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The Influence of Principal-Superintendent Relationships on Teacher Retention in Rural School Districts
Full text linkPurpose: This study explored the relationships of principals and superintendents of districts that demonstrated teacher retention rates below the state median for the school years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. It sought to reveal themes that were present in their relationships for the purposes of understanding and interpreting their relationship experiences and how they related to teacher retention. Research Method: This qualitative study explored the essence of principals’ and superintendents’ relationships. Using a thematic analysis approach, an exploration of their real-life relationship experiences was conducted through semi-structured interviews. This process included obtaining the perspectives of participants that were formed from their real-life experiences, resulting in the development of themes that existed in their relationships. Findings: The study resulted in themes including (a) trust and communication, (b) unity and collaboration, (c) approachability and humility, (d) respect and appreciation, (e) support and empowerment, and (f) work ethic and leadership. The theme of trust emerged throughout the study, was related to other themes, and was the common attribute in a successful principal-superintendent relationship. In addition, successful relationships were reported to be improved when administration (a) was able to be open and honest, (b) presented and maintained a unified front, (c) was regularly working with, supportive of, and invested in the lives of one another and staff, (d) was seen and accessible, (d) was willing to get “in the trenches,” and (e) showed respect, appreciation, and loyalty to one another. Conclusion: School leadership may be able to influence teacher retention by improving the school’s climate, culture, and morale. These factors were reported to be related to positive principal-superintendent relationships and the behaviors that were reported to be found in them
AN ANALYSIS OF RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR COLLEGIATE COACHES OF COMPETITIVE TEAMS IN AGRICULTURE
No full textCollegiate competitive teams in agriculture play a vital role in developing
students' technical skills, leadership abilities, and career readiness. However, sustaining
and growing these teams requires effective recruitment strategies and sufficient
administrative support. This study examined the most effective recruitment methods used
by collegiate coaches of agricultural competitive teams and identified key areas of
administrative support necessary for team success. Grounded in Chapman’s Model of
Student College Choice and Path-Goal Theory of Leadership, this study first utilized
semi-structured interviews with coaches in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle to explore
their recruitment strategies and perceived institutional support needs. Insights from these
interviews were considered in the development of a survey distributed via Qualtrics to
coaches of horse judging, livestock judging, meat judging, equestrian, rodeo, and ranch
horse teams. The survey assessed the effectiveness of various recruitment methods and
the role of administrative support in team success. The availability of facilities (barns,
laboratories, and/or dedicated practice rooms) was the most effective recruitment strategy
(f = 87, IQR = 1). Closely following the importance of facilities, offering of scholarships
to potential team members was the second most effective recruitment strategy (f = 85,
IQR = 0). Additionally, coaches rated having freedom given by their administration to
make their own decisions as the most essential form of administrative support (f = 87,
IQR = 1)
A Tale of Two State Questions: Direct Democracy and Marijuana Legalization in Oklahoma
No full textAt the June 2018 primary election, Oklahoma voters considered a citizen initiative to allow the licensed cultivation, use and possession of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Oklahoma voters considered a proposal to expand marijuana legalization to recreational use in March 2023. The medical marijuana proposal was successful, receiving over 57 percent of the vote in a state that most observers consider to be reliably conservative. Recreational marijuana was rejected in 2023 with over 60 percent voting no. This paper examines the two initiative campaigns. The present research analyzes the role of morality in the voting differences seen in different parts of the state. Using OLS regression, this paper examines the vote on the initiatives at the county-level and considers the role of religious affiliation, political party identification, and rurality in the success or failure of the initiatives. The findings suggest that support and opposition to marijuana legalization in Oklahoma are the result of many factors
Monitoring Cotton Growth in the Texas Panhandle Using Computer Simulations
No full textCotton has gained relevance in the Texas Panhandle despite its recent introduction in the region. Further, cotton production is part of regional conservation efforts to adapt to declining water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer. Nevertheless, growers face increasing weather and market uncertainty as they prepare strategically for new growing seasons every year. Insufficient field data as well as a lack of tools adapted to the unique conditions of the region limit the options for growers to make efficient use of inputs and maximize their yields. At present, there are neither specialized cotton databases nor decision support systems based on simple indicators of crop performance that support decision-making in the North Texas High Plains. Preliminary data has shown that early
