The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the cultural factors influencing the decision-making process of Latino families regarding the acceptance or refusal of special education services. Initiated by the observed disproportionality in Latino students being enrolled in special education programs compared to Anglo-American students, this…

Evidence suggests interpretation and implementation of the inclusion of students with disabilities has the potential to vary greatly depending on how school leaders make meaning of inclusion as the least restrictive environment. It may also be affected by the level of collaboration and trust school leaders develop with parents (Jones & Gansle,…

Providing programs for diverse populations and strengthening communities in need has been a longtime focus of public libraries (Garmer, 2014). Early literacy services are one way that libraries support their communities, with a particular focus on children's programs (Grimes et al., 2013). Library storytime programs promote early literacy skills…

This qualitative study discusses a phenomenological inquiry approach utilizing semi-structured interviews to understand how ten full-time Native American students experienced their sense of belonging at a rural community college. There are very few studies providing in-depth perspective on sense of belonging of Native American students attending a…

The inclusion of Kansas preschoolers with developmental delays in general early childhood environments has shown little growth over the past seven years. An initial examination of public data for federal fiscal years 2018, 2019, and 2020 showed inclusion rates in preschools in Kansas public school districts differed by special education…

An inclusive technology ecosystem includes leadership, design, support, maintenance, and continuous improvement of technology infrastructure that supports the teaching, learning, and assessment of all students. The Center on Inclusive Technology in Education Systems (CITES) is a project led by CAST, a nonprofit education research and development…

School districts across the nation seek parental involvement to increase student engagement and academic success. Families from Title I Schools, in comparison to dominant culture, may have a minimal opportunity of involvement with their child's education in respect to partnering with schools in comparison to the dominant culture. The Department of…

Today, President Obama's "Blueprint for Education Reform" places the principal as the key player in raising academic standards and improving learning for all students. Research has been done on the role of the school principal in school effectiveness and school improvement at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. However, very…