The purpose of this quantitative investigation was to examine specific factors of teacher leadership qualities to determine if a difference exists between one's teacher leadership and longevity in the teaching profession. The research study focused on the differences of six teacher leadership qualities and teacher perspectives and understanding on…

The methodological aim of the study was to examine what motivates students with blindness or visual impairments VI to pursue a degree at the university level. The researcher looked at multiple motivating factors and focused on self-efficacy and what causes a student with a VI to complete or drop out of college. The study was conducted with…

Despite rapid job growth in the United States (U.S.) within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), historically at-risk students such as women, minorities, and first-generation college students remain underrepresented in STEM majors. As such, colleges and universities have begun developing STEM-specific interventions and…

Many graduate students have and are suffering from, a mindset that questions their abilities and belonging in graduate programs. Some researchers have argued that this mental state is hindering many students from persisting in graduate school and completing their degree programs (Clance and Imes, 1978). This questioning and self-doubt are called…

Online education has become a preferred method of pursuing a degree for many nontraditional students, and many universities are expanding their online degree program offerings to meet this demand. While open access to universities can provide greater opportunities for nontraditional students in increasing numbers, there remains the challenge of…

The purpose of this study was to determine how agricultural science teachers in central Texas balance family and a successful career as a secondary agricultural science teacher. This study identified the supports that agricultural science teachers need in order to maintain a career and a family to remain teachers in the profession. Research…

This study was designed to determine if embedded remediation is significant in accelerating the pathway to completion of a college-level math course for students needing remediation. The project studied the impact on student success in a quantitative literacy course at a Massachusetts four-year state university with remedial material embedded. The…

Increasing student retention (successfully finishing a particular course) and persistence (continuing through a sequence of courses or the major area of study) is currently a major challenge for universities. While students' academic and social integration into an institution seems to be vital for student retention, research into the effect of…

Undergraduate research experiences may increase persistence in STEM majors. We describe a research program that targets first-year students selected for their curiosity and attitudes towards science. We explain the implementation of the program over 3 years and present evaluation data using a group of matched controls. Participants and controls…

To ensure that schools enjoy a steady supply of competent and committed teachers, federal, state, and local policymakers should look to the extensive research literature in this area, focusing on five strategies in particular: strengthening teacher preparation, improving hiring practices, increasing compensation, providing support for new…

Background: Student success in a baccalaureate nursing program is of utmost importance at a southern College of Nursing (CON).CON faculty wanted to understand better what academic/ social risk factors attributed to attrition in the first year of the nursing program. The purpose of this study was to determine academic and social risk factors…

Given the historic and continued underrepresentation of women in physics, it is important to understand the role that high school physics might play in attracting female students to physics careers. Drawing on data from over 900 female undergraduates in physics, we examine when these women became interested in physics careers and different sources…

Given community colleges' open enrollment policies and their numerous instructional missions (A. M. Cohen & Brawer, 2008), students enter and re-enter with various and often multiple objectives but not always with clear knowledge of how to clarify and accomplish them. Among early intake activities, the role of academic advising in particular…

A community college's success hinges in large part on the effectiveness of its teaching faculty, no more so than in times of major organizational change. However, any large-scale foundational shift requires institutional buy-in, with the onus on leadership to create an environment where everyone is working together toward the same endpoint.…

This paper highlights the innovative approach the Student Success Initiative's unit at the University of Texas at Austin is taking to increase undergraduate persistence and four-year graduation rates. Specifically, this piece explores the large-scale University Leadership Network (ULN) program and examines the tiered undergraduate peer mentor…