in the field of music education, but still has a long way to go to become more mainstream. The incorporation of world music in teacher preparation programs and music classrooms varies greatly. While many…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine and understand educators' perceptions of the community support offered to kindergarten students and their families by the partnership between the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Robert B. Daugherty Education Center and Bancroft Elementary. These educators included those teaching or leading…

The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of third through fifth grade teachers on the effectiveness of district reading instruction training as it relates to reading achievement. This research was conducted for the following purposes: (a) to explore the perceptions of third through fifth grade teachers on the effectiveness of…

The Latinx population in California surpassed 15 million in 2022, constituting 39% of the state's residents. Despite Latinx students making up nearly half of the California Community Colleges (CCC) student body in 2019, there remains a notable lack of Latina representation in CCC leadership. To understand this disparity, a qualitative study…

This study looks at how income differences affect children's social psychological development, which in turn shapes their academic achievement. Building on theories of social class, cultural capital, and self-concept formation, this dissertation offers a new social psychological model that connects parental SES, concerted cultivation, children's…

This dissertation describes the experience of a group of international school teachers engaging in a cooperative inquiry exploring the influence of mindfulness-based social-emotional learning (MBSEL) practices on their personal and professional lives. The current reality for educators is one of systemic stress and burnout, with teachers working…

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research study was to examine if utilizing performing arts elements as teaching tools in large-group professional development (PD) sessions for K-12 educators increased educator engagement during PD. The problem of practice was the lack of K-12 educator engagement during large-group PD sessions. The…

Institutions of higher education have a unique opportunity to support their students' holistic development by incorporating elements of high-impact practice into campus jobs. High-impact practices ask students to dedicate significant time and energy to meaningful work, which channels students' efforts toward productive activities that deepen their…

Recognition of teaching excellence has become a global trend in higher education as various schemes and awards are established as a way to assure stakeholders of the quality of teaching in universities. At present, there is a lack of research into what teaching excellence means from an institutional perspective. This study explores the…

As the COVID-19 pandemic caused severe disruption to education enterprises throughout the world, the main response by educational institutions was to move to online learning environments. The purpose of this study was to understand better how instructors could improve online learning for a professional-level week-long short course in a highly…