9319 research outputs found
Sort by
An Examination of Superintendent Turnover in Kentucky: A Decade of Data
No full textThis study makes use of a data set detailing instances of public school superintendent turnover in Kentucky between 2014 and 2023. A quantitative research design was used to analyze descriptive statistics in the sample of 205 superintendent turnovers occurring during the identified decade. The analysis reveals a disparity between females and males selected to fill superintendent vacancies. The research also demonstrates that superintendent turnover in Appalachian and non-Appalachian school districts is proportionally consistent, as is superintendent turnover among the eight geographically-assigned Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) educational cooperatives. The findings demonstrate that applicants for superintendent positions serving as assistant superintendents or in other central office positions are selected for the superintendency nearly 60% of the time. Suggestions for future research, including assembling and analyzing comparable data sets in other states, are provided. Given the implications of the findings in this study, the assembled data set could also facilitate additional research
Nourishing nations: A comparative analysis of American food production laws & regulations
Get PDFFood manufacturing, distribution, and consumption have a significant influence on equity, sustainability of the environment, and public health. Food regulations control these factors, but there are substantial variations in how European countries and America balance safety, innovation, and economic interests. With a focus on finding flaws in the American regulatory system, this thesis compares the rules and regulations overseeing food production in the US and Europe. It examines how these inequalities fuel environmental deterioration, economic inequality, and public health issues. For example, dangerous chemicals like titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, and Red Dye 40 have been restricted in the European Union because of safety concerns. Yet, they are all widely used in the American food supply, raising the issue of the regulatory priorities in America. The benefits of European standards, including those set by the Codex Alimentarius and the EU\u27s proactive initiatives that put consumer safety and environmental sustainability first, are also examined in the thesis. This report aims to provide a path for changing the U.S. regulatory system by identifying practical improvements such as excellent farm-level controls, stringent enforcement measures, comprehensive additive ingredient standards, alignment with international standards, and more labeling transparency. To bring the United States into accordance with global best practices and guarantee a safer, healthier, and more equitable food system for coming generations, this work ultimately promotes a more unified and effective regulatory framework that prioritizes public health, environmental stewardship, and economic justice
When do Justices Vote Against their Ideology?
Get PDFThis paper examines the inherently political nature of the U.S. Supreme Court, focusing on the appointment process, judicial behavior, and the influence of public opinion and how those cause justices to vote against their ideologies. The Supreme Court was created to be an independent judiciary, however, today that proves to be untrue. It analyzes constitutional provisions and the historical development of the Court’s powers, drawing on Federalist No. 78 to emphasize the importance of judicial independence. This study highlights the role of the President and Senate in appointing justices, exploring how political and demographic criteria affect nominations. Additionally, it addresses the Supreme Court\u27s responsiveness to public sentiment, noting that case salience and media coverage significantly impact judicial decision-making. They are highlighting the tension between the Court\u27s intended impartiality and the practical influences of ideological alignment and public opinion. By analyzing the attitudinal model and strategic behavior theories, this paper assesses whether justices can remain ideologically consistent or if they shift decisions to maintain the Court\u27s legitimacy. Ultimately, this highlights that the Supreme Court operates within a complex interplay of law, politics, and public expectations, which shapes both the nomination process and judicial outcomes
Perceived Effectiveness of Student Assessment Methods in Occupational Therapy Education
Get PDFThe supporting evidence for student-centered assessment practices is well-documented in the literature for higher education, but not in the field of occupational therapy (OT) education. There is no agreed-upon best practice for student assessment in OT education from any professional OT governing body, nor is there current OT education research evaluating the relationship between types of assessment methods and their effectiveness. The purpose of the study was to determine OT educators’ perceived effectiveness of student assessment methods they used to measure student competency. A correlational design determined the strength of the relationship between these variables. Differences between OT Doctorate (OTD) and Masters of OT (MOT) program educators’ perceptions were also examined. The sample (n= 224) consisted of educators in MOT and OTD programs in the United States. All demographic data and variables were collected and measured by the created survey instrument, the Perceived Effectiveness of Student Assessment Methods survey. The results concluded a positive relationship between the type of assessment method and perceived effectiveness. Occupational therapy educators reported using a wide variety of assessment methods but most often used methods they perceived to be less effective. Participants perceived certain assessments to be more effective than others, yet the study concluded that OT educators frequently use assessments not consistent with best practice guidelines. A significant difference in assessment methods used between OTD and MOT program educators was also found. The study results suggest OT educators need more training on what best practice in student assessment is and how to design and implement those assessment methods
The Influence of Race: College Students’ Sense of Belonging at their Predominantly White University
