"Promoting choice" is a defining value guiding Positive Behavior Support (PBS) models for serving individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). The ability to make independent choices is of paramount importance to self-advocacy and self-determination. Promoting choice is also an essential commitment of…

In this qualitative study, the spiritual experiences and leadership of 15 Black collegiate men enrolled at higher education institutions were examined. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand how Black men student leaders make meaning of spirituality. The first finding described how Black men students make meaning of…

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 was to examine how one physical education teacher education (PETE) alumnus teaching in a CED urban school perceives culturally responsive teaching in physical education (PE), as well as how they enact it in their classes. Guided by culturally responsive teaching and self-efficacy, this study examined John, a physical…

Leadership has evolved over the years, and organizations have witnessed the rise of servant leadership as a key approach in creating a foundation for proper engagement of followers and building a paradigm to solve problems. While the role of school leadership in essential to creating positive school cultures and climates, a systematic approach to…

Research shows that trauma-informed practices in schools can increase student performance and well-being. School social workers are well-suited to bring these practices to their system but are most successful when partnering with public-school superintendents. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand public-school…

This dissertation focuses on the role of tradition and ritual in historically Black education, particularly combating the legacy of antiblackness in school discipline. The study argues for the use of prophetic disruptive rituals that are grounded in meaning, hope, and love. Using Morehouse College as a philosophical case study, the project draws…

Self-determination is a predictor of positive in- and post-school outcomes, including access to general education, competitive employment, and community participation. Emerging research has focused on promoting self-determination for all students given alignments with college and career readiness frameworks and equity-based education. However, it…

The topic of this paper is the relocation of a proven learning mechanism in a real-life working situation to a university setting. The aim is to discuss to what degree the types of learning generated in the original setting can survive the re-contextualisation and what might be done to retain as much value as possible. The original learning…

This phenomenological qualitative study examined how collective healing manifests through the work of leaders in higher education at a U.S. university located on the West Coast through semi-structured interviews. Using the construct of collective healing as a conceptual lens, this study explored how the work of leaders in higher education creates…

While evidence suggests PBL teachers' roles support higher student learning outcomes, there was a general lack of data that explores how PBL teachers describe their roles in teaching (Kaplan & Garner, 2017; Leng et al., 2018). The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how high school teachers, who used project-based…

This study evaluates Momentum Bicycle Clubs (MBC) through the empowerment-based positive youth development framework (EMPYD). Data were collected through eight cross-sectional focus groups of MBC youth participants (ages 10-17). Sessions included three topics: the MBC program, the mentors, and the bicycle, all of which elucidated elements of an…

This qualitative study examined the stories of women of color (WOC) executive leaders working on a California State University (CSU) campus, exploring how they have achieved success and persevered in the face of systemic barriers. Drawing on in-depth interviews with eight WOC leaders, this dissertation explored their individual experiences and…

This paper explores ways of empowering vocational educators for effective instructional delivery through information and communication technology (ICT) training in tertiary institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was used with a population of 63 respondents, comprising lecturers of computer education and business…

This paper outlines the pedagogical approaches taken on a University Access course, teaching predominantly mature students on a 12-week 'inclusion in education' module. The methods aimed to validate and develop literacy and academic skills for students undertaking undergraduate courses. Practice on the programme of study, replicated over three…