The purpose of this professional practice dissertation (PPD) is to create an annual program evaluation and provide Christian schools with effective practices for K-2 students for spiritual formation and biblical worldview. The evaluation process helps to identify areas of strength and growth that adhere to the school mission, Flourishing Faith…

This study explored how associate deans in Illinois community colleges understand and practice culturally responsive leadership (CRL) in their institutions. The conceptual framework for this study is composed of the Culturally Responsive School Leadership (CRSL) model in the K-12 system first proposed by Khalifa et al. (2016) and the Applied…

This research focuses on leadership decisions by high school administrators in Maine in response to school closures and subsequent reopening plans due the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to learn the degree to which adaptive leadership was used as a leadership approach in response to a unique, complex and dynamic set of…

The aim of this study was to explore how counselors of a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) focused out-of-school time (OST) program understood ways to support students' social-emotional learning (SEL) and STEM identity development, as well as the impact on counselors' awareness of their own SEL and STEM identity. To do this,…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify which skillsets a successful teacher possesses to help students positively work through behavioral situations rather than immediately exit the student from the classroom. The common themes could allow school leaders to reflect, develop, or improve current strategies for helping teachers develop…

This mixed methods study sought to identify the incorporation of support for implementing evidence-based instructional practices within an MTSS framework among teachers and the impact on student growth outcomes in three K-2 schools. The study also determined teacher perceptions regarding how support in adult behavior change, which is the…

Adolescents' in-school identities, out-of-school identities, and literacy practices are intertwined and connected. This research project aimed to explore the development of adolescent identities and out-of-school literacy practices in students' English Language Arts classes. As a high school teacher and administrator, the researcher adopted a…

This qualitative single-case study explored how eight upper elementary and middle school math teachers from an independent school in Hawai'i conceptualized equitable math practices and implemented these practices into their classrooms amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The research revealed teachers' concepts of equity included individualization,…

Empathy is a cognitive and affective skill that has significant impact on both the inner world and professional capacities of leaders in many sectors. The purpose of this action research study was to examine how a small group of teachers in a school-based professional learning community could work collaboratively with colleagues and students to…

This qualitative study examined the narrative of community college educators during their journey to embrace a playful teaching practice. Data collection included the narratives produced within a Community of Practice, focus groups with both students and educators, and document analysis. Data analysis revealed six themes. The first theme, origins…

In December 2018, the Dean of Academic Affairs (DAA) was approached by the coach and members of the Southtown Community College (STC) basketball team regarding academic support for the team. The academic affairs team would delve into this situation and discover several areas where the college had failed these students. This study examines the…

The ASCA National Model charged professional school counselors with supporting the social-emotional/personal-social growth, development, and success of all students. The public school need for DAEP placement was driven by problematic behavior displayed by students, which spoke to the inadequate social-emotional/personal-social development of those…

Educating for global competence is vital if college graduates are to thrive in today's technology driven and globally competitive world. One strategy for introducing students to unknown cultures and gaining important life skills is participation in a study abroad experience. The purpose of this exploratory quasi-experimental research design study…

The primary purpose of this study was to report on transfer students' engagement in college and compare the findings of those who transferred from a two-year college and those who transferred from another four-year college. The study focused on the importance of engagement in effective educational practices as measured by the National Survey of…

Formal mentoring programs focus on the probationary period of new teachers. Providing teachers with mentoring support during the initial years of teaching requires significant commitment and investment from school districts, mentors, and new teachers. Numerous studies argue the merits of mentoring programs, yet the research has been less clear…