Digital Commons Network^™

Considerations For School Leadership In Leveraging School-Based Behavior Analysis For Systemic Improvement In Public Education, Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Network, Kira Austin, Elizabeth Boynton, Amanda K. Cash, Meredith Eads, Daniel Irwin, Selena Layden, Daria K. Lorio-Barsten, Emily Muise, Nadine Pittman, Felicia Shelton, Indya Watts-Graves

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Public schools face significant challenges, including rising student behavioral needs, chronic absenteeism, and high rates of teacher burnout. These issues are interconnected with and inextricably linked to a need for effective, evidence-based behavioral supports. Educators frequently enter the field lacking the necessary skills and training to manage complex student behavior, often resulting in a reliance on punitive practices that exacerbate problems.

This paper proposes that the expertise of school-based behavior analysts (SBBAs), who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) specializing in education, offers a powerful, underutilized solution. SBBAs are trained in applied behavior analysis (ABA), a data-driven science focused on …

University Of Central Florida Graduate Catalog, 2025-2026, University Of Central Florida

UCF Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Monarch: Old Dominion University Magazine, Victoria Bourne (Editor)

Monarch Magazine

Spring/Summer 2026 issue of Monarch, the Old Dominion University Magazine.

Subtitled: Honoring a HEROIC Monarch

Designing Narrative-Based Ai Assistance For Sensemaking In Collaborative Environments: Case Studies In Education And Dementia Care, Dylan Edward Moore

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

This thesis addresses a gap in the human-computer interaction literature regarding the design, development, and evaluation of narrative-based AI assistance for collaborative, complex problem solving. I explore this design space through three case studies across the domains of education and dementia care. This work encompasses multi-year industry partnerships and longitudinal fieldwork, user-centered design, dataset curation, model training, and system evaluation.

Specifically, the first case study considers a story-based web platform for teaching AI literacy through peer-generated, personalized narrative scaffolding. Learners on the platform showed significant knowledge gains and other learning-related outcomes. To describe the novel design of this system, I …

Speaking Up Online And Offline: The Effects Of Social Media-Based E-Portfolios In Empowering Efl Students' Speaking Performance, I Putu Indra Kusuma, Luh Indrayani

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Although e-portfolios are widely acknowledged for enhancing EFL students’ speaking skills, most studies assessed performances offline, leaving limited evidence of their impact across both modes. This study examined the effects of social media-based e-portfolios combined with classroom instruction on students’ speaking performance in online and offline contexts. A mixed-methods experimental design was employed, involving 46 Indonesian university students divided into an experimental and a control group. Data were collected through online and offline pre- and post-speaking tests, a speaking performance rubric, and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis using One-Way MANOVA, Univariate ANOVA, paired sample t-test, and effect size revealed significant improvements …

Promises Fulfilled: 114-Year-Old Alelia Murphy’S Life Of Faith And Resilience, Jacqueline B. Koonce

Bilingual and Literacy Studies Faculty Publications

Alelia Murphy was the oldest living person in the United States, turning 114 in July 2019 until her death in November 2019. She and her family credit her longevity to her faith in God. This premise is explored through her words as she stated she had not seen everyone she needed to see and compared that statement to Simeon from the Bible who did not die until he saw the Messiah. Alelia Murphy also had not seen everything. She was seeing the relative success of her much admired, former President Barack Obama, and she had just met me, her great …

Where’S My Tweed Jacket With Leather Elbow Patches? The Challenges Of Aging Gracefully In Higher Education, John A. O’Rourke, Christina Gray

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper presents an examination of one veteran academics’ experience in higher education. Via an autoethnographic reflection of a two-decade career, the work-related situations that impact on job enjoyment and challenge motivation to bring enthusiasm year-after-year are discussed. Veteran academics have seen higher education transform dramatically during their tenure and the pressure points that impact on wellbeing are discussed and aligned to contemporary research. In response to the challenges associated with aging in higher education, this paper examines how veteran academics need to prioritize self-care and explores ways that universities can maximize the accumulated knowledge and pedagogical skillset of these …

Brilliant Little Things: Drama-Based Mindfulness To Support Pre-Service Teacher Wellbeing, Christina C. Gray, John O’Rourke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a critical concern in teacher education, yet pre-service teachers remain vulnerable to stress, burnout, and early attrition. This study examines Brilliant Little Things, an arts-based wellbeing initiative embedded within a drama education program. Using a phenomenological approach, the research draws on interviews, reflective journals, group chat posts, photographs, and artwork to explore how drama-based mindfulness practices can support the wellbeing of drama educators. Findings reveal how the production fostered reflection, connection, and emotional insight, offering a space for mindfulness and community. Narratives highlight the value of creative, relational pedagogies in strengthening resilience. This research contributes …

