# data[].attributes.body
Padlet -https://padlet.com/cam523/Persist

Livebinder -  http://www.livebinders.com/edit/index/2022262

# data[].attributes.body
Looking for feedback . . .

# data[].attributes.body
https://padlet.com/cam523/RsrchJrnl

# data[].attributes.body
Hey Scott, your presentation looks awesome . You have a lot of text on each screen. I was more of a minimalist because I use the text as a highlight for what I am going to present. It's just my style. Also, I am not a fan of all caps for text. It is just not aesthetically pleasing, in my humble opinion. Content is fantastic. Well done!

# data[].attributes.body
https://trello.com/b/1ELMGHVn/pre-research-estimation-plan-educ-818

# data[].attributes.body
1.      How do principals incorporate collaborative leadership into their school settings?

2.      How do specific stakeholder groups (faculty, support staff, and parents) actively participate in the collaborative leadership of a school?

3.      What is the relationship between collaborative leadership and school climate?

4.      Which personal and contextual factors contribute to the realization of collaborative leadership in practice?

a.       How does the principal establish and sustain genuine relationships with specific stakeholders in order to implement an effective collaborative leadership style?

# data[].attributes.body
My dissertation topic is Issues Relating to the Retention of Special Education with the Focus on the Principal's Role

Purpose of Study: The purpose of this research is to explore factors that contribute to special education teachers leaving their positions, and the development of effective work environments that sustain the retention of special education teachers including the exploration of perceptions of building principals and their role in the retention of special education teachers.
Research Questions
1. What factors do special education teachers identify as influencing high special education attrition rates?
2. What factors do building principals identify as influencing high special education attrition rates?
3. Is it possible for school districts to increase the retention rate of special education teachers if the building principal has a deep understanding of their role and reasons why they choose to leave teaching in the special education field?

Research Design: This descriptive mixed method research design will utilize a quantitative online survey, which will be administered to building administrators and special education teachers. A survey will be administered to all 12 public school districts in Chester County to both building administrators and special education teachers. The survey will include 4 sections: Part I will request specific demographic information from the respondent, including current position, level of education, years of experience, and current school facts.  Part II will include the respondent’s knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and practices.  Part III will gather information pertaining to the respondent’s perception of the building principal’s role in the special education process and level of involvement required.  Part IV will probe the respondent’s for possible interventions and solutions to assist in the retention of special education teachers. Follow-up interview of building principals and special education teachers will be conducted to gather additional information as well as validate the survey data collected on factors relating to the high factors of high special education attrition rates.   Approximately 15% of participants will be used with a distributed mix of districts, levels and positions.

The results of this research will expand the knowledge of literature and provide specific preparation required in order for administrators to meet the needs of new special education teachers within their buildings.

# data[].attributes.body
Purpose Statement

The purpose of this study is to identify how elementary level students develop a growth mindset to persevere, or grit, through rigorous tasks, to strengthen critical and creative thinking skills so they are ready for college and career as identified through the 21st Century Skills for Success.

Research Questions

Research Questions

Elementary Teachers

1.To what extent are students able to think critically and creatively as defined by The 21 Century Skills for Success?

2.What do growth and fixed mindsets in its relation to critical and creative thinking mean to teachers?

3.How is a growth mindset developed in elementary students?

4.     How is a growth mindset supported during instruction and learning?

Building Level Administration and Curriculum Leaders in Central Office

1.How do administrators support the value of critical and creative thinking in the curriculum?

2.How do administrators support the value of growth mindsets in the classroom?

Research Design:

I will do a case study in one, possibly two, classrooms. The study will be a mixed methods study. The quantitative part of my study will be the first step gathering background knowledge about the elementary teachers, building level administrators, and curriculum leaders in terms of this topic. The qualitative study will be through observations and interviews in one to two classrooms that have already incorporated this type of work in their practice.

The result will be guidance for those who are looking to build this type of thinking into their craft and practice at the elementary level.

# data[].attributes.body
Please click the link below to access my Dissertation Synopsis Sheet:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3bjy8OyXuiLNG5kblhHc2hHb3c

# data[].attributes.body
My dissertation is a mixed-method study on the practical application and perceptions of collaborative leadership in elementary schools.  I will first conduct a quantitative on-line survey of stakeholders (parents, faculty, staff, and administration) within four elementary schools.   I will analyze that data.  From there, I will perform qualitative focus group interviews at each school with respective stakeholders in each group.  I will report that data and then ask open-ended questions about if they feel that data matches their school and collaboration is truly implemented (or not).

# data[].attributes.body
As for my dissertation, I am proposing to conduct a quantitative correlational  study to answer the following two questions:

1. Is there a significant association between the perceptions of teachers and administrators regarding teacher effectiveness and the qualities, behaviors, and practices of teachers rated as highly effective compared to those rated as effective?

2.  Is there a significant association between gains in student achievement and teachers rated as highly effective on the Stronge Teacher Effectiveness Performance Evaluation System (TEPES) framework as compared to those teachers rated effective?