Department: College of Education ![[clear]](close-x.png "Remove this limiter")
37 matches in the database.
These are records: 1 - 30.
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1.
Balotta, Maria.
Como el cantar del coquí: Educators of the Puerto Rican Diaspora in the U.S. Describe What Resilience Means to Them.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2011, Ashland University
► This qualitative study was conducted in the Midwestern U.S. It examined the…
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▼ This qualitative study was conducted in the Midwestern U.S. It examined the resilience stories of Puerto Rican educators in an urban school district. The sample consisted of 12 adult participants who were asked to describe their experiences with resilience in different stages of their personal development. Participants articulated how their meaning of the construct impacted their interactions with students and their beliefs regarding the development of resilience. The findings from this study suggested that resilience is an interactive process involving key personal attributes of the individual and environmental factors within that individual’s home, community, school, and culture that results in the human ability to thrive in the face of adversity. Implications and recommendations for further research are discussed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Piirto, Jane.
Subjects: Educational Psychology; Ethnic Studies; Hispanic American Studies; Latin American Studies; Multicultural Education; Personality Psychology; Psychology; School Counseling; Spirituality; Teaching
Keywords: resilience; Puerto Ricans; acculturation; race; language discrimination; Puerto Rico; educators; protective factors; culture; Puerto Rican Diaspora; Hispanics; Latinos; spirituality; teachers; school counselors; personal attributes; environmental factors
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2.
Biggs, Amy M.
Teaching Teachers: How Teacher Educators View the Curriculum of Teacher Education.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2009, Ashland University
► The purpose of this study was to learn what teacher educators think…
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▼ The purpose of this study was to learn what teacher educators think is important in forming our future teaching force. This study showed that most teacher educators feel they have quality programs. Teacher educators believed their programs prepare graduates well for their first year of teaching. They felt most programs are of quality in the state of Ohio. They were pleased with the current emphasis on pedagogy, subject area, and general education requirements. Teacher educators were concerned about the importance of quality in field and clinical experiences. The overall quality of teacher education programs in Ohio is better than in the past.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edlefson, Carla.
Subjects: Teacher education
Keywords: teacher educators; teacher education program
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3.
Bowers, Trent H.
Connections between Ethical Leadership Behavior and Collective Efficacy Levels as Perceived by Teachers.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2009, Ashland University
► The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible connections between…
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▼ The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible connections between ethical leadership behavior and collective efficacy levels as perceived by teachers. Second, this study examined the possible links between teacher characteristics and perceptions of a supervisor's ethical leadership and a school's collective efficacy. This study used two questionnaires to collect data. The Ethical Leadership Scale was used to gather perceptions of ethical leadership behavior. Four weeks later, the Collective Efficacy Short Form was used to collect data on perceived staff efficacy. The sample was 209 educators who were taking graduate education courses at a comprehensive Midwestern university in summer 2008. The first research question dealt with discovering any connections between perceptions of ethical leadership and perceptions of collective teacher efficacy. The overall indication is that there is a strong correlation. The second research question investigated demographic characteristics that might help explain any connections. The one characteristic that was most likely to produce significantly different responses was whether the teacher taught in a regular public school, a charter school, or a private school.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edlefson, Carla.
Subjects: Education
Keywords: Ethical Leadership; Collective Efficacy
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4.
Brandon, John R.
An exploratory factor analysis examining traits, perceived fit, and job satisfaction in employed college graduates.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2011, Ashland University
► This study is an analysis of 24 variables associated with employee attitudes,…
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▼ This study is an analysis of 24 variables associated with employee attitudes, behaviors and outcomes. A total of 140 college graduates participated in the study. Utilizing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) techniques, the research examined relationships among the following variables: perceived fit, job satisfaction, cognitive ability, vocational personality, academic achievement and gender. Components were extracted using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and orthogonally rotated resulting in three component solution. A simple, interpretable structure was revealed, demonstrating a strong but differentially related association among three forms of perceived fit and facet level job satisfaction. The person-trait variables in the study were minimally related to perceived fit and satisfaction.
Advisors/Committee Members: Wilson, Harold.
Subjects: Behavioral Psychology; Management; Occupational Psychology; Organizational Behavior; Personality Psychology; Psychology
Keywords: person-job fit; person-organization fit; job satisfaction; perceived fit; traits; college graduate; employed
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5.