Gender Differences In Japanese Elderly Learning Motivation, Yesy Tri Cahyani, Kurniawaty Iskandar, I Ketut Surajaya, Kosuke Mizuno, Jumanto Jumanto, Emila Ligia

Paradigma: Jurnal Kajian Budaya

Ageing is likely to become a 'gender issue' with a big number of women surviving into very old age in almost all the countries of the world. Japanese women have longer longevity than Japanese men. What is the secret behind the higher lifespan of Japanese women compared to Japanese men? Is it related to their ikigai? In this qualitative approach research, we chose the subjects as elderly men and women who participated in Easy English Conversation Courses in Kitakyushu Nenchousha Daigakkou (Kitakyushu Elder University). We assumed that to participate in Easy English Conversation Courses may change their life and …

Commencement [Program], December 20, 2025, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Commencement Programs

Contents:

University Organization --- 2
Ceremony Symbols & Traditions --- 3
University Honors Program --- 4
Graduation with Honors --- 4
Legacy Graduates --- 4
Order of Events --- 5
College of Education --- 6
College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences --- 12
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences --- 19
David W. Wilson College of Business --- 26
Division of Online Education & Individual Studies --- 31
UNI Alma Mater --- 34

Dual-Task Exercise Protects Healthy Older Adults Against In-Creased Risk For Dementia: A Controlled Trial, Helen Tatiane Santos Pontes, João Bento-Torres, Naina Yuki Vieira Jardim, Victor Oliveira Da Costa, Josilayne Patricia Ramos Carvalho, Cristovam Wanderley Picanço-Diniz, Natáli Valim Oliver Bento-Torres

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Functionality in aging is closely linked to the ability to divide attention during multitasking activities, which are essential for activities of daily life. However, coordination between motor and cognitive simultaneous tasks decreases with age, impairing functional ability and restricting older adults' participation and healthy aging. This study aimed to assess the effects of a multimodal dual-task exercise intervention on motor and cognitive dual-task costs and its potential to mitigate age-related declines in healthy older adults. Materials and Methods: A controlled trial was conducted with community-dwelling older adults assigned to either the Dual-Task Exercise group, which participated in a 24-session …

The Impact Of Education And Awareness In Influencing Lifestyle Behaviors That Prevent And Treat Sarcopenia In Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Research Study, Alan Lynn Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This mixed-methods, cross-sectional study assessed the current level of knowledge and awareness among people aged 50 and older about sarcopenia, as well as their willingness to adopt lifestyle changes that could prevent or reverse the condition as they age. The study aimed to determine whether a lack of awareness and knowledge is linked to current lifestyle behaviors that contribute to or protect against the development of the disease. The population included men and women 50 and older, living independently in the community with no prior diagnosis of sarcopenia. The study used a custom-designed questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. A total of …

External Funding Bulletin July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025, Office Of Research And Creative Activity, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Sponsored Programs Bulletins

No abstract provided.

Tricounty Vaccine Improvement Program (Tc-Vip): Enhancing Vaccine Confidence And Uptake In Rural Utah, Aaron Hunt, Yvette Rea, Annalyz Castro

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

The Utah State University Extension TriCounty Vaccine Improvement Program addressed low rural vaccination rates across a three-county area through bilingual social media campaigns, health fairs, training in motivational interviewing, and neuromarketing. Evaluation results showed improved skills, broad community reach, and positive participant feedback, demonstrating a replicable model to reduce vaccine hesitancy and strengthen rural health systems.

The Impact Of Career Development Education In Rural Communities: A Program Evaluation, Hayden S. Austin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the impact of a regional career development education program using a post-test-only, exploratory descriptive design with middle and high school students from rural and urban school districts in West Central Texas. Students who participated in the Career and Education Outreach (CEO) program received four classroom sessions focused on labor market information, high-demand industries, employability skills, and career pathways. The purpose of this research was to explore whether students’ perceptions of the value of career development education differed based on geographic region, economic level, educational level, ethnic composition of the district, and the students’ own demographic characteristics. A …

November 21, 2025 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Proactive Aging: A New Aging Programming Framework For Cooperative Extension, Jeong Eun Lee, Eunbea Kim, Yulri Kim, Eva Kahana

