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The Relationships of Diverse Family Structures with Student Academic and Behavioral Achievement
Full text linkThis final composite examines the influence of home environments on the educational
experiences of middle school students in a rural community. The first scholarly
deliverable, “Family Dynamics and Education: What’s the Relationship?” addresses the
challenges faced by students from complex family backgrounds, highlighting how these
conditions can affect their academic engagement and success. This case study features a
middle school student who becomes involved in an altercation on a school bus while
defending younger siblings, illustrating the limited response of school administration to
such issues. This analysis underscores the importance of a flexible and understanding
approach by school districts in addressing students’ needs while acknowledging their
external challenges. The second scholarly deliverable, an article titled “The Relationships
of Diverse Family Structures with Student Academic and Behavioral Achievement,”
investigates how various family dynamics correlate with student performance and
behavior during the middle school years in a rural community. This article presents a
comprehensive analysis of family structures and their association with student
demographics, academic achievement, and behavioral patterns, contributing valuable
insights to educators and policymakers on supporting students from diverse backgrounds
TRAUMA INFORMED LEADERSHIP WITH A SOCIAL JUSTICE LENS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY AND EMPIRICAL EXPLORATION
Full text linkThis work explores equity issues in higher education through social justice and trauma-informed leadership models. The first study, entitled “Associate Deans at Odds: Social Justice Leadership in Healthcare Education,” examines the challenges of implementing social justice leadership within medical education, using a case study to highlight strategies for fostering culturally relevant and equitable environments for marginalized populations. Designed for graduate students in education fields, teaching notes embedded in the study provide questions and insights to guide critical discussions on these topics. The second study, entitled “An Experimental Study of the Effectiveness of a Reflective Peer Groups for Reducing Vicarious Trauma in Student Affairs Staff,” addresses vicarious trauma among higher education professionals, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a reflective peer group model and an ABAB withdrawal design, it investigates the potential of group-based supports to reduce trauma-related symptoms in a student affairs setting. While findings were mixed, the research highlights the value of resilience and post hoc pattern analysis in understanding and addressing trauma. Together, these studies contribute to the growing discourse on equity and well-being in higher education, offering practical and theoretical insights for leaders navigating the intersections of social justice, trauma, and professional practice
Insights into Becoming and Being: An Investigation into First-Generation Doctoral Degree Earners Experiences
No full textThis scholarly deliverable is focused on experiences of first-generation doctoral students. There are two components that comprise the scholarly deliverable. The first includes a case study that explores first-generation student experiences at the doctoral level. It is centered around a student’s interest and motivation to engage others to improve the experiences of first-generation students persisting in a doctoral program in education leadership. The second is an empirical study that investigated and identified experiences that were pertinent to first-generation doctoral degree earners, which either catalyzed or inhibited their degree attainment. Both the case study and the empirical study augment knowledge of first-generation student experiences and highlights experiences of first-generation doctoral degree earners as well as their memories of those lived experiences
Religious Diversity and Voter Support for Marijuana Legalization
Full text linkData are collected at the county-level. Since there are 77 counties in Oklahoma, there are 77 observations.At 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 county-level religious diversity 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 diversity, 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 result from many factors
DEVELOPMENT OF A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR ATMOSPHERIC ICE NUCLEATION STUDIES
Full text linkIn the atmosphere, Ice Nucleating particles play an important role in forming ice nucleation in the clouds. They are a subset of aerosol particles and work as substrates for growing ice crystals by overcoming the energy barrier of the surface tension. INPs significantly impact cloud formation, precipitation, and climate dynamics.
Although ambient ice nucleation inside clouds is crucial, our total comprehension of it is still lacking. Multiple freezing processes are in operation, but our understanding of them is limited, particularly when it comes to high-latitude ice-nucleating particles (INPs). To understand immersion freezing in mixed-phase clouds, we need to understand the initiation of ice formation in supercooled water droplets by ice nucleating particles (INPs), a crucial phenomenon. Examining this phenomenon will help us understand cloud microphysics and climatic feedback. To get a better understanding of ice nucleation, the West Texas A&M University Microfluidic Static Droplet Array (WT-MiFA) platform is tested and performed. WT-MiFA is equipped with droplet parking traps that meticulously control each droplet size. The droplet parking done by a unique hand pipetting method guarantees the storing of droplets that are consistently uniform. Every individual droplet in the array is separated physically and enclosed by a thin layer of mineral oil. This enclosing reduces the incidence of artifacts resulting from surface contacts, evaporation, or mass transfer.
