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Wellbeing, Workplace, and Professional Development: Implications for Early Childhood Education
No full textThis dissertation examines the narratives of six early childhood education (ECE) educators who participated in a wellbeing-informed professional development (PD) program in Minnesota. Using narrative inquiry, the study reveals how holistic, wellbeing-centered PD provided critical support to diverse educators, enabling them to develop strategies for personal and professional wellbeing. The study further analyzes the award-winning ECE workforce development program participants took part in, revealing how self-reflective pedagogical development with individualized training and administrative supports affirmed and sustained participants. Racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse educators provide critical insights into how specific program structures supported their growth, including guided self-reflection, pedagogical training, coaching, mentorship, and economic support. Participants report these elements created conditions for integrating wellbeing strategies into both their personal and professional practices. Through an interdisciplinary, feminist, and ecological framework, this study reframes ECE workforce development by centering the embodied and intersectional realities of caregivers. Notably, as the lead developer and instructor of the program studied, the author approached the auto-ethnographic portions of this work with the same critical self reflection expected of participants. Findings demonstrate that wellbeing-focused PD enhanced participants\u27 physiological, psychological, and emotional wellbeing while strengthening their professional commitment. Educators reported increased quality of practice—up to 300% higher than national estimates— even among those who experienced work-related injuries. Participants reported the development of their pedagogical and professional confidence fostered resilience against workplace challenges, and participants reported successfully transferring enhanced social-emotional skills to various professional domains beyond licensed childcare settings. Nevertheless, over two-thirds of participants reported work-related chronic pain or acute injuries despite their continued commitment to the field. This alarming finding underscores urgent calls for PD models that address not only psychological and emotional resilience, but also physical safety and wellbeing. These findings further suggest current ECE professional development systems and workplace practices virtually guarantee economic precarity and physiological harm for a predominantly female, racially diverse workforce. Ultimately, the study advocates for an emphasis on holistic workplace and personal wellbeing as foundational to PD and sustainable quality in early childhood education
Embedding Self-Determination in Transition Planning for Young Adults with Autism
Full text linkDespite decades of legal mandates under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to face disproportionately poor postschool outcomes in employment, independent living, and higher education. Research consistently identifies self-determination as a critical predictor of positive adult outcomes, yet transition planning in many educational settings remains procedural, adult-driven, and disconnected from student agency. This capstone explores how self-determination can be meaningfully embedded into transition planning by synthesizing literature across legal foundations, structured interventions, culturally responsive practices, and implementation strategies. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, the literature review reveals that student-led IEPs, autonomy-supportive instruction, and culturally responsive practices foster academic and behavioral gains and long-term autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Chapter Three provides actionable recommendations for practice, including the integration of digital tools, sustained professional development, cross-team collaboration, and family-community partnerships. This research supports a systemic shift toward student-centered transition planning as both an educational imperative and a social justice priority
Ineffective Parenting
Full text linkIneffective parenting can lead to long-term, severe, and lasting consequences for children. Children depend heavily on their primary caregivers for safety and to have their basic needs met. However, not all parents demonstrate positive parenting styles, whether due to a lack of knowledge, limited capacity, or simply a lack of interest. Parenting styles fall into four categories: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. The type of parenting style a caregiver adopts can significantly influence the attachment style a child has with them. Four attachment styles that children have are insecure avoidant attachment, secure attachment, insecure resistant attachment, and disorganized attachment. Children who do not receive effective parenting can experience emotional dysregulation, difficulty with future relationships and friendships, problematic behaviors, criminal behavior, and mental illness. Furthermore, children exposed to harsh parenting styles, including abuse or neglect, are at risk of developing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can impact their emotional, cognitive, and social development. To thrive, children need positive support and guidance to effectively live their lives
The Influence of Single-Leg Isometrics on Ground Interactions during a Baseball Swing
No full textSports science plays a vital role in modern athletics, with metrics like GRF serving as key performance indicators, particularly in baseball. This study investigated the effects of a single-leg fast-ramping isometric exercise targeting hamstring activation on vGRF at the lead leg during a baseball swing. Ten male participants (mean age 15.7 years, SD = 1.42) participated in a randomized within-subject experimental design. GRF was measured at toe touch, heel plant, and contact using a pressure plate (Sensors Edge) and synchronized video. The intervention involved a 90/90 hip lift to stabilize the lumbopelvic complex, aiming to enhance GRF. Pre- and post-intervention swings were compared using repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results revealed significant changes in GRF over time (p = .005) and at toe touch (p \u3c .001). Lead leg pressure decreased at toe touch (p \u3c .01, ES = 0.17) and increased at heel plant (p \u3c .01, ES = 0.11) but showed no significant change at contact (p = .27, ES = 0.04). These findings suggest the intervention influenced lead leg pressure at specific phases, with minor practical significance. Future research should explore different batting conditions, interventions, and acute variables to further understand GRF\u27s role in baseball swings
Effects of Training Load on Heart Rate Variability in Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners
No full textBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a rapidly growing sport with demonstrated health and fitness benefits. However, excessive training loads may lead to increased fatigue and injury risk, potentially affecting recovery status as measured by heart rate variability (HRV). HRV is a widely used physiological marker for assessing autonomic balance and recovery status, with lower values indicating increased sympathetic activity and reduced parasympathetic tone. While previous research has examined the acute effects of simulated BJJ competition on HRV, little is known about the chronic impact of sustained training loads on recovery in recreational BJJ practitioners.
