All dissertations completed at Western Michigan University are entered into ScholarWorks. Some may be embargoed or restricted by the authors and may be only available from on-campus computers. Print copies are available through interlibrary loan for dissertations before 2013. If you have any questions, please contact wmu-scholarworks@wmich.edu.
This department was called Educational Leadership until around 2000. Then departmental responsibilities were redistributed between Educational Studies and Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, both active until 2007. This list includes dissertations from all three of those earlier departments.
Dissertations from 2010
Creative Iconology: A Conceptual Framework for Instruction in K-12 and Pre-Service Visual Arts Education, Cindy Todd
The Inception and Development of Michigan's 21st Century Schools Fund, John Richard VanWagoner II
Dissertations from 2009
Systemic and Personal Change: A Retrospective Case Study Of Balanced Literacy Implementation as Perceived by Those Involved, Donna J. Anderson
Persistence and Success: A Study of Cognitive, Social, and Institutional Factors Related to Retention of Kalamazoo Promise Recipients at Western Michigan University, Michelle Ann Bakerson
A Qualitative Study of School Lockdown Procedures and Teachers' Ability to Conduct and Implement Them at the Classroom Level, Bethney Bergh
The Effects of Toyota Production System Training Discontinuation, Robert Patrick Biggins
African American Student Retention: A Study of the Effects of an Intrusive Advising Intervention at a Career College, DeAnna R. Burt
Nursing Faculty Experiences and Perceptions of the Implementation Process to a Learner-Centered Teaching Philosophy: A Case Study, Sharon L. Colley
Comparing Indigenous and External Teachers: Beliefs, Origins of Beliefs, and Expectations, Richard H. Fowler
Longitudinal Study of Factors Impacting the Implementation of Notebook Computer Based CAD Instruction, Richard F. Goosen
Middle School Teacher and Parent Perceptions of Parental Involvement, Brandon Graham
Career Decision Making for Male Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Model of Critical Factors Aiding in Transitional Efforts, Gregory B. Gray
The Development and Application of a Checklist for Evaluating E-Learning in Organizations, Anne-Marie Guidy-Oulai
Key Challenges Facing Student Athletes and Connections to Their Choice of Major, Kimberlee J. Henrion
Exploring the Ultimate Role of Central Office in the Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Professional Development: A Comparative Case Study, Sarah Elizabeth Johnson
Correlates of Teachers' Job Satisfaction: A Hierarchical Linear Model Study Using 2003-2004 Schools and Staffing Survey, Jeffrey M. Leslie
Special Education Preschool: Perceptions of the Parent Participation and Education Component, Denise Ann Ludwig
NovaNET Online Curricula and the Course Completion of Alternative High School Students, Margaret Elizabeth Munger
Child Care Centers on Higher Education Campuses: Director Perceptions of Internal and External Roles and Director Leadership, Kerisa A. Myers
Understanding the Impact of the Kalamazoo Promise from the Perspectives of Parents and Community Group Members, Charles Pearson
Role of Residence Hall Staff in Offering Early Warning Academic Intervention, Jon L. Shaffer
Making Sense of Roles and Responsibilities: A Socialization Study of College and University Music Department Chairs, Jason Robert Werkema
Can We Get Nurses to Stay? A Qualitative Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Formal Mentoring Program in an Acute Care Health System, Eileen M. Willits
Climate in Catholic Schools: A Comparative Study of Three Types of Organizational Structures, Andra Zommers
Dissertations from 2008
Student Persistence at a Small, Private, Religiously-Affiliated College: An Examination of Retention Theory, Benjamin Arendt
A Comparative Study of Extended Meta-Ethnography and Meta-Analysis Based on the Fundamental Micro-Purposes of a Literature Review, Rhae-Ann Richardson Booker
Missing Data Treatment of a Level-2 Variable in a 3-Level Hierarchical Linear Model, Xiaofan Cai
New Teachers' Perceptions on Their Preparation, Rosemary Cleveland
Social Work Field Instructors' Perceptions of On-Line Training, Denise E. Dedman
How Can Art Education Enhance the Content Subject Area in an Urban School Setting?, Lonnie Ford
First-Generation, Income-Eligible Peer Mentor Study, Charlotte L. Giscombe
Contextual Learning for a Global Economy: A Comparative Case Study of Two Career Technical Centers and Two Machine-Tool Manufacturing Businesses, Jennifer L. Harrison
The Impact of a Community Leadership Academy in a Midwestern County on Graduates' Attitudes and Behavior toward Community Trusteeship, Robert Harrison
The Role of Prediction in the Teaching and Learning of Algebra, Lisa Kasmer
Critical Components to Improve Literacy Learning for All Students, Marcia Harriet Kaye
Making the Difference in High Poverty; High Achieving Urban Elementary Schools: Selected Principal's Perspectives, Penny Larsen
Collective Bargaining in Public Schools: Superintendents' Perspective, Kyle W. Mayer
Transitioning between the Requirements of Accrediting Bodies in Athletic Training Education Programs: What Might It Take?, Jennifer O'Donoghue
Effective Intervention Approaches for Increased Student Achievement with At-Risk Middle School Students: Voices from Parents, Susan J. Peets
Content Analysis of University Alcohol Policies: "Party Schools" Compared to Non-Party Schools, Sarah E. Pernie
Essential Novice Nurse Educator Role Competencies and Qualifications to Teach INA Pre-Licensure Registered Nurse Education Program, Kathleen A. Poindexter
Differences by Degrees: Providing Services to Adult Students Based on Degree Level Pursued, Kathy L. Rix
