The present dissertation in practice (DiP) proposal delineates an action research study designed to evaluate the use of problem-based learning (PBL) in an eighth-grade earth science class to assess the impact of PBL on student achievement. I have observed that students often struggle with developing an understanding of how the motions of the sun,…

This research provides an analysis of the relationship between a student's beliefs and mathematical behaviors over a seventeen-year period. Romina, the student of focus in this case study, was among the original participants in a longitudinal study which explored how students build mathematical ideas when working collaboratively on problem-solving…

The purpose of this researcher was to investigate the programmatic impact of school districts' practice of limited early access to algebra on student performance. School districts selected for the study are located in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk, Long Island, New York. School districts that reported Mathematics A and Integrated Algebra…

This research described the retrospective formation of identity and manifestation of responsibility of four African-American female leaders who served as urban school principals. Cross (1971, 1991) determined that African-Americans undergo a four step process of identity development that he coined Nigrescence. Within these four stages of identity…

The main purpose of this researcher was to examine how well the New York State Mathematics Assessment in Grade 8 predicted success in high school mathematics programs at the Regents and Accelerated levels as measured by the New York State Regents' Math A and B examinations. These exams are statewide and are governed by the New York State…

With the global crises facing the planet that bring major implications, (Hart & Nolan, 1999; Hungerford & Simmons, 2003) it is imperative that there be an environmentally literate citizenry who can identify, solve, and prevent environmental issues. Since middle school students are evolving into participating citizens and are developing the…