Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education Policy, Planning, and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Heather Schugar, PhD

Committee Member

Susan Lloyd, PhD

Committee Member

Ryan Monaghan, PhD

Abstract

Sexual harassment and assault, as defined by Title IX, are widespread issues in middle and high schools, yet schools often fail to provide sufficient education to students and staff about the policy and its protections (Grant et al., 2019). Title IX is a federal law designed to ensure fair and equal treatment of students and employees in educational settings while also overseeing the handling and adjudication of sexual misconduct allegations (Klusas, 2003). This study was conducted using instrumental case study research. 36 staff members from the middle school, high school, and administration of a mid-sized school district in Southeastern Pennsylvania completed a quantitative questionnaire and 8 staff members, 3 administrators and 5 teachers, were interviewed in three qualitative focus groups. Surveys were conducted before the focus groups were formed to gather quantitative data regarding awareness of Title IX, its requirements, and staff’s perception of student-to-student sexual harassment. A semi-structured interview protocol captured qualitative data to better understand X and Y. The survey data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic coding using SPSS software while the qualitative data was analyzed through inductive thematic coding to validate both current themes and determine additional themes. Findings suggest staff lack Title IX policy understanding, especially regarding student harassment and reporting. They feel unsupported and unprepared due to unclear guidelines, a male-dominated culture, and rising derogatory language. While administrators value Title IX education, teachers need practical training and proactive student/parent education, highlighting a disconnect between administrative views and teacher experiences.

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