Brubaker, Kenneth Dale Jr.
The Importance of Physical Education in Today's Schools.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2011, Ashland University
► Obesity in young children and adults has become an issue within the…
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▼ Obesity in young children and adults has become an issue within the United States of America. It has been found that obesity is one of the top three reasons why middle school student-athletes drop out of organized sports. One of the areas in which we can address this issue is in physical education class. This phenomenological case study investigated the indirect impact of the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) Grant on a semi-rural school district's physical education program. Five physical education teachers with diverse experiences and backgrounds were interviewed. Two middle school and three high school physical education teachers were interviewed twice for approximately sixty minutes per interview. In addition, there was a two-hour focus group meeting held with these same five physical education teachers at their board of education office. Furthermore, the five physical education teachers in this study were observed teaching at their site on two occasions for approximately one hour. The sites were in the gymnasium and physical fitness exercise rooms. As a result of this PEP Grant, this study investigated three research areas. One is the possible characteristics of an effective physical education program. Second, this study investigated what motivates physical education teachers to improve their instruction. Last, it investigated how these five physical education teachers feel about how people perceive their physical education program. According to the results, characteristics identified by the five physical education teachers within this study support several characteristics identified in the literature. An important finding of this study was that the five physical education teachers in this study believed that seeing students increase their participation in physical activity and improve in their overall fitness level was a motivational factor for them to improve their instruction. Last, since there is little literature on how people perceive the field of physical education, this study provides several perceptions provided by the physical education teachers about how they thought their physical education program is perceived.
Advisors/Committee Members: Wilson, Harold.
Subjects: Physical Education
Keywords: Physical Education; Obesity
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6.
Budd, Sheryl Ann Martin.
“We Need A Design Team For That”: A Qualitative Case Study Of The Baldrige Process In A Small Town High School.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2009, Ashland University
► In the era of educational reform, many models have been used to…
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▼ In the era of educational reform, many models have been used to improve student learning. One characteristic found often in successful reform models was the change in culture of the school. Although no one model worked for everyone, choosing a model whose values and ideals closely matched the school culture was important. This ethnographic case study investigated the implementation of the Baldrige in Education Initiative as one high school developed building level improvement processes. Data were collected relating process development and group collaboration to provide evidence of culture change. The research found that over the six years bounded by this study, the organization used the Baldrige framework to develop its own processes for change and used those processes as an accepted method of operation. The staff also developed a collaborative culture through the use of small school improvement teams called Design Teams. The staff used these teams to implement their change process. The collaborative decision making through the Design Teams became the accepted method of making change represented a change in culture.
Advisors/Committee Members: Piirto, Jane.
Subjects: Education; School administration
Keywords: school improvement; school culture; Baldrige; Baldridge in Education Initiative; collaborative teams; change process; Total Quality Management; TQM
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7.
Chapple, James W.
Co-teaching: From Obstacles to Opportunities.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2009, Ashland University
► The purpose of this study was to identify the obstacles to implementing…
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▼ The purpose of this study was to identify the obstacles to implementing successful co-teaching teams between general and special education teachers. The research questions were first, to identify why schools are not able to implement effective co-teaching teams, and second, to identify what are the issues or obstacles to the implementation of these teams. Fifteen respondents, general education teachers, special education teachers, school administrators, university professors, and experts in the field of co-teaching were selected. There were three respondents in each category. Interviews were conducted to identify the major themes. These themes were categorized into logistical, philosophical, and relationship issues. The study found that the most essential strategy was professional development prior to and during the implementation of co-teaching.
Advisors/Committee Members: Piirto, Jane.
Subjects: Education; Special education
Keywords: Co-teaching; inclusive education
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8.
Clifford, R. Todd.
Differing Teacher Views on Compensation between Teachers Who Have Had Value Added Training and Those Who Have Not.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2008, Ashland University
► This study looked to see if there was a difference in perceptions…
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▼ This study looked to see if there was a difference in perceptions between teachers who have had value added training and teachers who have not received such training regarding teacher compensation factors. Also, do teachers who have had value added training and teachers who have not received value added training report differences in what should be included in a teacher's salary schedule? Additionally, do teachers who have and have not received value added assessment training report different concerns with respect to the use of value added assessment? Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered through a survey instrument in pursuit of these questions. Five themes emerged from the teachers' concerns about value added assessment and teacher compensation. Those five themes were what the student brings to the classroom, trust in the system, not an accurate assessment of student achievement, factors a teacher can't control that affect achievement scores, and accountability for parents and students.
