The purpose of this dissertation was to develop and validate an instrument to measure leadership self-efficacy among Master of Divinity students at New Orleans Baptist Theological seminary. Three constructs of leadership self-efficacy were measured: direction setting, building relationships, and overcoming obstacles. The instrument was developed…

Clinical reasoning is widely used among several medical professionals and personnel to diagnose conditions to streamline the treatment process in an effective manner. Researchers have explored clinical reasoning in nursing literature and the medical profession, however, have not been explored in counselor education despite counselors being one of…

Self-efficacy is frequently explored as a construct within assessments in counselor education (Crutchfield & Borders, 1997; Cashwell & Dooley, 2001; Kozina et al., 2010). However, despite the importance of advocacy in our field, there is a lack of research that measures self-efficacy in relation to advocacy attitudes and behaviors (Smith…

The purpose of this mixed-methods research was to develop and validate an instrument to measure teacher self-efficacy for teachers of students with visual impairments (TSVIs). The researcher used a six step process for survey development and validation, which included 1) literature review; 2) a preliminary qualitative study; 3) synthesis of…

Twice exceptional (2e) students are a unique population of students, who present with a wide range of strengths and weaknesses. For this reason, it is important for teachers to be trained and feel prepared to work with these students. Teacher self-efficacy has been shown to influence both student and personal outcomes (e.g. student perceptions of…

Background: Collegiate recovery programs (CRPs) aim to support the unique needs of students in recovery, promote academic success, and facilitate psychosocial development (i.e. coping, self-efficacy, differentiation of self, self-acceptance, and quality of life). Strategies used to achieve these goals vary considerably based on the culture of the…

This study of over 100 kindergarten through 12th grade teachers in southern California focused on the exploration of teacher spirituality, specifically relationship with God and spiritual connection to others, through investigating its predictive role on teacher self-efficacy, specifically efficacy in student engagement, instructional strategies,…

Studies have shown that language assessment literacy (LAL) is important for language teachers since they make important classroom decisions to improve student learning based on their assessment. However, some studies have shown that teachers need more knowledge and skills in assessment. Teachers also seem unconfident in assessing their students…

Background: Research has shown that certification and an undergraduate major in a teaching subject are consistent positive-significant predictors of teacher effectiveness and the lack of at least a minor in an assigned subject as a consistent and negative indicator of student success. Texas secondary science teachers have either subject-specific…

The landscape of higher education is changing. More diverse students are attending universities at higher numbers, yet these students are not graduating. This quantitative study uses linear regression, stepwise regression, and then exploratory factor analysis to examine three constructs--hope, academic self-efficacy, and sense of belonging--in…

The purposes of this study were to investigate the structural relationships among the factors that affect online learners' satisfaction with the learning experience, and to develop a structural model that explains online learners' satisfaction. For these purposes, a research model was developed based on the principles of social cognitive theory…

This dissertation study investigated the relationship of a 1:1 initiative with integrated digital learning teacher professional development and teacher self-efficacy. Proprietary survey data from PivotPoint Business Solutions was used to examine if a relationship existed. Phase 1 data were collected in the fall of 2016, prior to the 1:1…

With increasingly diverse formal education settings around the globe, teachers' ability to differentiate curriculum is essential to meet the needs of students with varied cultural, socioeconomic, racial, and linguistic backgrounds. Teachers' curricular autonomy is a prerequisite to diversify curriculum. Guided by sociocultural approaches to agency…

The primary purpose of this study was to collect evidence on the construct validity of grit using convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity principles. To accomplish this purpose and extend previous research on grit, college students from two schools completed an instrument comprised of a cognitive ability test, and a questionnaire. The…

Preschool social education has become an increasingly important area of research and practice in mainland China with the social domain being recognized as an independent preschool curricular domain since 2001. Little is known, however, about the specific teaching practices that Chinese preschool teachers are using to promote children's…