The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an unprecedented shift to virtual learning in America. It is unlikely that this method of instruction will end when it is safe to return to in-person instruction, even though there is limited research supporting virtual learning at the K-5 level. This phenomenological qualitative study explored the professional…

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the interventions and strategies used with students considered at-risk of dropping out of high school in Missouri public high schools. Self-determination theory was used to explain how students became motivated to stay in school when their need for competence, connection, and autonomy are fulfilled.…

Teacher self-efficacy has been linked to student achievement. This quantitative study was conducted in order to compare teacher self-efficacy of homegrown teachers to other teachers in small rural schools in Missouri. The study used the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Survey (TSES) developed by Tschannen-Moran and Hoy (2001) to gauge a teacher's…

This qualitative study explores teachers' perceptions on the implementation of brain breaks in upper elementary classrooms located in rural regions of southwest Missouri. The Researcher analyzed qualitative interview data to answer the following research questions: 1) To what extent are brain breaks built into the elementary classroom routine? 2)…

The tradition of lecturing in higher education is synonymous to teaching (Morrison, 2014). Fortunately, those in higher education today are pushing for viable alternatives such as active learning because several studies have shown the positive impact on student performance, student achievement, and other learning goals (Auerbach & Andrews,…

School engagement is an important predictor of graduation. One strategy to enhance student engagement is mentoring. Check & Connect is a structured mentoring program that has resulted in favorable outcomes for many students, including those with emotional and behavioral disorders. Effectiveness, however, depends on the quality of the…

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, or STEM, is an area that is currently growing in popularity with educators (Becker & Park, 2011). A qualitative study consisting of interviews was conducted and data were gathered from three leaders in professional STEM organizations, four principals from elementary STEM schools, and…

Self-monitoring interventions are well supported within the empirical literature as improving classroom engagement for students with disabilities. However, studies implementing self-monitoring interventions in high school settings are rarely conducted despite their potential to improve student academic and behavioral outcomes. In an investigation…

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in the academic achievement in reading among students enrolled in single-gender and coeducational classes, as well as the impact of teachers' perceptions on the outcome of academic achievement. The study used a mixed-method approach to address this purpose. This study reported…

This mixed-method research study looked at the effects service-learning had on student classroom engagement levels. The research questions that drove this study were: 1. Did teachers and students find service-learning to be a positive experience? 2. What impact did service-learning have on student classroom engagement? This study was conducted in…

Sixty percent of America's teachers choose traditional baccalaureate programs while the remaining choose one of several alternative pathways. While certification/training is certainly important to preparing effective teachers, other research indicates that teacher efficacy serves as the foundation of teacher behaviors and classroom practice. The…

After nearly a decade as band director at St. James High School in St. James, Missouri, Derek Limback knows that the key to building a successful program is putting the program itself above everything else. Limback strives to augment not only his students' musical prowess, but also their leadership skills. Key to his philosophy is instilling a…