The purpose of this study was: (1) to build embedded reflective practices with qualitative data in alignment with existing continuous improvement (CI) for equity processes; and (2) provide professional development (PD) to support educators in using qualitative data sharing processes with the expectation of collective teacher efficacy (CTE)…

The COVID-19 crisis created stress, anxiety, and depression in early childhood educators, with particular adverse effects on minority and marginalized populations. The use of reflective supervision (RS) has helped childhood education (ECE) programs respond to the ill effects of the pandemic. Thus, it is important to explore the specific mechanisms…

Limited time and resources require educators to be more efficient with the interventions they implement with students. A reliable system of interventions that efficiently improves student achievement eliminates the threat of wasted time and provides a safety net of support to ensure a higher probability of future success. This study examines the…

Teacher attrition is a main contributor to teacher shortages; providing effective professional development leading to increases in self-efficacy, reflective capacity, and job satisfaction may support teacher retention. Effective professional development, self-efficacy, reflective practice, and job satisfaction are all directly related to teacher…

This dissertation evaluates the efficacy of an intervention with decolonizing intentions in a teacher preparation course at fostering a commitment to Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy (Paris & Alim, 2017) among preservice educators. The findings have been distilled to create a prescription that will prepare future educators to disrupt processes…

This study sought to find if the implementation of the strategy of goal setting and reflective portfolios would improve reading comprehension among long-term English learners (LTELs), which in turn would impact their FastBridge aReading scores. LTELs have difficulty reclassifying, resulting in negative outcomes regarding graduation rates and…

The shift across developmental education from prerequisite to corequisite remediation has left students underprepared for college-level mathematics in need of additional support. Typically, this support takes the form of content remediation, but what happens when this extra help is reframed in terms of student learning skills and confidence?…

Dual language and immersion (DLI) instruction at the secondary level is a particular challenge, as teachers are tasked with teaching abstract, cognitively complex content while supporting students in continuing to develop their partner language proficiency. This content and language integration requires a unique skill set and knowledge base, but…

The overarching purpose of this study was to improve upon critical thinking through the use of scenario-based design challenge interventions. The study was conducted within an introductory graphic arts course in higher education that focused upon Adobe Photoshop and image manipulation tools, techniques, and terminology. Twelve introductory level…

Early career special educators serving in low socioeconomic communities are at risk of leaving the profession unless they receive specialized support to address unique challenges. The purpose of this study was to examine an intervention developed to increase teacher sense of efficacy. Self-efficacy, adult transformative learning through critical…

Success in developmental education contexts requires support not just in cognitive skills, but also in affective areas. One approach showing promise in supporting students in affective areas is mindfulness training. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can support affective needs and provide coping strategies in general as well as in some…

Developing K-12 science teachers' understandings of nature of science (NOS) and scientific inquiry (SI) continues to be a major goal of science education reform. There is consensus among science teacher educators that developing students' NOS and SI understandings is vital to the development of a scientifically literate citizenry. However, two…

This is an exploration of the perceptions and perspectives of early childhood leaders and practitioners with regards to preschool learners with autism engaged in inclusive educational settings. At a time when inclusive education is acknowledged as best practice, there is still a concern that many preschool learners with disabilities are receiving…

Alcohol use and alcohol-related problems remain serious public health and safety concerns on United States college campuses. Considerable research has amassed to support the efficacy of the "Alcohol Skills Training Program" (ASTP), most notably the "Brief Assessment and Screening Intervention for College Students," in reducing…

Pre-service teachers depend on hands-on training to acquire the necessary practical skills to effectively work in the classroom. This is especially true for pre-service teachers in Early Childhood Education (ECE), who often rely on mentoring programs to learn to successfully work with children and influence their developmental outcomes. This study…