Advisors/Committee Members: Wilson, Harold E.
Subjects: Education
Keywords: teacher compensation; merit pay; professional development
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9.
Danklefsen, Pamela R.
Perceptions of Collaboration of Parents of Students with Disabilities and Service Providers.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2008, Ashland University
► This dissertation examined perceptions of collaboration from the perspectives of parents of…
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▼ This dissertation examined perceptions of collaboration from the perspectives of parents of children with disabilities and service providers. Fourteen parents of sixteen children with identified disabilities were individually interviewed about their collaborative experiences with school personnel. Service providers who were recommended by parents as exemplifying positive collaborative models were interviewed. Findings suggested that collaboration produces a consistent educational program for students with special learning needs. The data further suggested that service providers take the initiative in developing trust on the part of parents through regular and frequent communication, a demonstrated knowledge of disabilities, and empathy and respect for the unique situations of families of children with disabilities. Stories about two families' experiences with special education illustrated successful and unsuccessful collaboration.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edlefson, Carla.
Subjects: Special education
Keywords: collaboration; special education; inclusion; disabilities; parents
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10.
Davis, Phyllis A.
Quality of Life of People with Disabilities: Stories of Successful Adults.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2009, Ashland University
► This study explored the quality of life of employed college graduates with…
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▼ This study explored the quality of life of employed college graduates with disabilities. A mixed methods approach was utilized. Quantitative elements involved the measurement of self-efficacy and purpose in life perceptions. The results were comparable to the general population. The qualitative elements employed a case study approach. Participants reported strong parent advocates, possessed appropriate interpersonal skills, demonstrated determination, developed helpful social networks, and acquired the ability to become self-advocates. In the educational setting, participants reported benefiting from the principles of universal designs such as differentiated instruction and the incorporation of technology. The results of this study indicated a need for schools to do more to recognize individual potential and put emphasis on successful transitions for individuals with disabilities.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edlefson, Carla.
Subjects: Academic guidance counseling; Adult education; Behaviorial sciences; Continuing education; Curricula; Education; Educational evaluation; Educational psychology; Educational sociology; Educational theory; Elementary education; Higher education; Multicultural education
Keywords: Quality of life; disabilities; education; teachers; inclusion; self-efficacy; purpose in life; transition; social networks; social skills; universal design; self-advocate; parent advocate; parental support; parental influence; differentiated instruction
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11.
Friedman, Ruth E.
An Examination of Lesson Study as a Teaching Tool in U.S Public Schools.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2005, Ashland University
► The purpose of this qualitative research study was to determine whether a…
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▼ The purpose of this qualitative research study was to determine whether a Japanese professional development tool called lesson study could fit into teachers’ existing work culture. In addition, data was collected concerning teachers’ attitudes and beliefs about the lesson study process. After the release of the Third International Mathematics and Science Studies (TIMSS) in 1995 and the TIMSS-R in 1999 the Japanese model of lesson study gained attention as a professional development tool that built teachers’ instructional skills. As a professional development tool, lesson study also put teachers in a leadership role for improving their classroom practices. Lesson study was specifically designed to standardize math and science lessons to focus the curricula in order to improve test scores of U.S. students compared to peak performing countries. However, educational researchers like Stigler and Lewis started professional development initiatives around the country that took lesson study to the next level in the teaching process. Instead of focusing on test scores, lesson study developed as a professional development tool to increase teachers’ content knowledge and their research skills. In this research study nine teachers, three administrators, a professor and two focus groups, engaged at various stages in the lesson study process, were interviewed on their attitudes and beliefs. Six common themes and seventeen sub-themes emerged from the data collected. This research study concluded with predictions about the future of lesson study and whether it could be sustained in the U.S. teaching culture in order to change teaching strategies in American classrooms.
Advisors/Committee Members: Bon, Susan.
