Limited research has existed regarding general education teachers' perception of self-efficacy in teaching in the inclusive classroom in Central Ghanaian schools where performance outcomes fall below government standards. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine general education teachers' perceptions of self-efficacy regarding the…

The purpose of this study was to explore the information, activities, and methods teachers take and apply to their classrooms and teaching after participating in a two year long professional learning (PL) cohort entitled "Equity and Inclusion in the Classroom." The PL was based on Hammond's (2015) "Ready for Rigor" framework…

The rise in autism and shifts in federal laws have driven a move towards inclusive education, aiming to offer equal opportunities and support for autistic students facing challenges in communication, social skills, and repetitive behaviors. Yet, placing students in the least restrictive environment can strain general education teachers without…

Trans people make up about 0.53% of the population or more. Many of these individuals, particularly in the higher education classroom setting, do not feel supported and are subject to discrimination and oppression. Many faculty are not up to date on terminology or ways to be trans-inclusive in the classroom. Studies show that professional…

This study, grounded in a phenomenological exploration, investigates whether current teacher evaluation methods account for subjectivism in teaching, learning, and evaluation within the context of Georgia's Teacher Keys Effectiveness System TKES. Through focus groups with instructional evaluators IEs, the study reveals the significant impact of…

Despite decades of research and many frameworks designed to address the inequities and exclusion in the public school system, large achievement gaps, inequitable systems, and exclusive policies exist. The scholar-practitioner believes instructional coaches are well-positioned to address the inequities and exclusion that exist in the public school…

Many U.S. higher education institutions invest significantly in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ)-oriented professional development (PD) to help faculty develop knowledge and skills for serving diverse student populations. However, evidence is mixed regarding the effectiveness of DEIJ PD in helping institutions make progress on…

The growing population of students with disabilities (SWD) in the inclusive classroom has led to educators feeling overwhelmed with limited knowledge of support for these students. This has caused inequitable access to curriculum and inclusion for SWDs. Districts provide professional development (PD) as a means of educating and preparing teachers.…

The assistant principal is the gatekeeper of student discipline and is the key to closing the disproportionate discipline gap between Black and White students. Assistant principals can help close the gap by engaging in Culturally Responsive School Leadership professional development that allows them to become self-aware of their implicit bias,…

Early childhood providers care for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and special needs in their programs and classrooms. This study addressed the problem that there is insufficient professional development (PD) training for early childhood providers working with infants and toddlers with special needs in inclusive settings. The…

This basic qualitative study explored the experiences of 12 higher education and/or student affairs (HESA) faculty members to understand how their equity, diversity, and inclusion-related courses prepared emerging HESA professionals to support first-generation college students from an anti-deficit perspective. Eligible participants taught in…

In the United States, elementary social studies instruction has significantly declined in recent decades, yet it holds valuable potential in allowing for spaces where the cultures and identities of our students can be centered and celebrated. Our educational systems are too often grounded in hegemonic ways of doing that are based around a dominant…

Considering the significance of integrating students with disabilities into general education classes in Mississippi, it is critical to identify the methods by which co-teachers report working together, whether they have obtained the needed professional development, and which teaching model they employ in the inclusion classroom. This data can…

Differentiated Instruction is the term used to describe a variety of strategies for successfully addressing student diversity in the classroom. It relies on the attitudes of teachers who aim to maximize learning for all students and is based on the use of assessment data to respond to student readiness, interest, and learning profile. Although…

This dissertation explores strategies for creating a more inclusive and accessible music learning environment for students with autism. With many educators in mainstream music education unaware of the strategies and resources to cater effectively to children with neurodevelopmental disorders, I combine my previous experiences as a behavioral…