Congratulations to Mary Kubat who on Friday, March 28, 2025, successfully defended her dissertation. The title of Mary’s dissertation is: "THE STEM SELF-EFFICACY OF ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS AND ITS EFFECTS ON STEM IMPLEMENTATION."
Despite the increasing national emphasis on STEM education, research on the self-efficacy of elementary administrators in STEM leadership remains limited. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining how principals' self-efficacy influences their decision-making processes regarding STEM curriculum integration in elementary schools. This qualitative study explores the role of elementary school principals in implementing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through the lens of self-efficacy and Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). Through semi-structured interviews and school-based artifact collection, this research investigates the ways in which elementary school principals perceive their own STEM self-efficacy, how their training and experiences shape these perceptions, and how these factors impact STEM program implementation. Findings suggest that principals often face challenges in implementing STEM programs due to limited training, resource constraints, and competing academic priorities, despite their levels of STEM self-efficacy. The study underscores the critical role of school leadership in fostering a strong STEM culture at the elementary level. It highlights the need for targeted professional development to enhance principals' confidence and capacity in STEM education leadership. Additionally, the research provides recommendations for policy improvements and further studies on STEM leadership at the elementary level. By addressing gaps in STEM education leadership research, this study contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen STEM learning opportunities in early education, ultimately supporting the development of a robust STEM workforce.
DISSERTATION COMMITTEE CHAIR(S):
Dr. Yiping Wan
Dr. Martin Fitzgerald
DISSERTATION COMMITTEE MEMBER(S):
Dr. Mengfei Cai
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