This qualitative instrumental multicase study described and explored dual enrollment policies in three states: Colorado, Indiana, and Virginia. Student outcomes from dual enrollment participation are positive, yet access to these programs is uneven within and across states. Colorado, Indiana, and Virginia have similar educational governance…

This study analyzed the vision, operations, and governance structure of state legislature on the College and Career Readiness (CCR) education policy to identify the decision-making process and opportunities and gaps for an equitable K-12 education pathway that challenges a more inclusive implementation of readiness at the state level. I endeavored…

The purpose of this quantitative research study was to determine if there were differences in perception among Indiana public school principals on the federal requirements of ESSA in the three policy areas of accountability, school improvement, and fiscal reporting that differ from current state requirements. This study surveyed all traditional…

As of 2021, eighteen states plus the District of Columbia have implemented legislation regarding mandatory test-based grade retention focusing on minimum reading proficiency levels (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2019) with many of those policies targeting the third-grade year. While grade retention has been largely viewed negatively…

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) has replaced No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and many changes were made to offer more flexibility for English language learners (ELLs). Historically, teachers have not been well informed of the changes made to the specific requirements of educational policy despite being at the frontline to implement these…

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if the outcome of two different types of referendums, operating fund and construction, could be more accurately predicted by using certain predictor variables. Furthermore, if the outcome could be more accurately predicted, which predictor variables were statistically significant in that…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine dual credit policy and what barriers Indiana high schools have in offering dual credit courses. The goal of this study was to answer one grand tour question--What barriers exist for Indiana high school students regarding dual credit availability? Three sub-questions supported this grand…

Policy changes influence various aspects of art education such as K-12 art education curricula, state licensure systems, and contexts of art teacher preparation. Despite strong relationships between art education policy and practical fields, few studies have attempted to understand art education from the perspective of policy analysis. This study…

The interpretation of Indiana Public Law 109 and subsequent policy adopted by the Indiana Department of Education resulted in the Indiana State Board of Education mandating circumstances implemented during the 2011-2012 school year regarding grade level retention of Grade 3 students. IREAD-3, a standardized, gateway assessment, was administered to…

The purpose of this study was to explore whether William Deming's 8 Step Model would increase reading achievement in 3rd grade students. The study investigated how well the process based plan-do-check-act model when used as a treatment with fidelity, coupled with the principal as instructional leader would result in success in the age of federal…

This study sought to examine leadership styles used by Indiana superintendents and how leadership style impacted the implementation of the legislative mandates within Public Law (PL) 108-265. As a result of the legislation, public school districts which offer free-and-reduced lunch rates to students are required to have a district wellness policy…

Father Theodore M. Hesburgh served as president of the University of Notre Dame from 1952-1987 and is recognized as one of the most successful university presidents in history. He was very involved in both matters pertaining to the university and those affecting the larger world. One of his most important achievements during his tenure was turning…

With the ever growing cultural and linguistic diversity at institutions of higher education, local and institutional language planning is becoming increasingly important. By examining university policies and planning processes, ESL professionals can more appropriately advocate for their students, as well as create and implement language policies…