Current literature exists centered on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, its components, and ways in which MTSS is intended to support all students. Yet, there is a gap in the literature that examines how elementary schools are implementing it. This dissertation study sought to understand what the MTSS framework implementation at…

Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become a significant concern for schools across the United States and abroad, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research suggests that school support is necessary for students to succeed academically and emotionally. In recognition of this need, the New York State Education Department mandated schools to…

Identified English learners are students from a home where a language other than English is spoken and who are in the process of acquiring English. These students participate in diverse educational programs, representing over 10% of the United States' student population. Many English learners experience English immersion with teachers who have…

U.S. schools have witnessed educational reforms that have shifted science curriculum and pedagogy within classrooms. Yet, all these reforms have failed to reduce the racial and gender gaps in STEM fields. In 2016, New York State implemented the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) to address these gaps. Problems remain, however, with…

The purpose of this qualitative inquiry was to explore the implementation of the third pillar of dual language education (DLE), sociocultural competence. Teachers' perceptions of the structures both supporting and challenging implementation of the pillar were examined. An Elementary (K-5) two-way immersion DLE Program in the lower Hudson Valley…

The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive study was to explore how school administrators described their understanding of the decision-making process in the allocation of funds to urban elementary schools in New York. Twelve participants took part in online questionnaires followed by Zoom interviews. A convenience sample of principals were…

The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of elementary administrators' and elementary teachers' on the effectiveness of school-based disciplinary policies as they relate to English language learners. This study identified the current policies and beliefs that are in place when it comes to discipline for our ELL population, and if…

The purpose of this case study was to explore elementary school teachers' perspectives and experiences on the implementation of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in their classrooms. The study utilized a qualitative research approach, focusing on an elementary charter school located in the State of New York. This study addressed the following…

School improvement and accountability pressures heightened at the turn of the 21st century, with the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002 and with the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015. These actions spurred research to facilitate school improvement and meet state standards. Researchers identified a strong correlation between a…

The purpose of this study was to explore how Responsive Classroom's Morning Meetings led by trained teachers (N = 9) improved students' (N = 85) sense of belonging in their classrooms in a public K-5 elementary school in New York State. This eight-week mixed methods study, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, used improvement science in two…

The purpose of this quantitative associative correlational study was to determine if and to what extent there was a statistically significant relationship between behavior classroom management strategies and the teacher burnout dimensions of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment in PK-12 classrooms in New York State.…

In March 2020, school leaders' roles were unexpectedly and dramatically challenged as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in overnight school closures across the United States and an unexpected and expedited transition to online learning. What role might emotional intelligence (EI) have played in the leadership…

The primary goal of this research is to examine New York State's humane education mandate, Section 809 of the Education Law; specifically, its history, barriers, and possible implementation solutions to achieve statewide elementary school compliance. It explores the educational system and its role in school compliance with the mandate. In…

This study explores the perceived preparedness of elementary school building leaders in special education leadership and its implications for school administrative preparation programs. This study aimed to address this problem by examining two research questions. The first was to investigate course offerings in administrative preparation programs…

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a devastating and long-lasting effect on most of the world. In an attempt to slow the spread of the virus, public health authorities instituted guidelines for schools regarding social distancing, mask wearing, and quarantining, and the U.S. educational system was forced to adjust. This…