Keywords: Lesson Study; Research Lessons; Japanese Professional Development Tool; TIMSS; Professional Development; Action Research for lesson planning
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12.
Graves, Kristi Rae.
A Mixed Method Analysis of The Ohio State University Mathematics Coaching Program Site Visits.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2012, Ashland University
► The purpose of this mixed-method case study was to uncover the common…
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▼ The purpose of this mixed-method case study was to uncover the common experiences of 69 first and second year mathematics coaches, bound by their participation in the Mathematics Coaching Program (MCP). Evidence supporting MCP implementation and the evolution of instructional practices were also investigated and reported. Interview, document, and observation data were collected and analyzed for common themes. These themes included (a) establishing identity, (b) planning for coaching, (c) the coaching process, (d) instructional approaches consistent with the MCP, (e) greatest coaching accomplishments, (f) greatest challenges, and (g) professional development support. These findings provide a voice to MCP coaches, add to current research on the impact of coaching, and highlight the need for supportive structures to promote success.
Advisors/Committee Members: Piirto, Jane.
Subjects: Mathematics Education
Keywords: mathematics; coaching; teaching; professional development; MCP; instruction; pedagogy
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13.
Griffith, Jason S.
Differences among teachers' perceptions of school climate: Does support for the local teacher union make a difference?.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2009, Ashland University
► Although some school improvement literature has suggested that schools will improve when…
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▼ Although some school improvement literature has suggested that schools will improve when unions are removed from the school system, unions have rarely been isolated in the research. This study involved a mixed method case study approach to explore whether support of the local teacher union affected perceptions of school climate, as measured by the Organizational Health Inventory. The study found that teachers who supported the union had more positive perceptions on several of the organizational climate dimensions than teachers who were not supportive of the union.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edlefson, Carla.
Subjects: Education; Educational evaluation; Labor relations
Keywords: school climate; union; teacher union; organizational health; NEA; communication; trust; collective bargaining; academic emphasis; consideration; morale; institutional integrity; resource support; overall health index; job satisfaction; efficacy
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14.
Harley, Judith Ann.
Mental Health Consumers' Perspectives on Traditional Mental Health Services Versus Peer-Run Services: A Qualitative Study.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2012, Ashland University
► The purpose of this study was to examine mental health consumers' perspectives…
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▼ The purpose of this study was to examine mental health consumers' perspectives on traditional mental health services versus peer-run services. Three mental health consumers, a family member of each, and a mental health worker of each were selected using purposive selection and were interviewed one time each about traditional mental health services and peer-run services. Several themes emerged in addition to traditional mental health services and peer-run services, including alcohol and other drugs (AOD), family issues, boundaries and ethics, and medication issues. I found that these mental health consumers preferred traditional mental health services over peer-run services. The limitations of the study included the small sample size and purposive sampling which could affect validity. Future research directions should include the connection between mental health consumers and AOD and the effectiveness of peer-run services as an adjunct therapy for mental illness.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edlefson, Carla.
Subjects: Mental Health; Social Work
Keywords: persons with mental illness; peer-run services; traditional mental health services; AOD; qualitative study; family issues; mental health outreach centers; mental health drop-in centers
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15.
Hawthorne-Clay, Suszanne A.
A Comparative Study of Principal Turnover in Union and Non-unionized School Districts in Ohio.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2010, Ashland University
► This study compares the succession of urban principals working under negotiated collective…
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▼ This study compares the succession of urban principals working under negotiated collective bargaining agreements and conferred “memorandums of understanding” with particular school boards in three of Ohio's major cities: Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Toledo. Relying on the following information: tenure, licensure status, professional experience, and gender, as predictive indicators of individual principal movement, isolating common factors of those moved over a five year period, utilizing the Ohio Department of Education public access data base as the primary source of information to verify stability as one advantage of collective bargaining.
Advisors/Committee Members: Wilson, Harold.
Subjects: School administration
Keywords: urban schools; school reform; principal turnover; principal succession; collective bargaining; Ohio schools; school administration; unionization; leadership
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16.
Hill, Robert Frederick lll.