Get PDFRacism, underrepresentation, and anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) movements are current, ongoing battles on college campuses across the nation, specifically at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) and universities. This study will examine the influence of race and other relevant factors on undergraduate students’ sense of belonging on their college campuses by understanding how students define and use race to shape and change their lives. The researcher created and distributed an original survey to undergraduate students at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), collecting a total of 466 responses. The study found that race, divided by white and nonwhite categorizations, did not have a statistically significant relationship with sense of belonging. Due to the nature of the study, the reason behind this is unknown, and nonwhite students may possess a sense of belonging to their campus from counterspaces, mentorships, or meaningful interactions and relationships around campus. Furthermore, there are other critical factors that may have a negative influence of sense of belonging, such as experiences with microaggressions and other acts of racism and overall satisfaction with the campus climate at EKU. The study concludes with recommendations at the macro, meso, and micro level, to create more welcoming, inclusive, diverse spaces for all students to feel connected and a part of their college campus environment
Reading Between the Lines: Understanding College Students\u27 Literacy Skills
Get PDFGiven that reading is a complex and multifaceted process, we need a better understanding of how different reading measures assess college students’ reading skills. Furthermore, this study evaluates what reading skills are most influential in determining undergraduate students\u27 GPA. We investigated the relationship between different reading skills (i.e., comprehension, vocabulary, metacognitive awareness, and critical reading behaviors) and academic performance (GPA). Reading skills are especially important within university settings because they are required for academic success. We recruited a sample of 100 students through an online survey hosted on Qualtrics. We found that ACT Reading scores significantly predict GPA. However, vocabulary, metacognitive awareness, and critical reading behaviors do not seem to be related to GPA. Investigating how reading skills influence academic performance will enable faculty to better serve their students and meet their academic needs
The Ultimate How-To Guide: Addressing Sustainability in Fashion
Get PDFEvery year, the pollution in our world increases but few people have addressed this issue. Between the culture of consumerism, little to no recycling, and lack of education, it can feel difficult as a regular person to make a difference. However, it is not impossible. As the consumer, the general public has the ability to enact change. While sustainability in the fashion industry may seem unattainable, making progressive changes in the manufacturing and buying process of clothing will make fashion more eco-friendly over time. With the proper education and guidance, anyone can make more sustainable fashion choices without going outside their price range. Making big, expensive changes all at once is not the way to go. Instead, consider what switches could be made easily, such as buying clothing from “low-end” stores. However, if the resources are possessed to make more permanent changes then consider shopping from fully sustainable brands or making clothing from scratch. These are not the only changes that can be made, but they do represent a large portion of the spectrum of more sustainable purchases. We have the power to make change happen
In Search of Empire\u27s Monsters: Horror and American Imperialism, 1890-1910
Get PDFHorror is a commonly recognized concept that is closely associated with notions of fear and disturbance. However, horror can also serve as a valuable historical tool to learn about the people of the past through what they feared most. As such, this project adopts this historical approach to horror in investigating an often overlooked period of American history: American imperialism in the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. Namely, this project examines the connection between horror and American imperialism to understand how horror shaped and informed imperialism. Performing this examination through the analysis of historical sources that employed subjects of horror from the period, this project ultimately concludes that horror played a prominent role in facilitating American imperialism. The role of horror in this respect can especially be seen in debates over imperialism at the turn of the twentieth century, as both sides of the debate employed horror in varying ways to justify their arguments. Moreover, despite horror being used in different ways, commonalities in the themes and concepts that emerged across uses of horror connected to American imperialism illustrate the dynamics and subjects central to imperialism at the time
Fixing Kentucky: A Comparative Analysis of the Spay and Neuter Options Available to Rural Kentucky Counties
Get PDFThe objective of this research is to determine if there is a substantial difference in the availability of spay and neuter resources in rural Kentucky counties compared to urban Kentucky counties. An analysis of the Kentucky Animal Control Advisory board meeting minutes over the past ten years was conducted to determine how spay and neuter programs are funded, what counties receive funding, and the process for requesting spay and neuter grant support. Rural Kentucky communities are underserved regarding spay and neuter resources because of insufficient funding, limited veterinary and animal care, and inadequate government involvement. Improving access to spay and neuter resources across rural Kentucky communities would benefit the community, improve animal welfare, and open more resources for the animals currently housed in shelters
Effective Methods for Teaching Business Education
No full textThis publication is a collection of recent trends in business education and issues in the post-COVID, post-hurricane, and other post-crisis eras of business education. Content should be based on business education practices, empirical research, and theoretical development. Crises can significantly disrupt the education landscape resulting in significant shifts in the delivery of teaching, innovative teaching practices, and curriculum design. Additionally, there are a number of areas within business education that have been receiving higher levels of attention and focus by educators and administrators. Therefore, a need to explore these topics, phenomena, and calls for future research on areas of interest is a must in business education