This qualitative dissertation explores the implementation of new instructional coaching programs in elementary schools, focusing on the perceptions of instructional coaches and teachers. Amid growing demands for educational improvement and teacher support in the United States, instructional coaching has emerged as a pivotal strategy for enhancing…

This work explores the impact of crises, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, on strategic planning processes in higher education institutions (HEIs). It investigates how crises affect strategic planning, implementation, and achievement of performance metrics outlined in institutional strategic plans. The study employs mixed-methods research to…

This qualitative case study explored the perceptions of instructional coaches in order to understand the ways in which context influenced their view of their roles and how they supported teacher growth. The theoretical and conceptual foundations for this study include a distributed perspective, a phenomenologically informed lens, and a pragmatic…

The purpose of this action research study was to understand and develop school-wide critical literacy practices with middle school teachers. During Cycle 1, students, teachers, and administrators from one school within an urbanized district spoke with the researcher in either interviews or focus groups. Results indicated that in order to implement…

School districts across the United States have seen an increase in the number of students who need behavioral support. The problem is that early childhood teachers who serve as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) coaches have challenges implementing the PBIS framework because of lack of buy in and resources such as time and…

In an effort to best support student learning, school districts are seeking the most effective means of improving instruction while effectively addressing student inequities. As the focus on accountability intensifies, the use of data is paramount. Access to data alone, does not ensure quality, data-driven instruction. The lack of teacher…

Although researchers have studied the impact of teacher evaluation laws on teachers and administrators, we know very little about how administrators, who assume most of the responsibility for implementing the state-mandated teacher evaluation system, proceed in making use of the evaluation tool their district uses for its performance evaluation…

This research study evaluated the effects of the Comprehensive Supports and Improvement (CSI) program on the performance of fifty-six participating schools after one year of school improvement technical assistance. Specifically, it investigated whether the geographic locations of schools, the percentage of inexperienced teachers, and school…

Despite well-documented links to improvements in students' academics and behaviors, implementing and maintaining evidence-based practices (EBPs) within the classroom can be difficult for educators. While professional development can support teachers with the implementation of EBPs, traditional professional development activities can be…

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine differences in perceived SEL implementation levels across different campus levels (elementary and secondary) when SEL professional development and coaching support were provided to campus staff. A causal-comparative research designed utilized survey data previously collected to examine…

Literacy coaches serve in a multitude of roles and play a critical role in bridging district and school priorities (Walpole and Blamey, 2008; Steckel, 2009). Currently, coaches and teachers are navigating a national policy shift to Science of Reading (SoR) aligned instruction, and educators want more than a new curriculum (Schwartz, 2022). This…

Teacher retention continues to be a concern in public education. The concerns related to this negative trend were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and schools and school districts are finding themselves in a precarious position. Many states and local school districts are creatively utilizing alternative certification methods to increase the…

This systematic literature review aimed to identify the most effective practices for implementing new programs or techniques to help improve elementary teachers' behavior support skills and self-efficacy. A total of 95, mostly peer-reviewed, studies were included in this review. Findings largely supported the provision of professional development…

Four parents of children with complex communication needs (CCN) participated in a systematic instructional coaching intervention via telepractice. Parents learned to implement a multicomponent augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) support strategy during unstructured play activities. The strategy involved (a) creating opportunities, (b)…

Teacher preparation programs (TPPs) can equip preservice teachers (PSTs) with skills to implement evidence-based interventions in reading with fidelity by engaging PSTs in carefully designed clinical experience opportunities. Providing PSTs with extensive feedback through coaching is one method to strengthen support for PSTs' implementation of…