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    Staff and Administrator Perceptions of an Alternative Setting in the Southern Piedmont of North Carolina: A Case Study

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    The purpose of this mixed methods case study was to examine the overcrowding and continuously growing enrollment at the sole alternative school in a southern North Carolina school district. This study focused on determining the factors affecting increased enrollment, decreased transition-out rates, and high recidivism. This study investigated the perceptions of staff within the alternative school as well as secondary administrators across the district concerning how students enter, live in, and exit an alternative placement. This study utilized both quantitative and qualitative data surrounding the perspectives of staff and administrators regarding the alternative school’s ability to manage the issues of overcrowding and increased enrollment. The quantitative phase consisted of quality indicators and standards derived from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (2016) Alternative Learning Programs and Schools Standards and Implementation Procedures. The purpose of the qualitative phase was to gather more detailed insight into the data from the quantitative phase, as well as the processes surrounding referrals, student transitions back to their home schools, and recidivism rates. The findings of this study indicated a need for and documentation of quality interventions at the home schools prior to a referral, high-quality professional development opportunities for staff within the alternative school, and support for continued interventions at the home schools after a successful transition out

    Undated - June 18th - Correspondence – R.M. Dixon to Patterson Cousin

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    Correspondence between R. M. Dixon and a Patterson cousin regarding life working in Pine Bluff, AK - written before 1860. On the reverse bottom of the page is a slave pass written by Narcissa Patterson. Accession Number: 1986.070.029 Donor: Lynn Kirbyhttps://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/cleveland-county-historical-collection-thomas-and-narcissa-patterson-family-collection/1011/thumbnail.jp

    Breastfeeding Education in Peripartum Women

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    Breastfeeding is nature’s medicine. Though it is considered a natural experience between a mother and a child, it does not always come easy. Education is imperative for peripartum women to learn more about breastfeeding in general, its benefits to the mother and the child, identifying improper latching, and resources to seek help. The purpose of this project was to provide introductory breastfeeding education to peripartum women at a government-funded public health facility in Cleveland County, North Carolina, to increase breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy, and the intention to breastfeed for the baby’s first 6-months of life in 100% of the participants. Though there were not many participants in this project, half of the participants revealed through a survey that they learned from this educational video and plan to breastfeed for at least 6-months

    Recognizing Opioid Withdrawal: An Educational Intervention to Increase Nurses\u27 Knowledge and Improve Quality of Patient Care

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    Opioid abuse, prescription and illicit use, remain a problem in the United States. Recognizing signs and symptoms is important because lack of recognition can lead to misdiagnosis and mismanagement. The target population for this study was nurses in the emergency department. This quality improvement project was developed to provide education to the nurses in the emergency department to recognize opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms. This project evaluated the baseline knowledge of nurses working in the emergency department. The project was implemented over a 3-week time frame. The pre-test was sent out to participants via email to test their baseline knowledge. After 1 week, an educational intervention was sent out in a Canva presentation. Lastly, the posttest was sent out to see if there was an increase in baseline knowledge. This survey collected quantitative data. The data showed a 27% increase in knowledge after educational intervention. This study concluded that education could increase nurses\u27 knowledge of withdrawal signs and symptoms so that a diagnosis can be made and a treatment plan implemented when necessary, leading to improvement in patient care and safety

    Ripple Effects: A Study On Organizational Turnover Within a State Education Agency

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    This study examined employee turnover within a state-level government agency, emphasizing its impact on organizational efficiency, program continuity, and educational outcomes. Utilizing Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, the study investigated the underlying causes of turnover and identified strategic solutions for improving employee retention. A mixed methods sequential explanatory design integrated quantitative survey data with qualitative insights from anonymous open-ended responses and confidential interviews, providing a comprehensive understanding of employee experiences. Findings revealed that work-life imbalance, lack of career advancement, ineffective leadership, and inadequate communication were among the drivers of turnover. Employees expressed frustration over pay inequities, limited access to professional development, and the absence of recognition for their expertise, leading to disengagement. The study validated Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, demonstrating that while addressing hygiene factors such as salary and work conditions mitigates dissatisfaction, it does not enhance motivation. Similarly, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs indicated that when foundational needs—such as financial security and workplace belonging—are unmet, employees struggle to reach higher levels of job fulfillment, resulting in turnover. Results underscored that intrinsic motivators were critical for fostering satisfaction and long-term commitment. By addressing both extrinsic and intrinsic factors, organizations can implement targeted interventions to enhance job satisfaction, improve retention, and build a more resilient workforce

    Leadership Practices and Preparation Pathways of High Impact Principals in an Urban School District: A Mixed Methods Study

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    This study examined the leadership practices and preparation pathways of high-impact principals in an urban school district, focusing on those leading high-poverty Title I schools. The study aimed to identify key leadership traits, transformational practices, and preparation pathways while providing recommendations for leadership development programs to support sustained school improvement. A mixed methods sequential explanatory design was used. Phase 1 involved a 30-item Likert scale survey administered to high-impact principals, assessing leadership practices such as goal setting, instructional monitoring, fostering collaboration, articulating a vision, and preparation for leadership. Phase 2 included semi-structured interviews with a subset of principals to more deeply explore the trends and themes that were identified from the quantitative data as well as to harness their perspectives on the leadership traits and preparation experiences they believed to be most influential to their success. Findings revealed that high-impact principals demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to instructional leadership. They developed a collaborative culture and implemented continuous improvement cycles; however, gaps in principal preparation programs were identified, particularly in equipping leaders to manage change and sustain progress in high-poverty schools. This study provides evidence-based recommendations for leadership preparation programs and leadership development

    Affecting Test Anxiety in Nursing Students

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    Nursing students often face significant test-taking anxiety, which negatively impacts both their academic performance and overall well-being (Samuel et al., 2022). This project aims to explore the effects of mindfulness coloring with mandalas on reducing pre-test anxiety among pre-licensure nursing students. The intervention, spanning one semester, will assess changes in anxiety levels and student academic test performance. The anticipated outcome is a reduction in pre-test anxiety, leading to improved academic performance and enhanced mental well-being. The findings will provide valuable insights into non-pharmacological strategies for managing anxiety in students

    Perception of Middle School Counselors About How to Increase the Enrollment of Minority Students, Specifically African American and Hispanic, in the Health Science Curriculum at Empire High School

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    This study explored the perceptions of middle school counselors regarding strategies to increase enrollment of minority students, specifically African American and Hispanic, in the health science curriculum at Empire High School. Utilizing a mixed methods convergent parallel design, this research integrated both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of counselor viewpoints, existing barriers, and potential solutions. Lewin’s Change Model, as outlined by Burnes (2019), provided the theoretical framework for the analysis, guiding it through the stages of unfreezing existing mindsets, implementing change, and refreezing new practices. Quantitative data were collected via surveys administered to middle school counselors within the district, while qualitative data were obtained through one-on-one interviews. The findings revealed that counselors perceive a lack of awareness among minority students and their families about health science careers, limited exposure to role models in the field, and systemic barriers such as implicit bias and resource inequities as key challenges. Counselors suggested that early intervention, targeted outreach programs, mentorship opportunities, and culturally responsive advising are critical to increasing minority representation. By applying Lewin’s model, the study emphasizes the importance of creating urgency around change (unfreezing), fostering professional development and structural supports (change), and embedding new practices into the school culture (refreezing). This research offers actionable insights for policymakers and educators aiming to advance equity in specialized academic pathways

    Session IIC: Religious Studies Presentation 5 - Free Will and Atonement as an Answer to the Problem of Evil

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    Lunch

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