Date
11-24-2025
ESRP 9000 Professor
Linda Gaughan, Ph.D.
ESRP 9001 Professor
Linda Gaughan, Ph.D.
Executive Summary
Strengthening Instructional Quality and Student Academic Outcomes Through Targeted Professional Development. Nicole Aldridge, 2025: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: academic achievement, leadership in education, parental involvement, school counselors, socioeconomic status, student engagement, teacher retention
This strategic research project was designed to analyze the impact of socioeconomic status on academic outcomes and identify strategies that promote equity and improve student achievement. This project was used to explore internal and external factors such as safe learning environments, committed staff, teacher retention, and instructional resources to understand the impact these factors have on student achievement. The analysis was then determined by using the quantitative strategic matrix plan that showed targeted professional development was the most effective approach for the local challenges existing in education.
Students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds tended to face barriers that limited their access to resources and quality education that impacted academic success. Several possible solutions that could be used to address this issue such as expanding family and community engagement programs and offering intensive reading interventions, utilizing data-driven instruction, and increasing funding for classroom resources were identified as possible solutions. An action plan was developed after conducting a needs assessment and considering expanding effective practices and professional learning communities to support continuous improvement for both students and educators. The selected targeted professional development was focused on strengthening teacher capacity, promoting collaboration, and sustaining effective practices that ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students. Ideally, the implementation of the action plan could begin in January 2026 and continue through the following school year, ending in May 2027.
Document Type
Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
College
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education
Concentration
Curriculum and Teaching
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Nicole Aldridge. 2025. Strengthening Instructional Quality and Student Academic Outcomes Through Targeted Professional Development. Capstone. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. (558)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_srp/558.