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Special Education Disproportionality in Illinois: What Are We Doing?
No full textThis mixed-methods study examined special education disproportionality in Illinois to determine current trends, root causes, and responses to significant disproportionality as reflected in Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CCEIS) plans. Quantitatively, repeated measures analyses of risk ratios over a five-year span revealed that although many districts had reduced overall risk ratios, racial and disability-based disparities persisted. Qualitatively, inductive content analysis of 32 CCEIS plans identified four primary root causes—deficiencies in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Response to Intervention (RTI), inadequate Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) supports, cultural and linguistic barriers, and vague or misaligned problem statements. Most action plans emphasized professional development, data-based decision making, and cultural responsiveness, yet varied significantly in specificity and depth. The theoretical framework of Disability Critical Race Theory (DisCrit) guided the investigation and interpretation of findings, highlighting how racism and ableism intersect to marginalize students of color in special education. Results suggest that technical reforms alone—such as procedural compliance and risk ratio monitoring—do not sufficiently address systemic inequities unless complemented by equity-driven leadership, cultural responsiveness, and meaningful community engagement. The study highlights the need to re-envision the roles of school psychologists as equity leaders and to strengthen MTSS/SEL frameworks, policy thresholds, and professional development initiatives to foster transformative change
Discovery of a New Class of Polymorphic Rhs Toxins in Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Pleotropic Effects on Interbacterial Competition, Bacteriophage Antagonism, and Host Virulence
No full textBacteria compete for limited nutrients and space in polymicrobial environmental and host niches. One mechanism of interbacterial competition involves the production of toxins that antagonize neighboring cells in contact-dependent or independent manners. These holotoxins can be composed of different protein domains that function in secretion, delivery, and effector roles. As the toxic effector domains often vary between individual strains within a species, toxins with this architecture are referred to as polymorphic. Polymorphic toxin-producing cells and their siblings are protected from intoxication due to an encoded cognate immunity factor that neutralizes the effector. Our work characterized a gene cluster in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that encodes a new class of polymorphic toxins. The first two genes in this cluster, which we termed polymorphic toxins with rhs elements (pxr)B and pxrA, encode rhs elements, a series of tyrosine-aspartate-rich repeating motifs that together form a hollow, cage-like structure. Examples of characterized bacterial Rhs proteins include tripartite toxin complexes, which intoxicate insect epithelial cells, and specific type VI secretion system effectors, which intoxicate other bacteria. In each example, the Rhs shell acts similarly to a chaperone, encapsulating an unfolded C-terminal toxic effector domain. We demonstrated that the novel PxrBA protein complex appears to function as a diffusible holotoxin to antagonize neighboring bacteria of the same and distinct species. Our data indicate that the C-terminus of PxrA contains variable effector domains, which are positively selected for at numerous distinct genomic loci and seem to move by horizontal gene transfer and recombination. We identified one of our novel effectors as a probable toxic DNA nuclease. These effector domains are neutralized by cognate immunity factors encoded by pxrI, the third gene in this cluster, likely by the direct binding we observed between the two proteins. The N-terminus of PxrB shares homology with type IV pilus-binding domains of filamentous phage minor coat proteins, suggesting that binding to these pili is important for intoxication. In support of this, we found that type IV pili-deficient strains are no longer susceptible to PxrBA growth inhibition. Additionally, pxr mutant strains have increased susceptibility to phage infection that is also dependent on type IV pili. This may indicate that binding of the PxrBA holotoxin to pili both mediates toxin delivery and antagonizes phage propagation. Finally, we showed that mutant pxr strains are attenuated for virulence in a mouse bacteremia model, and that the decrease in host survival from wildtype Pa infection was independent of bacterial burden. Thus, we have identified a new class of polymorphic Rhs toxins in Pseudomonas aeruginosa with pleiotropic effects on bacterial fitness. PxrBA mediates interbacterial competition, antagonizes bacteriophage infection, and impacts mammalian virulence. By studying the ways bacteria antagonize each other, we could engineer these toxin delivery systems to target and deliver antimicrobials as an alternative to antibiotic therapies. Furthermore, if we understand what bacteria target to antagonize each other, we may also be able to design molecules that disrupt those same targets. This is especially important in a time of growing bacterial antibiotic resistance and a lack of new antibiotic development
Modernism’s Mythic Mothers: Queering Motherhood Through Classical Matrilineage
