Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2025
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ded)
Department
Educational Leadership
First Advisor
Erin Lehmann
Abstract
Although some research has established the use of diffusion of innovation in technical fields, few studies show its utilization in public schools. This qualitative case study aimed to understand the trials and tribulations associated with implementing behavioral, social-emotional, or mental health support in a rural K–12th public school. Further, this study sought to understand how innovation diffuses throughout public school districts. Specifically, this qualitative study analyzed the perception of innovation through survey data collected from teachers and administrators in a rural K–12th grade public school district. When implementing behavioral, social-emotional, or mental health supports in a rural school, five themes were identified as helpful: (a) building meaningful relationships; (b) creating a climate of care; (c) ensuring communication; (d) evaluating mindset and reinvention; and (e) committing to the process. These findings support rural school districts in implementing support for all students, even when barriers to access exist. Further research should be broadened to include more rural school districts, stakeholder perspectives both internal to the district (e.g., board members, parents, etc.) and external to the school (e.g., community members, etc.), and observance of committee meetings would provide a more comprehensive overview of the practices that help implement behavioral, social-emotional, or mental health support in rural school districts.
Subject Categories
Education | Educational Administration and Supervision | Educational Leadership
Keywords
Behavioral Support Innovation Culture Innovation Diffusion Mental Health Support Rural School District Social-Emotional Support
Number of Pages
131
Publisher
University of South Dakota
Recommended Citation
Powell, Andrea, "Saving Tomorrow: The Triumphs and Tribulations of Innovational Behavioral, Social-Emotional, or Mental Health Support in a Rural Public School" (2025). Dissertations and Theses. 355.
https://red.library.usd.edu/diss-thesis/355