This dissertation addresses a critical gap in the literature by examining how the organizational environment shapes the understanding of instruction and practice for multilingual learners (ML) among general education (GE) elementary classroom teachers. Building on inhabited institutionalism theory, the study investigates the interrelationship of…

Instructional leaders are vital to the success of a school given the impact their leadership behaviors can have on teacher retention. This quantitative study investigated the connection between teachers' perceptions of instructional leaders and teacher retention. Furthermore, this study explored which factors had the most significant impact on…

This quantitative, correlational study explored the relationship between teacher retention and teachers' perception of high school learning and the social-physical environment along the "I-95 Corridor of Shame." Two regression analyses were conducted using a dataset of 68 observations taken from 17 "I-95 Corridor of Shame" high…

Latin@ undocumented students confront unique and significant barriers in accessing and obtaining postsecondary certificates and degrees within community colleges. This study explored 4 current and 1 former community college part-time (6-8 credits) undocumented students, specifically how they described their help-seeking experiences within a…

Small businesses are critical to the economic success of the United States, and several states, such as Mississippi, have a strong reliance on small business development. Through small, individually owned businesses, the overall economy is enhanced, and the quality of life for many is improved. A growing trend within the small business community…

Living-learning communities have surfaced as a high-impact practice designed to combat student attrition and support student success in higher education. Despite this connection to high-impact practices, there is limited understanding regarding how living-learning communities develop self-regulated learners, a key characteristic of student…

Education administrators expect teachers to participate in professional learning. Traditional professional learning for teachers comes in workshops, professional learning communities, meetings, conferences, self-guided professional development, coaching, and courses (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 2014). Teachers are dissatisfied with this…

This important book offers strategies, models, and concrete ideas for better serving newcomer immigrant and refugee youth in U.S. schools, with a focus on grades 6-12. The authors present 20 strategies grouped under three categories: (1) classroom and instructional design, (2) school design, and (3) extracurricular, community, and alumni…

This critical case study explores creating and implementing an undocumented resource center (USRC) in Utah. Using a qualitative research approach, the study draws on interviews with key stakeholders involved in the development and operation of USRCs and an analysis of policy documents and other relevant materials. The study finds that creating…

This briefing reports on the findings of qualitative research, funded by the British Educational Research Association (BERA) conducted in late 2020 with 17 parents of autistic children and young people (CYP) attending mainstream schools in England, as well as six autistic CYP themselves. The aim of the research was to generate insight into these…

This study addresses the issue of language barriers between healthcare providers and patients in medical contexts. Such barriers can significantly hinder patients' access to quality healthcare and treatment. To this end, this qualitative research builds on previous studies and compares language interpreter perceptions of in-person and virtual…

The interaction of proximate research universities is a multifaceted and increasingly relevant phenomenon in today's higher education landscape. The three essays herein add to science policy and innovation literature by exploring the challenges, opportunities, and expectations that arise when multiple universities operate in a region. The first…

The issue of unfinished learning and achievement gaps in schools has been a persistent concern in recent years, particularly among underrepresented and disadvantaged student populations. AVID Elementary is a promising solution for ensuring students have the necessary knowledge and skills to be college and career ready, as it is based on proven…

Tanzania, similar to other nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, has been experiencing a severe teacher shortage. The problem that was addressed is that factors influencing rural primary school teachers' decision to continue teaching in Northeast Tanzania are unknown. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to investigate teachers'…

Teacher collaboration is an increasingly important aspect of the professionalism of teachers: it is a way to reflect on and improve teaching practices. Teacher collaboration has been associated with teachers' professional growth and an increase in self-efficacy. However, policy makers and educational leaders must understand which structures of…