The proposed study aims to evaluate the effects of weekly training load on HRV in recreational BJJ practitioners. Using a randomized crossover design, 20 male practitioners aged 25-34 will be assigned to high (8-12 hours/week) and low (3-5 hours/week) training load conditions for 3 weeks each, separated by a one-week recovery period. HRV will be measured daily upon waking using a Polar H10 heart rate monitor and analyzed via Kubios HRV Premium software. Training loads will be quantified using training logs, including session duration, heart rate data, and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). It is hypothesized that higher training loads will result in lower HRV, indicating reduced autonomic recovery and increased sympathetic activity. Findings from this study may inform optimal training practices for recreational BJJ practitioners, helping to balance training volume with adequate recovery strategies to minimize injury risk and enhance performance
Examining Internal Perceived Employability Post-Internship: A Study Using the NACE Career Competencies Framework
No full textWith the employability of undergraduate students as a core purpose of higher education, institutions of higher education (IHE) are being held accountable for preparing career-ready graduates. One way that IHE prepare career-ready graduates is by encouraging internships, which are a high-impact practice aimed at providing students with an opportunity to apply classroom learning along with gaining and enhancing employability skills. Recently, perceived employability, defined as an individual\u27s belief in their ability to gain and maintain employment, has gained attention in higher education. This study focused on internal perceived employability, a component of overall perceived employability, which refers to an individual’s perception of their skills and abilities. As a response to the growing attention on the outcome of a degree and a gap in resources to guide IHE, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) created a Career Readiness Initiative equipped with eight career competencies, which are respected and used by both IHE and employers. This study used NACE’s career competencies as a framework to understand the internal perceived employability of undergraduate students’ post-internship. Using qualitative research, virtual interviews examined the experience of six traditional undergraduate students who recently completed an internship at a mid-sized media and measurement firm with hubs in three major metropolitan areas. Key findings from this research study indicated that interns\u27 internal perceptions of employability post-internship are shaped by awareness of their own development in the following NACE career competencies: communication, critical thinking, professionalism, teamwork, and technology. These results further indicated participants demonstrated proficiency in awareness of both their strengths and areas for growth, a stated behavior in NACE’s career and self-development competency
Impact of Bilingual Education on Educational Equity Among Diverse Learners
Full text linkWhat if the key to closing educational equity gaps is embracing, not eliminating, students\u27 linguistic diversity? According to the Minnesota Department of Education (2024), being bilingual significantly impacts one\u27s executive functioning, better problem-solving, increased cultural competency, increased access to employment opportunities, and global exploration. Linguistic diversity in education presents challenges and opportunities in fostering equitable learning environments. This study explores the impact of bilingual education on educational equity among linguistically diverse students, examining academic performance, cognitive development, and long-term educational opportunities. Through a review of existing literature, case studies, and policy analysis, this research assesses the effectiveness of bilingual education programs in addressing disparities in educational outcomes and whether these dual-immersion programs embrace and elevate linguistic diversity. The findings suggest that well-structured bilingual programs contribute to increased student engagement, higher academic achievement, and improved social cohesion. However, funding constraints, teacher shortages, and policy inconsistencies remain significant barriers. By identifying best practices and potential areas for improvement, this study underscores the role of bilingual education in advancing equitable and inclusive learning environments in our education system today
In what ways is Goal Setting Unique in Adapted Sports Settings
No full textGoal setting has the possibility to have a positive impact on athletes with disabilities in adapted sports. Although some athletes may find setting goals beneficial to help improve their performance. The designed aim targeted those in grades 7 to 12th, males and females, and ages 12-18. Specifically, this study examined why goal settings were unique in adapted sports for athletes with disabilities. Participants could take the survey and set up a goal they would like to accomplish for the year at the facility or at home, which will be sent out through email on a Google Drive. Schools within the MSHSL that host an adapted sports team were chosen to participate in the study. These schools were selected based on location and the surrounding areas of the Twin Cities that surround Minneapolis and St.Paul to help gather the diverse demographics of the surrounding areas of the Twin Cities. This study was designed to research goal setting and its uniqueness in adapted sports
The Many Reasons High School Students Do Not Participate in High School Sports
No full textThis non-experimental, quantitative study aimed to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status, substance use, and burnout and non-participation in high school sports in Goshen County School District #1. Goshen County School District #1 consisted of three high schools, three middle schools, and five elementary schools. The study examined whether students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were less likely to participate in sports during their high school years. Substance abuse and early athletic burnout were considered as potential factors associated with decreased sports participation. For GCSD #1, the study aimed to provide evidence that could support initiatives promoting sport participation as an intervention to enhance student academic outcomes and graduation rates
Recruitment and Retention in Law Enforcement
Full text linkThis capstone paper covered the topic of recruitment and retention. It detailed issues around this topic and ways to improve it. United States law enforcement agencies face challenges when recruiting qualified personnel, including issues related to image, working under stress, low pay scale, and disciplined organizations. Topics were analyzed through administrative, ethical, legal, and legislative lenses. The study outlines comprehensive policy changes that include a broad and competitive pay structure, increased support to mental health workers, better community outreaches, and product modernization in recruitment and retention