An historical analysis of policy decisions and the fiscal equity of school funding in Ohio: 1980—2003.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2008, Ashland University
► An ex-post facto approach was used to construct a history of Ohio…
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▼ An ex-post facto approach was used to construct a history of Ohio school finance from 1980-2003 to show links between policy decisions and changes in the equity of the system. Through economic analysis, litigation analysis and review of literature, the effect of education funding policy changes in the state of Ohio between 1980 and 2003 were examined. The research began with determination of years of major policy changes and was followed by assembly of the database, including the Adjusted Current Expenditures (ACE) for school districts in the state of Ohio. Adjusted Current Expenditures (ACE) for each school district in each year was calculated using a formula similar to the formula used by Arbogast (2005). The measures of equity chosen were the Gini coefficient and the McLoone index. The Gini coefficient and the McLoone index values were analyzed to determine if the trends in those values changed between successive time periods of the four periods marked by FYs 1980-83, 1984-91, 1992-97, and 1998-2003. The analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression models. The findings suggest that the passage of the state income tax in 1983 increased equity levels, as measured by the McLoone index. In addition, in Period 3, the equity fund increased the equity trend, as measured by the Gini coefficient and, as measured by the McLoone index of per pupil spending for Ohio school districts.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edlefson, Carla.
Subjects: Education history; School finance
Keywords: policy decisions; fiscal equity; Ohio; Ohio school funding; Ohio funding equity; school funding
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17.
Hovatter, Rhonda.
Ohio Physical Educators’ Perceived Professional Development Needs.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2009, Ashland University
► This dissertation describes research designed to investigate the influence of select teacher…
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▼ This dissertation describes research designed to investigate the influence of select teacher and school characteristics on the perceived professional development needs of in-service physical educators in the state of Ohio. Data were collected using a self-report survey instrument comprised of the Professional Development Needs Questionnaire-Physical Education (Conkle, 1994), and the Teacher Concerns Questionnaire-Physical Education (McBride, 1993). Additional demographic data were collected and categorized according to grade level taught (elementary, middle school, high school, or some combination), and school setting/location (urban/inner city, suburban/small city, and rural). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients were analyzed to determine the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Multiple regression using stepwise method was further conducted to determine the degree to which a teachers’ stage of concern, grade level taught and school setting influenced their perceived professional development needs. Results indicated that participants’ perceived professional development needs were driven primarily by issues of concern rather than teaching situation (e.g. grade level taught; school setting/location).
Advisors/Committee Members: Shelly, Ann.
Subjects: Education; Physical education; School administration; Teacher education
Keywords: professional development needs; in-service physical educators; Professional Development Needs Questionnaire-Physical Education; Teacher Concerns Questionnaire-Physical Education
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18.
Ingalls, Victoria A.
A Mixed Methods Comparison Study of Placement Strategies for College Mathematics Courses.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2008, Ashland University
► The purpose of this study was to better understand the mathematics placement…
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▼ The purpose of this study was to better understand the mathematics placement process currently used at Tiffin University as well as to compare the respective accuracy and success rates of four different placement methods historically utilized by the college. Interviews with the mathematics department chair brought forth the expert judgment in making decisions based on multiple measures. Quantitatively, the math subscore of the American College Test, Course Placement System data, online placement testing, and expert teacher judgments of 1508 students were analyzed statistically. In short, although the accuracy rates of the methods varied within three course levels, the accuracy rate of the expert teacher was most often higher than the other methods. There was no pattern to the success rates.
Advisors/Committee Members: Walters, Howard.
Subjects: Education; Mathematics; Mathematics education
Keywords: mathematics placement
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19.
Jones, Karen Ann.
Middle School Teacher Perspectives on Controversial Questions: A Grounded Theory Approach Using Vignettes to Discover Teachers' Reasons for Their Responses.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2011, Ashland University
► This dissertation focused on teachers' reasons of why they were willing or…
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▼ This dissertation focused on teachers' reasons of why they were willing or reluctant to have discussions of a controversial nature. This dissertation used vignettes in an emergent grounded theory approach. Interviews and focus groups consisted of eight male and 27 female middle school teachers in central Ohio. A division of teachers into two groups of willing and reluctant revealed numerous findings. Willing teachers employed teachable moments through educationally relevant discussions and understood adolescents' struggles through moral development. Reluctant teachers resented the lack of teaching time or were uncomfortable with controversial discussions in their classrooms. The results of this research recommended that teacher education programs provide additional information about moral developmental of middle school students.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edlefson, Carla.
