5917 research outputs found
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A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN TWO CITIES ON POLLEN COUNT USING THE BURKARD SPORE TRAP
No full textAllergic diseases are a major public health problem globally and are increasing. Aeroallergens such as pollen and fungal spores have been studied as causative agents since the early years of climate change and human health research, and exploration of this topic has accelerated over the past decade or so. The focus of this research was on the comparative aeroallergen indices and determining the specific pollen and mold spores that are prevalent in Albuquerque, New Mexico and the Amarillo-Canyon Metroplex of the Texas Panhandle. The analysis of air was performed through the collection of pollen and mold spores using a Burkard volumetric spore trap, that is located on the third floor of the Natural Science Building at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. The captured aeroallergens were identified using various websites, literature, and previous pollen work completed at my lab. The purpose of this study was to compare the daily pollen and mold spore indices with the climatological conditions and to compare the character of pollination. In order to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of allergies, it is important to gain an understanding of the spatial and temporal airborne pollen concentrations for diverse cities and within different sectors of the same city. The latter is important because airborne pollen concentration depends on the location and extension of the green area and on the meteorological factors that induce pollen release and dispersion
Leading Rural School Improvement: Professional Development Challenges, Needs, and Technology-Enhanced Access for Rural School Principals
No full textThis scholarly delivery, comprised of two parts, focused on rural school principals leading school improvement efforts. First was a case study that followed a principal as she decided whether to prioritize new data-driven instructional practices, requests from the state school improvement specialist, community expectations, or superintendent recommendations. The second was an empirical study using the connectivist learning theory as a theoretical framework that explored the professional development needs of rural school principals and investigated how they believed technology-enhanced professional learning networks could support their work. This study revealed a desire for professional learning opportunities that included collaboration and networking with other rural principals to support their efforts in school improvement. Technology-enhanced professional learning networks were explored as a potential solution to rural-specific barriers; however, opportunities for networking and collaboration were limited, both in-person and virtually
Resistance Through Adaption: Ghost Dance, Peyotism and the Growth of the US Federal Government: 1867-1918
No full textThe end of the US Civil War brought about a time of reunification and reconstruction. Not only was the South to undergo this process of reconstruction, but also the Great Plains and western reaches of the nation as well. With reconstruction came renewed interest in the Great Plains which, in turn, brought conflict. In the years following the end of the Civil War, the U.S. federal government attempted to make peace with Native tribes on the Great Plains multiple times. None of these attempts would succeed, however, largely due to miscommunication of intentions from both sides. As a result, violence continued on the Great Plains throughout the 1870s even as President Ulysses S. Grant’s Peace Policy attempted to bring stability to the region. As a result, conditions on many western reservations deteriorated, which fueled the rise of religious movements such as Ghost Dance and Peyotism. Both religious movements began as a means of resisting assimilation while adapting to changes brought to Native lifestyles. Both movements also faced opposition from the federal government and progressive reformers who saw them as backwards and, at times, as an immediate threat to the betterment of Native Americans. Ghost Dance in particular faced violence which prompted a change in policy from the federal government who had to adapt to a more peaceful way of dealing with religious movements. Peyotism, meanwhile, faced legal suppression which it successfully survived due to its Native American defenders becoming literate and well-versed in Constitutional law. Overall, this thesis argues that the government, economic situations, private reformers and other outside influences created the conditions necessary for late-nineteenth century Native religious movements such as Ghost Dance and Peyotism to appear, thrive, and spread amongst the many tribes on the Great Plains
LEADERSHIP PRACTICES AND JOB SATISFACTION: INSIGHTS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION
Full text linkThis final composite study examines the role of leadership styles in influencing employee
satisfaction and organizational success in higher education. The first scholarly deliverable
is a case study article that could be used for teaching doctoral or master’s candidates in
the field of educational leadership. The article is titled “Examining the Impact of
Leadership Styles: Student Success and Employee Attrition in Higher Education”. This
article analyzes the leadership styles of three community college employees and their
effects on satisfaction, attrition, and student outcomes within their adult education
program. The final scholarly deliverable is an empirical article titled “Leadership
Practices and Job Satisfaction: Insights from Higher Education”. This study uses focus
group discussions (FGD) to interview community college staff in West Texas. Applying
Herzberg’s two-factor theory, the study assesses how leadership characteristics affect
both job satisfaction and dissatisfaction among community college personnel. Together,
each scholarly deliverable provides valuable insights for educational leaders seeking to
enhance organizational success
The Influence of Leadership on Teacher Retention
Full text linkThis scholarly delivery focused on the influence of leadership on teacher retention, focusing on how leadership styles and practices impact teachers’ decisions to leave their positions. The entire delivery was comprised of two parts: a case study and an empirical study. The case study centers on a school with high teacher turnover, examining how the school leader engaged the staff to foster a culture that improved retention. The empirical study utilized a comprehensive literature review, semi-structured face-to-face interviews, and surveys to capture insights from teachers who recently left their teaching positions. The findings reveal a clear connection between leadership practices and teacher retention, identifying specific leadership behaviors that positively impact teachers’ professional commitment and satisfaction. The study’s implications extend to educational policymakers, school districts, and campus leaders, highlighting the importance of effective leadership strategies in promoting teacher retention. These findings underscore the need for continued research to explore leadership approaches that support teacher satisfaction and stability, contributing to a more sustainable educational workforce
