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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Critical Literacy: Meeting Twenty-First Century Literacy Demands For Adolescent Learners, Molly Blew
Critical Literacy: Meeting Twenty-First Century Literacy Demands For Adolescent Learners, Molly Blew
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Adolescents’ critical text interpretation skills are important to college, career, and citizenship demands. At present, the literature reflects concerns with adolescents’ ability to interpret academic and internet-based texts critically. The pedagogical framework of critical literacy is presented as an instructional approach that may support the development of adolescents’ critical text interpretation skills. The objective of this study was to understand the perceptions of secondary teachers concerning student proficiency in critical text interpretation, teachers’ current level of implementation of instructional practices consistent with the critical literacy framework, and perceived barriers to implementation. Three hundred thirty four (334) high school teachers were …
How African American Men From Challenging Backgrounds Beat The Odds And Graduated From College, Valisha Terry
How African American Men From Challenging Backgrounds Beat The Odds And Graduated From College, Valisha Terry
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
While Bettis and Sternod (2009) asserted the notion of boys being in crisis as not a new phenomenon but a historically cyclical one, present research contends that African American men are one of the most at-risk groups in the United States. School and criminal-justice systems show similar results. African American men continue to lag in terms of graduation rates and college enrollment, while being overrepresented in victim violence and the criminal justice system. They also lead the nation in homicides as both victims and perpetrators. Despite these obstacles, many at-risk African American men graduate from college and excel in life. …
The Influence Of Quality Of Education On A Regression-Based Method Of Premorbid Estimated Intelligence, Elizabet Santana Marmon-Halm
The Influence Of Quality Of Education On A Regression-Based Method Of Premorbid Estimated Intelligence, Elizabet Santana Marmon-Halm
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional sequelae of brain injury have been shown to exert a substantial negative impact on everyday work-related and social functioning. Accordingly, accurate measurement of any associated cognitive decline is of paramount importance, and clinicians often face the challenge of estimating the patient’s level of intellectual functioning prior to the brain pathology. This study examined the influence of environmental factors, such as education quality on a demographically based formula for estimating premorbid intelligence and focused primarily on an adjusted variable (reading level vs. years of education). The results showed that for the entire sample of the …
A Culture That Fosters Concussions: Does Increased Education Lead To More Accurate Reporting Of Concussions?, Michael Heptig
A Culture That Fosters Concussions: Does Increased Education Lead To More Accurate Reporting Of Concussions?, Michael Heptig
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
With over 1.7 million incidents reported annually, concussion has become the most common class of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States (Bazarian, Zhu, Blyth, Borrino, & Zhong, 2012). As staggering a statistic as this may be, many believe it fails to represent the true number of concussions because the non-reporting of symptoms has been commonplace among athletes (Khurana & Kaye, 2012; Williamson & Goodman, 2006). The aim of this study was to determine those factors that influence the reporting of concussion symptoms. Specific variables that were examined include the amount of concussion education provided (determined by requisite amount …
Teachers' Perceptions Of Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Analysis Of The Relationship Among Teachers' Knowledge, Exposure, And Attitudes, Nicole Jones
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study explored teachers’ knowledge of the causes, characteristics, assessment, and treatments of autism spectrum disorder. This study also examined teachers’ experiences and perceptions of the causality of the disorder. Research questions included whether special-education teachers possessed more accurate knowledge of the disorder and if experience (professional and/or personal) with autism led to more internal causes of autism spectrum disorder. One hundred seventy-two educators who self-identified as a general educator, special educator, paraprofessional, or academic specialist completed a 24-question survey pertaining to the topic. Results showed that, although special educators scored significantly higher on their knowledge questions as compared to …
Identification Of Specific Learning Disability Profiles: Consideration Of Patterns Across Cognitive, Academic, Socio-Emotional, And Executive Variables, Amanda M. Garrett
Identification Of Specific Learning Disability Profiles: Consideration Of Patterns Across Cognitive, Academic, Socio-Emotional, And Executive Variables, Amanda M. Garrett
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
During recent years, there has been a growing urgency and a heightened demand for increased accountability for all students to demonstrate academic success in school, as required by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB; 2002). An integral part of helping students to meet success in school includes providing them with a free and appropriate education; this also includes those students who have educational disabilities, through the provision of specially designed instruction and supports. In the past, SLD had been studied as a homogenous classification (Rourke, 1999). However, as more recent research has evolved, it has become clearer that students …
An Analysis Of The Self-Reported Ethical Competencies Of School Psychologists Across The Continuum Of Professional Development, Laura Williams Monahon
An Analysis Of The Self-Reported Ethical Competencies Of School Psychologists Across The Continuum Of Professional Development, Laura Williams Monahon
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
School psychologists have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about and sensitive to the ethical principles and guidelines of professional conduct. This study sought to determine if there is a relationship between gender, race, age, dates and types of ethics training, number of years of experience, types of credentials and membership in professional school psychology organizations and school psychologists' knowledge and self-perceived skills regarding ethical practices in school psychology. School psychology graduate students and practicing school psychologists were invited to complete a survey that assessed their knowledge of ethical principles. Data also were collected regarding ethics training and ethical problem-solving practices. …