Subjects: Middle School Education
Keywords: middle school; moral development; character education; vignettes; controversial questions
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20.
Lloyd, James Louis.
Instituting a Value-Added Assessment System in Ohio: The Professional Development Implications from the Perspective of the District Value-Added Specialists.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2008, Ashland University
► Although much has been written about the various value-added models from a…
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▼ Although much has been written about the various value-added models from a statistical point of view, there is a considerable lack of literature related to the professional development implications of value-added once a particular model has been chosen. This study illuminates and describes some of the professional development implications related to Ohio’s scale up of its educational value-added assessment system from the perspective of those responsible for teaching its implications to others at the local level – the District Value-Added Specialists. Six research questions were explored using a survey instrument that was developed by the researcher. The results were reviewed and discussed. The practical implications of instituting a value-added assessment model include using value-added data with other forms of data in order to improve instructional practices. Suggestions were provided specific to Ohio’s value-added scale-up and its impact on educators.
Advisors/Committee Members: Shelly, Dr. Ann.
Subjects: Curricula; Education; Educational evaluation; Teacher education
Keywords: value-added assessment; professional development; school improvement; train-the-trainers
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21.
Lucas, Paul Mark.
Secondary Science Homework and Instructional Methodologies: An Investigation of the Alignment of Homework Assignments and Teachers' Self-Professed Instructional Methodology.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2009, Ashland University
► This study utilized a mixed-method design in order to investigate the alignment…
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▼ This study utilized a mixed-method design in order to investigate the alignment of secondary science teachers' instructional methodologies and their homework designs. Surveys were distributed to educators from a Center for Ocean Sciences Excellence Education (COSEE) database. Coding rubrics were developed to categorize the participants' responses to a series of open-ended questions. Chi-square tests were utilized in the determination of the degree of association between the participants' instructional methodologies and their homework designs. Overall, no statistically significant association was discovered between the two variables. Likewise, a statistically significant association for alignment, based on various demographic characteristics of the participants, was also unable to be determined.
Advisors/Committee Members: Wilson, Harold.
Subjects: Education; Educational theory; Science education; Secondary education; Teacher education
Keywords: homework; homework design; science instruction; science homework; instructional alignment; instructional methodologies; homework methods
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22.
McElfresh, Dwight L.
A comparison of staff acceptance of the Baldrige school improvement model and the types of staff development among four school districts in Ohio.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2002, Ashland University
► The primary purpose of this study was to empirically determine the relationship…
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▼ The primary purpose of this study was to empirically determine the relationship between staff acceptance of the Baldrige Model as a school improvement innovation and types of staff development. The secondary purpose was to establish from the literature the relationship between staff acceptance and school improvement. Professional development strategies used by four Ohio school districts to implement the Baldrige Model were analyzed. The methodology included administering, electronically, the CBAM SoCQ to measure staff acceptance of the Baldrige Model in three of the school districts and by a paper survey in the remaining district. An ANCOVA was conducted in which each stage of the SoCQ was analyzed by each pilot district considering the variables of number of years teaching and number of years using Baldrige concepts. Site visits were made to each school district to conduct focus groups and interviews with staff regarding professional development strategies. Results indicated that there were significant staff acceptance differences in the Awareness, Informational, Management, Consequence, and Refocusing stages of concern. There were no significant differences noted for the Personal and Collaboration stages. There were differences in the professional development strategies used by the four districts. Districts that provided training for all staff members and utilized a building-based approach had fewer staff concerns regarding acceptance of the Baldrige Model and increased utilization in the classroom. This study indicated there are useful tools and techniques that enhance successful implementation of change and monitoring schools' progress toward the institutionalization of the change process.
Advisors/Committee Members: Wilson, Harold.
Subjects: Education; Teaching
Keywords: Baldrige; Professional Development; School Improvement; Teacher Acceptance
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23.
Parsons, Jennifer C. M.
