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1997 research outputs found
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A Study of the Impact of Site-Based Mathematics Professional Development on Student Mathematics Achievement
Get PDFStudent achievement at one suburban elementary school under study dropped notably in mathematics in one school year, as measured by the state standards assessment. The purpose of this inquiry was to determine what impact ongoing, on-demand, job-embedded, site-based professional development opportunities provided by a full-time, site-base math content area specialist had on teachers\u27 instructional practices and students\u27 mathematics achievement. I implemented a mixed methods approach to this inquiry. I analyzed the end of the year state mathematics standards assessments for second through fifth grade students following the implementation of full-time, site-based professional development provided by a math content area specialist and weekly, mathematics focused, grade level collaboration facilitated by the math content area specialist. I compared assessment data from the previous school year to the same assessments at the end of the school year during which focused professional development was provided to teachers. I conducted surveys and interviews among teachers at the school to gain insight into their perspective on the impact of the professional development on their teaching and student learning.. Results indicated an increase in test populations, though not statistically significant the results of this study show a substantive impact on student learning
An Interoperative Phenomenological Analysis of Hindu Psychologists and the Impact of Hinduism on Their Clinical Work
Get PDFThis study was an exploration of spirituality, cultural upbringing, and deeply rooted Eastern philosophy and their conscious and unconscious impact on the way Hindu psychologists practice in the field. The purpose was to take into consideration the four major theories of Hinduism and to assess whether psychologists of Hindu origin integrated them into their clinical work. The study used qualitative methods, specifically interpretative phenomenological analysis, as the main strategy of inquiry for data collection and analysis. The goal was to broaden the understanding of how spiritual beliefs can inform a psychologist’s clinical approach and lead to a better understanding of how such practices and the integration of spiritual theories can enhance clinical practice. Additionally, the study shed light on conflicts that may exist between psychologists’ personal beliefs regarding cultural expressions of mental illnesses compared to the expressions of mental illnesses from the model in which they received training. The study demonstrates the importance of further research regarding Hindu clients and the stigmatization of the mental health field within South Asian culture. This may also encourage an open dialogue around the use of spiritual and religious beliefs in psychotherapy. It is an important point of inquiry for both research and clinical psychology, as it broadens the discourse around integrated healthcare and diversity
Elementary Teachers\u27 Perceptions Of The Development And Implementation Of A Comprehensive School Safety Plan
Get PDFAbstract The problem addressed within this qualitative study involved exploring the limited research regarding kindergarten through fifth grade teachers’ perceptions of the implementation of the school’s Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP). The purpose of this study was to explore six kindergarten through fifth grade teachers’ perspectives of their school’s safety plan. First, the study described how elementary teachers perceived the professional development or training received in preparation for implementing their school’s safety plan. Second, the study explored six elementary teachers’ perceptions of their ability to implement their school’s safety plan using semi-structured interviews. Finally, areas where elementary teachers perceive they required more knowledge or training to effectively implement the CSSP were explored. Bandura’s (1977) conceptual framework of self-efficacy theory guided this study. All teachers agreed that training for the school’s safety plan occurred at the beginning of the year during pre-planning for approximately 90 minutes; they practiced monthly fire drills with students; they were well-prepared in implementing the school’s safety plan; they were knowledgeable about lockdown and evacuation but not as knowledgeable about reunification; they needed practice drills with a ‘refresher type training’; lifesaving training should be required of all teachers and staff; all drills should be unannounced to get the ‘real feel of a real drill.’ It is recommended that the school should conduct an annual review of its school safety plan to identify weaknesses and capitalize on its strengths that are performed well. Future research could expand the study by conducting a quantitative study using a school safety plan survey with a larger sample of kindergarten through twelfth grade public and charter schools teaching staff
What are the impacts of setting student learning objectives on classroom instruction and student achievement?
Get PDFStudent learning objectives have emerged as a tool to not only measure student growth, but also as a tool to assess an educator’s impact on student learning. The purpose of this inquiry was to determine what, if any, impact student learning objectives have on an educator\u27s instructional planning and delivery, and then create a change plan that addressed the strengths and needs of the educators involved in order to further support growth in utilizing student learning objectives to positively impact student learning.
