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Learning Theories Within Classrooms
Full text linkQuestions •What learning theories are most beneficial to teacher candidates? • Are learning theories being utilized in classrooms? •Should theories be taught in college classes
Analyzing the Special Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Texas
Full text linkThis research explores food insecurity and how WIC addresses nutritional risks in Texas. It examines past and present efforts, policy gaps, and potential improvements to enhance WIC\u27s effectiveness
Crossing Conversations: Using Social Media to Advocate for Immigrants at the Texas/Mexico Border
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Culturally Sustaining Literacy Practices: Insights from Pre-Service Educators
No full textThe research question for this paper is: How does the tenet culturally sustaining pedagogy of the Integrated Teacher Education Program bridge and/or buffer pre-service teachers’ literacy experiences? Through the use of a case study, the researcher examines Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) pre-service educators’ experiences incorporating culturally sustaining pedagogy into the literacy classroom, while also investigating whether these practices serve to bridge and/or buffer pre-service teachers’ experiences (Honig & Hatch, 2004)
COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY OF IMPERILED GREAT PLAINS FISHES: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION OF TWO ENDANGERED SHINERS (SHARPNOSE SHINER NOTROPIS OXYRHYNCHUS AND SMALLEYE SHINER NOTROPIS BUCCULA) IN THE UPPER BRAZOS RIVER, TEXAS
No full textAnthropogenic practices such as groundwater pumping, land use change, and the implementation of dams have caused significant change in freshwater ecosystems, especially in the Great Plains of North America where pelagic broadcast spawning fish species are declining due to the loss of the natural flow regime and river fragmentation. Uncovering the abiotic and biotic drivers across spatial and temporal scales influencing fish assemblages across the Great Plains is required to inform effective management strategies. Here, I investigated ecological drivers influencing fish assemblages containing two federally endangered minnow species: the Sharpnose Shiner Notropis oxyrhynchus and Smalleye Shiner Notropis buccula in the upper Brazos River, Texas. Species taxonomic and functional diversity was positively influenced by downstream gradients in water chemistry and stream morphology. Populations of the endangered shiners were restricted to stream sites with greater habitat connectivity and continuous stream flow which are required for key habitat requirements for successful recruitment
Evaluating Predictive Models for Predicting Total Score of Beef Carcasses
No full textThe beef industry plays a vital role in global agriculture, with carcass quality and consumer preference being key determinants of market success. This thesis examines predictive modeling techniques for estimating the Total Score of beef carcasses, a composite measure representing yield and quality, primarily used by the Nebraska Cattlemen Association. Using data from the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Foundation Retail Value Steer Challenge (2000–2023), the study compares the performance of First Order Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) with three machine learning techniques: K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Random Forest, and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM).
The analysis focuses on six key predictors: Hot Carcass Weight, Back Fat Thickness, Ribeye Area, Final Yield Grade, Final Carcass Retail Value, and Year. Two modeling scenarios are evaluated: (1) training on a large dataset (2000–2021) and validating on recent years (2022–2023), and (2) smaller rolling window subsets (five-year training to predict the next two years, iterated across the full dataset). Performance is assessed using metrics such as Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Accuracy Percentage.
Results show that while MLR provides interpretable models, modern machine learning models offer higher predictive accuracy in scenarios with limited and complex data, effectively capturing non-linear relationships and interactions. This research extends previous works that relied solely on MLR by integrating modern machine learning techniques into beef carcass prediction, offering practical recommendations for stakeholders and setting a benchmark for data-driven evaluation methods that can support improved decision-making in beef production
Cultivating Commitment within Educational Ecosystems: Improving Teacher Satisfaction through Autonomy and Expertise
No full textThis study explores the experiences of Texas educators’ job satisfaction, focusing on their ability to enact curriculum and pedagogy within their school ecosystems. Reporting of partial qualitative results of a larger mixed-methods survey of teachers in Texas, the research examines how administrative and contextual stances impact teachers’ professional and personal goals. Findings reveal that dismissive attitudes toward teachers’ content expertise and micromanagement by evaluation-focused leadership lead to dissatisfaction and potential attrition. Conversely, growth-oriented leadership that values autonomy and respects teachers’ practical knowledge enhances job satisfaction and commitment. The study, grounded in self-determination theory, highlights the critical role of intrinsic motivators—such as autonomy and competence—in sustaining educators. Recommendations include fostering teacher agency, reducing administrative overreach, and prioritizing educators’ expertise to create supportive environments. These insights aim to inform strategies for improving teacher retention and satisfaction amid post-pandemic challenges
Balancing the Clock: Work Hours and Work-Life Balance Among Texas Principals
Full text linkThis study examines the work-life balance of Texas principals, focusing on role balance, overload, and ease and how these factors vary across different school levels when accounting for hours worked. Principals are critical to the success of schools but often face significant stress and burnout due to excessive job demands, long working hours, and limited support, which can lead to turnover. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, the study analyzes survey data from 122 principals across Texas, with findings suggesting that while high school principals report lower role overload and higher role ease than their elementary and middle school counterparts, they also work the most hours. Conversely, elementary and middle school principals experience greater role overload and lower ease, potentially due to fewer administrative support resources and more complex student needs. The study further reveals that increased hours worked contribute to higher role overload and lower role ease across all school levels. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to support principals, especially at elementary and middle schools, including additional administrative support and professional development opportunities in time management and stress management. The study highlights the importance of promoting role balance to reduce burnout and improve retention, ultimately fostering more stable leadership in Texas schools
A historic review and empirical revitalization of the Stages of Concern Questionnaire
Full text linkThis paper examines one of three central diagnostic tools of the Concerns Based Adoption Model, the Stages of Concern Questionnaire (SoCQ). The SoCQ was developed with a focus on K12 education. It has been used widely since developed in 1973, in early childhood, higher education, medical, business, community, and military settings. The SoCQ captures data about beliefs and intentions of individuals regarding their engagement with a new program or practice.
In our search of publications utilizing the SoCQ, we have found studies conducted across the world, with approximately 400 based in the United States 100 conducted outside the US. In the datasets for this paper, we identified applications of the SoCQ to inform leadership of implementing innovations in nearly 1,000 sites between 2008 and 2023. This includes SoCQ administration in 42 US states, and approximately 150 uses outside the US. The SoCQ has been officially translated into nine languages in addition to English.
Few instruments have remained relevant as long as the SoCQ, and fewer still have an accessible record of publications and data to study for renewal. We report here an extensive review of use, validity, reliability, and practical advice for future use of the SoCQ