Get PDFI position this dissertation at the intersection of modern/contemporary literature, queer/feminist theory, and ancient Greek classics in the hopes of better understanding the spaces in which they meet, engaging with writers from the late modernist era to the present in order to highlight the connections between theories, themes, and practices of queerness from the modernists forward. Using the work of H.D. and writers following in her footsteps, I argue that exploring adaptations of Greek classics written primarily by female and gender-variant authors from the modernist era forward illuminates the extent to which the classics enables writers to “think queerly,” considering critical inquiry and experience to interrogate questions of gender and sexuality. I queer motherhood by seeing it as a method of literary inheritance and following a literary genealogy backward to ancient women ancestors and forward to future descendants who follow the same patterns that their foremothers have set for them. Both queer views of motherhood enable rethinking the masculinist use of Greek allusion and focus on the inheritance of a literary tradition that is otherwise passed on through the line of the father. I argue instead for a model of lineage that follows women and mothers in order to queer the discourse with a subverted perspective and focus. Using queer theory as a mode of inquiry, I propose that re-telling ancient myths to queer ideas of matrilineage, both forward- and backward-looking, enables authors to decenter the masculinist perspective in favor of a non-male perspective of cyclical counterhistory
Maternal Access for Depression in Rural Environments
Get PDFSignificance –As many as 25% of birthing persons experience postpartum depression (PPD) within the first year after childbirth making this one of the most common postpartum disorders. PPD is prevalent, incapacitating, and treatable. The first step is identifying those at risk. Rural birthing persons are understudied, and may have unique predisposing characteristics as well as geographic challenges for optimal detection and treatment of PPD. Purpose -The long-term goal is to improve the health of rural families. Using The Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms, the purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional research was to describe the prevalence of PPD in rural birthing persons and explain the extent to which non-modifiable and modifiable biological, psychological, and social/situational factors explain PPD among rural birthing persons. Methods -A convenience sample of 150 rural birthing persons were invited to participate in an internet survey of factors related to PPD. Information on demographics as well as non-modifiable and modifiable biological, psychological, and social/situational factors was assessed using descriptive statistics and linear regression. Implications-Recognizing the prevalence of PPD in rural birthing persons allows for advocating for appropriate resources. Identifying the potentially modifiable factors can encourage development of nursing interventions to help promote mental health for rural birthing persons and their families
Understanding Intraminority Collective Action: The Role of Salient Discrimination and Outgroup Identification
No full textOppression against various social groups remains prevalent in the United States (Pew Research Center, 2021; US Department of Labor, 2020). Yet even though a majority of the American population belongs to at least one oppressed group (US Census Bureau, 2021), research has not fully explored how perceiving discrimination can foster solidarity and collective action in this intraminority context. The present studies investigate whether, among Asian Americans, manipulating salient discrimination targeting Asian Americans (i.e., the ingroup), Black Americans (i.e., a within identity dimension outgroup), and/or LGBTQ+ Americans (i.e., an across identity dimension outgroup) has differential effects on collective action for Black Americans and LGBTQ+ Americans through outgroup identification. I found that within an identity dimension (Study 1, N = 286) and across identity dimensions (Study 2, N = 359), overall outgroup identification and its evaluative, affective, and cognitive components were all positively linked to collective action. However, salient discrimination did not lead to greater outgroup identification or collective action when groups were within an identity dimension (Study 1) or across identity dimensions (Study 2), and did not have an indirect effect on collective action via outgroup identification. There was also no conditional indirect effect of outgroup discrimination salience on collective action through outgroup identification dependent on ingroup discrimination salience (Study 2). Findings can inform coalition-building efforts and advocacy work
Exploring Latinx Students\u27 Experience With School Connectedness: A Hybrid Thematic Approach to Deductive and Inductive Analysis
Get PDFThis qualitative study aimed to deepen the understanding of school connectedness experienced by Latinx high school students. Specifically, the researcher sought to explore how Latinx students described their connection to school during their high school years. Additionally, to examine whether their experiences aligned with the social and ecological structures outlined in the theoretical model supporting adolescent connectedness to school. If there is alignment, in what ways did it manifest? If not, how did the experiences differ? The study had two primary objectives: (a) to gain insight into how Latinx students experienced school and their sense of connection through their narratives, and (b) to assess whether the existing model of school connectedness accurately reflected the experiences of Latinx students, or if it should be modified when applied to Latinx students. To achieve these objectives, the study employed a hybrid approach combining both deductive and inductive thematic analysis, allowing for the examination of a pre-existing theory while also identifying emerging themes from the data. Each participant took part in three 60-minute qualitative, semi-structured interviews to share their high school experiences. From the data analysis, five central themes emerged: (1) Meaningful Relationships, (2) Navigating School Systems, (3) Developing a Connection to School, (4) Impact of COVID, and (5) High School Outcomes
Colloidal Hot-Injection Synthesis of CuBSe2 Nanocrystals: Tetragonal Chalcogenide Templates for Superionic Lithiation Pathways
