9814 research outputs found
Sort by
An Initial Investigation of Measuring Change in Reading Proficiency During LETRS Implementation
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the impact of LETRS professional development on reading proficiency. I used ANOVA tests to analyze third- through fifth-grade EOG assessment scores for changes in proficiency from 2021-2023. The results indicated a statistically significant change in the means for all grades. Third-grade results reflected the most impact from the professional development. The analysis also showed that the third-grade achievement gap had declined slightly. A dependent t test was conducted to ascertain any change in the growth index scores of schools. The test results showed no statistically significant change. The study\u27s limitations include the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study could not show how much or how little the changes in instruction due to the pandemic influenced the results. I attributed the increase in proficiency to the professional development being grounded in the Cognitive Foundations of Reading Framework. Stakeholders should continue to invest in professional development that is based on reading research
Implementing a Strategic Reporting Model Among Public Health Nurse Consultants to Increase Communication
Get PDFPublic health has seen a drastic amount of turnover post-pandemic. There was an estimated 44% turnover rate for public health registered nurses, with a vacancy rate that doubled from 12.7% in March 2020 to 23.2% in July 2022 (Skinner, 2022). With this high turnover rate, many nurses are new to North Carolina (NC) public health departments and health districts. Public Health Nurse Consultants (PHNCs) are expected to train and guide these new nursing staff members. With the turnovers continuing at the local health departments (LHDs), new nurses are not given the recommended training because of communication breakdowns. This project helped increase communication among the PHNCs by implementing a strategic public health reporting model that reflected changes happening at the LHDs.
The project had two different training sessions held on a virtual platform. The sessions introduced the reporting model and provided participants with instructions. The participants consisted of eight PHNCs who worked throughout the state. After the second training session, participants received an anonymous link with five questions using a 5-point Likert scale. The data from the survey assessed if communication had increased by implementing the strategic reporting model
Young Adults and the Black Church: Exploring the Relationship Between Young Adults and Their Desire to Engage in Church
Get PDFThis dissertation study takes a deep dive into the key motivators and desires of young adults deciding to engage, or not, in church, particularly the Black church. This study is seeking to understand the particular factors that play an important role in the decision making process of young adults participating in church and the significance that participation may or may not hold in their lives. Through both qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as mixed methods surveys and focus groups, this study thoroughly examines the experiences, perceptions, and beliefs of young adults directly related to the Black church. Through this study, things such as spiritual, familial, cultural and social influences will be considered. Additionally, this study will also highlight the unique significance the Black church holds for Black communities, especially in the greater south region of the United States and in relation to social justice and community development. By exploring these dynamics, this study seeks to contribute an additional understanding of the relationship between young adults and church
Measuring the Impact: Teacher Self-Efficacy in Literacy Instruction Following LETRS Professional Development
Get PDFNorth Carolina passed legislation that required all elementary literacy teachers to be trained in the Science of Reading (SOR). The North Carolina Public Department of Education (NCDPI) partnered with Lexia Learning to provide training on the SOR to all public-school Pre-K-5 literacy teachers using the professional development (PD) program Language Essential for Teacher of Reading and Spelling (LETRS). This study looked at how teachers in one North Carolina school district perceive the LETRS program to have impacted their efficacy in literacy instruction. This study used a mixed-method design using an explanatory sequential design with two phases. The first stage included a quantitative survey, and the second included personal interviews. This study took place within 6 months of teachers in City District X completing the LETRS program. The data analysis showed that teachers had improved their understanding of the SOR and had increased efficacy in literacy instruction after completing the two-year LETRS PD. A need for additional support and guidance as teachers continue to make changes to their instructional practices was also identified. Teachers in City District x completed the LETRS PD but were only halfway through the change process. Findings and recommendations for continuing the implementation of SOR strategies are shared
Risky Business: Executive Compensation Attributes and Enterprise Risk Management
Get PDFBanks are among the most powerful corporations across the globe. The banking sector is the lifeblood of the economy, and excessive bank failure can have devasting consequences for economies worldwide. The economic crisis of 2008 began in the U.S. and encapsulated other countries. Using regression analysis models, this study examined the relationship between specific executive compensation elements and the organizational strategies used to manage enterprise risk through the lens of Behavioral Agency Theory (BAM). BAM is incorporated into the study to explain how different forms of executive compensation influence executives’ tendencies to appropriately mitigate gains and losses. Historically, incurred agency costs include both long-term incentives such as IRAs and shorter-term incentives like stock options. Equity-based incentives, such as stock, can be traded on the market for short-term gains or losses, while incentives more associated with debt rise to maturity more slowly and produce long-term gains for the executive’s compensation package. The sample for this study included a total of 91 U.S. commercial banks. The findings are consistent with existing literature on compensation components and executive attributes where pay structures of CEOs and CFOs had statistically significant influence on enterprise risk management practices using some measures of the construct, but not others. This study has important insights for all stakeholders about how to best incentivize top managers in the financial services industry to safely manage enterprise risks
Gardner-Webb’s Godbold College of Business Connects Students to Professionals
Get PDFAt least once a week, students in the Godbold College of Business have an opportunity to see how the concepts they study in the classroom apply to entrepreneurs, managers and others in business. Wednesday Experiential Learning (WEL) days started two years ago with input from Dr. Mischia Taylor, dean and assistant professor in the College of Business, and Micah Martin, director of the Center for Personal and Professional Development.https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/gardner-webb-newscenter-archive/3728/thumbnail.jp
Gardner-Webb Honors Experience, July 14-19, Introduces Qualified High School Students to College Life
Get PDFThe Honors Experience at Gardner-Webb University this summer invites students to explore an array of topics through innovative learning techniques. Offered July 14-19, the program gives high-achieving high school students an opportunity to experience all aspects of life on the GWU campus from attending classes and chapel to staying in residence halls and eating at the many campus dining options.https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/gardner-webb-newscenter-archive/3851/thumbnail.jp
Senior Biology Major Creates Community Through Music
Get PDF“Singing has been my entire life. It awakens my soul,” asserted Nadia Norman, president of the Gardner-Webb University Gospel Choir. By using her talented tenor voice, she is an inspiration to those around her.https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/gardner-webb-newscenter-archive/3853/thumbnail.jp