This dissertation investigates the "Competence Model for Environmental Education" (Kaiser, Roczen, & Bogner, 2008), a theoretical environmental-behavior change model, for use in the United States with elementary-aged students. Paper #1 tests two new instruments developed for use with the "Competence Model," the Expanded…

This study used a mixed methods approach to investigate the perceptions of administrators and instructors of full-time CTE programs in Oklahoma technology centers regarding their ability to develop employability skills in students. This study was framed by the human capital theory, which is described as the acquisition of a person's knowledge and…

The primary aim of higher education has been debatable. However, one of the many goals that higher education strives for is to equip students with competencies that will enable them to succeed in their future professions. This goal is achieved through a structured academic curriculum that is embedded with competencies, and the competencies are…

In Florida, civic illiteracy among middle and high school students is a pressing concern despite state initiatives to increase civic competence (Florida House of Representatives, 2019; FLDOE, 2023b; Florida Department of State, 2023). Recent scores on state civics and social studies standardized assessments reveal a disheartening fact--an average…

Online course offerings and student enrollments continue to increase on a yearly basis, making online education a viable option for many K-12 students. This growth has increased the demand for online teachers and many educators will be experiencing the online environment for the first time. Many instructors find the online environment requires a…

The Competency-based Education (CBE) Collaborative was developed in 2012. Ten school districts initiated CBE implementation as part of the Collaborative. With CBE implementation in Iowa only occurring for a few years, very little information is available. The purpose of this qualitative dissertation in practice case study is to examine and analyze…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the landscape of Competency-Based Education in institutions of higher education, and how these institutions have successfully implemented a new model into their existing structures. Interviews were conducted to explore the rationale, implementation strategies, and challenges at institutions…

Competency-based education (CBE) has gained popularity over the course of the past several years, and the North Carolina Community College System is now working to develop its first CBE degree path. Though a number of institutions have implemented CBE on the national scale, only minimal research has been conducted regarding faculty and…

There is a growing trend of individuals coming to the university presidency from nontraditional/nonacademic pathways. However, current dialogue on the topic seems to be focused on the opinions or preferences associated with certain presidential career patterns or pathways with little emphasis being placed on what truly prepares individuals for…

Competency-based education (CBE) degree programs have grown significantly over the course of the past few years. Within the field of CBE, experts have differing views as to what elements are most critical to a high-quality CBE program. The purpose of this Q methodology study is to determine what models of CBE programs emerge from an investigation…

It is often necessary for the behavior analyst practitioner to work across a variety of settings, including home, school, and community, in which it is common practice for those practitioners to provide training to caregivers and direct-care staff, who may have limited knowledge and experience within the field of applied behavior analysis. A…

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore what priorities should be the focus in K-12 digital learning environments in order to transition to a competency-based education model at scale. The study examined what factors experts in the field identify as most important for this transition and the priority they give to each factor. A…

In Asia, English is used as a lingua franca (ELF; Kirkpatrick, 2010). For Thai university graduates to be successful in their future careers, being able to understand various accents with Thailand's major trading partners, particularly American, Chinese, and Japanese, seems vital. As a listening test which includes these accents is needed, the…

Poverty has been identified as a barrier for at-risk student achievement across America. Can personalized competence-based learning provide at-risk students the skills and knowledge needed to close the achievement gap on the state assessment in Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) for students after a two-year treatment? The…

Competency-based education (CBE) has become well-accepted as a powerful way to personalize learning. Today's advanced technologies have enhanced CBE even further. Practitioners in the field are seeking means to take advantage of technology to increase CBE's effectiveness and efficiency, especially for adult learners. Microlearning and digital open…