The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenology study was to understand Whole Brain Teaching (WBT) through the experiences and perceptions of teachers who utilize this system in the United States. The theory guiding this study was George Miller's information processing theory, which identified how information is attained, stored, and retrieved, a…

Several literature reviews have indicated the effectiveness of visual schedules (VS) to increase engagement and decrease problem behavior related to transitions for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, Lequia et al. (2012) noted that VS are typically combined with multiple intervention components, making it unclear…

The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed methods study was to explore HIV risk perception, the meaning of HIV testing, and HIV risk behavior among college students following a negative HIV test. An extended version of the theoretical framework of the health belief model (HBM) aided in the exploration of college students' perceptions of…

Procrastination is a significant problem in academia with some estimates suggesting that this occurs in as high as 70-90% of college students (Abdi Zarrin & Gracia, 2020) that manifests in numerous harmful ways including postponement of weekly reading assignments, delay in writing term papers, and inadequate preparation and beginning too late…

The purpose of this descriptive study was to obtain a better understanding of the varying levels of exposure to trauma professional development and training within school settings and the reported impact of this professional development/training, specifically (a) what is the relationship between the level of exposure to trauma training/PD and the…

This dissertation presents an in-depth examination of the effectiveness of restorative practices in a high school setting. The study was conducted in a regional high school and included both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The results of the study show that restorative practices can significantly improve student behavior and…

This dissertation presents an in-depth examination of the effectiveness of implementing a noticing routine on 11 second-year high school students struggling with attendance. The study was conducted in a traditional high school in the largest Northeastern state school district and included qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The…

Global scientific research consistently demonstrates that human behavior has a direct impact on the health of the environment. Climate change, habitat loss and ocean acidification have all been linked to lifestyle choices such as a lack of recycling and overuse of plastics. Scientists and psychologists alike argue conservation efforts must center…

Negative student behaviors are a significant concern among teachers. Incorporating Proactive Classroom Management Practices (PCMPs) to prevent detrimental behaviors would benefit the learning environment. These practices promote academic engagement and limit the number of Office Disciplinary Referrals (ODRs). The purpose of this study was to…

Students in the Anniston School District are placed in the alternative setting (i.e., the Avery Alternative Center) for fighting and violence more than any other disciplinary infraction. The disproportionality of students of color and minority groups enrolled in the alternative setting for fighting is also alarming. Why is this happening? Why does…

This dissertation is composed of three articles analyzing the use of sensory rooms in schools to support student need as well as its use in other settings. Sensory rooms are rooms equipped with a variety of resources, strategies, and equipment to support an individual in de-escalation. They have been implemented in various settings including…

Children and adolescents spend the majority of their day engaged in sedentary behaviors (SB), while also not meeting physical activity (PA) recommendations. The failure to develop and maintain health enhancing behaviors from a young age may impact an individual throughout their life. With children and adolescents spending a large proportion of…

Low levels of on-task behaviors can be troublesome for both teachers and students leading to difficulties associated with regulating off-task and disruptive behaviors and providing continuous prompts. Research indicates that students with intellectual disabilities (IDs) frequently engage in off-task and disruptive behaviors (e.g., talking,…

Exploring Teachers' Perceptions of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Its Impact on Student Academic Achievement in Elementary Schools" investigates the gap in understanding how elementary teachers perceive PBIS's effectiveness in boosting student academic performance amidst behavioral challenges. This phenomenological…

This study examines the impact of an alternative to suspension program on second semester office discipline referrals for participating students. The study compares students who completed the intervention program with those who would have qualified during the school year prior to the program being available at the school district. The study was…