Digital Commons Network^™

The Sound Of Silence: The Educator’S Perspective On Silence During Staff Meetings, Anne Zito Edd, Karen H. Larwin Phd

Journal of Organizational & Educational Leadership

Staff meetings are a regular occurrence in schools, yet both teachers and principals typically report dissatisfaction with these meetings. The current investigation seeks to understand the viewpoints of public-school teachers on silence during staff meetings. This was the first known investigation on the topic using Q methodology. Data analysis extracted three distinct viewpoints: Get the Party Started, I Don’t Care Anymore, and Don’t Stop Believin’. This study provides the results of data analysis, responds to research questions, and makes recommendations for meeting design and facilitation. The findings indicate how the principal facilitates the meeting seems to have …

Exploring School Leaders' Perceptions Of Gifted Education Educator And Gifted Program Evaluation, Rachel Louise Geesa, Krista M. Stith

Journal of Organizational & Educational Leadership

In an effort to better support the needs of PK-12 students identified as gifted or high-ability, school leaders need to be familiar and comfortable with supporting gifted education educators and developing and evaluating gifted education programs. Gifted education educators should have defined roles and responsibilities, and school leaders need to be prepared to effectively evaluate gifted education educators. In this mixed-methods study, we explored pre-service and in-service school leaders’ perceptions of evaluation of gifted education programs or gifted education educators through responses from one anonymous survey with 36 respondents and one optional, confidential interview with seven participants. The findings from …

Session Iia: English Presentation 3 - Under A Lens: Women And Detective Fiction (Undergraduate), Jennifer Armstrong

Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference

I will be taking a lot at what additional perspectives women authors bring to the detective fiction genre and how that can be used as a social commentary.

Session Ic: Education And Psychology Presentation 2 - Ethical Exploration Of Chatgpt In The Modern K-14 Classroom, Brad Scott

Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference

The work showcases an ethical decision analysis that is rooted in normative and virtue ethics to support educators in choosing to use ChatGPT in their classroom. This paper’s importance is empowered further by the continued development of artificial intelligence language modeling programs, usages from students, and growth of ChatGPT’s integration in CoPilot.

Session Ic: Education And Psychology Presentation 1 - A Closer Look At Stephen Krashen’S Language Theories In The 21st Century, Paula Harvie

Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference

No abstract provided.

Examining Help-Seeking Attitudes In College Student-Athletes: Mental Health Literacy And Stigma, Philip Mullins, Jason Li, Jaime Scherer, Rachel Valentine

Journal of Counseling and Psychology

This study aimed to investigate the predictors of the attitudes of student-athletes toward seeking psychological help. Results from data collected from a sample of 79 college students in a Midwestern university indicated that mental health literacy, self-stigma, and public stigma combined significantly predicted attitudes toward help-seeking. However, when self-stigma and public stigma were controlled, only mental health literacy significantly predicted attitudes toward help-seeking. These findings suggest that mental health literacy is a crucial factor in predicting help-seeking behaviors among college student-athletes, and that stigma can impact help-seeking behaviors. Additionally, mental health literacy was positively correlated with attitudes toward help-seeking, indicating …

Tiktok And Self-Diagnosing Mental Illnesses: Perceived Reliability Factors, Vulnerabilities, And Dangers, Micah Moulder

Undergraduate Honors Theses

TikTok’s popularity and ease of use with short-term consumption allow for greater access to online information. However, this information is not regulated nor fact-checked. Therefore, many users can acquire and spread the wrong messages, behaviors, and ideas surrounding mental illness. The purpose of this research was to examine the effects and factors of TikTok on self-diagnosing mental illnesses. A large literature was conducted to examine the effects of social media and the harms of self-diagnosing on users. Two studies were then developed and administered to determine the relationship between self-diagnosing and TikTok. Correlations, t-tests, and descriptive statistics were used to …

From Heel To Toe: Investigating Plantar Fasciitis Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment Strategies, Breanna Littlejohn

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This presentation informs plantar fasciitis patients. The cause of plantar fasciitis is multifactorial but most cases result from overuse stress. The cause of plantar fasciitis is multifactorial but most cases result from overuse stress. The classic presentation is of sharp localized pain at the heel. In some cases, a heel spur may be found. This presentation explains how exercise can improve plantar fasciitis. Reviewing risk factors will help you identify and manage plantar fasciitis when undergoing treatment. Understanding plantar fasciitis is crucial as it is a common and painful condition affecting the bottom of the foot. This inflammation of the …

