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Supporting Higher Level Mental Skills in Early Childhood Education
The early childhood years established a critical developmental period during which foundational cognitive, social, and emotional skills were cultivated (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2011). Research highlighted the significant role of experiences during this stage of life in shaping children\u27s readiness for school and long-term academic, social, and emotional outcomes (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2011). Among these foundational skills, executive function (EF) and self-regulation (SR) were recognized as essential for enabling goal-oriented behavior, emotional management, and problem-solving (Morgan et al., 2016). The increasing emphasis on academic rigor in early childhood education led to the adoption of instructional practices that did not align with developmental appropriateness (Goldstien, 2006). Such practices neglected the promotion of EF and SR, which were critical for lifelong success (Lawrence & Weikart, 1997). This capstone aimed to examine how early childhood educators implemented appropriate practices, including play-based learning and strategies used in the Tools of the Mind and HighScope early childhood curricula, to effectively support EF and SR skills. By focusing on these approaches, this work sought to contribute to the broader discussion on enhancing early childhood education to support whole child development and lifelong success
Effectively Preparing Preservice Mainstream Teachers for Teaching Multilingual Learners
This paper investigated research-based curricular components for increasing the preparedness of preservice mainstream teachers (PSMTs) to teach multilingual learners (MLs). An increase in MLs in classrooms across the United States and changes in models for delivering English language development services have resulted in the growing need for general education teachers to be proficient in meeting the unique language needs of MLs while also delivering content-area instruction. PSMTs have been historically unprepared to adequately teach MLs within general education or content-area classes (Christison, 2023; Deng & Hayden, 2021; Lavery et al., 2019; Mahalingappa et al., 2018; Prasad & Heidt, 2023). To better understand effective practices for preparing PSMTs to teach MLs, 15 peer-reviewed qualitative, quantitative, quasi-experimental, and mixed-method studies related to teacher educator programs, PSMTs understanding of the English language and pedagogical skills for teaching English language development, as well as the development of teacher professional identities and dispositions were analyzed. Overall, the research indicated that including the following curricular components into teacher education programs (TEPs) would build self-efficacy and professional teacher identities necessary for PSMTs to be effective teachers of MLs: embedding systematic and explicit instruction of second language acquisition and language development throughout content coursework, providing opportunities for practical application of critical language awareness that is rooted in culturally and linguistically relevant pedagogy, and offering many opportunities for PSMTs to reflect on personal cultural identity
Implementing Daily K-12 Physical Education in the United States
Despite growing awareness of the health crisis facing American youth, daily physical education remains under prioritized in schools across the United States. This paper argues that the current structure of the U.S. education system fails to support the full integration of physical activity, despite mounting evidence linking daily physical education to improved health, cognitive function, and emotional regulation. While obesity rates and related chronic diseases continue to rise, the educational system has not effectively responded by embedding physical activity as a core element of the school day.
Research shows that physical activity supports not only healthy body weight, but also significantly improves markers of mental health, attention, and academic performance. Yet these multifaceted benefits are rarely considered in decision making around curriculum design, which remains driven largely by test performance metrics. This research proposal investigates the implementation of daily physical education in American schools and examines how these barriers contribute to broader public health issues
College Coaches Sustaining Success in an Evolving Landscape of College Athletics
This research topic is about the challenges and difficulties the new evolving landscape of college athletics affects college coaches managing success.The impact of NIL and the transfer portal has lead college coaches to question the integrity of the NCAA because of how loosely structured it is causing athletes to be bought instead establishing a culture and leadership, the essence of college athletics. This research study provides data by survey of college athletes and high school prospects that express their results about the dynamic of the resources in NIL and the transfer portal.This data resulted in findings that concluded college coaches adapting to the new landscape of college athletics that will bring forth opportunities to sustainable success. Henceforth, college coaches can be perceived as progressive and player focused that improves retention and a stabilized roster while still holding the traditional values of a coach even in a new evolving landscape
The Sword, February 2025
Contents
News: Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A History and How to Celebrate Growth and Success Under President Friedrich
Opinion: Why the F do We Care? If Trump Won\u27t Show Mercy, It\u27s Up to Us The Importance of Bishop Mariann Words The Increase of Homelessness: What Do We Really Know? Laying Old Traditions to Rest: Death, Dignity, and the Right to Become Dirt The Bitter Truth: How the United States Falls Short Compared to European Food How Much Longer Will We Turn a Blind Eye to Cyberbullying? Let\u27s Talk About It
Arts & Variety: Feature: How a Compassionate Academic Advisor Can Improve the College Experience Creature Commandos: The Start of the New DC Cinematic Universe Book Review: Thorn
Sports: The Super Bowl Upset: A Fallen Chiefs Kingdom CSP Sports: February Reca
The Impact of Best Practice Classroom Management Strategies on the Academic Achievement and Exclusionary Discipline of Middle School-Aged Students
