This dissertation aimed to investigate the effectiveness of educational technology tools on high school students' Algebra I fundamental skills from the perspectives of high school mathematics teachers. A mixed-methodology approach, including online surveys and open- ended questions, was used to capture the teachers' perspectives. The study…

This qualitative study explored whether novice principals believed their principal development program had adequately prepared them for high-performance ratings on the principal evaluation rubric. Over the past two decades, legislation has stressed that student achievement is an essential component of leadership effectiveness (Pannell &…

Head Start programs engage parents to support children's growth from birth through age 5 through services that promote early learning and development, health, and family well-being. These programs specifically seek to assist families with low incomes and families facing a variety of other adversities. To foster positive child and family outcomes,…

The problem addressed in this study was that online graduate students are not always clear about the role that academic support may serve in their online education, which may contribute to them not seeking support, even when it is needed. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory single case study was to explore student and coach perceptions…

This single qualitative case study explored teacher and parent perceptions of the kindergarten transition program at a small, rural school district in a Midwestern state. Thirteen subjects met the criteria of either being a kindergarten transition teacher or a parent of an incoming kindergarten student and participated in this study. Data was…

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have trouble in the classroom when it comes to social interactions, changes in routine, disordered environments, and intense sensory stimulation. In this study a workshop was designed to assist special education teachers and school administration to manage challenging behaviors of students with…

Purpose: This study examines the educational gaps of Latinx students at the community college level. The Puente outreach program is evaluated as a possible exemplary program to improve retention and success in completing degree-applicable and transferable classes. Puente's goal is to encourage Latinx students to attend college and provide support.…

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative research study was to determine what differences existed, if any, in teacher sense of efficacy scores between teachers who completed Literacy Design Collaborative training and those who did not. Bandura's self-efficacy theory guided the study. Four research questions were addressed: What…

Objective: Internalized weight bias is experienced by young women across the weight spectrum and contributes to the development of eating disorders. Interventions have demonstrated preliminary success in reducing weight self-stigma and disordered eating, but findings have only applied to individuals with overweight and obesity and little is known…

In the higher education landscape, community colleges have served to help many under-resourced populations gain access to post-secondary education and a chance to pursue their dreams (Bailey, Jaggers, & Jenkins, 2015; Schudde & Goldrick-Rab, 2015). As with many under-resourced populations of students, the stakes are high for incarcerated…

The purpose of this Explanatory Mixed Methods study was to investigate the impact of dual enrollment and mentoring programs on college readiness, retention, and graduation. The current study focused on Point Park University's College Now dual enrollment and mentoring program and the impact on past participants. Furthermore, two phase quan-qual…

Severe inequities for underrepresented student groups (URGs) in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields has remained a topic of national concern for several decades. Research has demonstrated the efficacy of STEMM intervention programs (SIPs) in addressing disparate STEMM outcomes. However, there is a dearth of…

Professional development should be linked to fostering best practice and improving student learning (Darling-Hammond, 2009). By providing ongoing opportunities for professional learning that focus on best practice, teachers are more likely to develop the knowledge and skills associated with high-quality teacher instruction and raising student…

The purpose of this non-experimental, descriptive study was to determine the effects that regular, brief visits with therapy dogs may have on the stress, anxiety, and university connection of college students who live in the residence halls via a qualitative research design involving the use of observations, questionnaires, and individual…

Deficits in the systems inherent to the field of ASL-English interpreting have resulted in gaps and barriers that impact novice interpreter practitioners. As a potential mitigating factor, research has shown the importance of developing confidence and self-efficacy in novice interpreters. Due to time and curricular restraints, the current system…