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D-Day Plus 80…A Moment in History the World Cannot Forget
Get PDFBy now you have probably heard that the Gardner-Webb University Concert Choir is traveling to France to perform as part of the 80 Anniversary of D-Day. Like you, I am so proud that GWU students and faculty have the solemn opportunity to be present at a place where history was made, where the tide of a momentous war turned, and where so many Americans sacrificed their lives for something they saw as greater than themselves.https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/president-william-downs-blog/1008/thumbnail.jp
Examining Implementation of Science of Reading Practices in North Carolina Public Schools
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to examine teacher reactions to the adoption and implementation of the Science of Reading (SoR) in North Carolina public schools. In 2021, North Carolina mandated a shift in literacy instruction that started a change initiative beginning with a 2-year professional development for all PreK-5 public school teachers. As other states implement literacy movements aligned with SoR instruction, findings from this study may help them determine their best course of action. Using the theoretical foundation of change theory, I completed a mixed methods convergent parallel design study to explore the implementation process through the lens of two dimensions of the concerns-based adoption model—stages of concern and levels of use. Data were collected through two instruments and converged to provide a gestalt description of how teachers felt about and used SoR practices in their classrooms. I used protocol coding to analyze the interview data, descriptive statistics to analyze the Likert-scale survey items, and inductive coding for the open-ended items. The findings indicated high-intensity concerns for factors unrelated to SoR and moderately intense personal concerns. The findings also indicated that 73% of interview participants ranked at mechanical, routine, or refinement levels of use. Still, it also revealed some areas of concern and barriers, including time, materials and resources, and sustainability. The data also revealed areas of support were materials and resources, professional development, and continuous assistance. For sustainability, teachers need appropriate resources, materials, and support to implement SoR practices in their classrooms
HBCU Trained Educators: Readiness to Aid At-Risk Adolescents and Challenge the School-To-Prison Pipeline
Get PDFThis dissertation investigated the impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) teacher preparation programs on at-risk adolescents, focusing on preventing their entry into the school-to-prison pipeline (STPP). The study explored graduate perceptions of the strategies and practices these programs teach to prepare educators for addressing the needs of at-risk students. The research highlights the historical context of the STPP, emphasizing the systemic inequalities and discriminatory practices that perpetuate it. Through qualitative methodologies, including structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews with graduates of HBCU teacher preparation programs, the study identifies key themes and strategies for effectively supporting at-risk students. The findings reveal HBCU programs emphasize culturally responsive teaching, social-emotional learning (SEL), and restorative justice practices, which are critical in dismantling the STPP. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of adequate school funding, equitable disciplinary policies, and strong support systems within schools. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the role of HBCU teacher preparation programs, this dissertation contributes valuable insights to educational policy and practice aimed at achieving educational equity and preventing at-risk youth from entering the criminal justice system
Food Allergies, the Immune Response, and Preventative Treatments: Milk, Egg, and Shellfish Allergies
Get PDFFood allergies have been an increasing concern worldwide with very little information on preventative measures and treatment. They can have long lasting and life-threatening consequences with a wide range of symptoms from hives to anaphylactic shock. Long recommended feeding guidelines, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and gastrointestinal alterations are thought to play a role in the increase in food allergies in infants. Early introduction of food, immunotherapy, and a properly supported gut microbiome have been recommended to decrease the likelihood of developing a food allergy and desensitizing the immune system
The Early Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Get PDFFrequent and proper foot exams and foot care are fundamental in decreasing the incidence and morbidity of diabetic foot ulcers, yet many patients are still not screened at appointments or educated on the importance of foot exams. This research planned to address the lack of foot care education and foot assessments amongst patients with Type 2 diabetes. Past research done on this focused on providing education to diabetic patients either at home or in a setting where patients can come and receive the education. To our knowledge, no research has been done on the use of video teaching to provide diabetic foot care education. This project used a survey approach to gather quantitative data about the practices of patients in the clinic. The target population for this study was diabetic patients with Type 2 diabetes who are above age 18. The project was implemented over 3 weeks. Patients who agreed to participate were provided with a video education on diabetic foot care and ulcer prevention. Twenty-four participants completed the pre-survey, and 20 participants completed the post-survey. Post-intervention patients\u27 foot ulcer knowledge improved by 59.2% and foot care knowledge improved by 53.47%. Post-intervention 75% of participants stated they would implement foot assessments daily an increase of 52.78%. This study concluded that video teaching can be used to improve diabetic patient knowledge and practice of foot care and foot assessments. The potential benefits of video teaching combined with the low cost make video teaching a great tool for improving patient knowledge and self-care behavior
