Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), University of Findlay, 2016, Education

Education reformers are calling for increased accountability for the nation's public schools. Teacher evaluation has experienced a shift in focus from what teachers do to accomplish the task of teaching to student growth as a result of what teachers do in the classroom (Achieve, Inc., 2007). Additionally, a connection between teacher job satisfaction and quality of education in the classroom has been identified (Hall, Zinko, Perryman, & Ferris, 2009). The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if increased accountability measures found in the Ohio Teacher Evaluation System (OTES) impacted teacher job satisfaction. The research was conducted through a three-part survey which included a demographic section, questions from the Teacher Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, and questions specifically related to the OTES. The survey was sent to Ohio K-12 public education superintendents and principals to be forwarded to teachers. Survey participation was voluntary and all participants were anonymous. A total of 290 completed responses were submitted. Pearson Product-Moment Correlations were performed on the data. The data suggested the OTES did not significantly impact teacher job satisfaction. Additionally, the findings indicated components of the OTES did not significantly impact teacher job satisfaction. A disparity was found between the data and open-ended comments made by the participants. Recommendations for future research include accessing a statewide database to increase the size of the sample and conduct the study again in the future to determine if the results were due to the design of the OTES or to change in general.

Committee: Kathy Crates Dr. (Committee Chair); Jon Brasfield Dr. (Committee Member); Rahman Dyer Dr. (Committee Member); Williams Nicole V. Dr. (Committee Member); John Gillham Dr. (Advisor) Subjects: Education; Education Policy; Educational Evaluation; Educational Leadership

PHD, Kent State University, 2015, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies

The teaching of writing in elementary school settings has been well documented through research. However, when it comes to secondary schools settings, the literature reveals a gap in treatment of writing instruction in an urban school environment. This study adds to the literature guided by three major research questions: (1) What beliefs do secondary teachers across the curriculum hold about teaching writing in an urban high school? (2) What are secondary teachers' experiences with writing instruction in an urban high school? (3) What tensions emerge for secondary teachers with writing instruction in an urban high school that is implementing Common Core State Standards? The purpose of this interpretative qualitative study was to understand six secondary teachers' writing beliefs, experiences, and tensions in implementing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) with respect to writing instruction across the curriculum through a social constructivist framework. Purposeful Sampling and Responsive Interview Method procedures were utilized in this study. Teachers participated in interview sessions along with follow-up questions during a school semester. Data transcribed and coded using NVivo software. Themes and patterns identified as they emerged through analysis of statements and interpretation of data collected. The findings of this study suggest that teachers have limited skills and various challenges that prevent effective writing instruction in the classroom. These results prompted the presentation of numerous implications for teachers, administrators, school districts, and teacher educational programs.

Committee: William Bintz Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Lori Wilfong Ph.D. (Committee Co-Chair); Susan Iverson Ph.D. (Committee Member); Steve Turner Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: African American Studies; Curriculum Development; Education; Educational Leadership; Higher Education; Language Arts; Literacy; Minority and Ethnic Groups; School Administration; Secondary Education; Teacher Education; Teaching