The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to interpret the lived experiences of K-12 special education teachers (N = 16) from large, suburban districts in Illinois who have persisted in their positions beyond four years. Understanding factors that contribute to the longevity of special education teachers is not only vital for…

This study examined the perspectives of K-12 school counselors and key stakeholders (i.e., school leaders, teachers, parents, and community members) on how they view the role of school counselors, specifically regarding their work responsibilities. I applied the theoretical framework of role conflict, defined as a disconnect between ideal roles…

Background: As summarized in this article, the widespread implementation of modern school health education (SHE) could become one of the most effective means available to improve the well-being of people in the United States and in other nations. However, the development and evolution of SHE largely remains unorganized, underdeveloped, and…

The effects on social mobility of stratifying pupils into different educational pathways have been debated for decades. We intervene in this debate by showing that stratification in secondary schooling is multidimensional. The extent of "differentiation" into separate tracks is distinct from "hierarchy" between tracks. To…

The purpose of this study was to design and implement a Restorative Practice approach to discipline. The challenges of building a positive teacher-student relationship while navigating the demands of zero-tolerance policies have been well documented. Teachers need support and structure to develop and maintain positive teacher-student…

The purpose of this dissertation is to better understand the formative import of the relationships between adults and the young in their corresponding roles as teachers and students between the first year of kindergarten and the last grade of high school (K-12 education). My approach to this issue is twofold: First, I argue that it is imperative…

This qualitative case study focused on one public school district that has successfully sustained innovative educational initiatives over several years. The purpose of the study was to explore the factors that contribute to sustaining innovative initiatives in a public school district through the perspectives and experiences of administrators,…

With the "pictorial turn", the picture has gained a new significance as a medium. It is impossible to imagine a digitalized world affected by mass media without pictures. While there are several studies on the impact of pictures in the discourse on climate change in the media, there has been no analysis of the visual representation of…

Background: Youth violence, victimization, and bullying are pervasive in schools across the United States and are detrimental for learning and healthy development. K-12 school safety is an increasingly urgent issue to research and understand from multiple perspectives. Physical and psychological safety in school is linked to better student and…

School leadership plays a crucial role to quality education. Social changes have led to an increase in school principals' competencies, responsibilities, and demands. There are significant gaps in the literature on school leadership and limitations in the study of principals' responsibilities. This study aimed to analyse whether principals…

Little research examines the experiences and perspectives of Asian American parents who participate in K-12 desegregation efforts, such as magnet schools. Conceptually framed by research on Asian American racialization, this qualitative case study investigates 10 Asian American parents in metropolitan Hartford, Connecticut; and the motivations…

Black female aspiring principals faced significant obstacles as they ascended to the principalship. This study chronicled the uncovering of the most common obstacles to representation, highlighting the importance of the findings. The problem explored in the research study was the underrepresentation of Black women as principals. The purpose of…

Positive programming from Law Enforcement organizations with K-12 students should be a priority. It can be challenging, but it can help lead to future elements of success for the kids. This study investigated law enforcement leaders' opinions, goals, and objectives in their approaches to positive programming. The participants were 12 law…

Background: Strong classroom management skills are necessary for students' academic and behavioral success (e.g., Korpershoek et al., 2016), and group contingencies are an effective strategy teachers can use to help improve classroom behaviors (Little et al., 2015; Maggin et al., 2012). CW-FIT is one group contingency intervention that helps…

The Every Student Succeeds Act was passed in 2015, requiring schools to choose an accountability measure to accompany standardized achievement assessments. This act charges schools to educate students on academic standards and address the whole student socially and emotionally. One climate variable not widely studied in America is students' sense…