Get PDFCopper boron selenides represent a previously unexplored class of materials with tetragonal structural symmetries and bonding chemistries potentially relevant to lithium-ion conduction. In this work, the first colloidal synthesis of nanocrystalline copper boron selenides is reported, enabling access to nanocrystals with reaction times shown as the synthetic knob to control composition and morphology. Copper boron selenide nanocrystals are synthetically designed as precursors for lithiation reactions aimed at probing structural evolution and ionic mobility pathways toward superionic conductors applicable as solid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. Postsynthetic lithiation studies under ambient conditions reveal a series of phase transformations and morphological changes, which are characterized using a combination of X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis. Thermometric and differential scanning calorimetry analyses on both copper boron selenide nanocrystals and their lithiated counterparts further uncover the associated signatures of superionic phase changes with lithium incorporation, suggesting dynamic structural rearrangements, and potential onset of fast ion transport. This study highlights colloidal synthesis as a powerful route to explore new composition spaces in complex chalcogenides and establishes copper boron selenides as a platform for investigating structure–transport relationships in emerging solid-state electrolyte chemistries
Mirrors and Windows: Exploring Queer Identity Representation in Graduate Curriculum
Get PDFQueer representation in higher education curricula remains sparse, particularly at the graduate level, leaving many students without mirrors to reflect their identities or windows into broader queer experiences. This dissertation explores the extent to which queer graduate students perceive their identities as represented in their academic coursework. Using a narrative ethnographic approach, this study amplifies the voices of queer students, examining their lived experiences in relation to curriculum design, classroom discussions, and institutional inclusion. Framed through Queer Theory and Emily Style’s (1988) “Curriculum as Windows and Mirrors,” this research interrogates heteronormativity in graduate education and highlights the importance of visibility, affirmation, and inclusive pedagogy. Findings reveal that many queer graduate students struggle to see themselves in course materials, contributing to feelings of exclusion, isolation, and invisibility within academic spaces. The study advocates for intentional curricular reforms that integrate queer perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and representative educational experience. By centering the narratives of queer graduate students, this research contributes to broader conversations on diversity, equity, and belonging in higher education
Creating a Positive Social-Emotional Learning Environment for Transgender Students: A Post-Pandemic Participatory Action Research
Get PDFThis qualitative research employing participatory action protocols (PAR) engages a limited number of gender minority adolescents (current transgender, nonbinary, and gender-fluid secondary students) and allied staff members at one large Midwestern public high school district. The principal purpose is to improve transgender secondary student schooling experiences. This study extends the current educational discourse on SEL (social-emotional learning) in post-pandemic high schools as far as the commitment to improving students\u27 sense of belonging, growth mindset, resilience, and well-being should be a top priority for all educators. The primary researcher positions all participants as co-researchers to explore ways that could improve the SEL environment for gender minority students. The major principles of anti-oppressive pedagogy (Kumashiro, 2002) which references and builds upon the educational elements of queer theory (Butler, 1990) form a theoretical framework aimed at advancing social justice goals in support of this marginalized student population. Five, hour-long focus group sessions employing PAR exercises (Chevalier & Buckles, 2019) guide three faculty members and three current transgender, nonbinary, and gender-fluid high school students to assess the social-emotional learning environment of the research site, exploring how transgender students’ unique exigencies are currently being addressed through the school district’s policies and procedures and identifying areas for improvement; two separate interviews with three parents of two student participants shed additional light on the topic. Major thematic findings include issues related to gender-neutral bathroom access, P.E. locker room changing safety, staff professional development, microaggressions/bullying/harassment, and student information systems. Changes to teaching and learning practices, policies, and procedures that honor and incorporate the lived experiences of this marginalized student population emerge from this study. Recommendations could inform policy makers and school leaders in other educational settings on methods to create inclusive SEL environments for LGBTQ+ and other at-risk, marginalized student groups
Playing Tug-of-War: Magisteriums Fight over Dictating Morality
No full textDeeply religious people, regardless of their religion, tend to presuppose the truth of their belief. Their desire to proselytise and “reveal the truth” undermines the simple idea of what a belief is. In the Abrahamic faiths, especially Christianity, they claim that God retains the right to set standards of moral behaviour, and without an omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient being of creation, there is no such thing as morality. However, morality is not reliant on the Christian faith, or any faith. This presentation details other explanations of the origin of morality, and the role of morality in the larger conflict between liberalism and conservatism in the United States