Determining the Existence of an Athletic Stigma on a NCAA Division II University Campus.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2010, Ashland University
► This project replicated a previous study by Simons, Bosworth, Fujita, and Jenson…
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▼ This project replicated a previous study by Simons, Bosworth, Fujita, and Jenson (2007) examining the existence of an athletic stigma on a university campus. For this investigation, the researcher adapted the original instrument and surveyed 252 athletes on a comprehensive Midwestern NCAA Division II university campus. The survey provided both quantitative and qualitative data. The first research question examined how athletes believed professors at the institution perceived and treated them. Despite only 12% of the participants indicating a negative perception from professors, the qualitative data confirmed the presence of a stigma from some professors. The second research question compared this study's results to the previous study. Overall, the participants indicated a more positive perception from faculty at this institution than in the original study.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edlefson, Carla.
Subjects: Education; Higher education; Physical education
Keywords: Athletes; College Athletes; NCAA Division II
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24.
Perry Hummons, Monica L.
Perceptions and Meanings Constructed by Participants in a Four-year Instructional Coaching Project.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2012, Ashland University
► This qualitative study was conducted in the Midwestern U.S. It explored the…
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▼ This qualitative study was conducted in the Midwestern U.S. It explored the stories of 27 educators who participated in a four-year instructional coaching project in a large urban school district. Subjects shared their perceptions of and meanings they constructed as a result of their experiences in the coaching project through participation in a series of focus group discussions or by individual interviews. The subjects also put forward nearly 100 recommendations for the success of future coaching projects. The findings included 12 themes that emerged regarding (a) the meanings coaches constructed as a result of their experience in the Perry Coaching Project, (b) coaches' definitions of a case of coaching success, (c) the importance of context on the project's success, and (d) coaches' recommendations for the success of future coaching projects. The coaches recounted their experiences chronologically across the four-year implementation. In spite of the many challenges they faced across the years, the strong majority of coaches believed that their participation was worthwhile and meaningful, and that the potential of coaching to bring about change in teachers' instructional practices was strong.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edlefson, Carla.
Subjects: Education; Educational Leadership; Teaching
Keywords: teacher coaching; teacher professional development; instructional coaching; cognitive coaching; peer coaching; content coaching; instructional improvement; instructional change; coaching models; coaching research
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25.
Ritzenthaler, Mark D.
Integrating Technology into Classroom Instruction.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2009, Ashland University
► Technology has become increasingly saturated into the very fabric of students' daily…
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▼ Technology has become increasingly saturated into the very fabric of students' daily lives. They are exposed to and use technology in every facet of their lives, including their schoolwork. With millions of dollars being spent by school districts on technology and its infrastructure, this study used an on-line survey to gather data on how teachers in one school district assessed their use of technology in their classrooms. Teachers also submitted detailed lesson plans as examples of best practices using technology integration. The study found that there were several barriers to the full integration of technology into teachers' classrooms, and that teachers rated themselves much higher on the on-line survey in terms of technology integration than what their lesson plans indicated they were doing.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edlefson, Carla.
Subjects: Computer science; Education; Educational evaluation; Educational software; Technology
Keywords: computer science; education; educational evaluation; educational software; technology
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26.
Russell, Alecia Marie.
An Effective Dropout Prevention Program for Urban Students.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2009, Ashland University
► There have been limited qualitative case studies exploring effective urban dropout prevention…
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▼ There have been limited qualitative case studies exploring effective urban dropout prevention programs. Specifically, few studies have presented a conceptual orientation based solely upon the polyphonic voices of dropouts themselves to solve the dropout crisis in America's public schools. The aim of this study was to bridge this literature gap by presenting the collective stories and ideas from 12 adult urban dropouts who left their public high school to attend an urban dropout prevention program. Framed upon three major strands to predict reasons students depart from school, data produced new knowledge of what I refer to as a potential cure to the silent epidemic. Consequently, this study added to the literature by emphasizing (a) social/emotional concerns that are associated with students' decisions to quit school, (b) interventions and practices implemented by effective dropout recovery programs to increase graduation rates, (c) reasons students desire alternative educational designs, (d) reasons students do not desire online recovery programs, and (e) vital warnings for administrators of dropout recovery programs.
Advisors/Committee Members: Alston, Judy.
Subjects: Education
Keywords: adult urban dropouts; case study; African-American dropouts; urban dropout prevention programs
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27.
Rutar, Pamela K.
