Digital Commons Network^™

Stakeholder Opinions On Accessible Informational Products Helpful In Building Positive, Practical Solutions To Behavioral Challenges Of Individuals With Mental Retardation And/Or Autism, Michael B. Ruef, Ann P. Turnbull

Graduate Studies in Education

The purpose of the study was twofold: (a) to explore the perceptions of administrators and policy makers, families, friends, individuals with challenging behavior and mental retardation and/or autism, researchers, and teachers regarding current behavioral information and dissemination and (b) to elicit suggestions on the kinds of userfriendly, low-cost informational products that they thought would be most helpful in increasing quality of life while reducing or eliminating behavioral challenges in individuals with disabilities. A qualitative method of inquiry using telephone focus groups and individual interviews was used. The study points to the importance of receiving condensed positive behavioral support information on …

Changing Times, Changing Relationships: An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Superintendents And Boards Of Education, George J. Petersen, Lance D. Fusarelli

Graduate Studies in Education

Historically in the United States, states have delegated much of their authority over educational policy to local school districts. However, reform and restructuring efforts as well as a weakening economy have placed enormous political and financial pressure on schools to do more with less, yet continue to demonstrate effective leadership at the district level. Research literature focused on district leadership indicates that the relationship between the superintendent and board of education has a significant impact on the quality of a district's educational program.

This conceptual paper explores the implications of three distinct trends on the relationship between superintendents and boards …

The School Board President’S Perception Of The District Superintendent: Applying The Lenses Of Social Influence And Social Style, George J. Petersen, Paula M. Short

Graduate Studies in Education

This exploratory study used components found in social influence theory and social style to examine the school board president’s perceptions of the district superintendent’s ability to influence the construction of the board agenda and voting decisions made by school boards in 131 randomly chosen school districts. Social influence theory and social style suggest that credibility, social attractiveness, assertiveness, and emotiveness are effective and compelling elements of influence. Results from this study suggest that favorable board decision making for superintendent-recommended action items is closely related to the superintendent’s trustworthiness (perceived use of skills and knowledge for the good of the district), …

The Complexity Of Substantive Reform: A Call For Interdependence Among Key Stakeholders, Michelle D. Young, George J. Petersen, Paula M. Short

Graduate Studies in Education

The field of educational leadership faces serious challenges in the 21st century. To name but a few, these challenges include the shortage of principals and superintendents, the growing demands of leadership positions, the struggle for adequate resources, the increasing trend to seek leaders from outside of education, and the content and effectiveness of school leadership preparation and professional development. Although each of these challenges could be viewed as separate issues that warrant sustained and serious attention, it is also important to point out their interdependencies. Like many issues confronting our nation today, the challenges facing educational leadership are complex and …

Exceptional University Programs: Fordham University, George J. Petersen, Barbara L. Jackson, Bruce S. Cooper

Graduate Studies in Education

No abstract provided.

Ucea Program Centers Review, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

The primary purpose of a UCEA Program Center is to work in a target area of interest over a substantial period of time through identifying and linking the interests and resources of UCEA-member and non-member institutions, school districts, and governmental agencies. Currently UCEA has eight program centers. Each of these centers has contributed greatly to UCEA’s mission through their involvement of faculty in timely and significant work in focused areas of inquiry. The presence of these centers has also added a vibrant dimension to their respective departmental academic activities. They have made substantial contributions to knowledge production and the exchange …

Exceptional University Programs: University Of Missouri-Columbia, George J. Petersen

Graduate Studies in Education

No abstract provided.

Wie Personen Mit Autismus Und Geistiger Behinderung Das Eigene Problemverhalten Sehen - Eine Qualitative Untersuchung Unter Einbeziehung Von Fokusgruppen, Michael B. Ruef

Graduate Studies in Education

In dieser Untersuchung wurde den Fragen nachgegangen, a) wie Personen mit einer geistigen Behinderung und/oder autistischen Störungen das eigene Problemverhalten hinsichtlich seiner Auslösung und Überwindung interpretieren und b) welche hilfreichen Vorschläge die Betroffenen entwickeln, die eigene Lebensqualität zu verbessern, um dadurch auch das eigene Problemverhalten zu reduzieren bzw. zum Verschwinden zu bringen. Methodisch wurde mit qualitativen Forschungsansätzen gearbeitet. Die Informationen wurden an sog. Fokusgruppen und anlässlich von Interviews erhoben. Die aus der qualitativen Forschung geläufigen Techniken der Informationssammlung und Datenreduktion, der Generierung von thematischen Kategorien und Kodes und der Interpretationen von wiederkehrenden Themen führten zu bemerkenswerten Ergebnissen. So zeigte sich, …