The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum recognizes approaches to learning skills (ATLS) as an integral part of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework. This vital element of learning is designed to be embedded in the program standards and practices of the inquiry-based IB curriculum. After an evaluation visit by the IB school visit…

Multicultural music education and diversity in the elementary general music classroom continue to lie at the center of music education discourse seeking to decolonize elementary general music programs. There are many non-canonical music teaching resources available to 21st-century music educators, however, little is known about the presence of…

This dissertation in practice will focus on gaining insights into the relationship between money spent on professional development and the Standards Assessment Inventory Scores. The Standards Assessment Inventory is an assessment tool aligned with the Standards of Professional Learning that provides insight into the perceptions of professional…

This mixed-method study examined the balance of narrative and informational text instruction in alignment with Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and teachers' professional learning opportunities in elementary classrooms. Surveys were sent to teachers in one midwestern state, and audio recordings of literacy instruction were collected in one…

This quantitative quasi-experimental study, adopting a pretest/post-test control/treatment group design, investigated the efficacy of instructional strategies for developing divergent thinking in gifted and talented students within K-6 heterogeneous cluster classes. It specifically explored the problem of insufficient evidence-based approaches for…

To meet the demand for STEM-literate workers, elementary and secondary schools are integrating STEM curriculum and pedagogy into their daily routines. According to the National Academy of Engineering and National Research Council (2014), STEM literacy entails understanding the roles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in modern…

This dissertation explores the allocation patterns of the official development assistance (ODA) by the World Bank (WB) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in eighteen developing countries of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and South Asia (SA) for the time-period, 1990-2015. Differing perspectives have been…

This applied dissertation explored the topic of teachers who participate in social media groups for professional learning. To put their best foot forward, teachers turn to social media platforms for ideas, advice, and support from educators all across the country. This study sought to understand how these educators were using these platforms to…

The place of inquiry implemented a School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention (SWPBIS) program during the 2018-19 school year to the large number of students receiving exclusionary discipline at the primary level. Even with the supports in place, a large number of students continued to be removed from class. When students are removed from class,…

This dissertation explores the lived experience of short-term substitute teachers in K-8 public school settings, aiming to deconstruct common assumptions and identify areas for improvement in support systems. A case-selection variant of an explanatory sequential mixed methods design was utilized. In the first phase of the study, quantitative data…

Equitable access to high-quality schooling has been a prevailing concern among educational stakeholders for decades. Magnet schools were first developed in the 1960s to improve academic achievement and attract a more diverse student body by offering unique programs and instruction not provided at other sites within the same district. With…

A significant contributor to student success is engagement in the school setting. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be a helpful framework for increasing student engagement and creating an inclusive environment for all learners. This study investigated the relationship between teachers' understanding and implementation of Universal Design…

Despite its significant role in every level of education, the definition of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics movement, or STEM, has remained elusive, becoming so vaporous as to provide little meaning. As education organizations navigate the STEM institution, they must collectively make sense of its norms, goals, and practices.…

Careful lesson planning is essential in elementary STEM education because the crucial role of STEM education at the elementary level is to help students develop fundamental skills employed in real life as a foundation for future learning. This study examined how elementary STEM teachers curate digital resources for lesson planning and the relevant…

The sustainability of the educational system is under threat, with teacher stress leading to high attrition. This dissertation advocates for a holistic development framework that nurtures teacher well-being, essential for sustaining effective learning environments. This study contributes to educational strategies that promote teacher resilience…