In an effort to best support student learning, school districts are seeking the most effective means of improving instruction while effectively addressing student inequities. As the focus on accountability intensifies, the use of data is paramount. Access to data alone, does not ensure quality, data-driven instruction. The lack of teacher…

This dissertation examines the impact of restorative practices on reducing discipline disparities among Latino youth in educational settings. Historically, Latino students have faced educational and socioeconomic inequalities that have resulted in reduced academic opportunities, lower graduation rates, and a persistent cycle of poverty. While…

This qualitative study explored the perceptions of high school math teachers and administrators regarding professional development initiatives in secondary math education. Through a qualitative approach involving focus group discussions and individual interviews, the study examined accountability mechanisms, motivational factors, challenges, and…

COVID-19 has had tremendous effects on all aspects of society. In the intervening years, there have been issues with finances, health, and education (Duraku & Hoxha, 2020; Harris, 2020; ODE, 2020; Safi, et al., 2020; Terada, 2020; Whittaker, 2020). The purpose of this study was to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the job…

The purpose of this study was to understand the difficulties encountered by special education teachers while dealing with students who had dyslexia and demonstrated challenging behavior. The topic was the experiences associated with teaching dyslexic students. There is a lack of research centering on special education teachers' experience teaching…

This qualitative study explored the perceptions of college readiness reported by college sophomores from a private Christian university in the South. Data were collected from 42 participants by electronic questionnaire to investigate (a) the perceived areas of greatest and least preparedness, (b) factors perceived to influence participants'…

A disproportionate representation of Black women diversity administrators within postsecondary education are confronted with institutional barriers that have seemingly obstructed their professional discovery, mobility, and success paths. Presented as the bridge leaders and cultural brokers of postsecondary institutions in the face of hegemonic…

Historically, teacher exams have been suspected of racial disparities and cultural bias. The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) report the first-time passing rate is 48%. While 75% of white applicants score a passing grade, a proficiency gap exists where only 38% of Black/African Americans pass. Foreign-born Black teachers are included in…

This qualitative study aimed to understand the lived experience of marginalized young men who transformed from low academic achievement to academic success in obtaining post-secondary education. Boys have a long history of underperformance in secondary and post-secondary institutions, especially when they face additional barriers such as first…

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the perceptions and emotions of teachers during the global pandemic, specifically looking at the "how" and the "what" teachers experienced during the pandemic, focusing on the emotions deriving from the participants' lived experiences with technology. The…

Black students attending US K12 school districts have predictable results (Darling-Hammond, 2007). These schools demonstrate disproportionate results in all indicators of school success. Leaders of these schools are expected to improve student outcomes that disrupt and dismantle systems that have historically perpetuated these results by leading…

The demand for public accountability in U.S. higher education has risen since the beginning of the 20th century. To meet these expectations, colleges and universities undergo institutional accreditation reviews to ensure they meet accountability and quality assurance requirements. This increased focus on institutional accreditation has prompted a…

The problem investigated in this study was decreasing annual reading proficiency among students in intermediate elementary grades (Grades 3-5). Deficiencies in reading proficiency can negatively impact overall student achievement. The purpose of this study was to investigate intermediate elementary teachers' perceptions of their instructional…

Principal leadership is crucial to the success of rural schools (Canales et al., 2008; Horst & Martin, 2007; Texas Education Agency [TEA], 2017). Research has shown that principals have a great impact on student learning through multiple pathways (Sebastian & Allensworth, 2012). Principals today must be instructional leaders, share a…

The purpose of conducting this basic qualitative study was to more fully understand marginalized Black males' transformational learning experiences when engaged in mentor-mentee relationship programs. A review of the existing literature revealed that marginalized adult learners' engagement in collaborative education programs enhanced learners'…