Phenology observations from cotton trials conducted at two locations (Bushland and Etter, TX) were used for model calibration. Weather and soil data for these locations (Air Temperature, Precipitation, Solar Radiation, Soil Texture, Soil Hydraulic Conductivity) were sourced from public spatially gridded-databases (Daymet-3, SSurgo). Also, a curated repository of sixty 1-km2 pre-clipped and filtered images at 0.5 x 0.5 m-resolution were obtained from a private provider (e.g., SKYWATCH8), consisting of rasterized images and multiband spectral signatures. The monitoring system currently involves a data flow network coded in Python and R which extracts historical weather datasets (1980-2022) and profiles soil data for a field at 4 depth layers (total depth: 0-120 cm). Weather and soil files are then passed as inputs for running a field-simulation using the Agricultural Production SIMulation system, APSIM). Additional scripts in Python and the R-language for visualization of model outputs, parameter optimization, and scenario-analyses are currently maintained in a private GitHub repository.Cotton is a profitable crop with a low water consumption footprint compared to other row crops, which makes it suitable for water conservation strategies in the TX Panhandle. However drastic variation of climatic patterns coupled with future economic uncertainty would severely impact cotton decision making. Furthermore, insufficient field data as well as a lack of tools adapted to the unique conditions of the region limit the options for growers to make efficient use of inputs and maximize their yields. In this project we propose the initiation of a digital system for monitoring cotton crop conditioning in West Texas. Such a system will merge large volumes of information resulting from computer assisted simulations, remote sensing imagery, and field experiments so users can accurately keep track of cotton phenology - a fundamental indicator of crop health to inform field decisions
The Effect of Embryo Development on Viability After Biopsy
Full text linkThe significance of embryo biopsy relies on the ability to conduct genomic tests, allowing producers to collect genetic prediction data before the calf is even born. The objective of this study was to compare the viability of bovine embryos (n = 83) at different stages of embryo development and grade, after being subjected to a microblade biopsy procedure. This process was achieved by taking a small biopsy of each embryo. Of the 83 embryos, 16 were considered as controls. The control embryos were handled in parallel but were not biopsied. Many of these embryos were the results of aspirated oocytes from packing house ovaries and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The other embryos were in vivo derived (VV) and thawed for another research project. The results of this study included the following: 27 early blastocysts (TRT 5), 42 blastocysts (TRT 6), 7 expanded blastocysts (TRT 7), 4 hatching blastocysts (TRT 7.5), and 3 hatched blastocysts (TRT 8). All embryos were a quality grade 1 or 2. Several embryos had a 30 s video recorded before undergoing the biopsy procedure. Each embryo was washed and biopsied with a microblade by a single technician. After the biopsy, the embryos were incubated for a 24 h period. Immediately after the incubation period, each embryo was analyzed for viability by a single technician using the International Embryo Transfer Society's (IETS) guidelines. Several embryos had another 30 s video captured, as the videos were used for further analysis. Thirty-one of the 83 embryos had before and after videos sent off for morphokinetic activity analysis with EmGenisys Inc. For this project,
statistical significance was found in tests regarding biopsy, development stage, and quality grade on viability at 24 h post-biopsy.
Sixty-seven embryos were biopsied resulting in a 44.78% viability rate. The biopsied grade 1 embryos showed a 55.56% viability rate. The biopsied grade 2 embryos showed a 22.73% viability rate. The biopsied embryos divided amongst their development stage showed viability in 13 early blastocysts (52%), 10 blastocysts (29.41%), six expanded blastocysts (100%), and one hatched blastocyst (50%). Data was analyzed using a Proc Logistics Model, Chi-Squared Test, Fisher’s Exact Test, and a Mann-Whitney U Test in SAS 9.4. Within the full logistic regression model, the embryo biopsy did not show a significant effect on embryo viability (P < 0.943). The effect of quality grade had a significant effect (P = 0.012) on embryo viability post-biopsy, and a tendency was shown regarding IVF vs. VV embryos (P = 0.080). The viability did not differ significantly when evaluating the different developmental stages (P = 0.190).
When the effect of biopsy on embryo viability was evaluated, quality grade was found as significant on the viability of the embryo post-biopsy (P = 0.112). Development stage post-biopsy was shown to be significant (P = 0.003). As for the biopsied embryos that were evaluated by production method, did not show significant effect (P = 0.960).
The Mann-Whitney U test was used to obtain statistical analysis on the EmGenisys video results. The goal was to show an increase or neutral morphokinetic activity from the before and after video. These embryos were considered to still be viable (64.28%). The embryos that had a decreasing morphokinetic activity rate were dead and not viable (35.71%). In addition, the embryos that underwent morphokinetic activity evaluation were utilized to test a non-invasive method of embryo grading in relation to subjective grading scale using the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) guidelines. Based on the two grading scales used to evaluate embryo viability, 78.57% of the viability calls on the developing embryo were evaluated correctly, whereas 21.43% were inaccurate. These viability calls were based on the development stage and quality grade, using both grading scales. In conclusion, the microblade biopsy technique, development stage, and quality grade may affect embryo viability
EVEN THOUGH STUDENTS ARE GETTING A HEAD START, WHY ARE TEACHERS NOT FINISHING THE RACE?
