This dissertation examines the transformative potential of reflective practice in student assessment and feedback, while also developing tools to gain a nuanced understanding of teacher feedback dispositions and practices. It outlines the development and refinement of three novel tools: the Reflective Classroom Assessment Protocol (ReCAP), the…

Principals are essential in any institution of learning. Great schools do not exist in the absence of a great principal, which demonstrates the importance of strong leadership. However, due to complexities and the demanding nature of their jobs, there has been an increasing deficiency in the supply of these professionals. Schools have recorded…

This correlational study analyzed the data from surveys administered to current Illinois superintendents. Two-way MANOVAs were used to identify if there was a statistically significant relationship between the nine factors of Transformational and Transactional leadership styles as measured by the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and…

This study used the Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI; Sampson et al., 1996b), Career Decision Making Readiness Scale, (Osborn et al., 2022), the Career Locus of Control Scale (CLCS) (Trice et al., 1989), and the Commitment to Career Choice scale (Blustein et al., 1989) to examine the relationships among dysfunctional career thoughts, career…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was two-fold: to determine if professional learning that blends cultural competencies and second language acquisitions helped teachers in helping ELL students achieve academic success and the development of the Second Language Acquisition and Cultural Competency Practices Questionnaire. Subjects were…

As the pedagogy of online instruction in higher learning institutions and universities continues to grow, academic leaders must determine the needs and ambitions of online faculty and staff to facilitate workplace satisfaction, personal growth, faculty retention, and professional progress. The problem is that, as the pedagogy of online instruction…

This study sought to determine whether there was a statistically significant correlation between school board behaviors and characteristics, and a superintendent's use of a transformational leadership model. The study was grounded in four research questions: Is there a statistically significant correlation between board behaviors and…

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of the "3 x 2 Achievement Goal Questionnaire for Music Performance" ("3 x 2 AGQ - MP") and to determine the extent to which the 3 x 2 achievement goal model fits to two contexts of university band performance. Results from a pilot study informed…

Counselors and leaders use prosocial behaviors to motivate others to accomplish goals. Modern leadership theory, specifically transformational leadership, describes leader behaviors that elicit follower volunteerism and high productivity. Counseling literature refers to similar behaviors that counselors master to guide clients to achieve wellness…

Leader development in academic medicine is lacking for women, particularly women of color. The problem is Black and Hispanic/Latinx women are underrepresented in leadership positions in academic medicine. The purpose of this quasi-experimental quantitative study was to determine if a statistically significant difference existed between the…

Investigating the psychometric properties of a screening instrument for young children is necessary to ascertain its quality and accuracy. In light of the important role culture plays on human beliefs and parenting styles, a newly translated and adapted test needs to be studied. Evaluating outcomes on a translated version of a test may reveal…

For various reasons, many students with emotional disturbances are unable to succeed in traditional classroom environments. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the perceptions of administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, and related service providers towards therapeutic intervention classrooms for students…

Graduation rates and standardized test scores are common indicators to measure student academic achievement. These indicators have revealed a gap between two socioeconomic cohorts of students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Students attending high-poverty schools have lower academic performance than students attending low-poverty schools. As a…

Emotional and Social Competencies (ESCs) are considered important to school leadership because it is believed that they can help to build trusting relationships with staff and improve organizational capacity within the school. Limited case study research has been conducted on how ESCs are manifested in principal practice. This case study is…

The emphasis placed on the need to develop and improve the skills of teachers in order to ensure that every child has a highly effective teacher has led to research that indicates that factors other than educational background and experience influence teacher behaviors. Research in the area of teacher development and learning indicated that…