This phenomenological and exploratory-based qualitative case study seeks to understand the lived experience of transitional kindergarteners in a mindfulness-based classroom. The purpose of this inquiry is to explore a possible connection between mindfulness and relational styles of leadership in a transitional kindergarten class. Children are not…

This study aims to investigate the impact of a relationship-based classroom management approach on teacher self-efficacy and teacher job satisfaction for K-3 public school educators. The relationship-based classroom management approach revolves around a PART framework. PART stands for prepped and ready, attitude awareness, respect and…

Since its inception in 1992 at Ball State University, safe zone trainings (SZT) have been conducted at hundreds of institutions of higher education (Poynter, 2017). While previous studies have focused on SZT programs, ally development, and the campus climate for the LGBTQIA community, there is a lack of scholarship on SZT facilitators. This…

Extracurricular programs offered in the K-5 school setting are places in which students can affirm their sense of belonging and make developmental, social, and academic progress. This study examines students' participation in one or more of thirteen extracurricular programs offered at a Southern California elementary school; the year in which the…

This quantitative research study examined the relationship between prosocial behavior, work engagement, and workplace civility among higher education professionals. The specific university employees it studied were student affairs staff, academic affairs administrators, and faculty. Responses to a survey by a national random sample allowed the…

The lack of industry guidance within early childhood education (ECE) regarding roles and prescribed responsibilities leave privately owned centers to make such decisions independently, especially in the United States. Education Directors (EDs) at Prism Preschool, a young and growing franchise in Texas, are tasked with overseeing curriculum…

There has been a growing body of research on best approaches to reduce college men's sexual assault perpetration. While some interventions have successfully decreased perpetrator behavior, very few have accounted for college men's pre-intervention likelihood of offending (i.e., risk status). Considering the difficulties in changing high-risk men's…

Rituals have proven effective in the elementary classroom. One ritualistic practice, the morning meeting, is rooted in social and emotional learning (SEL), an approach that integrates traditional academic pursuits with an understanding of emotional regulation, self-actualization and interpersonal relationships. Ethical literacy, a facility with…

Principals, teachers, and school support staff perceive an increase in disrespect for the educational system and its representatives (Lickona, 1991). Using a qualitative research design through focus groups this study sought to answer the following question: "What are the similarities and differences between students' and teachers'…

Precollege science education in the United States has virtually always been influenced by university scientists to one degree or another. Partnership models for university scientist--school district collaborations are being advocated to replace outreach models. Although the challenges for such partnerships are well documented, the means of…

Humor is an important aspect of interpersonal interactions as it is linked to the development and maintenance of relationships (Merolla, 2006). The purpose of this dissertation was to test the effect of a humor communication skills training program on the ability to minimize anti-social humor (i.e., aggressive, self-defeating) and enhance…

The purpose of this dissertation was to assess the effectiveness of a faith-based curriculum to promote forgiveness. A psycho-educational curriculum entitled "Making Peace With Your Past: Help for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families" (Sledge, 1992) was offered to a 12-week mixed group in order to promote forgiveness and the desire…

A large body of literature suggests the importance of examining certain high-risk behaviors, particularly aggression (overt/relational), as significant predictors of later outcomes as violence, substance abuse, and some forms of psychopathology. The literature also shows that agreement on these high-risk behaviors is inconsistent across raters.…

This study examined adolescent developmental experiences and participation in extracurricular activities. Providing youth with multiple channels to nurture their development and acknowledge their interests and strengths can play a significant role in their holistic growth. This is a descriptive study of a mixed-methods design (quantitative and…

Keeping schools safe and productive is an increasing concern for educators everywhere. This research focused on how one elementary school in West Fargo, North Dakota, implemented a school wide discipline approach to help decrease negative student behaviors. The researcher compared and contrasted three different discipline models. The researcher…