Research Spotlight: Dr. Velma Menchaca
Q & A with Dr. Velma Menchaca, Professor in the Department of Organization and School Leadership
What are your research interests and research achievements?
My research focuses on in the areas of cultural relevance, cultural responsiveness, and Migrant English learners. Most recently, I have engaged in researching rural schools. The two areas of focus are on recruiting and retaining high quality teachers and examining school leaders of small, rural schools. To date, I have published several articles on cultural relevance and multicultural education. In addition, in the last year, I have had three articles accepted that focus on different aspects of rural school leaders and teachers. I have collaborated with faculty in Teaching and Learning and Organization and School Leadership.
How does your work align with UTRGV’s and CEP’s strategic plans?
One of the main goals of UTRGV and CEP is educational opportunities. Much of my research has focused on how education can impact the success of school leaders and teachers. When educators have access to educational opportunities, this greatly can impact student success. Educational opportunities provide rural and urban educators avenues to build capacity.
What are your current projects?
I am currently working on several research projects and a grant. One project focuses on school staff who implement Section 504 support services and trainings. This mixed-methods study identifies the support services and training most utilized by elementary and secondary school staff.
I am working with a doctoral student on research that utilizes an exploratory and confirmatory analysis. It examines the trends and patterns over an eight-year period of the students’ life in the elementary, middle school and high school.
I am collaborating with Drs. Ward (PI) and Chamberlain from the department of Human Development and School Services and Dr. Guerra on Project PLEASE. This grant will train special education leaders to substantially improve outcomes of students with disabilities, including high-need children with disabilities. Data will be collected which will eventually become research articles, and this work has the potential of being published internationally because of the significance and importance of the project.
I have also submitted an IRB with Drs. Abrego, Alex Garcia, and Israel Aguilar. This study will focus on teacher leaders, but more important, the intentional leadership a campus principal plays in teacher leadership.