Environmental unpredictability has become a crisis for the 21st century. In response, organizations ranging from a local to international level are addressing the issues by creating, supporting, and promoting initiatives. An example of a multi-scaled initiative is the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) which recognizes…

The purpose of the present qualitative multiple case study was to identify and describe sustainability efforts and the perceptions of sustainability managers of selected higher education institutions (HEIs) in Texas. Through a Qualtrics survey and semi-structured interviews, sustainability managers shared their experiences regarding the…

Schools have transitioned from single-component health and wellness programs to comprehensive initiatives aimed at fostering continual and sustained improvement in children's overall health and wellness. These interventions, with a focus on knowledge and behavior change, can effectively promote the adoption of healthy behaviors among children.…

In the midst of current environmental and social crises we--educators and educational scholars--have been called to prepare our youth with the skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to face and solve such crises. While mastery of academic content and relevant skills remain key educational goals, teachers need to be prepared and equipped to…

Humanity is dependent on the natural world for its resources and for human health and well-being. A growing population and unsustainable human activity, though, are having adverse impacts on Earth systems. Research shows that meaningful, systemic environmental education (EE) programs are essential for public schools to ensure that all learners…

This mixed-methods case study explores the establishment, change, and sustainability of grading practices among high school teachers. Through Q-methodology, this study investigates teachers' perspectives on grading, their motivations for adopting alternative practices, and the challenges they face in implementation. The study's findings reveal…

Low financial literacy is a growing problem in young adults, which has effects throughout adulthood (Amagir et al., 2018). Record low personal savings rates, a shift toward increased personal responsibility for retirement, and increasing student loan balances put financial decision-making demands on young adults that have lifelong impacts (Lusardi…

The use of restorative practices to address college student behavior is a growing trend, but one about which few studies exist. While literature suggests how implementation of restorative practices can happen in the K-12 education setting, little is known about how student conduct practitioners should go about modifying their practices, policies,…

As the rise in need for social emotional learning (SEL) becomes apparent in schools, the lack consistent implementation in schools is apparent. Information has been collected stating how districts, schools, and teachers implement their own SEL lessons into the classroom to promote student well-being. The purpose of this qualitative study was to…

This dissertation examines a case of an international development initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the United States and implemented in North Macedonia. The specific initiative was a youth development program including a substantial career counseling component called the Macedonia Youth…

Severe inequities for underrepresented student groups (URGs) in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields has remained a topic of national concern for several decades. Research has demonstrated the efficacy of STEMM intervention programs (SIPs) in addressing disparate STEMM outcomes. However, there is a dearth of…

Higher education institutions play a key role in achieving sustainable development and creating a pathway toward a sustainable future by reducing the adverse impact that campus operations have on the environment and make positive contributions to society by conducting research and teaching students, faculty, staff, and the community about…

This dissertation explores how environmental engineering can utilize STEM education as a strategic tool, enhancing social sustainability and thereby empowering underserved Hispanic communities in West Texas. Responding to significant educational and resource disparities, this research introduces an innovative interdisciplinary framework that…

Analysis of the variables that affect use of evidence-based and promising innovations in education has led to an emerging literature base addressing sustainability or the potential for sustained implementation over time. Examining the experiences of schools actively engaged in implementing evidence-based innovations holds promise for identifying…

The quest for greatness has produced disparate outcomes for communities of color, identifying racial and economic injustices that require a call for action. The case study examines the relationship between Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) and Title I elementary schools, as applied in a location that served an African…