This literature review studied the existing research on effective behavior management strategies and their potential effects on student achievement as well as reducing suspensions and expulsions at the middle school level. Research determining the elements of what was considered “best-practice” classroom management as well as the impact of these strategies on both academic achievement and exclusionary discipline were all considered. The research included school demographics of all types, but more data from urban environments was available. Most of the studies were conducted within the United States, but some international studies were examined as well when relevant. While middle grade students were the focus of this paper, some research included a broad band of ages ranging from upper elementary to high school. From this research it was concluded that highly effective classroom management stems from an environment with consistent expectations enforced with positivity, and these environments have the capacity to reduce student misbehavior and increase student time-on-task, resulting in an indirect improvement on reading achievement scores. These key insights might help school leaders prioritize the time and training needed to implement these best-practice classroom management systems to improve school culture and academics. Suggested future studies include focusing both classroom management and exclusionary discipline-based research on middle school students specifically as this age group lacks a large body of research
The Roots and Risks of Domestic Violence: A Holistic Review for Law Enforcement
Domestic violence (DV) is a global issue that disproportionately impacts women, producing harmful consequences for victims, families, and the community. DV involves a multifaceted interplay of individual, social, cultural, and policy elements, with intimate partner violence (IPV) representing the primary risk factor for intimate partner homicide (IPH), highlighting male-perpetrated DV as a focal concern. This review of existing literature thoroughly elucidates the predominant roots, consequences, and risk factors associated with DV, underscoring the significance of cultural awareness, trauma-informed care (TIC), and the application of evidence-based risk assessment tools within law enforcement (LE) frameworks. LE officers are uniquely positioned to detect and inform victims of risk factors, impose legal sanctions, and connect victims to accessible services and resources. Limitations in the performance of DV risk assessment by LE officers propose that barriers persist in the identification of high-risk victims, particularly in recognizing the crucial risk of coercive control. Bias, incognizance, insufficient methods, a lack of cultural awareness, and TIC may influence the interpretation and assessment of a DV incident, resulting in discrepancies in the evaluated level of risk. A considerable percentage of DV perpetrators have a documented history of abuse towards the victim, having had prior interactions with LE in the 12 months before perpetrating IPH. This discovery signifies that these encounters may represent an overlooked opportunity to prevent future violence. The propositions addressed in this exploration may benefit the LE profession by supplying vital knowledge for identifying risk factors for DV and IPH through a holistic, cultural, and trauma-informed lens
Disciplinary Literacy in Preschool Classrooms
The research questioned the potential impact disciplinary literacy may have on academic growth in early childhood classrooms and considered how preschool teachers can implement developmentally appropriate practices focusing on disciplinary literacy to support academic readiness skills. Schools emphasize a need for early intervention in the math and literacy domains to combat the academic achievement gap, but Chapin (2006) recognized a need for early intervention in the science and social studies domains as well. With this knowledge in mind, specific developmentally appropriate methods for integrating science, social studies, music, and art instruction in preschool classrooms were highlighted. Systemic methods of implementing disciplinary literacy in preschool classrooms were explored, including integrated curriculums and teacher preparation programs. Though disciplinary literacy is traditionally a secondary practice, and there are questions about whether young children are developmentally ready for the advanced concepts disciplinary literacy involves, research showed its potential impact on young children (Shanahan & Shanahan, 2014). When children are taught to read, write, think, and talk like scientists, historians, mathematicians, musicians, artists, and authors, they gain invaluable skills that prepare them for later academics (Colwell et al., 2023; Mongillo, 2017)
COVID-19 AND THE IMPACT ON ADOLECENT SPORTS PARTICIPATION
Abstract
COVID, shutdowns, social distancing, isolation, and the pandemic and the impacts that they had on youth and interscholastic sports participation. Friday night lights and the lure of community through sports, go to any small town or city and you will find a community that bleeds the color of the local sports teams. Starting in March of 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted interscholastic sports, altering patterns of participation, athlete development, and overall student well-being across the globe. This research proposal aims to investigate the short- and long-term impacts of the pandemic on sports participation rates across middle and high school levels in the United States. Specifically, it aims to analyze changes in participation rates, disparities among demographic groups, and the impact on student-athletes\u27 physical health, mental wellness, and academic engagement. The study will analyze how public health measures, such as lockdowns and social distancing, influenced individual and community-level engagement in physical activities and sports. It will also explore disparities across age groups, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographic regions. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will incorporate quantitative data from school athletic departments and national participation surveys, alongside qualitative interviews with student-athletes, coaches, and school administrators. It will help guide policy recommendations for school districts, athletic associations, and health officials to better support interscholastic athletics. This study not only addresses an urgent need for understanding the implications of COVID-19 on youth sports but also contributes to the development of resilient frameworks for maintaining safe and equitable athletic opportunities in schools during future disruptions.
Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, lockdown, social distancin
ANALYZING THE IMPACTS OF FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT LIFECYCLES ON FAN ENGAGEMENT AND ENJOYMENT AT MINNESOTA UNITED FC
This research project looked at the responses from fans of Minnesota United FC and the data was compiled to review the impacts of facility lifecycles and fan engagement. Qualitative surveys were conducted to receive fan opinions on technology, furniture, and overall space usage of the facility. They were able to give open-ended responses and the ability to provide feedback directly to the ticket operations staff of the club. In turn, the responses were then grouped together and brought to a larger working group that were able to start to put items on a list of things to tackle and complete as the buildings lifecycle gets closer to needing repairs and renovations. Previous surveys have been done before of general fan enjoyment from a specific game or overall season, but these surveys allowed for consistent feedback and an open dialogue between the fan and the club. In summary this study was able to find more comprehensive ways to connect fan opinion staff\u27s knowledge and the overall atmosphere of the facility