The dissertation critically analyzes the response of a major research public university to the attacks of 9/11 in order to gain a deeper understanding of public universities' stance on the relevance of Middle East studies, particularly in the context of the serious and far-reaching impact of 9/11. The absence of an articulated position of the…

There is a lack of research addressing social integration of African American students at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Evidence has indicated that the college experience for African American students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) when compared with that of their African American peers attending a PWI is more…

This study reports middle school astronomy classes that implemented photographs and classroom response systems (CRSs) in a discussion-oriented pedagogy with a curriculum unit for the topics of "day-night" and "cause of seasons." In the new pedagogy, a teacher presented conceptual questions with photographs, her 6th grade…

This dissertation explores the semantics and syntax of switch-reference (SR). It makes novel generalizations about the phenomenon based on two empirical sources: A broad, cross-linguistic survey of descriptive reports, and semantic fieldwork that narrowly targets the Kiowa language of Oklahoma. It shows that previous attempts at formalizing…

The kernel method of test equating is a unified approach to test equating with some advantages over traditional equating methods. Therefore, it is important to evaluate in a comprehensive way the usefulness and appropriateness of the Kernel equating (KE) method, as well as its advantages and disadvantages compared with several popular item…

The adoption of Free Primary Education in 2003 has expanded access to millions of children in Kenya. However, large numbers of children are still out of school. The majority of the out-of-school children belong to ethnic minority groups and the rural and urban poor, who live in abject poverty. This situation is disturbing given that free primary…

The purpose of this study was to assess the performance outcomes of a sales training program. This study is unique in a number of ways. First, it focuses on an under-studied area (sales training effectiveness). Second, it is directed at the evaluation of sales training programs completed by Realtors within the housing industry. Finally, it…

Strides at the federal and state levels are being made to improve the overall climate for gay rights and relationships across the country. However, despite greater acceptance, legislative victories and visibility of gay rights and relationships, homophobia is still widespread in American society (Fone, 2000; Jenkins, Lambert, & Baker, 2009;…

To remain globally competitive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), we must increase our number of underrepresented minority scientists (URMs) as our country's population becomes more diverse. For URMs to move up the educational and professional ranks, they need to be properly socialized as graduate students and…

Principal leadership is one of the most heavily researched topics in the field of education and is a key to increasing school effectiveness and stimulating school change. One of the most important principal roles that have emerged in the literature is the facilitation of a collaborative culture. Teacher collaboration has been linked to a variety…

This study investigates teacher attitudes about language and education. The purpose of the study is to help program designers develop professional development efforts that successfully address some of the major identified challenges teachers face when transitioning into Mother Tongue Based Multi-Lingual Education (MTBMLE), including negative…

This study critically examines facets of student identity and youth activism in the context of evolving notions of citizenship and democracy in a globalized world. I conducted this study to research the nature of the divide that exists between civic engagement programs at higher education institutions that have committed to educating students for…

The purpose of this exploratory study was to describe elementary, general-education teachers' reports of self-efficacy (Bandura, 1997) in using Marzano et al.'s (2010) evidenced-based instructional strategies to differentiate instruction for students with disabilities. The two frameworks that guided this investigation were Bandura's…

Over the past few decades, college student survey response rates have been declining. This is a problematic trend because student survey data are used extensively in endeavors such as accreditation, institutional improvement, and scholarly research. While low survey response rates are not necessarily a problem, they will be if they impact the…

The success of students across the nation is reliant on the expertise and talents of teachers. Continuous growth and lifelong learning are expectations within the teaching profession. Learning new strategies in order to meet student needs and boost achievement is a constant target. Each year school districts spend millions of dollars on…