<p> Literature of educational leadership, particularly faith-based school leadership, often fails to represent the perspectives of women. Women responsible for leading American Islamic schools face an unparalleled experience due to the intersectionalities of gender, religion, race and culture that have not been captured in academic literature. This qualitative study seeks to contribute the voices of women leading American Islamic schools to the research base of educational leadership. </p><p> The study is built upon a theoretical framework connecting Islamic leadership, faith-based school leadership, and Islamic education. Together, these three concepts frame the experiences of American Islamic school leadership because they merge both Islamic principles and education priorities. This study used Eagly's (1987) social role theory as a lens through which to view the data as a gendered experience of school leadership. This includes an analysis of how social roles are communicated, stored, and transmitted within the American Islamic school communities. </p><p> Focusing on the roles and responsibilities of American Islamic school leaders, I gain insight into their daily tasks, their professional expectations, and their community relationships that impact the nature of their leadership practices. The leaders appeared to prefer transformational and collaborative leadership styles, modeled after prophetic examples, consistent with previous findings (Al-Attas, 1979; Eagly &amp; Chin, 2010; Eagly et al., 2003). </p><p> Eagly's (1987) social role theory can be applied to the data to explain the gendered realities of women leading American Islamic schools. The study's results provided evidence that these school leaders are subject to gendered norms and expectations that are associated with both the cultural landscape of America and the religious context of an Islamic organization. Analyzing the gendered leadership experiences, I found that: (1) there was a gendered division of leadership tasks; (2) the women assumed expectations associated with nurturing and motherly roles; and (3) women faced professional and personal consequences for transgressing social roles. Consistent with Eagly's (1987) theory, these social roles are stored within community structures embedded within American Islamic schools and are transmitted through social contexts. </p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to report a more inclusive postsecondary graduation rate figure, improve the ability of postsecondary institutions to predict the likelihood that a student will graduate, and to help address challenges presented by the United States President and by the Kentucky General Assembly. The more inclusive graduation rate calculation is in contrast to the prevailing National Center for Education Statistics' (NCES) Graduation Rate Survey (GRS) calculation. The calculations used in this study incorporated data from the National Student Clearinghouse's (NSC) StudentTracker systems. The research population used in this study consisted of students who initially enrolled at the University of Louisville (UofL) in academic years 2000-01, 2001-02, or 2002-03. Using a more inclusive graduation rate calculation that counted a student as having graduated from any postsecondary institution, not just the institution where they initially enrolled yielded a graduation rate that was 10 percent higher for the research population than was reported under the prevailing methodology. The study created a Graduation Likelihood Model (GLM) to predict the likelihood that a first-time, full-time bachelor-degree-seeking student will graduate within six academic years. Eight independent variables were examined through chi-square and logistic regression (logit). The eight variables examined were gender, race/ethnicity, ACT, High School Grade Point Average (HSGPA), public high school (HS) vs. private HS, HS distance from campus, state/federal-grant/scholarship financial aid, and federal loan financial aid. In addition to running chi-square and logit on each variable, the procedures were run on the variables after they were included in four distinct categories: demographic, academic, pre-postsecondary academic and financial aid. The chi-square results showed that with the exception of HSGPA there was an association, albeit small, between the variables and successful graduation. All variables including HSGPA are to be used in the GLM, which can be used by postsecondary institutions to predict, at the time a student applies to the institutions, the likelihood that a student will graduate within six academic years. The GLM and the new calculation of graduation rates relate to initiatives set out by both the state of Kentucky and current US President Barack Obama. The new calculation provides a better way of assessing student achievement. At the time of initial enrollment, the GLM can be used to identify students, who may need additional assistance to obtain their degrees. .</p>