Online Teaching Self-Efficacy of Nurse Faculty Teaching in Public, Accredited Nursing Programs in The State of Michigan, Kristi Adair Robinia
Dissertations from 2007
Effective Critical Thinking Teaching Strategies as Perceived by Affiliated Program Evaluation Faculty, Dhaifallah Almatrodi
Intensive Professional Development in Early Literacy Instruction for Preschool Teachers, Rebecca Brinks
Attitudes Toward and Knowledge of Affirmative Action in Higher Education, Erika Ann Carr
Retaining Exploring Students: A Comparison Study of Decided and Undecided College Students, Betty D. Dennis
Experiences of Michigan Elementary National Board Certification Candidates, Kristen L. Dewitt
Michigan Elementary School Facility Quality and Its Impact on Student Achievement, Brett A. Geier
Resilient Teachers: A Qualitative Study of Six Thriving Educators in Urban Elementary Schools, Paul Giroux
Early Childhood Program Director Leadership Characteristics and Program Quality, Barbara J. June
Community College Retention: The Role of Late Registration Policies, Kay L. Keck
The Association between School Choice and School Climate: Comparing School Climate in Private Relgious, Charter, and Public Schools, Mark Krommendyk
Community College Partnerships with Business and Industry, Maryann Sharpley Lavendar
Mail and Web Surveys: A Comparison of Demographic Characteristics and Response Quality when Respondents Self-Select the Survey Administration Mode, Dawn M. Mackety
Differences in Bachelors Degree Attainment: Are College Degrees a Function of Habitus?, Colin S. McCaleb
Metaevaluation Case Study of Four Evaluations of OSHA VPP Programs, Jafar Momani
Exposing Star Teachers of Children in Poverty, Bobbi Morehead
A Narrative Inquiry of Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding Their Professional Development Experiences, Theresa Andrea Nugent
Gender Disparity in Nigerian Education: Women’s Experience of Barriers to Equal Educational Opportunity, Eugene Okoli
A Study of Career Preparation Activities Used in Michigan’s Public High Schools, Brian L. Pyles
Principals’ Leadership and Its Association with Whether or Not Their Schools Meet District/State Peformance Goals, John Mark Rainey
Systematic Study of the Validity of Clinical Performance Assessments in Entry-Level Athletic Training Education, Gayle A. Thompson
Vygotsky’s Theory of the Creative Imagination: A Study of the Influences on Preservice Teachers’ Creative Thinking Capacities, Stephen J. Worst
Dissertations from 2006
Impact of Enrollment Management, Marketing and Strategic Planning on Adult Higher Education Enrollment Patterns, Kinfu Adisu
Non-Traditional Paths to Presidencies of Higher Education Institutions in Michigan, Daryl Joseph Delabbio
An Examination of the Job Satisfaction of Mid-Level Managers in Student Affairs Administration, Jessie L. Grant
Best Practices within Mediation Programs, Warren L. Hills
Retaining Information Technology Employees in Higher Education, Mary Holmes
A Case Study of the Efficacy of a University Cohort Group in a Small Urban School District, Ann Rea Kopy
Teacher Leadership in Community Colleges: Transforming Teaching and Organizational Governance, Pamela Miller
Leadership Styles Inventory of Michigan Career and Technical Education Area Center Principals, Alan D. Papendick
Success in the First Year: Impact of Alternative Advising on Students at a Liberal Arts College, James E. Swanson
Problem-Based Learning: an Attitudinal Study of Police Academy Students, Gregory P. Vander Kooi
Job Tasks Performed by Career Preparation System Administrators: Implications for Leadership Development, Julia K. VanderMolen
Factors Contributing to Career Success: Perceptions from African American Male School Administrators, Oliver Wilson
The Persistence of at Risk College Students into Their 8th Semester at a Private Christian College, Rick Zomer
Dissertations from 2005
Professional Role Complexities and Job Satisfaction of Collegiate Certified Athletic Trainers, Kirk Brumels
Salary Negotiation Strategies of Female Administrators in Higher Education, Suzette Compton
Meaningful Learning: Reconciling the Tensions between Constructivist and Environmentally Sustainable Pedagogy, Nancy Van Kannel-Ray
Teacher Quality and Teacher Preparedness in Public Secondary Schools: Evidence from SASS 1999-2000, Xuejin Lu
Automotive Service Technology Intersectional Skills Proficiency Assessment, David L. MacQuarrie
School Counselors' Perceptions about Female Participation in Non-Traditional Secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs, Rashida Khatoon Malik
Performance Evaluation Models for Strategic Decision-Making: Towards a Hybrid Model, Geraldina Villalobos Quezada
Higher Education Attorneys’ Perceptions Regarding Academic Freedom and Challenges to Academic Freedom, Manuel R. Rupe
The Persistence of Adult Undergraduates on a Traditionally Oriented University Campus, Wendy Samuels
The Practice of Continuous Improvement in Higher Education, Deborah M. Thalner
Cognitive Orthotics for Students with Cognitive Disabilities, James V. Yanna
Impact of Standards on Physical Education Teacher Education: Curriculum, Collaboration, and Learning Outcomes, Xiangren Yi
Dissertations from 2004
A Multimethodological Study of Teachers’ Perceptions of Technology Professional Development, James Brown
Childhood Obesity: Caregivers’ Perceptions, Attitudes and Behaviors Related to Physical Activity and Inactivity, Mozhdeh B. Bruss
Factors Affecting School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists’ Use of Language Assessment Practices with Bilingual Children, Lena Gloria Caesar
Sustaining Innovation in Career and Technical Education, Brenda S. Clark
Underrepresented Doctoral Students: The Cultural and Institutional Barriers that Hinder Their Ability to Graduate, Nancy Greer-Williams
Structural Equation Modeling as a Tool for Multisite Evaluation, Carl Edward Hanssen