Given the high remediation rate in math, reading, and writing of high school seniors who matriculate to college campuses in the United States, educational leaders have explored ways to address and decrease the need for remedial courses at the postsecondary level. Many K-20 leaders have developed programs and courses to bridge the gap between…

There is a lack of knowledge in the area of training needs for Deaf/Blind vocational rehabilitation and/or independent living service providers in Florida. This quantitative study utilized self-report surveys of Deaf/Blind providers in Florida to determine what needs to be done related to professional development. The researcher attempted to…

Community college transfer students often experience "transfer shock" at receiving four-year institutions, which includes a variety of academic, social, and institutional challenges associated with the first-year transfer experience. Research has demonstrated that first-year program interventions can facilitate the transition of…

This dissertation study employs an exploratory sequential mixed methods design to investigate how emerging adults with psychiatric disabilities plan for and transition to and through college. Special attention is paid to how disclosure of disability status in educational contexts can influence both educational and recovery outcomes. Though more…

The current study compared the difference in literacy achievement of students in grades K-3 between the four different bilingual program models allowed in Texas for supporting English Language Learners (ELLs). The purpose of this quantitative study focused on the difference in literacy achievement of English Language Learners (ELLs) in…

Transition education and services play a significant role during the transition from school to adulthood for individuals with intellectual disability (ID). The main objective of this study was to investigate to what extent secondary special education teachers of ID feel prepared to implement and deliver transition education for middle and high…

High school administrators in the United States find students dropping out of school problematic. The federal government created the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) mandate to provide a system of accountability to public schools and school systems, while stressing the importance of teaching research-based lessons. According to the mandate, schools and…

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a summer bridge program geared toward first-year students at a large public university located in the Southeastern United States. The research question guiding this study was, "Does participation in a summer bridge program increase academic success for first-year college students?"…

The transition to high school can be problematic for many ninth graders. Researchers and administrators have sought ways to improve academic performance and promotion rates while reducing dropout rates. A quantitative causal-comparative (ex post facto) and correlation study using a two-group design compared two freshman classes at separate…

Most institutions of higher education utilize First Year Experience (FYE) coursework to facilitate college adjustment and student retention. FYE courses are designed to support the college transition by introducing freshman to campus resources that can help them achieve their educational and career goals; however, there is much variation in…

With six-year degree completion rates for undergraduate students at a dismal 50% nationally (Weddle-West & Bingham, 2010), many institutions of higher education strive to develop programming to increase student retention rates. Summer bridge programs, an example of commonly used retention programs, seek to increase retention rates by…

This study focused on the problem of college student-athletes retiring from their sports unprepared for life outside of sanctioned athletics. The purpose was to identify if a current student-athlete believes he/she is prepared for a career life after competitive college athletics and who the student-athlete feels should provide guidance into the…

This study investigated data from 5 high schools in West Tennessee. The study examined whether a ninth-grade transition program (i.e., the Ninth-grade Academy) had an effect on student achievement and engagement, which was measured by English I End-of-Course Test Scores, attendance rates, and dropout rates. All of the schools were treatment…

The transition from eighth-grade middle school to ninth-grade in high school can be an extremely challenging experience (Kennelly & Monrad, 2007). According to the Texas Center for Educational Research, more students decide to drop out of school during their ninth-grade year than any other time (Marshall, 2003). According to Fulco (2009), this…

Children need to be ready to enter kindergarten, or they may begin to fall further and further behind. The achievement gap may start prior to children entering kindergarten due to their lack of early learning opportunities. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of kindergarten teachers regarding which readiness skills preschool…