<p> Using Wylie's (2004) Model of Non-Traditional Student Attrition as the theoretical framework, results of the analysis revealed student- and nursing-program-related factors that facilitate or hinder successful completion of the program. Barriers of completion included (a) amount and difficulty of course requirements, (b) difficult test rubrics, (c) ineffective instructors, (d) full-time teaching, (e) difficulty in balancing work, family, and school responsibilities, (f) language barriers, and (g) separation of work and school environment. Results of the study further showed that resolution of students' personal obstacles hindering program completion included (a) time and financial management, (b) establishing good relationships with instructors, and (c) use of student support services. While there is a plethora of extensive studies that have developed theories to explain students' early departure from nursing programs, there are only limited studies conducted with respect to nurse programs' retention or attrition in terms of the factors that lead to success in nursing programs. This current study investigated the lived experiences of students currently enrolled in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program as well as those who have dropped out of the program at a Midwest community college. Data were collected from 13 participants who participated in the semi-structured interview and were analyzed through a modified Moustakas (1994) van Kaam method. Results can be utilized by educational institutions to create ways to eliminate these barriers. Colleges might be more willing to provide additional student support during enrollment if the external factors that help students achieve success could be identified.</p>

<p> Matriculating to college is a critical time in the life of transitioning students. Students in their first year of college face change the transition to being independent and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. Colleges and universities recognize the first year of college as one of the most impressionable aspects of student life. Colleges and universities have created experiences designed around the concept of assisting in the integration of students in their first year of college. First-year experience (FYE) courses or first-year seminars (FYSs) were designed to provide students with tools and skills they needed as first-year students in college, as well to help students persist from one year to the next. </p><p> This study sought to determine which aspects of a FYS demonstrate the best approach to assisting students with successful integration to college, which can affect increased persistence to the sophomore year or increase persistence to graduation using secondary data from the 2006 National Survey on First-Year Seminars (NSFYS). Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regressions were employed to analyze the data and to answer the research questions. The sample used for this study included respondents who participated in the 2006 NSFYS and agreed to release their responses anonymously for research purposes. Results indicated course topics are a significant predictor of persistence to the sophomore year for moderate-selective institutions. When examining the persistence to graduation model, course topics, course objectives, and other course characteristics are significant for low-selectivity institutions.</p>

<p> Strategic enrollment management is a process where desired enrollment outcomes are achieved through the orchestration of several core functions of an institution including marketing, recruitment, admissions, pricing and aid, retention programs, academic support services and program development. The problem is that small private colleges may face significant demographic and economic challenges that could negatively affect future enrollment levels. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how three small private institutions in the Midwest increased full-time undergraduate enrollment by more than 100% within a 10-year period. Those colleges were Aurora University, Benedictine University, and Notre Dame College. The enrollment growth strategies utilized at each institution were examined in an attempt to combine various strategies to develop a model for enrollment growth that might be used by other small, private colleges and universities. The institutions in this study implemented several parallel strategic initiatives including those that focused on athletics, campus building investments, financial aid, academic programs, admissions recruiting, and pricing that yielded significant enrollment gains over a ten-year period. This research project achieved its purpose as the results of the study led to the development of a model of enrollment growth strategies that may be utilized by other small private institutions to explore future potential enrollment growth strategies. Recommendations for additional research include a) enrollment growth strategies at other small private institutions in different areas of the United States, b) enrollment growth strategies at larger institutions, and c) institutions that experience enrollment growth within a future ten-year period.</p>

<p> Technology is increasingly present in American homes and offices and in nearly every form of American entertainment. As a result, U.S. society has become dependent on technology. Most Americans' daily routine consists of frequent interactions with electronic gadgets, interfaces, and computers in order to purchase goods online, meet people, and work. Therefore, to some extent, U.S. schools should mimic the current social environment by using technology as an educational tool. The global environment demands that students have 21st-century technology skills. Today's students learn using different modalities that require various accommodations in the classroom setting. Teachers play a pivotal role in fully preparing and engaging students. Thus, it is important to identify what factors influence teachers' decision to integrate current technology educational tools in the classroom. </p><p> The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the relationships, if any, between teachers' demographics, use of current technological tools, attitudes, professional development, and rate and stage of technology adoption/integration. A survey instrument created by Buckenmeyer was modified and updated to reflect the technologies used in the classroom. Five elementary urban public schools and 133 teachers in Newark, New Jersey, participated in the study. Their responses were used to determine the relationships between various factors and the rate and stage of technology adoption/integration. </p><p> Significant correlations were found between technology adoption/integration and each of the categories&mdash; especially teachers' beliefs and attitudes and professional/staff development. Various items in each category were found to be significantly correlated with technology adoption/integration, including teachers' belief that they are better teachers with technology and addressing students' learning styles. Additionally, mean scores showed strong agreement with the desire to participate in professional/staff development workshops on how to integrate current technology educational tools into the instruction, especially into the new English language arts and math curricula in Newark Public Schools. </p><p> Based on the strength and significance of the correlations and mean scores, there were three recommendations for stakeholders regarding the factors that influence teachers' decision to integrate current technology educational tools into the classroom: (a) improve teachers' belief in and attitudes toward the use of current technology educational tools; (b) provide continuous, technology-infused professional development opportunities that align with the current literacy and math curricula; and (c) provide current technology educational tools such as hardware, learning software, and Web 2.0.</p>

