The purpose of this study was to identify specific strategies that principals use when coaching teachers who struggle to develop positive relationships with students. Using a qualitative case study design, six principals were identified through the use of a demographic survey. The principals were interviewed about their experiences. Each interview…

The role of public school superintendent is complex, challenging, political, and sometimes volatile. A shortage of candidates has plagued California during the past 10 years, due to high turnover rates resulting from the fallout of the NCLB punitive reform measures, increasing baby boomer retirements, and a reluctance of district leaders to step…

The purpose of this quasi-experimental, longitudinal study was to measure the effects of reflective practice coaching on 35 participants, as compared to participants who did not receive coaching. Data was collected over a period of eight weeks. A secondary purpose was to examine the effects of a standardized case conceptualization training lecture…

There are currently over five million multilingual learners (MLs) in U.S. schools (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2018). Yet, most teachers have not received adequate or effective professional development and therefore do not possess the knowledge and skills needed to improve student achievement with this population. A lack of…

In this action research study, I explored and developed a means to address the challenge of developing, supporting, and retaining effective elementary school principals skilled in instructional leadership and serving in historically marginalized communities. Evidence from the research literature and earlier action research cycles indicated…

Empirical evidence unambiguously asserts that a college education provides robust benefits to both individuals and societies. However, disparities in college enrollment and completion persist and limit opportunities for marginalized students to enjoy the advantages a college education affords, impeding progress toward equitable outcomes for all.…

Instructional coaching is a research-based model of job-embedded professional development utilized to build capacity and improve teachers' instruction to impact student achievement. However, there is varying and inconsistent utilization of instructional coaching as an approach to professional learning pursued by teachers. This study explores how…

Instructional coach programs are being implemented in districts to aid in the increase of student achievement through providing job-embedded professional development. Yet, there is limited research on the perception of instructional coaches' roles and responsibilities from the principals, instructional coaches, and teachers. The purpose of this…

The purpose of this action research study was to determine how instructional coaching impacted implementation of shared reading strategies in kindergarten classrooms. This study included four teachers from one primary school in South Carolina. All of the teachers that participated in this study had more than two years of teaching experience. Data…

It is well established that beginning teachers need support to bridge the gap from college teacher preparation to the classroom setting (Fletcher & Strong, 2009; Wong, 2003). In fact, lack of support in this transition has been identified as a leading factor that causes beginning teachers to leave the profession at high rates early in their…

Fewer are entering the profession of teaching in the 21st century, many are fleeing, and districts all over the country are having staffing crises (Podolsky, Kini, Bishop, & Darling- Hammond, 2016). Many teachers leave within the first five years (Podolsky et al., 2016). Comprehensive induction programs are a way to support novice teachers and…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of academic coaches in higher education. The theoretical framework for this study was Kolb's model of experiential learning, the experiential learning cycle, and Kedem's six stage model of personal coaching. There were four research questions that guided this study: (1) How do…

Variables that positively impact student learning are abundant. The effectiveness of school leadership is one variable that supports positive student learning. Given this, support for elevating the effectiveness of school leadership is important as school principal's influence these outcomes through instructional leadership. This qualitative study…

Decades of research in the science of reading suggest that using scientifically based reading practices that are aligned with the science of reading will help improve literacy. Literacy is a necessary skill and is critical for a child's overall development. How well children learn to read in school can impact their future success. This mixed…

The purpose of this dissertation was to identify and understand the key qualities and skills of effective team coaches. The results serve to educate and inform those aspiring to be organizational team coaches, those presently serving as team coaches, those developing curriculum to train team coaches, and those responsible for choosing and hiring…