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Felisha Coady, Ph.D. is a 2026 graduate of the PhD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

coady committee

Felisha Coady at her Dissertation Defense.

From L-R: Dr. Beryl Watnick, Committee Member, Dr. Diane Richard-Allerdyce, Committee Member, Dr. Daniel Diaz, Committee Member.

Dissertation Committee

  • Daniel Diaz, PhD, Committee Chair
  • Diane Richard-Allerdyce, PhD, Committee Member
  • Beryl Watnick, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

collaborative learning, interconnectedness, integration, assessment

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

This action research study examines the interconnectedness of music and language arts, specifically focusing on reading comprehension. In this study, a program called Music Connections was developed and used as a pilot to improve reading comprehension skills in primary education. The targeted population of the Music Connections program was 30 third-grade students in an inner-city school in Ohio. After six weeks of reteaching concepts through the Music Connections program, students were given a second interim with these concepts to show results and mastery. Data from this study showed that students who participated in the Music Connections program (Group A) grew 33% in their ability to Recall & Retell, 13% in Compare & Contrast, 73% in Context Clues and 47% in understanding Main Idea, reaching mastery of all skills apart from Context Clues, placing them 7% away from mastery. The group of students that did not participate in the Music Connections program (Group B) did not grow in Recall & Retell, grew 16% in Compare & Contrast, declined 13% in mastery of Context Clues and grew 14% in Main Idea. This evidence shows that the Music Connections program had a significant impact on student growth in language arts, suggesting that music and language arts integration is beneficial for students. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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felisha coady

Felisha Coady

ORCID No.:  #0009-0002-7653-8774

Dr. Felisha L. Coady is an educator, scholar, and children's author with more than eighteen years of experience in education. She currently serves as a fifth-grade English Language Arts teacher and has previously taught elementary education and music, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to her work in literacy and learning.

Dr. Coady earned her Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. Her dissertation, Music and Language Integration and its Impact on Reading Comprehension: An Action Research Study, explores how integrating music with language instruction can enhance reading comprehension and student engagement among third-grade students.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Dr. Coady is the founder and president of Covenant Faith University, where she is committed to advancing faith-centered education and leadership development. She is also a children's author and passionate advocate for innovative teaching practices that support literacy and creative learning.

Beyond education, Dr. Coady serves in ministry through True Divine Kingdom Ministries International, which includes church communities in both the United States and Kenya. Her work across education, leadership, authorship, and ministry reflects her dedication to empowering individuals through knowledge, creativity, and faith.

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