EXPLORING EDUCATORS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE INFLUENCE OF INCLUSION CLASSROOMS ON GENERAL EDUCATION STUDENTS
Full text linkABSTRACT
This study examined educators' perceptions of the influence of inclusion classrooms on the learning experiences of general education students. The research was divided into two parts. The first was a case study narrative focusing on a new elementary administrator with a strong commitment to full inclusion for students with disabilities. Initially successful, this approach was challenged by severe behavioral issues from a student with autism, raising concerns about the safety and learning environment of peers. The second part was an empirical study using a literature review, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and qualitative reflexive thematic analysis to explore educators' views on inclusion in a public elementary school in the Texas Panhandle. Findings revealed that inclusion classrooms can enhance peer relationships, social development, and academic outcomes for general education students. However, the success of these environments depends on adequate resources, administrative support, and effective teaching strategies. The study concluded that sustaining effective inclusive learning environments demands a comprehensive strategy that addresses the diverse needs of all students, supports educators, and ensures the necessary resources are in place
PRESERVING QUALITY EDUCATION FOR RURAL STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF TEACHER RECRUITMENT EFFORTS IN RURAL PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN TEXAS
Full text linkRural public school districts in Texas face significant challenges in teacher recruitment, particularly in the context of ongoing teacher shortages driven by high turnover and attrition rates. Almost 40% of Texas schools are located in rural areas, and systemic barriers, including poverty, limited resources, and geographic isolation, exacerbate difficulties in attracting qualified educators. This study presents a qualitative embedded case study approach with data collected from interviews with three rural superintendents. The interview questions focused on their marketing strategies, recruitment methods, and perceived conditions influencing teacher recruitment. Findings revealed that, while superintendents acknowledged the critical need for effective recruitment strategies, the approaches used were often inconsistent and limited. Areas such as the reliance on traditional job postings, minimal advertising on district websites, and a lack of formal strategic staffing models highlighted the need for innovation. Superintendents emphasized the importance of intrinsic benefits, such as supportive leadership and small class sizes, while acknowledging significant challenges, such as financial competition with larger districts. This research contributes to the literature by identifying effective practices in teacher recruitment tailored explicitly to rural contexts and underscores the necessity for targeted resources and support from state entities. Recommendations include the development of comprehensive marketing strategies that effectively promote rural districts' unique advantages and the establishment of partnerships with local teacher preparation programs to foster a grow-your-own approach to recruitment. By addressing these gaps, rural Texas school districts can enhance their recruitment strategies and ultimately improve student educational outcomes
THE PURSUIT OF LEADERSHIP: AN INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTENCE OF INVISIBLE BARRIERS OF ORGANIZATIONAL POWER FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MOTHERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
Full text linkWomen leaders continue to be underrepresented in higher education institutions (HEI) and have been so for over 100 years. Women must overcome obstacles and barriers to power and perception in higher education institutions (Lumby, 2019). The representation of women in leadership remains an inequality issue within higher education institutions worldwide (Ford, 2016). In recent years, “progress has been made in some areas, but women continue to lag behind male colleagues” (Madsen, 2012, p. 133). Although the focus on genderization has been magnified through research and feminist movements, “increasing gender equality has shown little progression over the last few decades, despite receiving increased attention” (Kossek & Buzzanell, 2018, p. 813).
This qualitative, interpretative phenomenological analysis aims to understand a working mother’s experiences in higher educational leadership roles. Hence, this study examined if women, specifically mothers, have experienced complex, invisible, and challenging difficulties on their career journey in higher education leadership in four-year public universities throughout Texas. If participants encounter barriers, the visible and invisible organizational criteria continuum will engage the cultural elements into three distinct categories: artifacts, espoused values, and underlying assumptions using Schein’s Organizational Culture Model (1980). The semi-structured, in-depth interview will comprise questions examining each participant’s experiences as leaders at different levels of their HEIs. The key focus of this study was to explore the coalescence of women leaders' personal and professional obligations and expound on which obstacles impair a mother’s ascension into senior leadership roles
Support and Send: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Rural Counselors and Student Support for College-Going Decision Making
Full text linkThis scholarly delivery focused on rural high school counselors and the barriers they saw in advising their students on attending a four-year higher education institution. The delivery was comprised of two sections. The first part was a case study which detailed the struggles of a rural high school senior battling challenges during her college-going decision period. The study focused on schools with low college-going culture which included a literature review, quantitative case analysis, semi-structed interviews, and interpretative phenomenological analysis using the social cognitive career theory to identify themes. Three themes emerged: Knowledge of universities, counselor experience, and university support. This research’s findings revealed that a rural counselor must help their students overcome home life barriers, financial challenges, academic readiness, and exposure to universities while dealing with professional duties and time constraints. Suggestions for future research is detailed to further investigate the phenomenon