<p> The overall intent of the study was to understand the role of emotional intelligence in school leader preparation programs in the Nazarene university system. A qualitative exploration of the understanding and presence of emotional intelligence (EI) theory and associated concepts in two Nazarene university principal preparation programs was conducted along with an investigation of the need, hindrances, and solutions to including such topics in the universities' programs. Two educational leadership program directors from each university acted as participants by responding to semi structured interview questions about the topics. </p><p> The results revealed a perceived need for the inclusion of EI theory and associated concepts in the universities' principal preparation programs. Hindrances and possible solutions for including EI in the curriculum resulted in clear guidelines for incorporating the topics in the universities' courses of study. Implications for application of the results to other universities were discussed as well as the potential for development and implementation of training in EI for a broader set of educational leaders, including preservice and existing principals, teachers, education specialists, various levels of school leaders, and community partners in leadership roles affecting schools. Recommendations were made for further research extending the study of EI theory and associated concepts into universities outside the Nazarene university system as well as employing a quantitative approach to further investigate the ten themes which emerged regarding the relationship between EI and principal leadership. A comparison study using the same methods to explore the topic of servant leadership was also suggested.</p>

<p> This study was designed to involve a variety of research methods, resulting in a mixed methods, case study approach to investigate best teaching practices in an elementary blended learning environment. The research-based evaluation work of Charlotte Danielson was incorporated as the theoretical framework for this research. Differing methods of tablet use were observed in 10 classrooms while data was collected on student engagement. Blended learning is among best teaching practices, though surprisingly, educators in this study were not familiar with blended learning models and techniques. The term "blended learning" in the context of this K-5 study meant utilizing different technology devices as a means to enhance teaching. Many educators are utilizing tablets in their classrooms on a daily basis without adequate professional development. The influx of tablets in America's schools has not been well planned nor have professional development opportunities provided teachers with the necessary training to fully implement and integrate best practice in their classrooms. Findings from this study help fill the gap in elementary level and rural area schools. Results from this research indicate that blended learning tools enrich the elementary school classroom. Tablet usage in this study demonstrated seamless bridging for all levels of academic achievement. Students were observed utilizing metacognitive skills when collaborating with their peers and demonstrating their learning through projects on their tablets. Three themes emerged from the interview data. First, blended learning and the integration of technology as a best practice supports current literature. The second theme involved professional development, including teachers' desire for both building- and district-level support as well as the frequency of professional development, and teacher technology support. And third, the school is the vehicle for teacher collaboration, differentiation for students, and engagement of students.</p>

<p> About 50% of all individuals who enter doctoral programs finish. Although many studies exist concerning reasons people fail to finish doctoral programs, few studies related to the reasons people finish doctoral programs have been conducted. The reasons people do not complete (i.e., finances, life changes, lack of motivation) do not necessarily reflect the reasons students do complete these programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of participation in collaborative cohort doctoral programs on dissertation completion. Elements of grounded theory were employed to search for the emergence of information leading to discussion and reflection about the question: How does participation in a collaborative cohort doctoral program affect dissertation completion? </p>

<p> As writing centers continue to petition for status, funding, and authority on university and college campuses, writing center research and assessment practices continue to evolve. Within the last 10 years, writing center administrators have turned to assessing the writing center based on student learning outcomes (SLOs). This research summarizes the assessment history of writing centers and then proposes a pilot study that uses portfolios and reflection as a way to assess student learning in a writing center on a metropolitan, four-year university campus. This research also discusses the pilot study in terms of future research and implications.</p>