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DE-COLONIZING WESTERN MISSIONS: A THEOLOGICAL METHOD TOWARD FAITHFUL, CHRISTIAN EXPANSION
No full textThe heritage of the modern missions movement (beginning in the late eighteenth century) is rooted in Western colonialism. It is the argument of this thesis that the practices of colonization have been inadvertently transferred into the praxis of short-term mission trips (which have become a key vessel through which missionary activity in the United States is conducted). The stance of mission trips implementing the practices of Western colonization is argued based on their assimilation and partnership throughout colonization, with examples that evidence these practices are engaged modernly. I have termed the implementation of colonial practices in modern missions as “neocolonial missions.” A reversal of the theological method of neocolonial missions is provided through the intersection of anthropological, biblical, and theological studies. Finally, I offer praxis to conduct short-term missional work that incorporates into its theological method a cultural awareness of missional history and the modern impact Western colonization has had on missions. All of this is done in hopes of de-colonizing missions from the West to bring about the deep and wide expansion of the Christian faith that is characteristic of the gospel
PRINCIPALS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF TEACHER CERTIFICATION IN RURAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
Get PDFThe literature associated with principals\u27 perceptions of certified/uncertified teachers within private Christian schools is limited, specifically in rural communities. Therefore, little is known about principals’ perceptions of the importance of teacher certification in rural Christian schools. The purpose of the study was to evaluate principals’ perceptions concerning the pedagogical practices of certified teachers as compared to the pedagogical practices of teachers who are not certified. Specific to this study, teacher certification was defined as certification earned through the state or certification through a school-accrediting organization. A total of 82 principals were surveyed and asked to identify their perceptions of the importance of teacher certification and its impact on student achievement in their schools, with 41 private Christian school principals responding to the survey. The study was quantitative and non-experimental by research design, and the specific methodology was a survey research approach. Upon analysis of the study participants’ responses, the conclusion can be drawn that the professional practice dimension of instructional strategies was most associated with and predictive in educational practices that positively impact student achievement
The Great Resignation in Teaching: Servant Leadership Impact on Teacher Retention, Job Satisfaction, and Principal Efficacy during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Get PDFTeacher retention is a global crisis in need of attention specifically through a leadership focus. The crisis has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic encompassing the Great Resignation in the field of teaching and education. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationships between school principals with servant leader behaviors and the impact on teacher retention, teacher job satisfaction, and principal efficacy. The study sought to explicitly identify predictors and patterns between servant leadership dimensions primarily associated with teacher retention, job satisfaction, and principal efficacy. The study also provided insights to the specific dimensions of servant leadership that most affected teacher retention. The data for this study were quantitatively collected through a survey of 1,120 teachers within a kindergarten through 12th grade public school system in the southeastern United States of America. Findings revealed servant leadership has a statistically significant positive effect on teacher retention, job satisfaction, and principal efficacy. A noteworthy finding demonstrated the servant leadership dimension of empowerment is the most effective behavior to retain teachers. A unique finding includes the demonstration of servant leadership behaviors and the positive perception of principal efficacy. These findings indicate the need for specific professional development opportunities and selection processes in organizations that want to emphasize the behaviors of servant leadership. Perhaps together with the findings, researchers and practitioners can begin to challenge the worldwide Great Resignation crisis of teacher turnover that is ultimately affecting students and their achievement, future endeavors, and therefore, society as a whol
EVALUATION OF THE ALIGNMENT OF STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS REGARDING ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN PRIVATE COLLEGE-PREP HIGH SCHOOLS
Get PDFThe stresses of high school students, and the variables that add to their stress, have been researched for decades in numerous formats, but many of these studies do not survey the students’ perceptions on various levels. The purpose of this study was to gain data that would give further insight into the stressors and variables about perceptions of academic success from the context of a private high school student. Eighty-two juniors and seniors in private, college-prep high schools were surveyed concerning their perceptions of parents’ views of academic success. The researcher created a quantitative survey that was completed digitally by respondents. Preliminary analyses of a foundational nature were conducted using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, and data analysis revealed statistical significance for each research question. The respondents showed that they agreed with their parent’s views of academic success, that the students do experience stress in the private high school environment, that “Devotion to Homework” was the most significant perception of academic success, and “Courses Enrolled In” was the greatest predictor of stress. Administrators, teachers, and college counselors will find the implications of this study’s impact on the discussion of navigating student perceptions and stressors in areas of course selection, homework value, and overall variables that threaten the emotional and mental strength of their students
Coming From Behind: The Mindset of Overcoming Adversity
