2024 Doctoral Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research study was to analyze the effect that the School-Wide Positive Behavior Plan had on the number of discipline referrals that were submitted to
the principal’s office and the effect that the plan had on the overall school climate at Hasson Height Elementary School. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, using
surveys, interviews, as well as numerical data gathered from the school’s student information system. The survey used Likert-scale questions about the student’s perceptions about their school, teachers, other students, and themselves. The interviews consisted of open-ended questions developed by the researcher to gain the staff’s perception on the program, the staff’s interpretation of the students’ perceptions and the staffs’ perception on how the community feels about the program. The quantitative data was collected from the student information system on the number of discipline referrals that were submitted involving students’ interaction with other students, students’ interactions with staff members, and discipline on transportation. The data was analyzed together to determine the effectiveness of the program and its impact on the school climate. The research suggested that the program had a minimal impact on the discipline referrals. The staff has indicated that the school climate is positive and the School-Wide Positive Behavior was a large component of that.

This Doctoral Capstone Research Project investigated the effectiveness of the AP exam fee reimbursement incentive at Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHS) in the West Jefferson Hills School District. The financial incentive program reimbursed AP students their AP exam fee(s) for each qualifying score of a three or higher. Three years of AP exam results (2018-2020) when no financial incentive was available, was compared to three years of AP exam results (2021-2023) when the reimbursement incentive was offered. Additionally, AP students and parents were surveyed to gather their perspectives of the reimbursement incentive and how it impacted AP exam registration and AP exam preparation. The average number of AP exams administered, the average number of qualifying scores, and the average AP exam pass rate were all higher during the reimbursement incentive years. The survey results indicated that AP exam participation was mostly driven by the opportunity to earn college credit, and the reimbursement incentive was viewed as a secondary bonus. The survey results supported the rise in AP exam performance since a large majority of the participants viewed the financial reimbursement incentive as influential and motivational. The research findings suggest that the AP exam fee reimbursement incentive was an effective strategy to improve AP exam results at TJHS.