Mindfulness practice has been shown in the literature to enable school students of all ages to have better coping skills and academic achievement. The school milieu is a good fit for the delivery of mindfulness interventions. Implementing programming in schools is challenging, and there is a gap in understanding whether schools will successfully…

This qualitative dissertation explores the implementation of new instructional coaching programs in elementary schools, focusing on the perceptions of instructional coaches and teachers. Amid growing demands for educational improvement and teacher support in the United States, instructional coaching has emerged as a pivotal strategy for enhancing…

This study explores the challenges and barriers involved in implementing successful alternative education programs within rural Missouri school districts. Using a qualitative narrative approach based around the theoretical framework of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, this study focused on the differences between the recognized measures for success in…

The purpose of this study was to examine teachers' experiences implementing the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program RULER. In recent years, schools have adopted SEL programs to improve the skills of self and social awareness, emotion regulation, responsible decision-making, problem-solving, and relationship management of students. SEL programs…

This qualitative, exploratory study investigates teacher perceptions of the hybrid, 1:1 model of instructional delivery implemented during an emergency shift in instructional practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores educators' perceptions of how-to best address barriers and support facilitating factors when implementing this new…

This in-depth study looks at how leadership helped and what problems there were when non-profit private schools in Eastern South Florida tried to use the Leader In Me (LIM) program. It looks into how school leaders help teachers and staff adopt LIM, deal with resistance, and make sure the program works. Five principals or assistant principals said…

Studies have been conducted for decades on the impact that restorative practices can have on student discipline systems in an educational context, along with the challenges of implementation (Dhaliwal et al, 2023; Marsh, 2017; Blood, 2005; Wearmouth et al, 2007; Drewery, 2016; Jones, 2021, Guckenburg et al, 2015). However, these studies have not…

Kindergarten teachers in one large district in Arkansas are inconsistently implementing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-integrated lessons into their curriculum despite a systemic plan for increasing equitable access to high-quality STEM-focused education for all students by the state department of education. While…

Response to Intervention (RTI) has emerged as a leading framework for closing achievement gaps--a priority in education to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have equal access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed academically. Nonetheless, the extent to which RTI is effectively implemented can vary…

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) provide the best setting for building collective teacher efficacy (CTE). CTE has been identified as having the highest positive effect on student achievement. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore perceptions of teachers and administrators regarding the effectiveness of PLCs for building…

Literacy is a prevailing challenge of student achievement within urban schools. Capitol City Intermediate School's Extended Day Program, also known as the Real World Learning Program, is an academic after-school program that focuses on literacy. The incoming 4th grade students who have underperformed on the NJSLA 3 assessment are the target…

Individual tutoring is noted to be one of the most effective ways to overcome academic achievement gaps and improve student achievement. The Supplemental Learning Support Program provides academic support to students during the school day. The purpose of this study was to conduct a formative evaluation of the program. A mixed-methods study design…

In a southeastern state in the United States, a gap in practice exists regarding the consistent implementation of instructional leadership practices to promote teacher leadership and culture in schools. The purpose of this study was to explore administrators' perspectives of their implementation of instructional leadership practices to influence…

The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to explore current paraprofessional training programs offered to support paraprofessionals working with students with disabilities (SWDs), including both pre-service and in-service training. Specifically, this study evaluated training offered by local school districts within Southern…

Middle-management leaders are in a crucible. In addition to managing their extensive regular duties and leading groups toward common goals, they must navigate conflicting expectations and competing demands from their superiors and subordinates. The challenges in middle-management leadership are exacerbated in fast-paced, high stakes, large-scale…