The WT-MiFA utilizes a cooling unit that has a diverse cooling speed ranging from 0.01 to 30°C per minute which can accurately replicate the velocities of cloud updrafts in the atmosphere. To assess the effectiveness of WT-MiFA, we have used well-recognized INP substitutes such as illite NX, Snomax®, and Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). The results have been validated by comparisons with publicly available data on immersion freezing. The WT-MiFA shows promise as a resilient technique for studying ice nucleation in clouds. The WT-MiFA platform has also been used in West Texas to investigate the ice nucleation capabilities of several samples collected from Alaska. This work improves our understanding of the dynamics and interrelationships within regional climate systems
Enhancing Quality of Care: Empowering Clinical Preceptors Through Implementation of Tailored Educational Modules
Full text linkData was collected using a Likert Scale through pre- and post-intervention with the preceptor self-assessment tool (PSAT)-40. PSAT-40 is a validated tool that helps nurse preceptors evaluate their strengths and areas of improvement across 3 domains of competency: 1. Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills and Attitudes; 2. Knowledge and Understanding; and 3. Administrative Resources and Support. Furthermore, the tool contains 40 items across the 3 domains, and preceptors can get a clear understanding of their strengths and areas of improvement by self-rating on a scale of 1 to 5 for each item. Each of the three domains has been validated individually, which means depending on the purpose, the domains can be used as standalone assessments or combined together for a comprehensive score reflecting overall preceptor competency. As a measure of internal consistency, the PSAT-40 has Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.978 to 0.998, and a final scale reliability of 0.983, indicating good validity and reliability to assess various preceptor competencies (L'Ecuyer et al., 2022). Permission was obtained from the tool's author prior to its use in the project.Background/Significance: Clinical preceptors are essential to nursing education. The shortage of trained preceptors has negatively impacted clinical learning, with thousands of qualified students rejected admission partly due to insufficient preceptor availability (Rosseter, 2022). Research suggests many preceptors lack adequate training to mentor nursing students effectively (Cusack et al., 2020), often resulting in decreased preceptor competencies such as confidence and role satisfaction. Hence, a quality improvement pilot project was conducted in a West Texas healthcare facility to improve preceptor competencies. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review revealed preceptor training programs enhance preceptor competencies (Arnaert et al., 2022; Good, 2021). Ten registered nurses were recruited through convenience sampling for the training program, featuring educational modules. Guided by Diffusion of Innovations and From Novice to Expert theories, this project utilized a quasi-experimental design with pre-and post-assessments, aiming to improve preceptors’ confidence and satisfaction, along with fostering a culture of mentorship. Results/Outcomes: Data from the Preceptor Self-Assessment Tool (PSAT)-40 was analyzed using Paired Samples t-test and showed a statistically significant increase in mean scores from 128 to 164.5 (t =-11.17, p<0.001, Cohen’s d =3.53). The project met its primary aim, achieving over 18% increase in both preceptor competencies, while also targeting a 30% increase in trainee participants within a year to enhance mentorship culture within the facility. Conclusion/Takeaways: Findings support structured preceptor training can enhance preceptor competencies, clinical education, and nurse retention. Scaling up the project, analyzing financial impact, and ongoing evaluation are recommended to maximize impact and ensure long-term success
CRISIS RESPONSE AND LEADERSHIP IN RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS: NAVIGATING SOCIOECONOMIC DISPARITIES AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Full text linkThis final scholarly deliverable examined the multi-faceted challenges of crisis response in rural public school settings. The first case study, "Navigating the Pandemic: Challenges of Socioeconomic Disparities, Leadership Dynamics, and Racial Tensions in a Rural School District," investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a rural school district grappling with existing socioeconomic inequalities and leadership transitions. It highlighted the complexities of crisis management in an environment that was strained by limited resources, technological disparities, and deep-seated racial tensions. The second case study is an empirical article titled "Perceptions of Rural Public School Administrators Regarding Crisis Response," which explored the perspectives of school administrators on crisis preparedness and response, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures, continuous training, and stakeholder engagement. By integrating findings from these studies, this document offers a robust analysis of crisis management strategies in educational settings, underlining the critical role of leadership, communication, and community involvement in navigating crises. The insights provided intend to inform policy development and enhance the resilience and preparedness of rural schools in the face of future emergencies
Spatiotemporal Variations in Microbial Escherichia Coli Contamination Related to Physicochemical Lake Characteristics of Lake Meredith, Texas
No full textLake Meredith, nestled in the Texas Panhandle, holds special importance as the region’s primary surface water reservoir, providing both drinking water to multiple municipalities and recreational opportunities like boating and fishing. However, no previous study has analyzed spatiotemporal variations in key Lake physicochemical characteristics and how these relate to microbiological observations. To help fill this knowledge gap, this study analyzes nine months (March–November 2023) of the relationship between physicochemical and microbiological parameters (temperature, pH, DO, conductivity, salinity, chlorophyll, phycocyanin, E. coli and Enterococcus) at six different sampling points around the Lake. Key findings of the study include new insights into seasonal, spatial, and vertical variability in Lake Meredith’s physicochemical parameters never before documented. The study occurred during one of the largest monthly increases in Lake volume ever recorded, due to extreme rainfall in May and June 2023.
This heavy rainfall rapidly elevated water levels by nearly 4 meters, temporarily diluting surface waters so that salinity decreased by about 30%. Simultaneously, summer heat drove surface temperatures above 28°C, while deeper waters remained cooler and more saline. In this process, a strong thermal vertical stratification was created, particularly observed at the Sanford-Yake Marina site, where layers of warmer surface water rested on top of cool, dense water with higher salinity. Oxygen levels (DO) plummeted in these deeper waters, dropping to around 2 mg L-1, indicating limited mixing and a clear vertical separation of water layers.
Meanwhile, we observed the highest E. coli and Enterococcus counts from July to September appeared to be correlated to heavy rainfall and warm water temperatures, as well as an influx of visitors and recreational activity. We hypothesize that the confluence of heavy rainfall that washed contaminated fecal matter into the Lake, human activity from camping and boating, along with potential pet or wildlife waste, may be contributing to the extremely high levels of fecal contamination observed at some shorelines at Lake Meredith in 2023, particularly along shallower shorelines where warm water and easy beach access converge. This research highlights the necessity for ongoing monitoring at multiple beaches throughout the Park, thoughtful management, and increased public awareness to balance Lake Meredith’s essential roles in water supply, recreation, and ecosystem health
IMPACT OF INTERACTIVE HOMEWORK ON SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF A RURAL HIGH SCHOOL
No full textThe purpose of this proposed study is to investigate the impact of interactive online homework technology on student conceptual understanding in a rural high school mathematics classroom setting. The theoretical frameworks that guide this research are Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition (SAMR) and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL). This proposed study will employ a quasi-experimental design. The quantitative data will be collected and analyzed. The setting of the proposed study will be a rural high school in the mountains of Colorado. This community presents unique challenges for students and access to technology