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Traditional Extension programs for older adults often adopt a reactive approach, focusing on addressing age-related challenges after they arise. While these programs can be beneficial, a proactive aging model offers a more comprehensive and empowering approach. The concept of proactive aging, emphasizing preventative strategies for maintaining and improving wellbeing, has been well-established in the literature (Kahana et al., 2014). By adopting this model, Cooperative Extension can significantly enhance its services for older adults. This paper proposes innovative program ideas grounded in the proactive aging framework. Such programs are more engaging as they foster self-efficacy and empowerment, encouraging participants to actively …

Planning Ahead: A Holistic Approach To End-Of-Life Planning, Kristin Litzelman, Ashley Berghoff, Jennifer Abel, Carol Bralich, Jackie Carattini, Selena Freimark, Jenna Kink, Sara Richie

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

End-of-life planning can be an intimidating, confusing, and emotional process, which may explain why only 37% of Americans have completed advance care directives. To address this need, we developed the Planning AHEAD (Advance directives, Handling financial changes, Estate planning, and Arriving at Decisions for the end of this life) curriculum. Planning AHEAD is a seven-session course designed to help participants make important decisions that reflect their end-of-life wishes and document this information to relieve stress for their loved ones. In the first two years of the program, Extension educators facilitated 45 Planning AHEAD series across Wisconsin, reaching over 600 participants. …

What Do Rural Caregivers Need? Implications Of Formal Service Usage And The Role Of Cooperative Extension Systems, Naomi R. Meinertz, Jeong Eun Lee, Erin L. Martinez, Leacey Brown, Chelsey Byers, Sara Richie, Kathy Tutt

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The well-being of caregivers in the U.S. is a public health crisis. Caregivers experience greater rates of depression, chronic disease, and social isolation; however, the context of rural and urban living experiences creates different caregiving realities. Using two representative datasets of caregivers in the North Central and Northeast regions of the U.S., this paper examined the experiences of rural and urban caregivers in using formal support services. Rurality was negatively related to formal support service usage. Results from a multiple regression revealed a positive association between formal service utilization and caregiver well-being. These findings suggested that formal services can play …

The Impact Of Cooperative Extension Programs On Late Life Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review, Naomi R. Meinertz, Kate Perepezko, Jeong Eun Lee, Mary E. Dozier Phd

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Rural-dwelling older adults have greater mental health disparities with higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to their urban counterparts; however, reaching these communities to understand and address the specific psychological needs of rural-dwelling older adults remains a barrier for gerontologists. Due to the extensive reach of the Cooperative Extension System, university Extension systems are primed to facilitate connections between researchers and rural communities to improve mental health outcomes for older adults. Despite the potential benefits of such partnerships, Extension is largely unknown and underutilized by gerontological researchers, leaving many older adults disconnected from resources available through land-grant universities that …

A Comprehensive Nutrition Education Program Promotes Behavior Change And Perception Of Food Access Across The Older Adult Age Span, Sarah Misyak, Camille Mcguire, Victor Olayemi, Maria Denunzio, Paige Harrigan, Elena Serrano

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Strategies to promote healthy behaviors among older adults are needed to mitigate vulnerabilities to negative health outcomes, especially for those with low income. Healthy Eating and Staying Active as We Age (HESA), a nine-lesson educational series for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-eligible older adults, was created to promote health among aging audiences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the behavior change of older adults following participation in HESA, which covers food resource management, nutrition, food safety, and physical activity behaviors, as well as perceived food affordability and accessibility, and to determine if HESA is appropriate across the age span …

Creating Intergenerational Connections: A Multilevel Approach For Enriching Lives And Addressing Vital Community Issues, Matthew S. Kaplan, Nancy Z. Henkin

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This article presents an overview of intergenerational programs and practices as an interdisciplinary field of inquiry and practice that fosters open communication, support, and civic engagement across generations. Numerous examples of how intergenerational programs and practices harness age diversity to improve the human condition are presented. This includes initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce social isolation and loneliness, strengthen families, enrich education and lifelong learning, enhance community quality of life, and transmit cherished cultural traditions and values. This article highlights Extension’s longstanding contributions to intergenerational programming, showcasing notable examples across program areas and exploring opportunities for deeper engagement, co-leadership, and …

Intergenerational Creative Movement Program: A Social Connection Intervention To Foster Health And Well-Being, Claire M. Reardon, Mohammad Khalilian, Amy F. Kostelic, Susan Thiel, Anthony R. Bardo