Self-Regulation: The Link Between Academic Motivation And Executive Function In Urban Youth, Sara Ferry Walker
Self-Regulation: The Link Between Academic Motivation And Executive Function In Urban Youth, Sara Ferry Walker
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The present study investigated the relationship between academic motivation and executive function skills through teacher reports of prototypical students, perceived to lack motivation. Second, the study examined the effect of grade level (i.e., elementary, middle, high) on both teacher-perceived academic motivation and executive function skills for these prototypical students. It was hypothesized that there were significant relationships between executive function processes and academic motivation. It was also hypothesized that due to the decline in academic engagement during adolescence, middle school and high school teachers would perceive higher levels of executive dysfunction and deficits in academic motivation than would elementary teachers. …
Social Skills And Autism Spectrum Disorder, Barbara Liberi
Social Skills And Autism Spectrum Disorder, Barbara Liberi
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Children on the autistic spectrum display significant social deficits that negatively impact daily functioning and may lead to serious mental health problems. Research on the effectiveness of school based social skills programs and students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), specifically children identified with Asperger Disorder (AS) and high functioning Autism (HFA), has yielded limited positive outcomes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a school based social skills program, the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS), over a 7 month period with six 8th grade middle school students who had been identified with autism or a social disability. Outcome data and program …
Exploration Of The Effects Of Direct And Indirect Exposure To War On The Educational Performance Of Refugee Children, Paulinus C. Nwoga
Exploration Of The Effects Of Direct And Indirect Exposure To War On The Educational Performance Of Refugee Children, Paulinus C. Nwoga
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
In the past decade, African continent have experienced multiple armed conflicts which have sparked a rapid exodus of refugees seeking asylum (temporary protection) in the United State and other Western countries. In recent years, United State has become the preferred country for Africans who seek temporary protection due to wars and other conflicts in their homeland. This study is an attempt to document degree of adjustment difficulties experienced by refugee children upon acceptance by host country and enrolled into the schools. To further understand the adjustment processes of the refugee children, an archival data from Community Outreach Agency that provides …
An Examination Of Academic Resilience Among High-Achieving Hispanic-American Male Inner City Adolescents, Aida A. Ismael-Lennon
An Examination Of Academic Resilience Among High-Achieving Hispanic-American Male Inner City Adolescents, Aida A. Ismael-Lennon
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Identifying risk and protective factors has been at the cornerstone in resilience research in education. Although this focus has contributed to our understanding of the personal traits inherent in academically resilient students, it fails to expound relationships existing outside of the individual. This study aims to uncover the interrelationship between individual characteristics and the environments that help create academic resilience. Twelve Hispanic-American male inner-city at-risk students, considered resilient, were interviewed about perceived factors leading to their academic success. A qualitative analysis was used to analyze the data, using Strauss & Corbin's (1998) Grounded Theory Approach. The themes that emerged were …
Age At Kindergarten Entrance And Its Relationship To Early Academic Achievement, Joanne E. Perry
Age At Kindergarten Entrance And Its Relationship To Early Academic Achievement, Joanne E. Perry
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study investigated whether age at kindergarten entrance has any effect on future language arts and literacy, using a sample of 340 students entering kindergarten in one largely white, middle-class, New Jersey, suburban school district. Students were grouped by age into two age categories: young (56-59 months) & on-time (60-72 months). Achievement was studied through archived measures of academic performance using correlations and chi square analyses to determine differences in literacy and language arts functioning related to age at school entrance. Results indicated young students were weaker in literacy and language arts achievement in first and second grade, but this …
Examining Cultural Competence Among Osteopathic Medical Students , Sooni Lee
Examining Cultural Competence Among Osteopathic Medical Students , Sooni Lee
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
With the growing number of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States, there also has been a rise in health disparities. Ethnic minorities have been experiencing an overabundance of medical issues, particularly chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Although these chronic diseases are preventable, ethnic minorities are at greater risk for death from them. Possible contributing factors to the increase in health disparities include limited medical attention and follow-up appointments with physicians and the physician-patient relationship. The purpose of this study was twofold: to examine cultural competence among osteopathic medical students and to examine their attitudes toward …
The Relationship Between Student Outcomes And Parental Involvement In Multidisciplinary Iep Team Meetings, David M. Poponi
The Relationship Between Student Outcomes And Parental Involvement In Multidisciplinary Iep Team Meetings, David M. Poponi
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that each special education student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed at least once every year. In addition to school staff, regulations require that parents be invited to the IEP meetings. This study retrospectively reviewed the records of 270 students with educational disabilities in grades six through twelve. Demographic and descriptive data were gathered for each student and were separated according to whether the parent did or did not attend the IEP meeting. End-of-year information was examined regarding final report card grades, absenteeism, and cumulative days of detentions and suspensions. Of these …