The Impact Of The Science Of Reading Required Training On The Reading Proficiency Levels Of Third-Grade African American Male Students, Tonya Campbell

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Proficiency in reading is an essential skill for achieving success in the modern era, and African American students have struggled with reading due to insufficient support during literacy instruction. Through the implementation of the Science of Reading™ course, this research aimed to examine the effect of the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS™) curriculum on the success of African American third-grade males based on the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready (SC READY™) summative assessments and Northwest Academic Evaluation Measures of Academic Progress (NWEA MAP™) data. This study followed the year before LETRS™ was introduced (2019), the 2 …

A Program Evaluation Of The Mtss Framework In Grades 1-3 And The Perceived Impact On Tier 3 Reading Students, Amy Wilson Fonseca

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This mixed methods program evaluation evaluated the implementation of the multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework in one North Carolina school district. It examined the perceived teacher impact of the program implementation for Tier 3 reading students in first through third grades. The vision for employing the MTSS framework in North Carolina is for all prekindergarten through 12^th-grade public education organizations to implement and sustain all areas of an MTSS to ensure students are college-, career-, and community-ready (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction [NCDPI], 2021). I used the study's results to determine how various stakeholders perceive program …

A Mixed Methods Study Of Efficacy And Digital Learning Competencies For School Administrators In A Rural North Carolina District, Stephanie B. Harrell

Doctor of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this mixed methods research study was to determine the efficacy of digital learning competencies for school administrators in a rural eastern North Carolina district. The study had four research questions that were answered through a survey and a focus group. The survey had 44 quantitative items that participants chose from a 4-point Likert scale and two open-ended questions. A total of 20 administrators from District A completed the survey. A focus group with four participants was conducted following the closing of the survey to gain a better understanding of the results from the survey. Previous research in …

New Principal Perceptions Of Assistant Principal Leadership Experiences That Prepare Assistant Principals For The Principalship, Ralph E. Chew

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Due to several factors, including salary and increased demands, there is a shortage of qualified leaders to assume the principal role. Although there is a shortage, there is also a bench of credentialed leaders in assistant principals. The problem is identifying how school districts and principals build the capacity of and prepare their assistant principals for the principal role. This study explored how novice principals perceived how their experiences as assistant principals prepared them for the principalship and the perceived role of current principals in preparing their assistant principals for the principalship. An explanatory mixed methods approach was utilized. Novice …

Student-Teacher Relationships: Impact On Students In An Online Credit Recovery Program, Cheryl Marie Wright

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of student-teacher relationships in an online credit recovery program to provide information that will benefit student achievement at the classroom level. The nature of online learning does not promote the engaging interaction that the traditional face-to-face classroom embraces. Online credit recovery is specialized for students who have failed one or more high school courses. Some students who fail a course may lose confidence in their learning abilities, which could cause negative emotional and social consequences. This study was significant because it showed how important teacher relationships are for online credit recovery students’ academic …

A Case Study To Determine The Literacy Needs Within Remediation Practices For Students In Grades 1-3, Miranda M. Gillis

Doctor of Education Dissertations

In order to effectively teach reading, it is not enough for a teacher to possess knowledge and skills alone. It is equally important to use evidence-based instructional approaches and interventions, especially when working with at-risk or struggling students. Without appropriate instructional materials and contexts, even the most competent teacher may fail to teach essential literacy skills, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, spelling, and writing processes. As the importance of teacher quality gains attention at the state and federal levels, lesson structure and allocation of lesson time for literacy-related activities have become a focus. The emergence of structured literacy underscores …

Understanding Preservice Teacher Self-Efficacy Toward Science And Science Instruction After Completing An Online Science Methods Course: A Case Study, Bradley T. Rhew

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Preservice educators are required to enroll in multiple methods courses to prepare them to effectively teach content to students. With the increase of online teacher preparation programs, methods courses are also being offered virtually. This study sought to investigate the overall attitudes, beliefs, and preparedness of candidates after completing an online science methods course. A mixed methods study was conducted to gain insight into these topics. The case study was conducted at a small, southern, private university to better understand the self-efficacy of undergraduate elementary education candidates who completed an online methods course. The study also investigated the instructor’s perceptions …

The Principal's Role In Creating A Culturally Responsive Learning Environment, Freda J. Allen

