Date of Award
1-2024
Degree Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
Department
Education
Committee Chair
T. Lee Morgan, Ph.D
2nd Reader
Deirdra Preis, Ed.D.
3rd Reader
Elaina Brachman, Ed.D.
Abstract
This mixed-methods study examined the impact of professional learning on the effectiveness of integrating Second Step®, an evidenced-based social and emotional learning (SEL) program that focuses on school climate by promoting bullying prevention and social-emotional skills. Teacher efficacy and classroom culture at a prekindergarten through fifth-grade Interdistrict magnet school in the Northeastern Region of the United States was also explored. Improvement Science, a theory developed by the Carnegie Foundation that focuses on a user and problem-centered approach to improving learning outcomes and teaching, guided this study. Defined outcome measures, including study participants’ completion of surveys, participation in professional learning, classroom observations, and an interview to determine the impacts of implementing the Second Step® curriculum on teaching practices, helped determine if the selected change idea improved the problem of practice. Additional steps for this Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) included the implementation of the intervention, gathering and analyzing data, and reflecting upon the process. This ISDiP focused on using professional learning to build the capacity for teachers to use practices that support SEL. The study's findings shed light on classroom teacher's perceived change in SEL practices and the potential impact of promoting SEL at schools. This study contributes to the literature and reinforces the need for professional learning for teachers to use practices that support SEL.
Recommended Citation
Lawrence, C. (2024). An improvement science dissertation in practice: Examining the use of professional learning to build capacity for teachers to use practices that support SEL [Doctoral dissertation, Sacred Heart University]. https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/edd/44
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Comments
A dissertation in the Isabelle Farrington College of Education and Human Development presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education.