<p> Success through education for women was vastly limited before the passage of Title IX, which guarantees equal access to programs in higher education. Eliminating sexual discrimination through this legislation had the potential to open new worlds for America&rsquo;s women as opportunities blossomed at the collegiate level which led to a host of new career paths. Women successfully entered higher education and are represented in every field. </p><p> Unfortunately, the prevalence of sexual assault incidents in colleges proved to be a detriment to accessibility, and Title IX served as a tool to help create a safe learning environment for all students. The novelty of creating policies and procedures in this new arena led to many problems for colleges and universities as they sought to comply with Title IX mandates. As a result, the Office of Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague Letter in 2011 to explain sexual assault and provide resources to bridge the complex divide between old and new notions of discrimination. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the Dear Colleague Letter of 2011 on the implementation of Title IX at community and technical colleges in Louisiana. Policy analysis was used to determine if the policy and procedures recommended were established at all twelve of the institutions. Title IX Coordinators were interviewed to provide a more in-depth picture of the implementation process and what challenges the institutions may have encountered. The findings indicate that Title IX Coordinators were knowledgeable about the Dear Colleague Letter of 2011, but the policies did not reflect this understanding. The implications resulting from this study can be used to inform and assist higher education leaders in maintaining compliance with Title IX.</p><p>

<p> The balance of awareness of student disabilities, providing supports and accommodations necessary for the success of special education students, and a high understanding curriculum contents is a challenge for special educators in the co-taught setting. This study investigates the effect the relationship between the number of curricula in which the special educator is co-teaching has, on student achievement. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare both the results on state mandated end of course examinations, and course grades in classrooms where the special education coteacher was responsible for one curriculum content where they were responsible for two and three curricula. Findings show a significant difference in student achievement only between classrooms where the special educator was responsible for one curriculum and where they were responsible for two. In looking at the mean achievement results for end of course examinations and course grades, students in the classrooms where the special educator was responsible for three curriculum contents earned higher scores. Results indicate that factors or a combination of factors, other than curricula content knowledge of the special education co-teacher, play a greater role in effecting the achievement of the special education students in the co-taught classroom.</p><p>

<p> The purpose of this qualitative explanatory multi-case study was to examine childcare workers&rsquo; perceptions about the use of developmentally appropriate practices within private toddler and preschool classrooms. The problem was that some child care workers have a master&rsquo;s or bachelor&rsquo;s degree in another field not related to early childhood education, which may result in a lack of knowledge regarding child growth and development and the use of developmentally inappropriate practices in toddler and preschool classrooms. The theoretical framework for this qualitative multi-case study was based on the contributions from the field of developmental psychology and neuroscience. Data collection included semi-structured one-on-one interviews, a focus group, and documentation which included photographs of participants&rsquo; classrooms, sample lesson plans, and children&rsquo;s work samples from 16 child care workers in Northern New Jersey. Transcribed interviews were imported to NVivo 12 Pro. NVivo 12 Pro was used to manage and organize transcribed data and assign codes, which led to emerging themes. Three themes emerged: (a) preparing children so they would not be behind in kindergarten or for the next teacher; (b) curriculum and the age level approach; and (c) qualifications, knowledge, and training. Recommendations may lead to better monitoring of child care center programs to ensure that program activities are appropriate according to age and developmental level of the children. Recommendations may also lead to training models for child care center directors and child care workers. </p><p>

This research aims to identify core elements of leadership development in children and adolescents. Initial focus groups with student leaders in elementary and high schools suggested key differences in students’ implicit theories of leadership and their identities as leaders. A follow-up survey was constructed to measure these differences. Findings suggest age-based distinctions in students’ implicit understanding of leadership, what constitutes leadership behaviour, who has the capacity to lead, and what kinds of leadership they would like to take on. These distinctions form the basis for a conceptual model illustrating four phases or “stories” of leadership identified by children and adolescents: the task-oriented “helper,” the responsibility-oriented “deputy,” the role-oriented “agent” and the identity-oriented “ambassador.”

This research aims to identify core elements of leadership development in children and adolescents. Initial focus groups with student leaders in elementary and high schools suggested key differences in students’ implicit theories of leadership and their identities as leaders. A follow-up survey was constructed to measure these differences. Findings suggest age-based distinctions in students’ implicit understanding of leadership, what constitutes leadership behaviour, who has the capacity to lead, and what kinds of leadership they would like to take on. These distinctions form the basis for a conceptual model illustrating four phases or “stories” of leadership identified by children and adolescents: the task-oriented “helper,” the responsibility-oriented “deputy,” the role-oriented “agent” and the identity-oriented “ambassador.”

