Using the lens of accountability, the purpose of this investigation is to better understand factors influencing success in student teaching for teacher education candidates. By utilizing existing quantitative data from archival sources from a Midwest university's educator preparation program, this study hopes to develop a predictive model which…

In review of assessment and grading systems, there is often discord regarding best practice to foster student learning. Problems and disconnect between assessment and learning were identified as the area of focus of this study, more specifically examining the usage of student self-assessment as an effective gauge for learning and instruction, in…

This project examined student self-assessment knowledge, training, and application by building-level administrators in order to formulate recommendations for implementation. Guiding questions based upon background research fit into three main categories: implementing criteria required to achieve high-fidelity student self-assessment, valuing the…

In review of assessment and grading systems, there is often discord regarding best practice to foster student learning. Problems and disconnect between assessment and learning were identified as the area of focus of this study, more specifically examining the usage of student self-assessment as an effective gauge for learning and instruction, in…

Current researchers have not been clear on whether or not professional development expenditures, at the school district level, share any possible relationships with student achievement outcomes on state-level summative testing. While there are many articles and numerous research studies on the concept, they are very contradictory in their…

Teachers in American schools have substantial autonomy in grading students in their courses. Music teachers have historically used a plethora of grading criteria that include non-academic and non-achievement data such as participation, attendance, and behavior. This study aims to show how music teachers in the state of Missouri are calculating…

A key strategy to ensure learning is progressing is to integrate formative assessments into the instruction. This study focused on two areas related to formative assessments: the implementation and impact of formative assessments. Specifically, this study explored the perceptions of elementary, middle school, junior high, and high school teachers…

This study examined the experiences of building leaders as they implemented strengths-based coaching and feedback, exploring the overarching research question: how do building leaders implement strengths-based coaching and feedback as part of teacher development and evaluation? This qualitative case study involved four assistant principals and…

School districts in the state of Missouri are required to provide an education to all students, including those on suspension, and many other states have similar requirements. The number of alternative programs has grown over the last 50 years, and most districts provide some type of alternative program for at-risk students. With few state…

Effective teachers are those who create a classroom climate which meets the needs of the students (Darling-Hammond, 2009; Hart & Hodsen, 2004). In an attempt to identify preservice teachers who can create this type of classroom, Missouri added a workplace inventory, the Missouri Educator Profile (MEP), to their required battery of teacher…

School finance formulas vary from state to state, impacting school district educational outcomes. Rural school districts are especially affected due to inherent challenges in producing high student achievement scores. This study examined whether variables including socioeconomic status and per-pupil local tax level impacted student achievement…

In 1983 the National Commission for Excellence in Education investigated claimed that U.S. schools were failing to adequately educate children. The Commission identified many inconsistencies nationwide in areas of access, teacher standards, learning standards, and accountability. This investigation led to an evolution of legislation such as the No…

The problem this research study investigated was the readiness of the selected district's administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers in implementing a standards-based grading (SBG) initiative. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the district's elementary administration, instructional coaches, and teachers' perceptions…

In 2010, Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana opened its first Excel Center adult high schools aimed at assisting adults in obtaining a high school diploma and transitioning those adults into higher education, industry certifications, and the workforce completely tuition free. MERS Goodwill, the largest Missouri branch of Goodwill (excluding…

The world of education is ever changing as students are preparing for jobs that have yet to be created. Students who are raised in a home with a low socioeconomic background face additional challenges and are more likely to be one of the 6,700,000 students who receive special education services. This research examined the impact assessed valuation…