Date of Award

2026

Degree Name

Leadership Studies

College

College of Education and Professional Development

Type of Degree

Ed.D.

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Dr. Ron Childress

Second Advisor

Dr. Sissy Isaacs

Third Advisor

Dr. Yvonne Skoretz

Abstract

The use of data for decision making and taking an evidence-based approach to instruction has been the gold standard for schools and their continuous improvement efforts for many years in elementary education. The system of military-connected schools is no different. This unique system has taken steps to support the development of a data culture in its schools to include providing clear guidance in its Blueprint for Continuous Improvement, designating weekly release time for students so that educators may engage in Focused Collaboration time, and designing structures and resources to support teams with this practice such as the Focused Collaboration Observation Tool (FCOT). Despite this level of commitment, the system continues to relentlessly pursue greater success with continuous improvement. Schools, districts, and regions within the system draft and implement action plans that do not yield a systemic set of data to demonstrate effective improvement at a rate which satisfies the goals established in the plans.

A key factor missing from the improvement equation is a framework for coherence to ensure efforts are aligned systematically. The purpose of this action research study was to examine the processes for continuous improvement and the data culture of one military-connected elementary school within this system. This examination included a focus on the use of data to drive decision-making and improve responsiveness of instruction through intentional planning and progress monitoring. A secondary purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a framework, the Internal Coherence Framework (ICF), to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Focused Collaboration time, which strengthens the school’s data culture and its continuous improvement efforts. The findings of this study support the influence of a data culture and coherence on successful continuous improvement within a school.

Subject(s)

Education, Elementary.

Educational leadership.

Teachers -- Education (Elementary)

Education -- Development.

Decision making -- Education.

Curriculum change.

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