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2025 Spring Nutshell, Morehead State University. Institutional Research & Analysis.

Office of Institutional Research & Analysis Publication Archive

Spring 2025 issue of the Nutshell.

Pathways To Progress: Policy-Driven Innovation And Community Building In Early Childhood Integrated Education, Hallie Caddy, Rachael Flynn, Annie Insana, Cathy Eschete

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The presentation outlines Belmont University's efforts to transform early childhood education through an innovative integrated teacher preparation program and the development of a new preschool. It discusses the changing landscape of Tennessee’s early childhood education policies, including new licensure endorsements that blend early childhood and special education. Belmont aims to address challenges such as teacher shortages and accessibility while aligning with the university’s mission of serving diverse communities. Key strategies include understanding community needs, anchoring initiatives to the university’s mission, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and leveraging critical resources. The university is preparing to launch its integrated early childhood education program …

Shifting Educators' Perspectives & Instructional Practices From Misconception To Authentic Action For Equity, Alyssa Scherkenbach (Paulson)

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the impact of equity-based professional development (PD) on educators’ perceptions of equity and instructional practices over time. Utilizing a concurrent triangulation design, there was a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures to conduct the study. The use of survey data, qualitative reflections, and exit ticket responses collected throughout the school year, reveal a significant evolution in educators’ understanding of equity. Many educators initially viewed equity in terms of fairness and equality, but through sustained PD throughout the school year, their perspectives shifted toward a deeper recognition of the need for individualized student support and culturally responsive teaching. …

Emeriti News Spring 2025, Emeriti Council

Emeriti News

No abstract provided.

Best Practices For Integrating Technology Into The Classroom For Kindergarten Through Second Grade Multilingual Learners, Shawna Nielson

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The research question addressed in this capstone project is: “How can educators better integrate technology into in-person instruction for K-2nd grade multilingual learners?” This paper and project was inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting transition to distance learning and its effect on multilingual learners (MLs). This document looks at the ways in which MLs have dealt with systemic barriers to learning, and effective pedagogical practices to combat those barriers. It then explores how educators can effectively use digital learning resources to enhance in-person learning. A website was created to present these findings for any stakeholder to gather information …

The Mediating Effects Of Disability Impact, Job Satisfaction, And Social Support In The Relationship Between Core Self-Evaluations And Life Satisfaction In Employed People With Disabilities, Rachel Friefeld Kesselmayer, Alexandra M. Kriofske Mainella, Susan Miller Smedema, Paola Cátala Villanueva

College of Education Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a mediation model of the relationship of core self-evaluations (CSEs) and life satisfaction in employed individuals with disabilities. This was a quantitative descriptive design using Hayes’s (2012) PROCESS macro for SPSS and multiple regression analysis. Two-hundred fifty-nine employed individuals with disabilities were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk and completed an online survey. Job satisfaction and social support were found to partially mediate the relationship between CSE and life satisfaction. The direct effect of CSE on life satisfaction remained significant after controlling for the effects of the mediators. Functional disability was not a …

Motivational Factors Influencing Honors Student Attrition: An Expectancy–Value Perspective, Nina Marijanović, Naomi Rowland, Morgan Flanagan, E. Myo Zin, Megan Bailey

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive

This study investigates the motivational factors underlying student withdrawal from an honors college using expectancy-value theory (EVT) as a guiding framework. Drawing on qualitative analysis of self-reported withdrawal forms (n = 1,110) collected between 2018 and 2023 at a midsize public university, authors identify the core drivers of attrition across three constructs of EVT: expectancy (belief in one’s ability to succeed), value (perceived benefits of participation), and cost (perceived burdens or tradeoffs). Findings indicate the most common motivations as value-related concerns, including misalignment with academic goals or career trajectories. Cost-related factors, such as workload demands, scheduling conflicts, and financial …

Testimonios Of Antiracist School Social Workers: Advancing Professional Equity And Updating The School Social Work Model, Leticia Villarreal Sosa, Christy Mccoy, Laurel E. Thompson, Stephanie Ochocki

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

During a modern era of rising white nationalism and racial reckoning, the opportunity to reimagine the national model for school social work practice was explored in partnership with practitioners, scholars, researchers, and leaders of the profession. It sparked a parallel process of engagement that required the critical analysis of the systemic and structural racism impacting not only our educational communities, but also the historical influences shaping the school social work profession. Like the many antiracist efforts that have come before, the revision process was impacted by a pervasive culture of white supremacy, yet what emerged was an equity-centered model to …

The Magazine, Spring 2025, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Alumni Association Publications

The Magazine of Morehead State University from spring of 2025.