Get PDFThis book is framed around an actual event experienced by Dr. Gabriel McCurtis in the spring of 1975. While a senior at Ventura High School, located in the coastal region of Southern California, Gabriel prepared for the Ventura County Channel League Track and Field Finals that involved several Ventura and Santa Barbara County schools. Gabriel ran the 120-yard high hurdles in 14.8 seconds earlier in the season, which was a good time; however, he experienced a few nasty falls and hit hurdles during the mid-course of the year, which caused him to lose. This book elucidates the various lessons, principles, and changes in Dr. McCurtis’ thinking after reaching the second through tenth hurdles that have impacted his outlook on life and have been instrumental in developing his administrative acumen. The book includes insightful strategies and supporting academic theories to provide the reader with an understanding of how to overcome the most difficult circumstances. Dr. McCurtis writes about his experiences in running the hurdle race to demonstrate that winners indeed can come from behind, not only in a track and field event, but also in all areas of life that entail hindrances that may lead to failure. The book provides readers with practical strategies for dealing with adversity that can be the difference between being labeled a hero or a zero
Trauma-Informed Practices
Get PDFTwo people can go through the same situation and perceive the situation entirely different. Crisis works the same way; a single event can be seen differently based on the person\u27s vantage point, previous traumas, experiences, and worldviews. The crisis or trauma that one experiences can have a lasting impact on the individual’s brain. It is the responsibility of the trauma-informed practitioner to walk the person experiencing trauma through exercises that will retrain their brain, reframe their situation, and get to a place where they function at a higher capacity if the person wants to function at a higher capacity. If not for any other reason, then the gospel and glory of Jesus Christ. Two Latin phrases showcase the varying aspects of righteousness; how we should approach God and others from a trauma-informed perspective. The first Latin phrase is Coram Deo, defined as passive righteousness, the righteousness bestowed unto us by faith alone in Jesus Christ. The second Latin phrase is Coram Mundo, which is active righteousness, and this is the righteousness enacted between us and other human beings. As it pertains to trauma-informed practices, Coram Mundo is the approach used to help individuals who may have mental disorders, substance use disorders, or anything preventing them from functioning at their highest level. Taking a Christ-centered approach to serving communities means being empathetic toward individuals regardless of their religious ideas, sexual orientation, cultural differences, political stance, socioeconomic status, or educational status. Why? Because Jesus did, and Jesus was a trauma-informed practitioner
TEACHING MULTICULTURAL LITERATURE IN THE COLLEGE CLASSROOM
Get PDFDue to a lack of research on the topic and events of 2020, this thesis aims to learn how professors teach multicultural literature to traditional undergraduate students and how students respond to these courses. I focus on pedagogical scholarship that notes the structure, challenges, and impact of teaching this genre in K-12 and higher education classrooms. My conclusions provide educators with a repertoire of teaching strategies, materials, and student feedback to help students critically respond to living in a multicultural nation and world. These conclusions also lessen a gap in research, as there is significantly less published information on teaching multicultural literature in higher education than in K-12 classrooms
Transnational Surfistas and the Development of Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast
Get PDFThis article weaves together data from the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR), online mainstream media sources, and surfing magazines, to tell the story of the development of the Emerald Coast, a historically overlooked periphery in southwestern Nicaragua that evolved into one of the country’s most high-profile and sought-after tourism destinations. The argument is that it is impossible to effectively explain the development of the Emerald Coast without first understanding the role surfing played in this phenomenon. This also serves to contextualize these foreign surfers as part of another wave of transnational engagement with Nicaragua, a country that has long been impacted by foreign actors from the United States and Europe. The convergence of opportunity – cultural, economic, and political forces – and environment facilitated the rise of Nicaragua’s surf tourism industry, which in turn engendered subsequent forms of leisure tourism. Over the course of three decades, this new industry shifted the economic focus of Nicaragua, as tourism became the leading contributor, in terms of revenue, to Nicaragua’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This article places foreign surfers at the center of this phenomenon by telling the story of the development and evolution of the Emerald Coast through the lens of surfing
PERCEPTIONS OF CARDIAC SCREENING OF HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES AMONG ATHLETIC TRAINERS AND HIGH SCHOOL COACHES
Get PDFRegular participation in competitive exercise is associated with cardiac anomalies that can exist in a high school athletes’ heart. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental study was to determine the perceptions of athletic trainers and high school coaches on cardiac screening high school athletes prior to athletic participation. The study also examined seven barriers that are present with the implementation of cardiac screening. The current study was carried out with 104 participants composed of two categories: athletic trainers, and high school coaches. Study participants perceptions were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale survey consisting of 12 questions. Although studies have shown collegiate and professional sports implementation of cardiac screening prior to athletic participation is beneficial to the athlete’s overall health and well-being, the findings from this study indicate the implementation of cardiac screening at the high school level are also beneficial for the high school athlete’s overall health and well-being. School districts should be encouraged to explore the option to implement and administer cardiac screening to their athletes prior to athletic participation. Keywords: Cardiac screening; high school athletes, perceptions of cardiac screening, recommendations for cardiac screening, athletic trainers’, high school coaches, young athletes, detection of cardiac disease, electrocardiogra