The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to explore, with former study abroad participants, their perceptions of how their experience abroad has influenced them. The results of the study provide recommendations to prospective study abroad participants and to those that develop and advise for programs. Ultimately, the recommendations…

This action research is about empowering teachers to communicate positively in discourses with parents at Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings. It builds on the premise that giving teachers communications tools will increase their motivation to communicate more effectively and to be aware of their dialogue behavior. Taking a case study…

This study investigated feedback's impact on eighth grade math students' math self-efficacy, grit, and self-regulation. Teacher feedback conferences and self-reflections were implemented. Total math self-efficacy was not impacted significantly, but increased success with math assignments and no significant increase in math related physical tension…

The purpose of this qualitative, multiple case study was to describe how exemplary superintendents build leadership capacity with their executive teams using Kirtman's (2014) Seven Competencies for School Leadership. This multiple case study used purposeful criterion sampling and recommendations from a panel of experts to identify seven…

This dissertation was a case study of student perceptions in two history classrooms in a large suburban high school. In each classroom examined for this study the teacher was committed to using social studies inquiry and mobile technology in their instruction. Students were also expected to complete assignments and conduct inquiry with mobile…

This study considers how administrators work to provide excellent educational experiences for all students through supporting teacher practice within teacher observation for evaluation (TOFE) systems. Qualitative methodology was used for this research, specifically interviews of participants. The study took place during the Fall of 2017 at three…

The purpose of this study was to examine how tutor/tutee interactions affect the dynamics of the teaching/learning experience in a university-based learning assistance center. A study of exemplary tutoring centers in higher education can provide direction in the process of tutor selection and training to meet the academic needs of today's college…

This qualitative case study examined the perceptions of teachers and leaders in one Massachusetts school district about the actions of school leaders that engaged teachers in the reflective process. Utilizing Lave & Wenger's (1991) "Communities of Practice" as a framework enabled the researcher to examine the extent to which a social…

District and school leadership are essential to the success of our students and our schools. While extensive conceptual literature describes leadership characteristics, there are few empirical studies that address the daily reality of schools. In addition, additional research is needed describing how principals maneuver within the context of…

In response to the need for change in teaching practices, educators have bolstered efforts to provide professional development for teachers. However, research suggests that traditional models of professional development for educators are largely ineffective. Decades of research has also demonstrated that in order to bring about teacher change,…

The transition from preservice teacher to classroom teacher occurs rapidly, requiring that teacher candidates assimilate into the field quickly. In order to do so, these teachers must demonstrate appropriate language development as it relates to the teaching profession. Not only do novice teachers need to be able to articulate what they and their…

Classroom walkthroughs as a means of providing data for inquiry between principals and teachers and between teachers show promise for improving classroom instruction. Using data collected from classroom walkthroughs and through the development of a community of practice where administrators and teachers utilize dialogue and inquiry around these…

This study identified the content of educator conversations and determined how social interactions contributed to participant learning. Data sources included videos from face-to-face conversational sessions and individual, video stimulated-recall (SR) interviews conducted virtually. Participants included fifth and sixth-grade teachers from five…

The purpose of this study was to understand the ways in which three parents of students with disabilities and three public school campus administrators negotiated dilemmas through discourse during Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings in a South Texas public school district. The participants in this study included the stakeholders in ARD…

Colleges and universities across the United States seek new, creative, and impactful ways to enhance student engagement. The study of student engagement has led to the identification of several "high-impact" educational practices that appear to generate higher levels of student performance, learning, and development than the traditional…