Doctor of Education Dissertations

Many educators believe the implementation of culturally responsive strategies may help to increase the engagement and academic success of students of color. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not culturally responsive leadership (CRL) strategies were consistently being implemented in schools with large percentages of minority students. The research for this study was based on the CRL Framework developed by The Leadership Academy in 2022. This mixed methods study explored the practices of current school administrators and compared them to the perceptions of staff members. Staff members from three high schools completed a 23-question survey with a …

The Early Prevention Of Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Aruodo Ukpai

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Frequent and proper foot exams and foot care are fundamental in decreasing the incidence and morbidity of diabetic foot ulcers, yet many patients are still not screened at appointments or educated on the importance of foot exams. This research planned to address the lack of foot care education and foot assessments amongst patients with Type 2 diabetes. Past research done on this focused on providing education to diabetic patients either at home or in a setting where patients can come and receive the education. To our knowledge, no research has been done on the use of video teaching to provide …

Cardiovascular Disease Improvement Project, Deglan K. Mccrystal

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Health prevention promotes positive healthcare outcomes by identifying risk factors associated with a disease process in its early stages to halt or slow its progression. Preventions, like routine screenings, facilitate the identification of risk factors or the initiation of treatment of a disease. Identifying risk factors, which often go unrecognized, helps to manage conditions like cardiovascular disease before it progresses in severity. Early treatment options or identifying risk factors that lead to cardiac disease positively impact healthcare costs by reducing the number of hospital visits, emergency services, and the need for costly long-term care. Prevention increases the quality of disease …

Increased Concern Of Suicide Behaviors In The Adolescent Population, Jaime Shareen-Porter Earle

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This quality improvement project focused on addressing the concern for the increase of depression, anxiety, and self-harm behaviors among adolescents, which can lead to suicidal ideation and attempts. Suicide behaviors have increased among adolescents, and research revealed that suicide is the second leading cause of death in this population. An educational PowerPoint was presented to members of the community on suicide behaviors, how to identify the behaviors, and where to get support and resources in the community. Pre- and post-surveys were used to assess the participants' knowledge and confidence levels before and after project implementation. The surveys contained the same …

Introducing Mental Health Resources To Nurse Practitioner Residents, Tiffanie Bailey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This DNP Project identified the increased need for mental health resources after the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies showed the rate of anxiety, depression, and substance use has also been on the rise since the beginning of the pandemic. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic began to devastate the country mentally and physically, it became quickly apparent that additional resources to provide support for those suffering from mental illness were essential. This project aimed to introduce a Mental Health First Aid course within the Residency Program at the Center for Family Guidance. Participants were asked to complete a pre-test indicating their …

A Review Of The Effects Of Different Types Of Stigmas On The Retention Rates Of Patients In Medication-Assisted Treatment And How To Combat The Problem, Pamela Cox

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

It is difficult to turn on the news without hearing about the opioid epidemic or a recent opioid overdose. There is hope because there is a treatment to help prevent this epidemic. That treatment is known as medication-assisted therapy (MAT), where patients can present and, if they meet the criteria, can be given a prescription for buprenorphine/naloxone combination medication. Treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone has been shown to be highly effective treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Even though it has been proven that this combination works, less than 20% of patients diagnosed with SUD present for treatment. This study focused on …

Determining The Need For 23-Hour Observation Following Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusions: A Patient Perspective On Recovery At Home, Lacey Irias

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is becoming more frequently performed in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Subsequently, patients are scheduled for an option to undergo a 23-hour observation which requires staff preparation. The preparation increases costs and creates a shortage during a standard daytime shift which can reflect negatively on patient care. Most patients elect to be discharged the same day, on account of experiencing minimal pain and seeking the comfort of their own home. The goal of this DNP project was to assess the necessity of scheduling a patient 23 hours for observation following a …

Mental Health And The Black Church: Decreasing The Division In Divinity, Latonya Gray

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Racial disparities in mental health care persist for Black Americans, with only one in three who need treatment receiving it. The care they do receive is often of a poorer quality than that of other groups. Faith communities serving Black members could help address this gap by partnering with mental health professionals to meet congregants' needs. With mental health now at the forefront of public discourse, considering the specific needs of the Black community is critical. Black Americans face disproportionate mental health burdens but are more likely to seek counsel from clergy due to cultural stigma. Educating clergy on mental …

