Middle school students learn and develop at different rates which result in a variety of academic abilities within a given classroom. Middle-level educators face significant challenges when working to engage and instruct students. Innovative instructional practices that incorporate digital and non-digital tools are needed to create a dynamic,…

The purpose of this study was to research methodologies and practices that would serve as tools in engaging Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students in learning. The opportunity gap refers to the inequitable access to resources and opportunities for BIPOC students. BIPOC students represent Black, Indigenous, and people of color.…

There are few descriptions of what teachers do to facilitate discussions that support students' development of mathematical agency. Likewise, little is known about how elementary students conceptualize their own agency. This study explored how teachers' facilitation of mathematical discussions potentially fostered students' mathematical agency.…

As student-centered classroom practices become more popular, one aspect of the classroom that is increasingly of interest is that of assessment. Lack of student voice in assessment practice has implications for autonomy development, perceptions of power, and motivation, particularly in STEM fields. The current dissertation seeks to bridge the…

Research recognizes that physical activity habits developed earlier in life are likely to be continued throughout life. To combat rises in obesity rates and declining physical activity levels among adults, studies emphasize the responsibility higher education institutions have in targeting young adult's physical activity habits. Theories of…

The purpose of this quantitative comparative research was to determine if there was a statistically significant main effect of teaching method (project-based vs traditional) on second-grade students' learning in mathematics and if gender differences exist between the scores of male and female students in general and the scores of male and female…

Today's technologies are rapidly impacting how children learn, play, communicate, and interact with others. Popular media and common wisdom often portray children's technology use as detrimental to their growth and wellbeing. However, in recent years, a wealth of research in Child-Computer Interaction (CCI), education, and health informatics…

Exposing students to quality STEM education has a multitude of benefits: critical thinking, collaboration, relationship building, and perseverance are all enhanced by involvement in STEM activities (Ugras, 2018). A well-trained and diverse STEM workforce is also critically important for the United States to remain competitive a global economy.…

The four-day school model is gaining popularity in rural districts across the United States. The four-day model has been touted as a model that produces benefits for rural communities. The four-day school week has been cited as creating benefits as well as consequences, however, there is limited research into the area of special education. The…

The U.S. college persistence rate for African American students, remains lowest in comparison to other race/ethnicities. Academic advising and other forms of academic integration are emphasized in prior research as associated with positively influencing persistence outcomes. However, a gap exists in the literature regarding their impact for…

Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) tend to have difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviors, which can have adverse academic and social effects (e.g., academic underachievement, failing grades, grade retention, suspensions, expulsions, school dropout, and peer rejection). Possible interventions that have…

This dissertation investigated the relationship between mindset and self-efficacy among special education teachers in Region 2 of Texas. While approximately 500,000 students are provided special education services in Texas public schools, special education students perform significantly lower on state assessments in reading and math than their…

Black boys with disabilities struggle in general education classrooms throughout the United States and face challenges and barriers regarding access, success, and equity. Educators must better understand how these students learn and create equitable opportunities by leveraging students' cultures, strengths, and knowledge. The purpose of this…

In the past decades, online course enrollment has steadily increased in popularity. In 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic suddenly shifted most teaching and learning into the virtual world. The entire education system tried to quickly learn how to cope in this environment. Given the clear benefits of online learning, such as flexibility and…

Many teachers struggle to engage English Learner students in the classroom as they feel students may be disconnected both academically and socially. In addition, many teachers have minimal intercultural experiences and limited training that could help them connect with these students. This qualitative study seeks to explore the use of video…