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    The Influence of the School Principal on School Culture

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    This research project investigates the critical role of school principals in cultivating and sustaining positive school cultures, drawing from a qualitative case study and an empirical analysis of leadership practices. The "Principal Leadership Styles and Teacher Morale" case study explores the significant challenges teachers face, particularly postCOVID-19, and how principals can profoundly influence teacher morale through their leadership behaviors. Findings indicate those principals’ approaches to leadership— particularly transformational, authentic, and servant leadership styles—can significantly enhance teacher commitment and job satisfaction. The study emphasizes how effective leadership addresses immediate concerns and promotes a supportive environment, which is crucial for teacher retention and student success. In conjunction with the case study, the second scholarly deliverable, "The Influence of the School Principal on School Culture," further examines how principal leadership practices shape the values and assumptions underlying school culture. Through semistructured interviews and document analysis, this study identifies vital leadership priorities, such as creating a welcoming environment and maintaining open communication with staff and students

    PERCEPTIONS OF INTERVENTIONS THAT WORK TO ALLEVIATE BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES IN CLASSROOMS

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    This document explores school challenges to inappropriate student behaviors in classrooms. The first scholarly deliverable is a case study article that could be used with principals or students pursuing a degree in education. The title of the article is “The Effects of Challenging Student Behaviors in Classrooms.” This case examines what it would be like to be a District of Innovation (DOI) teacher managing student behaviors without any formal training and the need for better preparation of these teachers in the future. The final scholarly deliverable is an empirical article titled “Perceptions of Interventions that Work to Alleviate Behavioral Challenges in Classrooms.” The empirical article focuses on examining interventions for dealing with inappropriate behaviors

    IMPLEMENTATION AND PERCEIVED IMPACT OF PERSONALIZED LEARNING IN A TEXAS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL: AN INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

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    This research combines a teaching case study of personalized learning implementation at a suburban Texas intermediate school with an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) examining teachers' perceptions of that implementation. The case study documents a campus's transition to personalized learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the IPA research explores the lived experiences of three educators who taught in both traditional and personalized learning environments. Analysis revealed significant implementation challenges including insufficient stakeholder involvement, inadequate support for diverse learners, and misalignment between platform curriculum and state assessment requirements. Teachers reported mixed achievement results, particularly concerning performance in higher-level categories on state assessments. Findings suggest successful implementation of personalized learning requires comprehensive planning, enhanced stakeholder engagement, improved resource allocation, and better alignment with state standards while preserving teacher autonomy

    Financial Socialization and Behavior of Young Adults: Objective and Subjective Financial Knowledge as Mediators

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    Financial Knowledge of College Students.Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, young adults around the world faced severe financial challenges. From this societal context, college-aged adults sought financial guidance from their families and peers to learn about financial matters to make informed financial decisions. Using financial socialization theory and the theory of household consumption behavior, we examined the antecedents of financial behavior and the mediating role of financial knowledge on financial socialization and financial behavior. Using a cross-sectional survey in a public, state institution in 2022, we analyzed data from 207 participants. Results supported the mediating effect of objective and subjective financial knowledge on the positive relationship between financial socialization and financial behavior. Additionally, household spending had a moderating effect on the relationship between objective knowledge and financial behavior. Findings yield important implications for education and financial stakeholders working with young adult consumers

    INSTRUMENTAL ASSESMENT OF MARBLING AND OBJECTIVE COLOR POST-RIBBING AT VARIOUS COOLER TEMPERATURES

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    In the United States, USDA beef quality grades are assigned via USDA graders, with and without image analysis technology. Marbling scores are assessed at the exposed surface of the longissimus dorsi between the 12th and 13th ribs after a period of time exposed to air. The time between ribbing a carcass and when the grader or image analysis system assesses the ribeye is referred to as “bloom time.” The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of ambient temperature and bloom time on image analysis quantified marbling, and objective muscle color outcomes. Beef ribs (USDA IMPS #103; n = 24) equally representing four quality levels (USDA Prime, Premium Choice [USDA High and Average Choice], USDA Commodity Choice, and USDA Select) were sourced from a commercial beef processor and transported to West Texas A&M University. Ribs were assigned to one of three temperatures (-2.2°C, 3.3°C, 8.9°C) using a completely randomized design, and allowed 48 hours to equilibrate to the assigned temperature, with equal representation of quality levels (grade) among temperature (2 ribs/quality level/temperature). One cm-thick slices were cut from the posterior end of each rib to simulate the ribbing and bloom process four sequential times (n = 96), and were evaluated for objective color (L*, a*, b*) and image analysis marbling quantity via four independent devices (E+V VBG 2000 [U.S. camera], E+V VBG Smart [U.S. portable camera], MEQ [Australian camera], and MIJ [Meat Image Japan camera]). Camera images, objective color, surface temperature, and core temperature were collected as repeated measures across time after simulated ribbing (30 sec, 2 min, 4 min, 6 min, 8 min, 10 min, 14 min, 18 min, 22 min, 26 min, 30 min, 38 min, 46 min, 1 hr, 2 hr, 4 hr, 8 hr). After 1-hour, each cut surface was covered with oxygen transmissible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) perforated film to represent “re-grades”. Intramuscular fat % was evaluated on each slice using a petroleum ether method (AOCS Method Ba 3-38 2009). Data were analyzed via mixed models as repeated measures. No time × grade interaction (P ≥ 0.151) was detected at any temperature for L*, a*, b* values. Both a* and b* increased (P < 0.001) during the first hour of bloom. Marbling results demonstrated a camera × grade interaction (P < 0.001); instrumental camera inconsistently differed across quality grades regardless of temperature. All cameras detected diminishing (P < 0.01) marbling scores; on average, marbling score decreased 0.52 degrees per min until PVC film was applied. After application of PVC film, marbling score increased by 0.03 degrees per min on average. Variation in %IMF can be detected using instrumental marbling score regardless of temperature. Results indicate numerical instrumental marbling scores are maximized at every grade immediately after ribbing, and the utilization of PVC film can be a helpful tool for improving marbling scores for re-graded carcasses. These results have potentially large economic implications for the beef industry

    THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE IN THE SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS

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    There has been a global pursuit to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This widespread goal has sparked the development of several carbon markets. In the United States, a mandatory cap and trade system has been implemented in California while the remainder of the U.S. has the opportunity to partake in the voluntary carbon offset market. This market is still in beginning phases, which offers a lack of uniformity and risk. However, the market offers a potential opportunity for agricultural producers to earn a new means of revenue through the sale of sequestered carbon by changing production practices. While some high producing agricultural areas have benefited from participation through benefits of regenerative agriculture, minimum research has been conducted evaluating the impact of regenerative agriculture in the Southern Great Plains. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of regenerative agriculture implementation for producers and its effects on the regional economy in the high producing, semi-arid Southern Great Plains. Through the use of IMPLAN, an economic input-output software, budgets of varying production practices across the region were utilized to generate multipliers measuring the direct, indirect, and induced effects on total output, value added, and employment. This study found that substantial regional economic activity is still generated even when production practices result in negative effects for producers. This study suggests that crop rotations in this region offer a more balanced benefit over time for both producers and regional economy than conventional practices or cover crops

    Eternal Flame, Spring 2025

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    This item is an issue of The Eternal Flame from Spring 202

    The Effects of Teacher Attrition on Texas College-Bound Students

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    This study looks to investigate potential correlation in Texas teacher attrition, the hiring practices of novice teachers, and the college readiness of college bound students. The study will use publicly accessible data sourced from the state of Texas’ education agency (TEA). Implications of a correlation between Texas teacher attrition, the novice teacher hiring practices, and the college readiness of college bound students may indicate a growing concern for future student college readiness, long term student achievement, and the additional investments into student remediation by post-secondary institutions

    Bridging Practice and Perception: Rethinking Onboarding in K-12 and Higher Education

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    This final composite explores faculty and staff onboarding experiences in educational settings to inform the design of more effective onboarding programs. The first scholarly deliverable is a case study titled “Onboarding Journey of a 1st Year Teacher,” which follows the story of Addi Smith, a newly hired teacher at Morgan ISD, and highlights the challenges of implementing a district-wide onboarding program amid competing priorities. The case study emphasizes the perspectives of campus leadership and a dedicated onboarding coordinator, inviting readers to consider how onboarding initiatives can be better communicated and supported within school districts. The second deliverable is a mixed-methods needs assessment titled “Assessing the Role of Onboarding Programs in Faculty Integration: Perceptions and Feedback,” which examines new faculty perceptions of onboarding components structured around Bauer’s four Cs framework: clarification, culture, connection, and compliance. Findings indicate that faculty, followed by connection and clarification elements, with cultural factors rated lower, prioritizes compliance factors, such as access to resources and policies. Qualitative data further highlights the importance of phased onboarding, structured mentorship, and clear expectations. Despite limitations related to participant onboarding experience and survey design, this study offers actionable recommendations for developing comprehensive, policy-driven onboarding models in higher education, informed by both K-12 and postsecondary context

    A MIXED METHODS STUDY OF FEMALE TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES’ SELF-PRESENTATION ON INSTAGRAM

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    This study explores the Instagram strategies of female track and field athletes to understand how they use the platform to shape their public image, challenge or conform to societal stereotypes, and develop their self-identity through personal growth and skill development. By analyzing the posts of top athletes such as Ajla Del Ponte, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Daryll Neita, Mujinga Kambundji, and Shericka Jackson, three key themes emerged: athleticism, strength, and dedication. These athletes not only highlight their physical prowess and training routines but also reflect on their journeys, revealing the mental resilience and personal sacrifices behind their achievements. Additionally, the study found that athletes leverage their platform to challenge traditional beauty standards and societal norms, while some align with conventional femininity to appeal to sponsors and a wider audience. Personal branding efforts extend beyond athletic achievements to include lifestyle elements such as fashion and beauty, showcasing a multifaceted identity. However, the study’s scope was limited to top-tier athletes and did not examine the engagement levels across different themes or a broader spectrum of athletes. Future research should consider a more extensive analysis, including athletes at various levels and the popularity of different types of content, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of social media in sports

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