2024 Doctoral Capstone Projects

This research investigates the main sources of professional development and support for K-12 principals and assistant principals in Pennsylvania, encompassing various areas of training, including but not limited to SEL and building equitable school communities. The study explores whether school leaders receive specific professional development related to these areas and examines if the training goes beyond defining concepts and developing general awareness.
Using a mixed-methods approach, the research gathered data through a survey and structured interviews. The survey employed Likert scales and multiple-choice questions to collect quantitative data, while interviews provided qualitative insights. Findings reveal significant gaps in several training areas, including SEL and equity, highlighting that current programs often lack depth and practical application.
The study identifies a need for more comprehensive, ongoing, and accessible professional development opportunities. Recommendations include addressing barriers to equitable training, developing sustained training sessions, and implementing practical support systems. By addressing these gaps, school districts can better equip their leaders to meet the diverse needs of their school communities and promote continuous improvement.
This research enhances the understanding of the professional development needs of K-12 principals and assistant principals in Pennsylvania and offers actionable recommendations for improving the effectiveness and equity of professional development opportunities.

Personalized Learning Time (PLT) is a unique academic and social-emotional program that is scheduled for ninety minutes during the school day at Thomas Jefferson High
School (TJHS). PLT was designed to provide students and staff with extra time built into the school day for academic/remedial support in addition to a block of time personalized
to meet the needs of individual students. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to gather teacher perceptions of the academic/remedial impact PLT had on
improving student achievement in the four core academic areas of social studies, math, science, and English. Two open-ended surveys were provided to teachers in the four core
academic areas during the 2023-2024 school year and the survey questions aligned with the two research questions that guided the course of this study. The impact of PLT used
for academic support and/or remediation on improving student achievement and teacher perceptions of the current format and requirements of PLT and how it is related to student
achievement was analyzed and discussed in detail in this study. The results of the study found that PLT does impact student achievement under certain identified conditions,
however, there is a need to consider future research on the topic to consider the requirements, length of PLT sessions, and how it can best be implemented to improve student achievement.

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to gain insight into teachers’ perceptions related to Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). In addition, the study aimed to show alignment between teachers’ perceptions of the levels of implementation as compared to the administrative team and instructional coaching teams’ perception of implementation. Finally, this research gathered information about resources that were needed to sustain or continue to grow Professional Learning Communities. The results of this study showed that PLCs do have an impact on teaching and learning, and teachers, administrators, and instructional coaches are in alignment about the levels of implementation and needed resources to enhance or sustain PLCs.

Stability in educational leadership plays a crucial role in the success of K-12 public schools. Ensuring the retention of school leaders requires robust support systems that enhance leadership skills and self-efficacy. This research study investigated the effect of individualized leadership coaching on self-efficacy among school leaders, focusing on principals and assistant principals in the Franklin Regional School District. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized both qualitative and quantitative survey instruments to assess self-efficacy perceptions before and after the coaching intervention. The research encompassed six building-level leaders and analyzed shifts in self-efficacy linked to coaching sessions. The findings revealed modest changes in self-efficacy scores between the pre- and post-coaching assessments. Data triangulation concerning the length of service, frequency of coaching sessions, and coach choice did not significantly influence self-efficacy outcomes. The study examined whether a series of coaching sessions would impact the self-efficacy levels of school leaders: additionally ,it explored which specific self-efficacy domains were affected by coaching. The results were inconclusive, indicating a need for further research. Future studies may benefit from utilizing a more comprehensive self-efficacy measure and extending the duration of coaching interventions. The implications of this research extend to the development of a structured, supportive coaching program within the Franklin Regional School District. Targeted coaching aimed at enhancing skills such as capacity building. ,vision development, and fostering a culture of connectedness is anticipated to yield significant benefits for the district's leadership stability and overall school success.