2025 April, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for April of 2025.

School Leadership Insights And Practices: Understanding Bullying Prevention Strategies Among Teachers In Private And Public Schools Across The Uae, Wissal Mohsen

Theses

This thesis investigates the detrimental effects of bullying on students, including its impacts on mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Addressing this issue necessitates a proactive strategy involving school leaders, teachers, and parents. Data was collected via a questionnaire: selected items employed a 5-point Likert scale, while others used a multiple-choice format. Analysis was conducted in SPSS and included descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, t-tests, and binary logistic regression. The t-tests indicated that leadership practices implemented to prevent bullying in both public and private schools were highly effective and statistically significant (p < .05). This research contributes to our understanding of how school leadership and teacher involvement influence the efficacy of bullying-prevention strategies. By using quantitative methods, the study offers a comprehensive examination of school policies, bullying-awareness initiatives, and reporting systems. The findings highlight the importance of adopting context-specific approaches to bolster prevention efforts within schools. Future research that combines qualitative and quantitative analyses may yield deeper insights into the real-world challenges encountered in bullying-intervention strategies, thereby bridging the gap between policy formulation and practical implementation to ensure anti-bullying programs are both effective and culturally relevant.

Historic Bedrocks Of Volunteer Recruitment: Collaboration Between The Peace Corps And Higher Education Partners, Melanie Elizabeth Graham

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

In this study I investigate the collaboration between the United States Peace Corps and their higher education partnership institutions, focusing on Peace Corps Prep Programs (PCPP) which aim to recruit, prepare, and retain diverse Peace Corps Volunteers. The inquiry examines the purpose, structure, and process of these collaborations to uncover successes and shortcomings, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to effectiveness or hinder progress. A mixed-method, multiple case study methodology, integrating surveys and individual interviews that parallel The Wilder Collaboration Factors Inventory, facilitates an in-depth examination of the intricate dynamics and multifaceted experiences within the collaborative partnerships. By …

Prolific, Issue 3

Prolific

Contents:

--- Words from the Creators
--- Black History Month: Why We Celebrate
--- Metro Records: Vinyl Vibes
--- Los Carros: Driven Legacy
--- Women's History Month: Power in Red
--- AAPI: Neon Futures
--- Prolific Pride: Untamed Beauty
--- Special Thanks: Our Contributors

Navigating Recovery: Community College Student Journeys Through Collegiate Recovery Programs, Eric Scott Klein

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

There is an inherent regional need to support students in recovery, and often their demographics and lived experiences coincide with the student body of a community college. This is particularly salient to the segments of this population which concurrently suffer maltreatment due to other intersectional biases implicit in many health care and education-based systems inside the United States (Cole, 2009; Mance et al., 2010; Rosenthal, 2016). Community colleges are not doing enough to equitably support students in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and help buoy their recovery capital (Appiah, 2021; Ashford, Curtis, et al., 2018; Association of Recovery in …

Dei From The Perspective Of Racially And Sexually Minority Social Work Students, Ilse Ivonne Trejo, Miguel Gabino Lopez, Annette Clarke Jones, Octavio Ramirez

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This explanatory sequential mixed-method research study examined the experiences and perspectives of racially and sexually minority social work students enrolled at Fort Hays State University. By integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the study aimed to uncover the unique challenges these students face, such as feelings of belonging, microaggressions, and a lack of culturally competent mentorship. It also highlighted resilience strategies and institutional supports that contribute to their academic and personal success. The findings offer valuable insights for social work educators and administrators seeking to foster more inclusive and supportive environments for minority and sexual students in rural PWIs.

Empowering The Future: The Role Of Women Landowner Networks In Succession Planning, Charlotte Brockman, Andrea Basche Dr., Brooke Mcwherter Dr.