Increasing Organ Donation In A University Setting, Zachary Hatton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The literature shows a strong correlation between education on organ donation and increased organ donation registration. Society has depicted a description of organ donation that is hostile and untrue. Increasing organ donation registration with knowledge sets the foundation of a grassroots movement to increase understanding and change society’s viewpoint(s) on organ donation. An education session on organ donation was developed and presented to the targeted population of 18–24-year-old students at a university in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The focal point of the presentation was to dispel myths, educate on facts, and create a better understanding of organ donation …

Bridging The Gap: Strategies To Enrich The Clinical Experience Of Undergraduate Nursing Students To Improve Clinical Judgment Skills, Gabrielle Hope

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Introduction: The lack of competent clinical judgement among new graduate nurses contributes to poor patient outcomes, negatively impacting patient satisfaction scores, and subsequently raising the cost of healthcare for consumers. This project explores how reflective journaling and cooperative learning activities contribute to the development of critical thinking of nursing students during their Nursing Fundamentals clinical practicum.

Methods: Seventeen students enrolled in a private university nursing program were selected as the sample. The students were introduced to the recommended learning strategies and invited to anonymously participate in a pre-survey and post-survey. The surveys were identical in content and consisted …

Improving Parental Communication With Adolescents About Sex, Amanda Blanton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In 2018, 68 million people in the United States were infected with a sexually transmitted infection. Of those 68 million, 26 million cases were newly diagnosed, and of that 26 million, half were youth aged 15-24 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022a). The approaches to educating our youth about sexual health are inconsistent, leading to misconceptions about the dangers associated with risky sexual behavior. However, parents have the upper hand in discussing sexual health information with their children by being the child’s first contact and source of information. Teens who report talking with their parents about sex are …

Improving Sexually Transmitted Infections (Sti) Education And Access To Education For Healthcare Workers In A Rural Ambulatory Clinic, Savannah Elmore

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are prevalent across the United States, with one in five people diagnosed in 2018, resulting in nearly $16 billion in medical costs. The prevention and treatment of STIs have been identified as a priority area for improvement, with healthcare providers playing a critical role in education, diagnosing, and treating STIs. The aim of this capstone project was to improve STI education and access to education for healthcare workers in a rural ambulatory clinic. Through a needs assessment and the development of objectives and a timeline, the project identified and addressed gaps in STI education and resources, …

How Animal Assisted Therapy With Dogs Is Understood And Perceived Among Health Care Providers And The General Public In Canada, Healey Gardiner Dr., Jill Singleton-Jackson Dr.

Journal of Counseling and Psychology

When a dog is included in treatment to meet an individual’s therapeutic goal it is known as Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT). Although AAT has increased in popularity, limited research exists regarding its efficacy. According to the diffusion of innovation theory an innovation must be properly communicated to all appropriate channels before it may be adopted into practice. Little is known about how AAT is understood and perceived among healthcare professional and public populations in Canada. In the present study, health care professionals and the general public in Canada were surveyed. Attitude toward dogs, openness to experience, agreeableness, and subjective distress were …

Fostering The Multicultural Efficacy Of Principal Candidates, Karen D. Jones

Journal of Organizational & Educational Leadership

This mixed methods study was completed with principal preparation candidates. Data was collected using the Multicultural Efficacy Scale (MES) and focus group interviews. Principal candidates’ multicultural efficacy was measured before and after participating in monthly diversity seminars and reflections. The diversity seminars provided first-person storytelling from diverse members of school communities including individuals from different LGBTQ, race, religion, socio-economic status, and language backgrounds. The study found principal candidates had improved multicultural efficacy at the end of the year-long diversity series. Research shows this could lead to supportive behaviors as social justice-oriented school leaders.

A Case Study For The Leadership Initiative For Supporting (Bilingual) Teacher Acquisition (Lista), Sarah M. Straub, Brian Uriegas, Tingting Xu

Journal of Organizational & Educational Leadership

This paper presents a qualitative pilot study program evaluation of the Leadership Initiative for Strategic (Bilingual) Teacher Acquisition (LISTA) program in a rural region of Texas. The LISTA program aimed to empower bilingual leaders in education by addressing the limited availability of leadership coaching, particularly tailored to recognize and affirm the cultural capital of Hispanic/Latino leaders. The sessions were organized and developed by an experienced leadership coach with a strong focus on equity and social justice in the education and nonprofit sectors. Through a methodology encompassing open-ended survey questions, focus groups, and reflective journals, this evaluation assesses the program's impact …