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AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ READING PERFORMANCE SCORES BEFORE AND AFTER COVID-19
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to explore the reading performance scores of elementary school students in one school district before and after school closures due to COVID-19. This nonexperimental, exploratory study of quantitative, archival data was designed to explore a single cohort (N = 2,006) of third- through fifth-grade students’ i-Ready reading diagnostic scale scores from five different assessment periods: before school closures in spring 2020 and four subsequent assessment periods after face-to-face instruction resumed in fall 2020. The research sample excluded exceptional student education students and English language learners who had been retained. Mean scale scores of the research cohort were compared to the school district’s 2018-2019 i-Ready norms and to the 2018-2019 i-Ready national norms for each of the five assessment periods. The results of the comparisons revealed that the research cohort’s mean reading scale scores were significantly different from the district and national norm groups’ mean reading scale scores. The research sample’s mean reading scale scores were slightly higher than those of the target district’s norm group; however, the mean scores and the effect sizes were small. The research cohort’s reading scores were significantly lower than the scores of the 2018-2019 national norm group. Although the students in the research cohort demonstrated small increments of reading progress over time, the rate of progress was not commensurate with the 2018-2019 national norm group’s rate of progress.
Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, reading performance, reading achievement, elementary education, reading development, i-Read
BEST BIBLE STUDY METHODS FOR DISCIPLESHIP FORMATION: HOW BIBLE STUDY AS A SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE SHAPES BELIEVERS
Get PDFBecause the Christian faith depends upon Christ\u27s life, teachings, death, and resurrection, believers should strive to become more like Him daily. In this regard, the late theologian C.S. Lewis would argue that every Christian should become a “little Christ.” According to research conducted by Barna Research Group, four of five Christians list personal spiritual development and having a deep commitment to Christ as a priority. However, only one in five Christians is involved in any spiritual development activities outside of attending church services. Thus, few Christians are actually investing energy into their spiritual growth. Discipleship formation, known interchangeably as spiritual formation, is the process in which followers of Christ embark to become like Him— thus, transformation is the goal. Many spiritual disciplines facilitate the spiritual growth of believers; however, Bible study is fundamental, as it not only helps believers gain insight into God and the Christian faith but also regarding what it means to be Christlike. This thesis aims to demonstrate that Bible study as a spiritual discipline is essential for transformative discipleship formation for believers within the Christian community. Therefore, employing effective Bible study methods during personal Bible study is necessary so that it may shape the lives of those called to follow Christ. In this respect, four Bible study methods will be examined in this thesis paper and promoted for use in personal Bible study for discipleship formation for those in the Christian community
Masculine Desire and Feminine Imitation: Contextualizing Heterosexual Relationships in Sister Carrie
Get PDFTheodore Dreiser is generally considered one of the greatest American naturalist authors across the genre. His depiction of life is gritty and harsh, his characters at the mercy of their natural impulses and their unforgiving environment. However, there is also a sentimental element to Dreiser’s work, especially in his portrayal of romantic relationships. In the face of unrelenting adversity, there is a glimmer of possibility in the longing for meaningful human connection, if only under different circumstances. While Dreiser’s naturalistic approach suggests that such relationships can never be truly fulfilling due to either the innate frailty of the participants or the outside forces acting upon them, he does not discount the value of love and affection. This thesis analyzes Dreiser’s first novel, Sister Carrie, and the relationships among its three principal characters: Carrie Meeber, Charles Drouet, and George Hurstwood. Close attention is given to the female perspective, particularly what romantic relationship requires her to compromise or sacrifice. With respect to male desire and female imitation, heterosexual relationships are presented as transactional, the primary motivators of which are biological and socioeconomic, and are informed according to gender
Tearing Down and Building Up in the Contemporary Workplace: How Reflective Writing Inspires Workplace Learning and Well-Being
Get PDFContinuous learning is critical for workers and organizations, but traditional learning strategies may be less effective as constantly changing business demands and individual needs among diverse and geographically dispersed workers may create barriers to performance and sustainability. Although alternative learning approaches such as experiential and double-loop learning may introduce risks by uncovering new challenges, they may also benefit workers and organizations when designed to bolster empathy and encourage a better understanding of pressures and stress. Reflective writing is an adaptable alternative learning approach that can be paired with existing workplace learning strategies or tailored to specific needs and learning outcomes. As this topic has not been widely studied in corporate environments, the current research discovered how reflective writing experiences might influence workers’ learning and well-being. Data from individual and guided writing experiences were analyzed using a hermeneutic phenomenological method. The results suggested that self-awareness, critical thinking, and emotional release may be potential benefits of reflective writing and offered reflective writing as a possible means for organizations to enhance workplace learning and well-being
How The United States Can Improve the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders
