Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

I am Dr. Caressa Richardson. I am a recent graduate from Walden University in the field of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. I can testify that the journey to get my ED. D was not easy. I started school in 2018, taking two classes at a time. Eventually, I decreased my course load to one class a term. I was determined to finish without taking a break, and I did just that until 2026.

On March 26, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. I defended my research on "Examining Teachers' Perceptions on how to close the ELA achievement gap in elementary Title I schools in a northwest Florida district." During my doctoral journey, I experienced many teachers, some who believed in me and others who did not. At one point, I had to request another Chair and the request was granted. This was one of the best decisions I could have made for myself. With the new Chair, it only took me two terms to complete the final steps to the CAO division.

We should walk by faith and not by sight! To current and potential graduate students, please do not give up and stay in the race. Giving up was never an option for me. I wanted to obtain this ED.D degree by any means necessary. My next chapter will include mentoring other graduate students and working as an adjunct professor in my local community. The race is not given to the swift, but to those who hold out until the end.

Sincerely,

Dr. Caressa R. Richardson