This study evaluated the validity of a multi-dimensional measure of motives for writing. Based on an earlier instrument and theoretical conceptualisations of writing beliefs, we developed the Writing Motivation Questionnaire (WMQ). A sample of 2,186 fourth- (558 girls; 521 boys) and fifth-grade students (546 girls; 561 boys) completed 28 writing…

There are significant inconsistencies in the levels of preparation of teachers placed in high-need urban schools and those placed in suburban, middle-class schools. In this qualitative research study, I surveyed, interviewed, and observed three highly qualified teachers and one principal from an urban-intensive, high-need school community.…

This study analyzed the strengths and areas for improvement in the resources and support provided to college access practitioners serving in urban charter and public-school communities. Prior research has examined the impact that college and career readiness resources and support have on students' postsecondary preparation and success. Limited…

The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to restory the lived experiences of educators teaching students identified as dyslexic in their public-school classrooms. This study was qualitative, using a narrative inquiry research design to understand the third and fourth grade teacher's thoughts and understanding of students identified dyslexic as…

The purpose of the investigation was to determine if there was a difference in student performance on the NYS Mathematics State Assessment between schools that implemented PBL versus those that did not. The aim was also to determine if there was a difference in students' and teachers' attitudes about the school community, specifically in rigorous…

Most researchers and policymakers rely on the share of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals when describing student socioeconomic background in schools. But shares of students receiving free and reduced-price meals, and other measures related to the distribution of school meals, vary by state and across time because of changes in…

Black male community college students have the lowest retention and completion rates among any racial group (National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, 2017). During this dissertation, I examined the root causes of Black male community college students' low graduation rates through a systematic literature review, and then identified mentoring…

Social and emotional growth is an important aspect of child development. Children spend their formative years engaging with parents, peers, teachers, religious leaders, and other community members--each one of these interactions plays a vital role in the social and emotional development of every human. The purpose of this study was to investigate…

As student achievement remains a critical discussion among federal policymakers, states, and local school districts, one response involves providing additional classroom support staff. To address deficits in mathematics education, the National Mathematics Advisory Panel (2008) urged the use of mathematics specialists (MS) to support teachers and…

This phenomenological study explores the personal and professional attributes of six elementary special education teachers who have taught in an urban school district for five or more years. The ongoing shortage of special education teachers and the increasing attrition rate have caused further analysis of the innate traits of long-serving special…

This qualitative case study examined the implementation of a four-week instructional unit on the Civil Rights Movement taught through a human rights lens and emphasizing written discourse in the classroom. The study was conducted in a large, urban high school in the Midwest near the end of the 2022 spring semester. The instructional unit, a…

An educator's role is to create learning opportunities for students and provide them with tools to be successful in a global society. To do that, teachers need to be equipped with resources that support teaching and learning in every classroom. Equitable opportunities for all students result from culturally responsive teaching. Research has shown…

Building leadership has been studied for decades (Leithwood et al., 2004; Leithwood et al., 2010; Levin & Bradley, 2019; Portin et al., 2003) and effective leaders have been shown to support student learning and development (Leithwood et al., 2004; Portin et al., 2003; Seashore Louis et al., 2010). In the face of an increasingly diverse…

I reported findings from a case study intended to investigate the perceptions related to support for Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) in literacy instruction of a three-person elementary school leadership team in an urban school district in a Midwestern state. I utilized data from artifact analysis, semi-structured one-on-one interviews, and a…

African American male principals frequently are placed in low-achieving schools but provided limited support. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of experienced African American principals regarding the support they receive to improve their instructional leadership skills as a way to improve student academic…