This applied dissertation was designed to examine whether or not students with disabilities (SWD) were prepared for the transition from high school to employment or to postsecondary education. Numerous reports had shown that SWD were being challenged with making the transition from postsecondary school to the next stage of their life, whether that…

This qualitative study explored the factors that affected King Unified School District's (KUSD's) successful attainment of their goal to instruct 100% of their administrators on their comprehensive safety plan, with a specific focus on active shooter violence prevention. Documents from the district were analyzed, and administrators from both the…

This Appreciative Inquiry (AI) study was conducted to create the framework for the Differentiated Support Model (DSM). The DSM is a framework of individualized support for first year teachers that can be applied in any school district alongside a mentoring program or without a mentoring program. The DSM was designed to be implemented by an…

This dissertation builds upon previous coaching research by providing a deep examination of a university success coaching program that uses an International Coach Federation (ICF) coaching framework. The dissertation seeks to identify how ICF coaching compares to the findings of previous research, what training is required to be an ICF coach at a…

Reviews of published research indicate only a 33% median success rate of complex systems change initiatives. This lack of uptake is becoming known as implementation failure. Social emotional interventions with infants and young children and their caregivers also have a history of high attrition rates, putting efforts focused on this area at high…

The problem statement for this project based learning was loose coupling, when applied to the PBIS framework, translates into major gaps with district wide implementation of Tier II and Tier III interventions. Additionally, lack of superintendent adaptive schools' knowledge and practices impact fidelity of implementation. Tier II and Tier III…

The purpose of this study was to examine data regarding the implementation of critical components of the Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework in Minnesota public secondary schools, defined as middle and high schools that service any combination of Grades 6-12. This study's mixed method design utilized secondary data collected from the…

This qualitative case study was designed to learn more about how the practices of instructional leaders support and monitor the implementation of Individual Education Plans (I.E.P.s) and influence teaching in inclusive classroom settings. It was designed to explore a sample of general educators' and administrators' perceptions about the challenges…

A growing number of schools are adopting social-emotional learning (SEL) programs to address students' social, emotional, and academic needs. The proliferation of school-based SEL programs has spurred more research to investigate the ways in which educators enact SEL in schools. However, very few studies have considered the role school leaders…

This qualitative study explores teachers' perceptions on the implementation of brain breaks in upper elementary classrooms located in rural regions of southwest Missouri. The Researcher analyzed qualitative interview data to answer the following research questions: 1) To what extent are brain breaks built into the elementary classroom routine? 2)…

In a low performing school, stressful conditions, lack of resources, and student populations that have been subjected to one or more ACEs can make it difficult for teachers to yield successful outcomes. Maintaining a high opinion of self-efficacy is difficult when working in low-performing schools that are struggling to meet state standards. To…

Exclusionary practices, including suspension, expulsions, and office discipline referrals, to student misbehavior, can have a lasting impact on student outcomes. School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) is a universal behavioral framework designed to support school personnel prevent and respond to challenging student…

Although the online delivery format can increase access to higher education, access does not necessarily translate to success for online learners. The purpose of this study was first to assess the needs of online students, particularly those with low GPAs and those who identified as male, at a graduate school of education. Results of a needs…

This study explored the implementation of data driven decision making (DDDM) among superintendents to improve low-performing schools in the Western United States. Specifically, this study utilized the Clark and Estes (2008) Gap Analytic Conceptual Framework to understand superintendents' knowledge, motivation, and organizational influences related…

Background: Chronic disease management constitutes a special challenge in the United States due to deficiencies in the healthcare system. Chronic disease self-management (CDSM) using technology and gaming principles is a promising way to overcome these challenges. Yet, there are few disease-specific apps to benefit the populations likely to…