This research utilized a mixed methods approach to this inquiry. There was analysis of educator reflections submitted as part of their evaluation process related to student learning objectives. Additionally, a review of the student achievement data connected to the established student learning objectives. Finally, surveys and interviews were conducted with educators at Red Elementary to gain insight into their perspectives on student learning objectives and how student learning objectives may impact the educators professional practice. Results indicate that educators utilize student learning outcomes to plan instruction through the duration of the student learning objective timeline, but do not then plan for next steps or create additional learning goals to continue to support learning around the established goals
THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATING CURRICULUM AND PRACTICES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY MASTER OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATION: A PROGRAM EVALUATION
Get PDFIn 2018, a Master of Arts in Communication program was reviewed for relevance, academic rigor, and satisfaction of program stakeholders. Qualitative and quantitative research was conducted with current and former program participants and community business leaders to answer these questions. While program satisfaction was high, the results suggested the need for revised curriculum to align with the 21st century workplace and to better meet the needs of adult learners. The results of this research will be implemented by introducing new courses or modifying existing ones, maintaining relationships with industry partners, and changing the format of classes to provide adult students with the tools necessary to succeed in the workplace
Clinical Trainees\u27 Experience of Burnout and its Relationship to Supervision
Get PDFBurnout is a phenomenon that has recently gotten a lot of attention in research and media, but there is still a need to understand burnout among clinical trainees. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, a sense of cynicism, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. This qualitative study attempted to understand clinical trainees’ experience of burnout, the factors they believed were contributing factors to their burnout, and how supervision impacted this experience. The participants included six trainees who were enrolled in a clinical or counseling doctorate program, have experienced or are currently experiencing burnout, and had at least six months of practica experience. The results of this study were fairly consistent with the literature, though there were characteristics of both how the burnout was experienced and the factors that contributed to burnout that were unique to this study. I also provide ways academic and training programs can ameliorate burnout among trainees, directions for future research, and the limits of this study
An Evaluation of a Digital Information Course at a Secondary School
No full textIn the 2017-18 school year, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course was implemented at Ambition High School (pseudonym) called digital information. The students’ success rate was low, based on the Microsoft Office specialist industry exams taken throughout the year. This evaluation reviewed the course curriculum and expectations and found ways to achieve student success based on data and research questions. A mixed research set was performed by surveys, interviews, and test data. Based on the findings, there was a need to provide more professional development to teachers on ways to bring about a positive learning environment within the classrooms at Ambition and change the course\u27s enrollment process. Recommendations are made to implement policies that enhance methods that result in more effective teaching practices and create a transparent communication system between guidance and teachers
African American Women Attaining and Maintaining the Position of Superintendent
Get PDFABSTRACT
There is an underrepresentation of African American women in the position of school district superintendent. The purpose of this research was to uncover the barriers and challenges African American women face both as aspiring and sitting superintendents. To gain a lived experience perspective on the problem, five African American women superintendents were interviewed. The primary research question was: How have African American female superintendents attained and successfully held the superintendent position? Using narrative inquiry, interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for the discovery of common themes. Findings include the value of networking for mentoring and support, accepting and bearing the burden of being “twice as good,” taking calculated risks, and always keeping in mind as an African American female you are not as likely to be afforded a second chance “do-over” as your White peers - you need to get it right the first time. Strategies, practices, and long-term solutions for ameliorating these barriers and challenges are proposed
SOCIAL DEPRIVATION AND SOLITARY CONFINEMENT
Get PDFSolitary confinement is one of the most enduring, severe, and restrictive prison practices that has been widely debated since its inception in the early 19th century. Across the United States, the development of supermaximum prison facilities and the use of solitary confinement have become foundational aspects of corrections. Despite the controversy surrounding solitary confinement, there has been a lack of empirical research in this area. This literature review attempted to further explore and advance the understanding of the potential harmful effects of solitary confinement on incarcerated individuals. Specifically, this review summarized what is currently know regarding the effects of social isolation on incarcerated individuals’ overall functioning and discussed the gender differences related to social deprivation. In addition, the major gaps in past research were identified and directions for future research, as well as recommendations for clinicians and the prison system were addressed
Intergenerational Family Learning Programs: Stories of Latinx, Immigrant Families and Their Journeys to and through Higher Education
Get PDFABSTRACT
This research presents the stories of three Latinx families who participated in an intergenerational family program. I endeavored to understand their experiences navigating the American system of education and their immigrant stories. Their narratives revealed significant details that can serve as integral elements in the development of an intergenerational learning curriculum based on culture, language, and traditions, and that steps away from the assumptions that perpetrate the deficit-based narratives about Latino families and higher education. Their hopes provide points for further research and advocacy. In this qualitative study, I collected data using semi-structured interviews, including documents and artifacts. The most relevant literature includes intergenerational learning, lifelong learning, culturally relevant pedagogy, and funds of knowledge. Moreover, I suggested national and international intergenerational family education programs. In closing, I present the reader with my various identities and my reflections as part of the validity of the study as I am a researcher of color investigating an issue that affects People of Color