Northwestern College - Iowa
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Statistical Programming Package for Simplified Data Exploration
Full text linkSimple linear regression can be very helpful for exploring a dataset through identifying variable relationships and the percentage of variance in the dependent variable explained by the model. The project showcases a coding package for the statistical programming language R that I have created to provide a streamlined approach to exploring data through linear regression. Packages serve as extensions of coding languages to add features or functions. This package automates simple linear regression and outputs key values for data exploration such as p value, R^2, and independent variable coefficients in an organized and concise manner. In addition to regression, this package includes variance inflation factor (VIF) analysis to detect multicollinearity and flag it in the output. This enables quantitative researchers to be more organized and thus spend less time coding during their pursuit of statistical insights
The Beacon, April 3, 2025
Full text linkInnovation at NW-Hack; A nature getaway to remember; Strong showing from folk/rock band; Snow White disappoints even diehard fans; Spotlight on crafter and musician Elena Lee; Student projects at Celebration of Research; NW hosts the Festival of Culture; Hackathon of NW; An inside look at NW A Cappella Choir; Spiritual and social growth; Starship: a fall from grace; Christian leadership vs. worldly expectations; Where Raider athletes find inspiration; NW cheer has strong showing at nationals; Baseball season in full swing; DME Kids Club here for second year; Egg prices: inflation or bird flu
Improving Preschoolers\u27 Number Sense Using Counting Collections and Ten Frames
Full text linkRecently, literacy has received considerable attention in education, often overshadowing mathematics instruction. This inquiry-based research study investigates the impact of counting collections and ten frames on improving preschoolers\u27 number sense to determine if it can serve as an effective Tier 1 instructional strategy for younger learners. After reviewing the literature, the researcher decided on a Tier 1 instructional change to support further growth in number sense. Research indicates that students who master counting and cardinality skills by the end of preschool are more likely to succeed in future mathematics. While there is no specific information to determine the correct type of intervention, the research states the importance of developing a strong foundation in the number sense to prevent further struggles in mathematics. After a four-week intervention, data analysis showed that 14 out of 16 students grew in matching numerals to quantities and subitizing. Based on these results and the literature review, teachers should utilize whole-class interventions to meet the needs of all learners. Further research is needed to determine if adding visual tools, such as a ten frame or number paths, supports growth in number sense, with continued research being essential to determine best practices for supporting the development of number sense in early childhood
The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Student Achievement
Full text linkThis capstone research project explores the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and student achievement in English/Language Arts (ELA) at North Linn Middle School in rural Iowa. The study investigates how economic disadvantage, measured through Free and Reduced Lunch eligibility, influences student performance on standardized assessments such as aReading, CBMR (FastBridge), and ISASP. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data, the research identifies consistent achievement gaps between low-SES students and their peers, with the widest disparities occurring in upper middle school grades. In addition to assessment data, reflective journals and teacher observations were used to contextualize trends and inform possible instructional interventions. The findings highlight systemic inequities and emphasize the importance of early, targeted support to ensure educational equity. This study offers insights for educators and policymakers seeking to address academic gaps and improve outcomes for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
The Impact of Workload on Special Education Teachers\u27 Effectiveness
Full text linkThis inquiry-based research study explores the impact of workload, specifically, special education caseload size, on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes. Utilizing survey data from approximately 190 special education teachers across Iowa, the study investigates how the number of IEP goals, hours worked outside of contract time, and emotional stress levels affect goal attainment, job satisfaction, and instructional quality. Results revealed that most teachers monitor over 20 IEP goals at a time, yet more than two-thirds reported meeting less than 25% of those goals. Despite high levels of self-reported confidence, over 60% of respondents indicated feeling overwhelmed often or always. Notably, job satisfaction was tied more closely to administrative support and manageable workloads than years of experience or grade level. These findings align with existing literature linking large caseloads to teacher burnout, reduced instructional effectiveness, and poorer student outcomes. The study highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in caseload management, administrative support, and teacher workload policies to ensure teacher sustainability and student success
The Importance of Collaboration Between Teachers and Mental Health Professionals to Support Trauma-Impacted Students
