Patriarchal ideologies and structures helped to shape the public school institution at the onset of compulsory education in the United States and continue to circulate within educational discourses today, causing harmful consequences for the workforce made up of mostly women that is tasked with educating our nation's youth (Jones, 2020, Accepted…

When highly effective educators move into school leadership, their learning and growth are put on the back burner. Oftentimes, school leaders operate in silos within their school districts with little to no authentic collaboration with other school leaders or district administrators. The goal of this participatory action research study was to…

This basic qualitative study was an exploration of the successful approaches that a sample of elementary school principals used to support collaboration between special education teachers and general education teachers to ensure an inclusive educational (IE) environment for students with disabilities (SWD). This study may help to close the gap in…

This study delves into the complexities of change in the educational setting and examines the relationship between educator readiness for change and factors related to the organization's culture which directly impact student achievement. The historical lack of progress in implementing change efforts in the United States, coupled with widening gaps…

This study investigated the comprehensive implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) within a school district, focusing on the engagement and collaboration of educators in refining and executing MTSS strategies. The problem investigated was the effectiveness of MTSS implementation and collaboration among educators. This action…

In today's interconnected and multidisciplinary design practices, collaboration as pivotal. It's not only a fundamental aspect of successful design outcomes but also influences the way designers work and connect with others. This dissertation delves into the intricacies of collaboration in design, spanning both educational and professional realms.…

This qualitative study examines equity in the Central City School District's (CCSD) AHSEP Youth HSE program referral process. Through an equity audit and interviews with educational leaders, the research identifies systemic barriers, including inconsistent referral practices, limited communication, and inequitable access to support services. These…

This dissertation investigates the challenge of translating theoretical knowledge into practical application regarding collaborative practices in secondary schools, specifically focusing on principals' leadership roles. Conducted in accredited middle and high schools in South Carolina's Lowcountry region during the 2023-2024 academic year, the…

The purpose of this Action Research study was to investigate and improve the use of trauma-informed practices for educators in K-12 contexts within the United States, particularly when facilitating conversations about consciousness-shifting current events (CSCEs) with students. Participants and data collected in Cycle 1 consisted of focus groups…

The impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic has prompted educators to rethink and implement changes in instructional practices due to school closures affecting communities, society, and students. Access to formal education was significantly compromised during the pandemic shut down. This study investigated the development of materials and…

This narrative inquiry explored the schooling and professional experiences of seven teachers who were labeled with learning disabilities, and how those experiences affected their career decisions, teaching strategies, as well as relationships with their students, families, and friends. Their stories also challenged the associated stigmas and…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how Nigerian immigrant parents described how they develop successful relationships with their child's teachers in K-12th schools in the Eastern United States. RQ1 guided the study: how Nigerian immigrant parents described their challenges when developing relationships with their…

The purpose of this phenomenological, qualitative study was to investigate how district leaders' support is perceived by district pupil personnel service (PPS) leaders in the areas of ethical leadership, district policies and practices for special education programs, and how that may contribute to a culture of inclusivity. One on one interviews…

A non-experimental correlational quantitative study identified leadership practices managers can employ to support collaboration between instructional designers and faculty to design high-quality online courses in higher education. The findings address the problem of faculty resistance concerning collaboration with instructional designers. A…

Teachers' engagement practices with Hispanic families are contributing to the continuing disparities in academic achievement between Hispanic and other students. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore secondary teachers' perceptions about the challenges of building engagement with Hispanic families. The conceptual framework…