This study was designed to shed light on the experiences of teachers of color in K-12 collaborative settings. Teachers of color hold students to higher academic standards, ensure culturally relevant and responsive curriculum and practices, advocate for and mentor students of color, and work toward social reform (Borrero et al., 2016).…

In this dissertation, I explore how researchers, teachers, and students can learn together across various contexts in K-12 computing education. These explorations are situated within the development and implementation of the Getting Unstuck curriculum, a set of educative curriculum materials (Davis et al., 2017) designed for upper elementary…

High-impact tutoring also known as high-dosage tutoring (HDT), is distinct from general tutoring. As a model, it consists of practice guidelines around training, frequency, and length of tutoring sessions. This approach is integrated with the school curriculum and ideally conducted during the school day. There is a resurging interest in tutoring,…

The aim of this dissertation was to analyze efforts at the time of this study to vertically align curricula between secondary and post-secondary institutions and then analyze how much needs to be done to close the gap in curricular and performance expectations as students transition to higher education. To narrow the focus, this dissertation…

Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) serves the beautifully diverse city of Oakland in California's East Bay. The city, or "the Town" as Oakland natives might say, is steeped in community members' dedication to fighting for equity, particularly in education. The decades-long history of organizing and activism, especially that of Black…

Parents and educators are at the forefront of promoting children's health and well-being. Yet little is known about the factors that contribute to forming a positive relationship between parents and their children's educators. Very few researchers have investigated the perceptions of parents, teachers, and support staff regarding the factors that…

Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are master's level practitioners who typically provide assessments, write programs, monitor, and oversee implementation of behavior plans, and monitor a learner's progress over time to address skill acquisition and reduce challenging behaviors. BCBAs typically work in ABA clinics, in a learner's home, in…

Despite the widespread integration of personal devices in K-12 education, students are inadequately prepared to utilize technology in alignment with the demands of the contemporary world (World Economic Forum, 2022). They are coming of age amidst a disruptive technological landscape, encompassing artificial intelligence, robotics, the internet of…

This study examines the diverse roles and professional development needs of K-12 school librarians in the Greater DC area, particularly within the Mid-Atlantic Public Schools System (MAPSS, a pseudonym). The researcher used mixed methods research, to identify their needs and goals. The outcome of this study will inform the development of a…

The college degree attainment divide between students from underserved backgrounds and their more privileged peers remains a critical issue in America despite the rising economic demand for a more educated workforce. Both K-12 school districts and higher education institutions have struggled to effectively serve first-generation college students…

This qualitative exploratory case study delves into the intricate experiences between teacher leadership and school improvement factors, focusing on the unique context of rural areas. School leaders and educators possess a limited comprehension of the potential roles and necessity of teacher leaders in driving school improvement efforts.…

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact technology, specifically the Student Information System's (SIS) parent portal has on parent involvement in K-12 education. Parents who participated in the study were asked questions in the fields of special education; social economic status; parent workshops; use of technology, including the…

This research project aims to understand what elementary teachers need from internal communication systems to promote trust and engagement within their school and across the district. The data for this project was collected through a sequential mixed-method approach that included a survey of all elementary teachers in the school district, as well…

Online communication platform usage in education is growing, however, current research lacks consideration of widespread use to close the parent-teacher communication gap in elementary, Title I schools. This study aimed to explore online communication platforms and parent-teacher relationships, intending to contribute new information on the…

In the face of unprecedented challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic has tested the resilience and adaptability of educational systems worldwide. At the heart of this turmoil, the critical relationship between boards of education and superintendents has emerged as a focal point for both scrutiny and improvement. This dissertation examines the dynamics…