Browsing by Subject "K-12"

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    Addressing Teacher Vacancies in North Carolina
    (2020-04-17) Bartlebaugh, Hannah
    When it comes to student learning, high-quality teachers are the most important in-school factor. Having a highly effective teacher in every classroom is a crucial component of creating a strong and equitable public education system. As such, teacher shortages have significant negative consequences for school systems and students. Contemporary teacher shortages often refer not to a lack in the number of teachers, but rather to a lack of teachers certified to teach subject areas. Research indicates that the factors believed to be driving the current national teacher shortage include a decline in teacher preparation program enrollment, lowered student-teacher ratios, increases in student enrollment, and high teacher attrition rates. Within North Carolina, decreased teacher preparation program enrollment and teacher attrition rates appear to be the most important factors driving teacher vacancies. This project analyzed both quantitative and qualitative data to gain a deeper understanding of teacher vacancy issues within the state. Quantitative data regarding LEA teacher vacancy, mobility, and attrition rates were combined with LEA demographic data and analyzed to better understand trends over time as well as the characteristics of LEAs most affected by teacher vacancy issues. In addition, 13 interviews were conducted with superintendents, central office administrators, principals, and teachers in two North Carolina LEAs to gain a deeper understanding of how educators are responded to teacher vacancy and turnover issues within LEAs.
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    Energy Education in Wake County Public Schools: A Case Study of Leesville Elementary School
    (2012-04-17) Weiss, Jennifer
    The environmental challenges we face today will continue to become more complex and each individual will be called upon to make critical decisions that will affect the environment. These decisions must be made by an environmentally literate group of people who understand the core elements and complexities of their decisions. Given the need for increased environmental literacy, when should environmental education begin? This case study takes a look at just one element of environmental education – energy education – at two 3rd grade classes in Leesville Elementary School in Raleigh, NC. Through eight learning modules and hands-on activities, the young students demonstrate that even at the 3rd grade level, they are eager to learn more about the environment and are prepared to become environmental stewards. Based on the success of the program, this report investigates methods to integrate environmental education into the K-12 curriculum to help foster the environmental literacy of tomorrow’s leaders