Get PDFOver thirty million people worldwide suffer from diagnosed drug-use disorders. In the United States alone, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found in the 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) that of people aged 12 or older, over 40 million reported struggling with substance abuse at some point in their life. Alarming statistics suggest that rates of drug abuse continue to rise worldwide. Drug use is a recognized epidemic in the United States, and it is far from a recent issue. Health professionals, government officials, and researchers have been trying to solve the problem for decades. That may seem discouraging when faced with the fact that current methods of preventing and treating substance abuse disorders have proven ineffective. However, there are mountains of optimistic evidence, both old and new, in the United States and worldwide to suggest that the goal of lessening drug abuse is finally tangible. The research and resources are all available to be able to make the necessary changes and solve the problem. But none of these changes can be implemented until drug addiction is recognized as a mental health problem, not a criminal justice problem. This shift in mentality is crucial if any real progress is to be made. But once it has, the United States can significantly improve the prevention and treatment of substance abuse disorders. This improvement is possible if three questions are answered: How can substance abuse disorders be prevented? How is intervention possible so those who desire help can seek it? And lastly, how can methods of rehabilitation be improved to ensure that sobriety is sustainable? The United States can improve in the area of prevention by focusing on the development of stronger communities and increasing education on the dangers of illicit substances. Both have proven effective, especially in adolescence, as methods of preventing drug use. The United States can improve in the area of intervention by making it easier and safer for those with substance abuse disorders to seek help. This can be done by working to destigmatize and decriminalize drug use. Combs 2 When drug use is destigmatized, it is easier for those affected to get help, as there is less of a fear of judgement and persecution from peers. When drug use is decriminalized, it is safer to get help because addicts don’t have to worry about receiving jail time when what they need is effective care. Finally, the United States can improve in the area of rehabilitation by helping to provide support for community-based treatments and putting more funding into the research and development of medication-assisted treatment. Community-based programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous, are constantly mentioned (both in formal studies and as anecdotes) as one of the most effective ways for people to sustain their sobriety. Medication-assisted treatment can be helpful in weaning withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to quit. There is controversy surrounding the areas of decriminalization and medication-assisted treatment in terms of efficacy, but professionally have proven that the benefits of these two ideas far out way the harms. As a matter of fact, the decriminalization of illicit substances in Portugal was wildly successful and can act as a sort of case study for those debating the issue. Experts felt that there were a number of reasons people turn to drugs, and it was simply ineffective to treat it as a purely criminal problem. As a result of decriminalizing drugs, they saw a decrease in problematic drug use, recidivism, and HIV rates, and they did not see an increase in drug use as many feared they would, thus proving that this approach has been effective in other countries and can be effective in the United States as well. As stated before, substance abuse disorders are an epidemic in the United States. Drug overdoses account for nearly 100,000 deaths every year and it is estimated that nearly one million people have overdosed in the United States since 1999. Under the status quo, these numbers are rising. Substance abuse disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, religion, race, occupation, social status, or income bracket. To ignore this issue, or to continue to treat drug use as a criminal justice problem instead of a Combs 3 mental health problem is to ignore decades of science confirming that this is a treatable problem. It is a difficult issue. But difficult is not the same as impossible. The United States can significantly improve the prevention and treatment of substance abuse disorders
The Impact of Burnout on Career Commitment Among Physicians, Clergy, and Law Enforcement During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quantitative Study
Get PDFThe long-term effects of the COVID-19 crisis among helping professionals such as physicians, law enforcement officers, and clergy remain unknown. The strain and enormous stress encountered by these professionals are profound and concerning (Benham et al., 2020; Greene et al., 2020; Stogner et al., 2020). In this study, the researcher explored the effects of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment) on career commitment among helping professionals including physicians, law enforcement officers, and clergy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, the findings provided insight on the general causes and effects of burnout including possible solutions to counter its effects. Additionally, the researcher examined the causes, effects, and potential solutions regarding burnout for each of the participating helping professions. The data for this quantitative study were collected through a survey completed by 484 participants located in two southwestern states in the United States. This study contributes to the body of literature by confirming a relationship between burnout and low career commitment for the aggregate sample, and by confirming that the three factors of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment) significantly predicted scores of low career commitment. Further, the findings revealed that there are statistically significant differences in levels of the three factors of burnout and career commitment between the three professions
PERCEPTIONS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENTS REGARDING FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP SCHOOLS™ MODEL
Get PDFThis study provides an overview of the literature of Florida’s only Community Partnership Schools™ model, as a strategy to enhance family and community engagement in low performing high poverty elementary schools. More specifically, the focus of this study was to determine to what degree parents perceived the effectiveness of family and community engagement strategies within the school. The positive correlation between family and community engagement on student achievement has been well documented. Such partnerships provide additional resources to help students who live in areas where cultural and economic factors erect barriers that adversely impact learning. Although several studies have been published on this topic, school administrators continue to seek effective family and community engagement model that led to school improvement and individual student success (Mapp & Kuttner, 2014)
Southeastern Alumni Magazine- Winter 2022
Get PDFINTRODUCING THE POWELLS: SEU’S NEW CAMPUS PASTORS James and Brittany Powell are SEU’s new campus pastors. Beginning in the summer of 2021, James stepped into the role of executive director for spiritual formation, and Brittany started serving as the director of ministry operations. The Powells have been working side by side in ministry roles across the country since 2011.