Mentoring and Ohio School Superintendents.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2008, Ashland University
► Changes in education have placed increased pressure on school superintendents. Some states…
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▼ Changes in education have placed increased pressure on school superintendents. Some states have implemented mentoring programs to aid new superintendents in adjusting to the role. This study looked at Ohio's formal mentoring program employing a quantitative-qualitative approach. The study used an instrument based on Cohen's Principles of Adult Mentoring Survey to compare perceptions of mentors and mentees of the mentoring experience. The instrument measured two dimensions of the mentoring experience: structure of perceived mentoring relationship and quality of perceived mentoring relationship. The study found that there were differences in both dimensions between mentors and mentees, and by years of experience. Qualitative data was gathered from participant feedback to the program to explain the differences in perceptions.
Advisors/Committee Members: Wilson, Harold E.
Subjects: Education; Organization theory; School administration
Keywords: mentoring; superintendent; school superintendents; formal mentoring program
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28.
Siegel, Linda Marie.
The Effects of Appreciative Inquiry on Emotional Intelligence.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2008, Ashland University
► The purpose of this study was to explore the affects of experiencing…
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▼ The purpose of this study was to explore the affects of experiencing Appreciative Inquiry on a group's Emotional Intelligence. The authors of Appreciative Inquiry call for a study of organizations in which evolving, social constructions change and transform the capacity of the organization to possibilities not probable in a hierarchical ordered system (Cooperrider, Barrett, & Srivastva, 1995). In order for organizational leaders to provide a structure in which optimal change processes may occur, they must understand, as in the instance of using Appreciative Inquiry, what affects it may have on individuals. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis contribute to this research. This study examined one consequence of change that may be useful to leaders as they work within organizations to accomplish goals and move to increased levels of effectiveness for the organization.
Advisors/Committee Members: Wilson, Harold.
Subjects: Organizational behavior
Keywords: emotional intelligence; appreciative inquiry
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29.
Siracuse, Kimberly S.
Engendered & Endangered: A Phenomenological Study of the Lives of Twelve Female Social Studies Teachers.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2011, Ashland University
► The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the lives of…
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▼ The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the lives of twelve female social studies teachers. Specifically, through a phenomenological approach, the lived experiences, personal thoughts and professional journeys of the twelve participants were examined in order to identify those experiences that are unique to being a female social studies teacher. The themes that emerged were: (a) treatment of participants as a result of gender; (b) the role of the Catholic Church and Catholic schools in the lives of the participants; (c) the appeal of social studies education to the participants; (d) the benefits and contributions of female social studies teachers; (e) the participants' journeys in to the field of social studies education; (f) the lack of representation of females in social studies education; (g) the devaluing of social studies education; (h) the importance of social studies education; (i) the characteristics of a successful female social studies teacher; and (j) the coachification effect in social studies education.
Advisors/Committee Members: Piirto, Jane.
Subjects: Gender Studies; Secondary Education; Social Studies Education; Teacher Education; Teaching
Keywords: Roman Catholicism; citizenship education; women in social studies education; devaluing of social studies; coachification effect; liberal feminism; gender based treatment of social studies teachers; student success in social studies education
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30.
Smith, Gene A.
Perceptions and evaluation of a physical activity program.
Degree: EdD, College of Education, 2012, Ashland University
► This qualitative case study, conducted in the Midwestern United States, explored the…
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▼ This qualitative case study, conducted in the Midwestern United States, explored the perceptions of teachers at two different elementary schools as they implemented a physical activity program during the school day. The program engaged students in daily physical activity through brief, organized, structured physical exercise. Interviews and classroom observations uncovered six primary themes. There were differences between urban-suburban schools, primary-intermediate grades, gender, teacher participation and enthusiasm, relationships to other lessons, variety in music selections, student leadership, and combining singing or chanting with physical activity. Teacher perceptions and researcher observations reported a positive impact on student motivation, school climate, attitude, self-esteem, and energy for academic tasks. Through these themes a deeper understanding of program implementation was gained, and recommendations for future implementation were created.
Advisors/Committee Members: Edlefson, Carla.
Subjects: Education; Educational Evaluation; Health; Health Education; Physical Education; Public Health; Public Health Education; Recreation; School Administration; Teaching
Keywords: physical activity; physical activity evaluation; physical activity program evaluation; physical activity perceptions
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