This dissertation is developed around two studies created with the goal of describing and quantifying current educators' knowledge and perceptions of reading assessment and subsequent data-based instructional decision making. Unique to the field, a critical component of this study is an emphasis on educators' development of "data…

The majority of students in the urban setting are considered underrepresented. These students frequently perform below their proficiency level on standardized tests locally and nationally. If we treat education as the ticket out of the culture of poverty that underrepresented students find themselves, it is incumbent upon us to find pedagogical,…

This research study investigated the factors that either contribute or inhibit a teacher from using information and communication technology as an educational tool in the classroom. Factors as teachers' perceived level of proficiency with technology, technology-related professional development, planning time, and the technology resources available…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of what makes a collaborative learning team (CLT) effective for novice and experienced teachers. Professional learning communities have emerged as one approach for job-embedded professional learning so that teachers have the opportunity to collaborate with the end goal of…

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of learning anxiety on collaboration between co-teachers in the inclusion classroom. The researcher conducted professional learning workshops that allowed for data collection from a group of 38 co-teachers in grades PK-8. The participants were administered the State Anxiety Inventory to…

This qualitative study examined EBD teacher experiences through phenomenological research. Data was collated through interviews, a focus group, memos, and field notes. Questions focused on how EBD teachers described their work and the factors that contributed to career longevity. The study was conducted in one self-contained school for students…

States are implementing performance programs to help reform compensation systems for teachers; however, little is known on teachers' perception on alternative pay plans. Accordingly, this research study examined the types of pay-for-performance programs Georgia teachers prefer by exploring their perceptions of pay for individual performance, pay…

One of the ultimate goals of teacher education programs is to produce highly qualified educators who will be able to teach and inspire students. One way to prepare effective teachers is to include reflection in teacher education programs (Darling-Hammond & Bransford, 2007; Moore, 2012; Schon, 1987). Reflection aids teachers to make…

The complex and crucial connection between families and schools is embodied in relationship between individual teachers and their students' families. Research findings demonstrate that high levels of family engagement lead to greater success for students. Such findings drive policy mandates that hold individual teachers accountable for…

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on preparing educators to teach for social justice. Black teachers have been highlighted for their historical and present work with black students, eliminating educational inequities seemingly through their race consciousness and activism. The literature on black teachers has treated them as a…

This study was a case study of the experiences and perceptions of collaborative, subject-alike planning among middle school teachers. Many investigators have identified gaps between teacher planning and classroom instruction and have asserted that teacher planning often occurs independently and in isolation of other teachers. Researchers in other…

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that may influence stress levels of secondary teachers in Kuwait. This study was important for two reasons; first, no previous investigation on this topic among Kuwaiti secondary educators had taken place, and second, the findings of this study could serve to develop and implement secondary…

Peer victimization, a concern since the beginning of time, has historically been considered a rite of passage in learning to stand up for oneself. However, in the last 30 years, its negative effects on learning have become a pivotal issue in the design and format of social theories that support educators to user. Peer victimization is a…

This multiple case study investigates the learning processes of postsecondary English literature graduates who teach composition to diverse student groups. Since the context of study in English literature graduate programs concentrates on literature and literary theory, the interest of this study examines how teachers learn to teach composition…

Teacher retention in supplemental education, or for-profit, center-based tutoring, is a concern. As yet, no studies in the past 20 years have examined teacher retention in supplemental education. The importance of this research study was to give voice to supplemental educators' experiences in center-based tutoring through narrative inquiry. The…