This dissertation evaluated the efficacy and effectiveness of a first-year freshman seminar course designed to improve self-regulated learning skills and bolster academic success. First-year seminars (FYS) are designed to help at-risk students (as indexed by their admissions criteria) gain the learning and motivational skills they need to succeed…

This study investigated the impact of learning about cultural intelligence (CQ) from senior U.S. Army Special Forces leaders (Group Commanders and Group Command Sergeants Major) on aspiring Special Forces Captains (students) at the Captains Career Course. Three research questions addressed the influence of senior leader interventions on students'…

Students who are removed from the regular school setting receive referrals to disciplinary alternative education programs (DAEPs), which focus on behavior management. Because students enroll for less than 30 days, it is important to quickly determine students' level of motivation to change, as doing so allows for immediate connection to…

Motivation and creativity are valuable attributes in the 21st century. In response, more instructional time must be focused on motivating high school students to expand their creative abilities. Self-determination theory (SDT) and communities of practice (CoP) are theoretical foundations helpful for understanding how intrinsic motivation promotes…

This qualitative case study examined causes of low graduation rates for young adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate students participating in an after-school program and reflect on their perceptions of that program a year after they graduated. The theoretical framework for this study reflected upon an open social system. The research…

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of online education on the at-risk student in an alternative school setting. The factors considered were: student and teacher perceptions, success rate, grade point average, behavioral referrals, and suspensions. The fundamental components included learning environment, online courses, and…

This case study explored multiple teachers' instructional strategies in several eleventh grade Language Arts classrooms in one successful Midwest school. A "successful" Midwest school was defined as having attained AYP at least three consecutive years. The study focused on the specific instructional strategies and activities used when…