Research conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) indicates that employers across industries seek similar skills in job applicants; yet employers often report finding these desired skills lacking in new hires. This study closes the gap in understanding between employer expectations and student perceptions regarding…

This study follows 305 preservice teachers (PSTs) who student taught in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in 2014-15 and were subsequently hired in CPS in 2015-16. Drawing on surveys of PSTs and their cooperating teachers (CTs) and CPS administrative data, we linked features of their preservice teacher education to three outcome measures for…

This study examined the influence of a semester-long seminar on student teachers' perceptions of their preparedness for student teaching. Eighteen pre-service teachers in elementary (grades K-6) and middle grades (grades 6-8) participated in the seminar. Seventeen pre-service teachers from the same programs were used as a matched comparison group.…

The present pilot study explores pre-service teachers' experiences related to active shooter preparedness and perceptions of preparedness of active shooter training and drills. A survey was conducted among pre-service teachers (N = 97) regarding (a) previous experiences with active shooter response drills, (b) perceptions of preparedness for…

As more students with learning disabilities pursue higher education, college and university faculty are faced with facilitating courses that must meet the needs of diverse learners. In contrast to the teaching criteria for K-12 teachers, postsecondary education professors are hired for their subject matter expertise without any teaching licensure…

This mixed methods study surveyed 209 K-12 special education teachers about their perceptions of preparedness to teach students with mental health needs that manifest internally (e.g., quiet distress, withdrawal, excessive worry). We used a construct-modeling approach to develop the survey instrument and establish evidence of validity,…

This study explores how Higher Education students from non-traditional backgrounds perceive their readiness and preparedness to make the transition from university to work, after graduation. Thirteen students participated and each underwent a semi-structured interview exploring perceptions of their upcoming transition. Findings indicate that…

School counselors in training receive support from their preparation programs; upon graduation, the expectation is that novice school counselors have the necessary tools to meet the needs of their students and the school-wide community. Understanding the collective experience of school counselors is crucial in determining if and how they were…

Novice teachers are leaving the classroom within five years. Educator preparation programs are preparing teachers, but improvement is needed to meet the culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms of today. Transitioning from pre-service to in-service teacher can feel insurmountable while establishing the classroom environment, managing…

The general problem addressed by this study was the lack of flexibility in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I student-athletes' schedules for field-specific courses while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Student-athletes have schedules that can be very restrictive and could hinder their preparation for…

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of alternative middle school programs utilizing a longitudinal, mixed methods design and was driven by research questions which analyzed trends in attendance, discipline, and Standard of Learning test pass rates in history and science for 8 th, 9th, and 10th grade. It also examined student…

Drawing from data on over 1000 prospective teachers in a large urban district including pre and post-student teaching survey data, this study investigates whether lengthening student teaching improves teachers' perceptions of instructional preparedness, efficacy, and career plans. The findings suggest that the duration of student teaching has…

The current study presents results of a quantitative analysis of K-12 school counselors' perceptions on and preparedness for college and career readiness counseling in a large urban school district serving a diverse, low-income student population. We highlight differences between K-8 and high school counselors' perceptions related to preparedness,…

Despite their proliferation in schools across the U.S., the impact of lockdown drills on students remains largely understudied. Despite their goal of preparing students -- along with teachers and school staff -- for situations like the 2018 shooting in Parkland, FL, questions have been raised in both the public and academic discourses about…

Providing a meaningful education to all learners, including those with disabilities, is the responsibility of all educators. This study utilized a multi-method survey design to examine and compare general and special education teachers' perceived preparedness to teach students with disabilities as well as the experiences each group believes…