The online teaching skills and best practices of virtual classroom teachers| A mixed method Delphi study

<p> The purpose of this study was to examine the High Tec Middle School teachers' and administrators' knowledge of the service learning model upon which the school's service learning program has been based, their views regarding their role in student character formation through service learning, and the teachers' feelings of ownership regarding the service learning program. </p><p> 1 overarching research question and 3 sub-questions were explored. The overarching question was: How do teachers and administrators at High Tec Middle School experience service learning? 3 sub-questions that aided in answer the overarching research question were: What is the High Tec Middle School teachers' and administrators' knowledge of the service learning model that serves as the foundation for the service learning program that has been implemented school wide? What are the views of the High Tec Middle School teachers and administrators regarding their role in the shaping of students' character through service learning? What, if any, feelings of ownership do the High Tec Middle School teachers and administrators experience regarding the service learning program that has been implemented school wide? </p><p> Data was collected from an online questionnaire and a focus group completed by 12 teachers and administrators who participated in the planning and implementation of the school's service learning program. Findings from the study showed that 4 primary factors influenced teachers' and administrators' feelings of ownership about the service learning project: belief that educating students in character is their responsibility, having a strong sense of caring, having sufficient knowledge of the service learning model, and feeling empowered by the implementing of service learning. </p><p> 2 primary conclusions were derived from the study. First, experiential learning was more important than academic learning in teachers and administrators understanding the service learning model used at the school. Second, the feelings of ownership of the SL program held by the teachers and administrators at the school are derived from (a) belief that educating students in character is their responsibility, (b) having a strong sense of caring, (c) having sufficient knowledge of the service learning model, and (d) feeling empowered by the implementing of service learning.</p>

Thesis (Ph. D.)--UCLA, 2009. / Vita. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 227-247).

<p> Recent initiatives aimed at improving the quality of Head Start programs have included an increased focus on the instructional strategies of Head Start teachers. One factor that researchers have associated with higher quality classroom instruction and increased child achievement in the K-12 grades is teachers' sense of self-efficacy (Berman &amp; McLaughlin,1978; Ghaith &amp; Yaghi, 1997; Guo, Piasta, Justice &amp; Kaderavek, 2010; Justice, Mashburn, Hamre &amp; Pianta, 2008; Nie et al., 2013). Thus far, research on early childhood teacher self-efficacy has almost exclusively relied upon survey and other types of quantitative data to answer questions about this important construct.</p><p> This study of Head Start teacher self-efficacy builds upon this body of research by utilizing a multiple case study to explore Maine Head Start teacher self-efficacy. This qualitative study examined the ways in which self-efficacy is developed and influenced by the context in which teaching occurs. Interviews with Head Start teachers and educational leaders as well as onsite observations were conducted to examine teachers' delivery of instructional support and their belief in their ability to do so in ways that benefit children.</p><p> Findings from this study indicate that elements of the teaching environment such as time for planning and reflection, relationships with colleagues, and the amount of time with children can and do influence teachers' provision of instructional supports. In addition the study found that teachers embed instructional supports within a cycle of intentional teaching that includes formative assessment data used to plan for, modify, and individualize instructional supports for children. Formative assessment data also confirmed the benefits of instructional support strategies for the teachers in this study and acted as evidence of mastery that sustained teachers' instructional self-efficacy. </p><p> These findings offer important information for educational leaders and other professionals who wish to optimize the conditions under which Head Start teachers provide effective instructional supports and build instructional self-efficacy. Information from this study can also be used to inform the types of policies and practices that best support teachers in their instructional support of children.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study is to explore teacher and administrator perceptions of the effectiveness of the feedback portion of the new Danielson-based teacher evaluation system in terms of improving teachers' instructional practices. This mixed methods study involved collecting qualitative data by interviewing teachers and principals in the Triad Community Unit School District #2 in Troy, IL. It also involved quantitative data by gathering teacher perceptions of the new evaluation process through the use of an online survey. The results of this study conclude: (a) the manner by which observation feedback is given from principals to teachers is perceived as different and better in the new evaluation system as compared to prior methods experienced by the teachers (b) teachers and principals perceived the Danielson evaluation process to be formative but had some concerns about the process (c) principals and teachers reference an increase in student-centered activities that involve higher order thinking (d) feedback involved face-to-face, two-way conversations about teaching between principals and teachers (e) teachers and administrators are aware that evidence following an observation has implications for summative ratings (f) the administrative time needed to implement the new evaluation system is immense (g) principals and teachers have training concerns during the implementation of the new evaluation process. Based on the quantitative data, teachers indicated that receiving both written and face-to-face feedback following an observation propelled them to reflect on their teaching. In general, the results also point to teachers favoring face-to-face feedback as compared to the written feedback from principals following an observation. Implications of this research demonstrate the interaction of principals with teachers following an observation is critical for teachers to find value with the feedback they receive.</p>