No full textThe final composite examines factors contributing to teacher attrition in Head Start programs and explores the potential of leadership support and preparation in retaining these teachers. The initial scholarly deliverable is a case study article that can be utilized to instruct doctoral or master's degree candidates in the field of educational leadership. Titled "Battling Teacher Attrition in Head Start," this case study concentrates on challenges faced by Head Start programs, offering innovative approaches to advertising, hiring, and onboarding to reduce resignations and attract highly qualified educators. The concluding scholarly deliverable is an empirical article titled "Even Though Students are Getting a Head Start, Why Aren't Teachers Finishing the Race." This empirical study delves into the factors contributing to teacher attrition in Head Start programs and explores the potential of leadership support and preparation in retaining these teachers
THE EFFECT OF HARVEST CUTTING HEIGHT AND HYBRID MATURITY CLASS ON FORAGE NUTRITIVE VALUES AND RATOON REGROWTH POTENTIAL OF SORGHUM SUDANGRASS IN THE TEXAS HIGH PLAINS
No full textSorghum Sudangrass (Sorghum x drummondi), a crop that is drought tolerant and readily regrows, is an option that producers in the Texas High Plains are turning to as water limitations become more prevalent. The objective of this study was to i) investigate the effect of clipping height on yield and ratoon production, and ii) evaluate the forage nutritive values of a single harvest versus ratoon harvest system of sorghum sudangrass varieties under limited irrigation in the Texas High Plain. Seven different sorghum sudangrass hybrids were cut to leave 10 and 20 cm of stubble and allowed to regrow. Cutting height did not affect yields, with cumulative yields in 2019 ranging from 8.99 to 16.23 Mg ha-1 and 7.59 to 13.09 Mg ha-1 for the 10 and 20 cm cutting height, respectively; and cumulative yields in 2020, ranging from 4.61 to 7.84 Mg ha-1 and from 3.95 to 8.15 Mg ha-1 for the 10 and 20 cm cutting height, respectively. A ratoon crop was only achieved with the early maturing hybrids in this study. Forage Nutritive values were greatest with the early maturing hybrids and their ratoon crops; however, overall yield was greater for the longer maturing hybrids
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MERIT-PAY ON TEACHER RETENTION AND STUDETNT ACHEIVMENT IN A RURAL SCHOOL IN TEXAS
Full text linkThe final composite explores the challenges faced by rural schools in the retention of
high-quality teachers. The first scholarly deliverable is a case study article that could be
used to teach masters or doctoral candidates in the field of educational leadership. The
title of this article is “Teacher Incentive Allotment: Attempts at Teachers Recruitment
and Retention.” This case reviews a teacher’s experience with the teacher incentive
allotment as she attempts to earn an additional $20,000 a year and the impact it has had
on her retention. The final scholarly deliverable is an empirical article titled “The
Relationship Between Merit-Pay on Teacher Retention and Student Achievement in a
Rural School in Texas.” This empirical article explores a rural school district’s first 3
years of participating in the Teacher Incentive Allotment program in Texas and its
relationship to retention and student achievemen
What Really Works? How Successful School Leaders Retain Teachers
No full textThis final composite explores the challenges and strategies campus-level leaders at high-poverty schools use to retain teachers. The first scholarly deliverable is a case study article that could be used to teach and grow aspiring principals through their master’s or doctoral work in educational leadership. The title of this article is “We Turned Around a Struggling School, Now What?” This case explores the sustainability of school improvement work through the lens of retaining quality teachers after turnaround funding and initiatives end. The final scholarly deliverable is an empirical article titled “What Really Works, How Successful School Leaders Retain Teachers.” This empirical article focuses on examining the unique challenges high-poverty campuses face when it comes to recruiting and retaining quality teachers
EGCG Enhances the Effects of Cisplatin on Cell Viability and Regulation of Cancer Target Genes in Ovarian Cancer
No full textOvarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer, causing thousands of deaths every year, with an increasing number of reported cases every year. Early detection is very difficult as there are no specific markers and the symptoms are vague, therefore it is often detected at late stages when prognosis is poor. Cisplatin is the standard chemotherapeutic used for ovarian cancer treatment, which works by increasing cellular apoptosis and decreasing cancer cell growth and proliferation. Despite the benefits Cisplatin offers, it also has many side effects, as it is toxic not only to cancerous cells but it affects and damages many other tissues. Cisplatin treatments often are discontinued due to its high toxicity, rather than its cancer inhibition properties. This study sought to investigate the effects of EGCG, a natural compound derived from green tea, on ovarian cancer cells and to suggest a potential beneficial effect of using EGCG in combination with Cisplatin as a cancer co-treatment. Ovarian cancer cells and healthy ovarian cells were treated with EGCG and Cisplatin alone and in combination, and cell viability and gene regulation of 84were determined. EGCG seemed to have a beneficial effect in decreasing viability selectively of ovarian cancer cells in vitro, while leaving the viability of healthy ovarian cells unchanged when compared to untreated controls. In addition, the combination treatment suggested a synergistic effect by further decreasing viability of ovarian cancer
cells, while protecting healthy ovarian cells from the toxicity caused by Cisplatin treatment alone. Specific gene expression modulation was also shown in this study following treatments with EGCG and Cisplatin alone and the combination of both. Most genes were up- or down-regulated following the combination treatment in both cell types, when compared to the single treatments. This data suggests an advantageous outcome when EGCG is used in addition to standard ovarian cancer treatment