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

A sense of connection and belonging is widely recognized to be essential for mental health. Yet, since the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness, social isolation, and mental health problems have remained elevated across America. Transitions into young adulthood and older age, while distinct, similarly challenge social connectedness, especially among women. Our multi-lesson education program connected first-generation female college students with college-educated forty-plus women to foster belonging and improve mental health. The program integrated dance as a creative physical activity, promoted intergenerational engagement through a humanistic focus on generativity, and used a social network approach to gauge the development of connections among participants …

Volunteerism After Retirement: An Evaluation Of The Give 5 Civic Matchmaking Program, Amber J. Majeske, Claire M. Growney, Tara O. Johnson, Cora Scott, Greg Burris

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Communities are increasingly focused on leveraging the skills and resources of older adults entering retirement to benefit the community and ensure these individuals remain integrated and valued within society. Launched in 2017, the Give 5 “Civic Matchmaking” Program is an award-winning volunteer recruitment program for near-retirees and retirees that matches participants’ skills and interests with meaningful volunteer opportunities. This study examined participants’ mindsets and perceptions of loneliness before the program, as well as their motivations for volunteering and sense of belonging afterward. Overall, participants in Give 5 improved in empathic concern and in recognizing the need to equip those they …

Empowering Public Employees For Retirement Security: Evidence From A Pre-Retirement Financial Education Program, Suzanne Bartholomae, Mengya Wang

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The United States is facing a retirement crisis, with eight in ten older adult households experiencing or at risk of financial insecurity (Tavares et al., 2024). National data shows 60% of Americans regularly contribute to retirement accounts, and just 40% have estimated their retirement savings needs (Lin et al., 2022). With approximately 5,900 Baby Boomers retiring daily (Fry, 2019), there is considerable interest in identifying effective strategies and policies to address retirement preparedness. This paper presents evaluation findings from a retirement planning financial education program delivered to 750 public employees by Iowa’s public employee retirement system and Cooperative Extension educators. …

Csbs Kudos, Fall 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Social And Behavioral Sciences.

CSBS Kudos

Contents:

--- Faculty Accolades
--- New Faculty & Staff
--- In Memoriam - Carole Edginton
--- In Memoriam - Clemens Bartollas
--- UNI names Allison Rank as inaugural director of the Center for Civic Education
--- Tradition meets tomorrow, one historic image at a time
--- Historian Serena Zabin delivered 52nd annual UNI Becker Lecture on Boston Massacre
--- UNI ROTC program to remain on campus under new U.S. Army structure
--- UNI professor starts first-of-its-kind health initiative in Iowa for retired men
--- UNI hosts third White Coat Ceremony for nursing students
--- UNI welcomes students and community to …

International Panther Monthly, October 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Office Of International Engagement.

Office of International Engagement newsletter

Contents:

--- From the Director’s Desk
--- October Recap
--- Student Spotlight - Nashiru
--- World Window - Finland
--- CIEP Spotlight
--- Did You Know? - Fulbright
--- Did You Know? - Pathway Program
--- Behind the Scenes - Kaitlyn
--- November Activities
--- Additional Opportunities
--- Volunteer With Us

Full Issue, Volume 13, Number 2, James S. Bates, Donna J. Peterson Dr., Scott Cummings, Erin L. Martinez

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

Community Partnerships To Address Social Determinants Of Health Among Older Adults, Cory Bolkan, Raven Weaver, Cheryl Eschbach, Erik Geissal, Breanne Wise-Swanson

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Focusing on social determinants of health (SDOH) among older adults is key to addressing health disparities, maintaining independence in their homes/communities, improving health outcomes, and avoiding high-cost institutional care. While primary care settings are equipped to meet older adults’ physical health needs, the network of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) is designed to meet social needs (e.g., transportation, nutrition, caregiver support). Yet, cross-sector community partnerships between AAAs and primary care are rare. This article shares an evaluation of one such partnership, where SDOH screenings were routinely implemented in primary care, yielding social prescribing and direct referral to AAA’s support services. …

Music And The Journey Of Black Male Phd Graduates In Counseling, Vincent Sears

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological qualitative study explored the lived experiences of Black male PhD graduates from CACREP- accredited counseling education programs who are now professors within the academy. It examined the integration of music as a coping mechanism to address the psychological impact of isolation, tokenism, and hypervisibility connected to attending predominantly white institutions (PWIs/ HWIs). Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and participants shared bespoke musical playlists. The results of this study revealed three overarching themes and associated sub-themes: the impact of racism and systemic barriers (structural barriers and racial inequities); navigating predominantly or historically white institutions; and music as …