No full textStudents impacted by trauma face emotional and behavioral challenges that affect their learning and social development. Collaboration between early childhood educators and mental health professionals is critical to providing effective support, yet this partnership often remains informal and inconsistent. This inquiry-based mixed-methods study explored how such collaboration functions in an early childhood center serving preschool and kindergarten students. Data from surveys and interviews with educators and mental health staff revealed barriers including limited time, unclear roles, and insufficient training. Despite these challenges, participants emphasized the benefits of structured communication, joint professional development, and school-community partnerships. The study highlights the need for intentional, sustained collaboration supported by clear protocols and leadership to foster trauma-informed, nurturing learning environments. Future efforts should focus on embedding mental health services within early education settings and enhancing interdisciplinary teamwork
Improving SEL Programs in Early Childhood Settings
No full textPreschool students are having their first experience with a classroom and are at a key point of entering their education. They are learning not only academics and the beginnings of reading, writing, STEM and art, but are learning how to function in a classroom and in society. They are taking on a lot of skills in a short period of time, one of the most important being SEL (social and emotional learning). This study is addressing the challenges of teaching our youngest learners SEL skills in an effective way, to make sure all students are receiving adequate SEL. Through a literature review, classroom observations the research focuses on key SEL skills demonstrated by students and assisted by teachers as needed using curriculum implementation and real-life peer experiences, focusing on the following SEL skills: relationship skills, social awareness, self-management, self-awareness and decision making. The curriculum included key teaching items such as corresponding books, videos, feeling and strategy discussions and complete interactive activities either in small groups or 1:1. The main focus of the curriculum during the study was introducing feelings, and how to determine them both within their self or in their peers and coping strategies with the associated feelings. By investigating the effectiveness of SEL curriculum vs. the previously used play-based approach to SEL teaching, this inquire-based research aims to determine the effectiveness of targeted teaching strategies through curriculum regarding SEL education
Personalized Learning Strategies in the Classroom
No full textPersonalized learning is essential for students to be more engaged and have higher achievement in the classroom. There are too many students who are struggling in the classroom with staying engaged and this is then leading to students struggling with their learning. Research has shown that personalized learning strategies can provide promising outcomes for students who are struggling in the classroom. This inquiry-based research study aims to determine if personalized learning strategies can help struggling learners to be engaged and learn in the classroom. The study utilized a qualitative approach, using both teacher surveys and observations of a summer school class. The finding revealed that most students who were using personalized learning strategies showed improved engagement and achievement in the classroom. The study highlights the potential learning strategies that have to improve student achievement. Further research is needed to explore student experiences and effective instructional strategies for personalized learning strategies in the classroom. Furthermore, adding quantitative data and increasing the length of time for the study could strengthen the generalization of results
Cardiovascular Effects of GLP-1RA in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Full text linkThe rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the US has led to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among affected individuals. GLP-1RA have been used since 2005 to help manage diabetic patients by controlling glucose levels, weight loss, and in further research, reducing cardiovascular disease. This review examines the cardiovascular effects of GLP-1RA highlighting key clinical trials including the LEADER, SUSTAIN, PIONEER 6, REWIND, and AMPLITUDE-O trials looking at liraglutide, semaglutide oral and subcutaneous, dulaglutide, and efpeglenatide. These studies found a significant decrease in major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the drug groups when compared to placebo. While lifestyle changes remain essential, GLP-1RAs have been proven to decrease cardiovascular risks in T2DM patients
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Induced Angioedema (ACEI-AE): Emergency Department Treatments
Full text linkAngiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Induced Angioedema (ACEI-AE) is the acute swelling of the upper airway in patients who are currently or were formerly taking Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) for control of primary hypertension. Though emergency department presenting signs and symptoms have overlap with angioedema associated with anaphylaxis, there are key differences, including the absence of urticaria or hypotension and history of ACEI use, that can guide clinicians in identifying the underlying cause of the angioedema and initiate appropriate treatment. Due to its differing pathophysiology, ACEI-AE must be treated uniquely with Tranexamic Acid (TXA) and Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) to reverse airway swelling and avoid necessity for intubation. Other mediations explored but deemed ineffective or of questionable effectiveness in the treatment of ACEI-AE include antihistamines, epinephrine, systemic glucocorticoids, Icatibant, Ecallantide, and C1-Esterase Inhibitors