In this work, we introduce a novel oversampling technique, the theory of inheritance and Gower distance-based oversampling (TIGO) method, designed to address class imbalance issues in mixed categorical and continuous variables data set. Drawing inspiration from genetic inheritance principles, TIGO synthesizes new minority class data,…

The Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) system in New York State (NYS) has been called into question by educators since its adoption nearly 10 years ago, yet it remains the mandated evaluation system in NYS schools today. Much of the concern has been over changes such as assigning teachers final evaluation scores, as well as for the…

This dissertation examines the landmark case Larry P. v. Riles and its impact on addressing the disproportionality and overrepresentation of Black and/or African American students in special education within California. Despite the court's ruling, which prohibited the use of IQ tests for Black students for special education placement due to…

Special education assessment has a significant impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families. However, traditional assessment practices have been critiqued as being deficit-based, overly focused on "labeling" students, and failing to provide a holistic understanding of the student. Assessment models such as…

The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in proficiency levels on the Illinois Assessment for Readiness (IAR) for schools using traditional grading methods versus standards-based grading methods. The researcher was interested in which grading method was associated with a high percentage of students scoring a (4) meet expectations…

The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological qualitative study was to obtain an understanding of the lived experiences of instructors in higher education who had implemented ungrading. Ungrading is defined as shifting focus from points/letter grades to detailed feedback on student progress, creating space for failure, revision, and…

This three-article dissertation examined the key aspects and outcomes of a Formative and Alternative Assessment Methodology (FAAM) implemented at a Colombian university during COVID-19. The first study explored, through in-depth interviews, participants' experiences with the FAAM, which included assessment principles, strategies, resources, and…

How do students perceive alternative approaches to grading? Do those perceptions change over time? This mixed methods study addressed these questions for three alternative grading approaches - democratic contract grading, specifications grading, and "ungrading" - in a community college context. While alternative grading models in higher…

Secondary students with disabilities are given accommodations to support deficits they have in learning and/or behavior. Higher levels of test anxiety within this population are a factor often unaddressed by administrators. The physical environment in which students with disabilities take tests influences their ability to achieve maximum…

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…

This dissertation reviews current policies regarding Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) evaluation and addresses "accountability era" influences which often minimize factors related to equity and promote a limited view of teacher and school "effectiveness." Integrated concept mapping is proposed as an alternative method of…

Despite the pressure special educators are under to ensure that their students with significant cognitive disabilities learn the important skills necessary to live a productive life, the recent educational path in Ohio has been geared towards a standards-based curriculum to prepare them for the state assessment. The purpose of this qualitative…

Research indicates that teacher voices are not well represented in educational policy and change. Education has changed dramatically in a short time, and it continues to change at a fast pace. Classrooms are increasingly diverse. External standards are placed on teachers. A chorus of stakeholder voices is levied at educators, and these voices…

Postsecondary institutions, especially selective ones, use standardized tests such as SAT and ACT as important indicators to measure applicants' academic abilities. However, many studies have found that the test scores correlate to applicants' racial/ethnic backgrounds. Selective institutions work hard to secure their diverse classes. Hence, more…

The zero-sum game of education is supported by the implementation standardized testing in a manner that disenfranchises Black students. While assessments are accountability tools for ensuring rigorous teaching and for measuring student learning, the impact of these tests on students' identity needs to be examined. The demands of a knowledge-based…