MEET LEXI — SEU’S CERTIFIED THERAPY DOG Lexi is Southeastern’s very own certified therapy dog who resides in the university’s tutoring center. During the academic year, Lexi is available to meet with students, staff and faculty with no appointment necessary.
FORD CREATES POSITIVE CHANGE ON AND OFF THE COURT Fire men’s basketball player Devon Ford took the initiative to create positive change not only among his own team, but also among the entire Lakeland community. Through honest discussions and outreach events, Devon worked to make a lasting impact on his teammates, fellow students and community members.
FROM BUILDING COMPUTERS TO BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS What began as a self-taught hobby for Joseph “Joe” Lamb in the ’90s led to a successful career in information technology and business management. Overseeing companies large and small, Joe has owned and operated businesses of his own. His most recent venture is known as RedVine Operations, a platform he created to provide mentoring and coaching services to Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
HOLLY SHORT — MINISTRY IN THE MILITARY Although it wasn’t always clear, Lt. Holly Short was called to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. Currently stationed at the United States Naval Academy as the First Battalion Chaplain, Holly is a Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer and has been serving as a Navy chaplain for eight years.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE: A GRADUATION 31 YEARS IN THE MAKING At the age of 52, Mark Macri graduated from Southeastern and received a bachelor’s degree that he had first begun over 30 years ago. With the help of SEU’s Finish Line program, Mark proved that it’s never too late to pursue a degree.https://firescholars.seu.edu/seu_alumni/1016/thumbnail.jp
A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF AUGUSTINE’S PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
Get PDFA philosophy of education consists of varying values and beliefs that coalesce to form a coherent and structured approach to curriculum and instruction. Today, a diverse number of philosophies exist, each with its own set of standards, priorities, and points of emphasis like intellectual and vocational development. However, philosophies emphasizing moral development as an integral feature of both intellectual and vocational development are not as popular. Although some forms of moral education exist, disagreements over its value, purpose, and implementation remain prevalent. The following qualitative study examined the works of Augustine of Hippo, a proponent of moral education, to identify his philosophy of education. Utilizing qualitative content analysis, themes within the works of Augustine concerning education were codified and used to form a narrative describing his philosophy of education. The study identified truth, morality, instruction, and teacher authority as the primary themes of his philosophy of education. Additionally, the sub-themes of scientia (knowledge) and sapientia (wisdom) and their relationship formed the core of his philosophy. The conclusion of this study is that Augustine’s philosophy of education provides a well-structured theory of learning that is able to harmonize the intellectual, vocational, and moral components of education via an external and objective standard
WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS FREEDOM: A CRITIQUE OF LIBERAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Get PDFWe seek to develop a theological and metaphysical critique of the liberal understanding of religious freedom that is juridical in nature, revealing that what it can only mean by both “religion” and “freedom” are inadequate under the light of Christian orthodoxy. Not only is inadequate, but it does not allow orthodoxy to flourish under it, swallowing up all would-be competitors under its own liberal monism. This study pulls heavily from Roman Catholic Communio theology and its already broad critique of liberalism and liberal religious freedom, but also correlates those enlightening critiques with Pentecostalism, bringing an analogous critique of liberal religious freedom from a distinctly Pentecostal theology. In the end, we show that Pentecostalism will have to remove some internal contradictions in order to fully move into a post-liberal and distinctly Christian vision of religious freedom, but that those stumbling blocks can be removed by moving deeper into its truly Catholic elements, bringing forth interesting horizons for ecumenical dialogue that move beyond the scope of this study’s argument