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Women non-operating landowners play a critical yet often overlooked role in agricultural land management and decision-making. This study examines the intersection of emotional, economic, and social factors influencing their land tenure decisions, particularly in the context of succession planning and tenant relationships. Through qualitative analysis, findings reveal that women landowners navigate unique challenges, including limited access to tailored resources, legal and financial barriers, and gendered dynamics in agricultural advising. Participants expressed strong emotional attachments to their land, influencing their stewardship goals and interest in conservation practices. Additionally, the study highlights the need for increased support structures, such as legal guidance, …

Transformative Outcome Of Correctional Education On Ex-Offenders In Mzimba, Malawi, Rajab Philip Mota, Mavuto Tembo

Journal of Prison Education Research

Prison service offers correctional education programs to the incarcerated individuals as a vital component of crime fighting strategy. Although the role of correctional education is to fight crimes, relapse in criminal behaviour which results in the re-incarceration of ex-offenders continues to be a predicament, thereby questioning the relevance of correctional education programs after imprisonment. Therefore, this mixed methods study analysed the transformative outcome of correctional education programs on ex-offenders in Mzimba, Malawi using the empowerment theory. The study utilized questionnaires, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews as data collection tools, whereby quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 20 while …

Community-Based Research And Catholic Higher Education In Solidarity: Embracing The Risks And Gifts Of Interdependence, Linda Land-Closson

The Journal of Social Encounters

With common ground in the work of solidarity and the common good, Community-Based Research (CBR) and Catholic Higher Education (CHE) can be brought into a mutually beneficial dialogue. Accordingly, this article serves first as a reminder of the radicality of solidarity, second as a callout to CHE for often falling short of solidarity-in-action, third as an invitation for CHE to offer understandings of solidarity as discernment tools to mitigate harm in the changing field of CBR, and finally as an invitation to CBR to be aware of and continue promoting solidarity through good judgment.

An In-Depth Analysis Of The Bellarmine University Student Athlete Experience, Mattingly E. Spalding

Undergraduate Theses

The goal of this thesis is to improve the student athlete experience at Bellarmine University through direct feedback from our current student athletes. By defining what parts of the student athlete experience they value most, Bellarmine can reflect on the support currently provided in these areas. Additionally, if it is concluded through the response that high valued areas are not being satisfied, Bellarmine can work to improve the support in these areas. Or, if there is abundant support in a low-valued area, Bellarmine could think to shift resources into a more needed concentration. Through the design sample, data was accumulated …

Adverse Childhood Experiences And High School Dropout: The Roles Of Student Disengagement And Social Support, Rachel D. Pounders

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

More than two million students a year leave high school without a completion credential (NCES, 2024). Students who drop out are at-risk for detrimental long-term outcomes physically, mentally and economically (Rumberger, 2020). Students with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are significantly more likely to have poor educational outcomes, including school dropout (Metzler et al., 2017; Pan et al., 2019). However, there is limited insight into what affects the pathway between ACEs and poor educational outcomes for students (Dupéré et al., 2019; Morrow & Villodas, 2018). Informed by prominent dropout theories with ecological foundations and the theory of stress and coping, this …

Is There A Relationship Between Drug Addiction And Incarceration?, Lindsey M. Lopez

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The connection between drug addiction and incarceration has been widely debated. Many individuals who struggle with substance abuse will end up in the criminal justice system, mainly due to drug-related crimes or offenses committed under the influence like DUI’s. This study examines whether incarceration is effective in solving substance abuse issues or if alternative approaches such as rehabilitation, offer better results. The analysis explores the balance between punishment and treatment programs to determine what the most effective strategy is in reducing recidivism and addressing why drug addiction is high in the justice system.

The Role Of Social Studies Teachers In Fostering Global Citizenship Awareness, Anurak Kulwongsa

Journal of Education Studies

This academic article aims to present the role of social studies educators in cultivating global citizenship awareness among students in the 21st century, a time when the world is undergoing rapid changes in social, economic, political and cultural dimensions. Social studies teachers should promote a global citizenship perspective and methodologies to align with contemporary circumstances by emphasizing the development of skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, critical thinking, and critical analysis. Furthermore, they must foster awareness of cultural diversity, encourage constructive societal participation, and promote social and environmental responsibility. Social studies teachers need to design learning activities that foster global …

The Lead, Mid-Spring 2025, Lindenwood University

The Lead

The Lead is an electronic newsletter produced by the Lindenwood College of Education & Human Services.

