The three articles included in this dissertation are connected through theory and practice. Study one identifies the factors influencing Extension agents' participation in supplemental professional development opportunities using Ajzen's (1985) theory of planned behavior. Study two was a systematic investigation of Extension personnel's…

High-quality professional learning can support in-service leaders' effectiveness by developing the skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary for addressing their full range of leadership responsibilities. however, recent data show that leaders' access to professional learning varies across states and communities and that leaders in…

Whole-of-course approaches have emerged as an important topic in the contemporary outcomes-based education environment. While research-informed accounts of whole-of-course approaches exist, most take undergraduate education as the default. Few examples feature postgraduate education where students seek career enhancement rather than entry.…

All teachers, regardless of where they are in their career, should be valued and deserve relevant, applicable, and inspiring professional development both for the sake of their classrooms and their continued adult learning. To avoid the attitude of "I feel like I got this," one may suggest that schools providing music content-focused and…

In the United States (U.S.), the heart of public education lies in the commitment to providing every child with the necessary resources for their learning and development. Today, in 2024, principals are responsible for ensuring all students have equitable access to education by integrating technological advancements, maintaining a rigorous…

This study examines the diverse roles and professional development needs of K-12 school librarians in the Greater DC area, particularly within the Mid-Atlantic Public Schools System (MAPSS, a pseudonym). The researcher used mixed methods research, to identify their needs and goals. The outcome of this study will inform the development of a…

In the context of digital transformation processes in schools, the introduction of technology is often discussed in terms of the individualization and optimization of teaching, learning and school management. However, it is often neglected that technologies are preconfigured and provide socio-material offers that invite certain actions and thus…

The aim with this study was to investigate mentoring as a professional developmental strategy for principals and to establish whether there was a need for a formal mentoring programme for principals and circuit managers. An interpretive, qualitative case study approach was adopted, with 13 participants being selected for interview via purposive…

The current study investigated the perspective of principals related to the influence of professional development on their self-efficacy and professional growth. A qualitative, phenomenological study was conducted involving 14 school administrators from 10 different states with vary experience from 2 years to 17 years in an administrative…

Principals, with their unwavering dedication, manage a diverse array of responsibilities, including overseeing the instructional program, daily operations, school governance, budgets, human resources, and school maintenance. They also strive to foster an inclusive environment that ensures a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for students…

Rapid technological advancements, globalization, and environmental concerns impact the role of engineers in today's society. The book emphasizes the role and contribution of engineers to society, and the importance of engineering education. However, to better prepare engineers, for the challenges and opportunities of their profession, engineering…

School psychologists play a critical role in the provision of functional, student-centered, and data-driven behavioral assessments and intervention. However, research examining their procedural knowledge and comfort conducting these assessments is minimal. In this manuscript, we will review the results of a mixed method study indicating that…

Using data collected through a survey on professional development in adult education (AE), Elevation Educational Consulting Group (EECG) and Research Allies for Lifelong Learning provide the field of AE with an analysis focused on two aspects of the survey. The data were collected from separate surveys, for administrators and instructors, with a…

Although federal law has provided guidelines for autism eligibility for special education, school-based autism assessment and eligibility vary widely across states and identification continues to lag behind national prevalence data. The main role of the school psychologist continues to be conducting evaluations for special education eligibility,…

The intent of this study was to examine how school leadership influences teachers' instructional capacity using action research cycles. Understanding leadership roles and how best to meet the needs of teachers through school-level support and professional development can assist in building teacher capacity. In an adequate leadership capacity,…