Investigation Of The Attitudes Of Doctor Of Psychology Students In An American Psychological Association Accredited Doctoral Program, Mckenzie L. Walker
Investigation Of The Attitudes Of Doctor Of Psychology Students In An American Psychological Association Accredited Doctoral Program, Mckenzie L. Walker
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Student and faculty/administration perceptions of a quality doctoral psychology program may vary. There is minimal research on the perceived quality of doctoral programs and how this is measured, based on student perceptions. Doctoral programs require great investments of time and money. This study focuses specifically on a program self assessment for the 2008-2009 academic year of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Doctor of Psychology program, self-study survey with the doctoral students. The study was conducted using archival data from 108 Doctor of Psychology students identified as being currently enrolled in the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Psychology …
Middle School Teacher Acceptance Of Interventions For Adhd, Linda Latsko Castenova
Middle School Teacher Acceptance Of Interventions For Adhd, Linda Latsko Castenova
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The study explored the relationship between middle school teacher knowledge of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), their knowledge of common interventions for ADHD, and their perception of treatment acceptability. The study also investigated teacher characteristics and their relationship to teacher knowledge of ADHD and their ratings of acceptability of interventions. Fifty-eight general education middle school teachers completed a survey containing demographic information, an ADHD knowledge scale, and a survey on interventions for students with ADHD. Results indicated that teachers scored an average of 58% correct on the Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorders Scale (KADDS), scoring significantly higher on the Symptoms/Diagnosis subscale compared …
Qualitative Analysis Of The Implementation Of An Autism Program Within A Public School District, Lucila F. Hernandez
Qualitative Analysis Of The Implementation Of An Autism Program Within A Public School District, Lucila F. Hernandez
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The study analyzed the development, implementation and success of an educational program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis within a public school structure. Records reviewed for a two year time period identified four phases to program development and implementation, as well as identifying themes and barriers for specific roles, administration, staff and parents. The success of the program is evidenced by growth in the children and by reported satisfaction of parents and staff. A program blue print offers an outline to program development and implementation. Necessary ASD program components, based on literature reviewed are summarized. This study highlights …
Qualitative Study Of Male Asperger's Syndrome Students : Transition From High School To College, Jon Alan Lyman
Qualitative Study Of Male Asperger's Syndrome Students : Transition From High School To College, Jon Alan Lyman
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
This study examines the narrative statements of individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome concerning their recollections of the transition from high school to college. Nine male college students are led, via interviews, starting with their experiences in high school, to the initial stages of preparing for college life, and ending with current experiences in college. Analysis of the data focuses on the factors that have impact on this transition. The study is intended to contribute to the development of qualitative data about Asperger’s Syndrome, informing students with Asperger’s Syndrome who intend to apply to college, and providing recommendations for parents, and professionals …
Examination Of One District's Identification, Assessment Practices, Preventative Interventions, And Longitudinal Literacy Learning Of At-Risk Readers, Lori J. Lennon
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
The purpose of this longitudinal study was to profile Reading Recovery students in one district to examine: (1) the content and predictability of the district’s early intervention screening assessments and progress monitoring tools, (2) the initial and (3) sustained effectiveness of the Reading Recovery preventative program relative to student achievement in first through third grades (4) rates of identification of educational disabilities and special education placements and (5) common variables in intellectual, process, and achievement characteristics of those students who were slow to respond to reading interventions. Participants consisted of students from fifteen elementary schools, within the years 2000 to …
Student Satisfaction And Program Evaluation For The First Three Psy. D. School Psychology Cohorts At The Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine, Ronald M. Deguffroy
Student Satisfaction And Program Evaluation For The First Three Psy. D. School Psychology Cohorts At The Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine, Ronald M. Deguffroy
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
There is a noticeable absence in the professional literature regarding what school psychology doctoral students believe leads to satisfaction during their advanced training. Consequently, a general review of available research was conducted to ascertain what other closely related fields say about student satisfaction during doctoral training. As the document progresses, a variety of issues including funding and mentoring as well as considerations for multicultural and ethical issues as they relate to the topic are investigated. A theoretical model of what constitutes a satisfying experience for doctoral training in school psychology is provided. A program specific evaluation was conducted of the …
Survey Of Teacher Attitude Regarding Inclusive Education Within An Urban School District, Evangeline Kern
Survey Of Teacher Attitude Regarding Inclusive Education Within An Urban School District, Evangeline Kern
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
It is anticipated that inclusion will become more prevalent in classrooms over the next ten years as a result of increasingly stringent federal and state mandates. In order for inclusion to result in adequate yearly progress for all subgroups, it must be implemented properly. Research has demonstrated that a key component for proper implementation is an understanding of baseline attitudes regarding inclusive education held by teachers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes of K-12 regular and special education teachers regarding inclusive education, in an urban Pennsylvania school district, the Chester Upland School District. The study examines …