Feasibility, Acceptability, And Satisfaction Of Redcap As A Tool For Interprofessional Education, Ross J. Bindler, Skye Mckennon, Connie M. Remsberg, Jennifer C. Miller, Marian Wilson

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Interprofessional education (IPE) is an important component of health science training. Ensuring all students have access to necessary information prior to, during, and following simulation-enhanced IPE (Sim-IPE) activities is imperative to ensure a beneficial learning environment and student engagement. Ensuring access to necessary materials can be difficult due to differences in educational resources between institutions. This manuscript will assess the feasibility, acceptability, and satisfaction of using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) as an educational tool for a Sim-IPE activity. After a pilot Sim-IPE activity, data from student evaluations was reviewed. Updates were made including use of REDCap as a universally …

Emerging And Young Adult Student Loan Borrowers: Financial Behaviors And Characteristics, Gaurav R. Sinha, Sean P. Mullen, Christopher R. Larrison, Sicong Sun

Journal of Student Financial Aid

We examined patterns and sociodemographic correlates of financial characteristics and behaviors among emerging and young (18-34-year-old) student loan borrowers who were repaying their loans. Employing latent class regression modeling on a subset of the 2018 National Financial Capability Study (N =1,490), we explored heterogenous constellation of patterns in financial characteristics and behaviors of these borrowers. Results indicated four distinct classes of financial characteristics and behaviors: financially strained (20.8%), financially balanced (29.2%), financially capricious (20%), and financially vulnerable (30.1%). Gender, race, and education were found to be consistently correlated with financial characteristics and behavior patterns. Marital status, income, employment, and welfare …

Ai-Powered Education: Innovative Teaching Strategies To Elevate Student Learning, Karen J. Magruder, Ann M.L. Cavallo, Andrew M. Clark

Mavs Open Press Open Educational Resources - Archive

AI-Powered Education is a practical teaching resource crafted by educators, for educators, focusing on the integration of AI to enhance student learning. The book provides a collection of practical, step-by-step activities from a variety of disciplines in higher education. Each activity integrates AI tools and technologies into the classroom in innovative ways, with detailed guidance for instructors to seamlessly adopt these ideas.

Mind Matters: Investigating The Impact Of Mental Health First Aid Training On High School Staff, Sarah Jo O'Neill

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation, titled Mind Matters: Investigating the Impact of Mental Health First Aid Training on High School Staff, examines whether Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training equips high school personnel with the necessary tools to identify and support students in crisis. Conducted over six weeks during a series of Kitchen Table Conversations, the study involved eight high school staff members who participated in a structured MHFA training program. Qualitative data collected from participant discussions revealed that while the current MHFA training format is a good start, it lacks school-specific contextualization. More importantly, the opportunity to discuss and process the material …

The Masters Program: A Model For Teaching Adolescents Soft Skills For Career Readiness, Jewrell Rivers

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This workshop will introduce conference participants to the MASTERS Program, a model for teaching adolescents soft skills for career readiness. Participants will engage in small group discussions, simulation activities and interactive exercises to fulfill learning objectives. Participants will be provided with guidance on how to implement the MASTERS Program at their school for preparing students for success in the workplace.

Non-Aversive Social And Academic Interventions For Youth With Challenging Behavior, Tom Clees

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Differential reinforcement procedures (DR) will be the focus of this presentation, including differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior that is alternative to (DRA), or incompatible with (DRI), targeted challenging behavior, and differential reinforcement of the absence of challenging behavior for specified intervals (DRO). In addition, combined strategies (DR with changing criteria and/or social skills instruction) will be presented. Novel applications will also be highlighted.

The Heart Of Higher Education: Rediscovering Meditation From The Margins Of Learning To A Liberatory Pedagogy In The Post-Pandemic University, Jinting Wu, Yuejia Wang, Yu Wu, Qi Zhang

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

On May 14^th, 2022, a racially motivated mass shooting occurred in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Western New York. The trauma brought fresh anguish to a fraught social landscape already shaken by COVID-19 and resurgent racism. This paper explores the formation of a campus meditation group that emerged in light of the shooting tragedy and prolonged pandemic suffering, and its members’ journeys of healing, self-discovery, and transformation. While scholars have critiqued the neoliberal higher education for producing self-enterprising individuals motivated by economic rationality, this paper offers our humble attempt to re-center meditation as a liberatory pedagogy in fostering …