This basic qualitative study aimed to understand how the results of the kindergarten readiness assessments are used within the classroom for planning curriculum, connecting to learning standards, and implementing individualized instruction, along with kindergarten teachers' perspectives on the usefulness of kindergarten readiness testing. The…

Research on the big-fish-little-pond effect (BFLPE) indicates that students evaluate themselves more favorably when they have high rank in low rank schools than low rank in high rank schools. In this integrated dissertation, I provide three empirical papers examining experiences and forecasts of this effect. BFLPE experiences refer to the impact…

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions and beliefs of selected faculty members about parental involvement during students' academic experiences at a private, baccalaureate college. The study asked a single research question, "How do faculty members experience and understand parental involvement in their students' academic…

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the decision-making process of a group of core elementary teachers in Illinois Metro East districts around attending professional development. 10 teachers from two Metro East districts were interviewed about their motivations, choices, and factors when considering what professional development to…

The purpose of the current project is to explore ways to help older adults grow in their faith and live a life of discipleship. The subjects of the study are members of the Cornerstone Church. To do so, the researcher analyzed the current environment of the church and conducted surveys and interviews. The discipleship project with the elderly took…

This study aimed to investigate the following questions: Does the use of thinking maps and semantic mapping during explicit vocabulary instruction affect content specific science vocabulary knowledge and comprehension in fourth grade students? and What are student perceptions of using thinking maps and semantic maps to learn new vocabulary? To…

This capstone investigates the integration experiences of new faculty at Somerset Community College (SCC) through Organizational Socialization Theory (OST). Acknowledging the multifaceted challenges that new faculty encounter, ranging from adapting to an unfamiliar academic culture to navigating institutional policies and building relationships…

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine how certification status impacts turnover intention, to research provided assistance, and to meet professional learning needs in novice teachers in eastern Kentucky. Understanding differences in needs of teachers, based upon certification type, is critical in reducing the rate of attrition…

To increase student completion, community college leaders have focused on the implementation and sustainability of organizational change efforts, particularly guided pathways, since 2015. Although researchers have studied many different change efforts and types of change in higher education, the focus of this research was on describing guided…

In this Dissertation in Practice (DIP), the lived experiences of professional women who have chosen to leave their jobs in higher education in Indiana are explored. The purpose of the qualitative phenomenological study is to communicate the essence of their lived experiences with leadership development in Indiana higher education. The aim is to…

This study addresses the growing need for effective professional development programs to enhance technology integration in classrooms. Through a comprehensive literature review, the research identifies best practices in professional development that can increase teacher self-efficacy and equip them with the necessary skills for 21st-century…

How Latina administrators construct their leadership philosophies in the K-12 public education system and what makes them unique in a traditionally male-dominated context was explored in this qualitative study. Using a narrative inquiry approach, seven Mexican American women working as school principals in California's Central Valley were…

High school students are quickly approaching adulthood and face significant life events and societal problems that challenge their social and emotional well-being (SEW). This qualitative study investigated high school educators' perspective of student social-emotional wellness within a large Midwestern school district. Eight high school teachers…

Universities are crucial to sparking growth and opportunity, by bringing together student populations, research partners, local businesses, and employers to create vibrant communities, jobs, and opportunity across the UK. This series of briefings takes a look at how universities are generating growth and opportunity across the nine regions of…

Universities are crucial to sparking growth and opportunity, by bringing together student populations, research partners, local businesses, and employers to create vibrant communities, jobs, and opportunity across the UK. This series of briefings takes a look at how universities are generating growth and opportunity across the nine regions of…