Increased Concern of Suicide Behaviors in the Adolescent Population
Get PDFThis quality improvement project focused on addressing the concern for the increase of depression, anxiety, and self-harm behaviors among adolescents, which can lead to suicidal ideation and attempts. Suicide behaviors have increased among adolescents, and research revealed that suicide is the second leading cause of death in this population. An educational PowerPoint was presented to members of the community on suicide behaviors, how to identify the behaviors, and where to get support and resources in the community. Pre- and post-surveys were used to assess the participants\u27 knowledge and confidence levels before and after project implementation. The surveys contained the same five questions to gather data regarding knowledge and confidence levels among the participants in addressing suicide behaviors in the adolescent population. Results of the survey indicated that the project successfully raised awareness and improved public knowledge and confidence in addressing adolescent suicide behaviors
Essential Collaborations Among Case Managers and Providers Regarding Discharge Processes
Get PDFCommunication is vital between case managers and providers when patients need care coordination post-discharge. This includes but is not limited to facilitating home health services, ordering durable medical equipment, sending referrals to rehabilitation facilities, and sponsorship for uninsured or underinsured patients. This gives case managers the opportunity to educate providers on the discharge needs they ordered for their patients. The collaboration between case managers and providers allows for timely discharge planning and providing patients and their families with accurate information regarding their discharge needs
ER Staff & Burnout: Interventions for Stress Management
Get PDFNursing is one of the most difficult professions, not only physically exhausting but the mental and emotional toll can create havoc for the person’s life (Scala & Drummond, 2016). This DNP project, “Reset”, was founded on the concept of nursing burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma causing overwhelming stress related to the emergency room nurse and staff. The purpose of this project was to show how a 15-minute mental health reset can play an essential role in stress reduction. By using complementary health modalities such as lavender essential oil with diffuser, visual imagery, and massage while listening to soft calming sounds, this project yielded results that show how vital a mental health reset can de-stress and create a more positive mental state in the nurse’s work life
Identifying Patients Suffering From Housing Instability in the Emergency Department
Get PDFHomelessness is the most visible form of housing instability in the United States of America. Yet, millions of people across our nation live in unstable housing, which consists of temporary housing, shelters, outside encampments, and vehicles. Many citizens facing these types of insecurities live paycheck to paycheck and are one health crisis or emergency away from financial ruin. The COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and slow hourly wage growth have exacerbated this situation. This project aimed to construct a screening tool to identify patients suffering from housing instability in the emergency department setting and provide them with community resources
A Program Evaluation of the Building Blocks of Comprehension
Get PDFThis dissertation is a program evaluation of the Building Blocks of Comprehension vocabulary program, which was first implemented during the 2019-2020 school year by the English department at the school site. The study aimed to investigate the impact of morphological instruction on student vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension. Chomsky’s (1975) Linguistic Theory, Marzano’s (2004) Six-Step Model of Vocabulary Introduction, and the Active View of Reading (Duke & Cartwright, 2021) were identified as theoretical frameworks for the program evaluation. Quantitative data from this mixed methods study were collected from pre and posttests, weekly quizzes, and unit assessments, and qualitative data were collected from a focus group of teachers who were implementing the program. According to the data analysis, student quiz scores decreased throughout the program and between Units 3 and 4. This shows that the program did not significantly impact these scores. The program significantly impacted increasing assessment scores for Units 1 and 2. The program had a significant impact on increasing student ability to define morphemes throughout their participation in the program, based on pretest/posttest analysis. Based on teacher focus group data, the program improved student reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. To increase the program’s effectiveness, the study recommends that future implementers of the program review the program at the start of the school year to ensure the rigor, format, and complexity of the quizzes are consistent; realign the program activities and tasks needed to improve student performance on unit assessments; diversify daily practice activities; and utilize flexible grouping practices