Digital Commons Network^™

Can School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Be An Evidence-Based Practice?, K. Richard Young, Paul Caldarella, Lynnette Christensen, Tyler Renshaw

Faculty Publications

Our Conclusions: School-Wide Positive Behavior Support is not yet an Evidence-Based Practice; School-Wide Positive Behavior Support can be reconceptualized (outside of the Evidence-Based Practice paradigm) as a “student-support framework”; As a framework, it can employ the Evidence-Based Practice paradigm; This reconceptualization may have real-life implications: setbacks and benefits.

Increasing The Social Involvement Of Withdrawn Adolescents: Effects Of Peer Praise Notes, Julie Nelson, Paul Caldarella, K. Richard Young

Faculty Publications

Research has shown that those students who are socially withdrawn or isolated have difficulty learning appropriate social conduct which places them at risk for difficulties later in life(Oden, 1980; Patterson, Reid, & Dishion,1992).

Family Myths, Beliefs, And Customs As A Research/Educational Tool To Explore Identity Formation, William E. Herman

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This paper outlines a qualitative research tool designed to explore personal identity formation as described by Erik Erikson and offers self-reflective and anonymous evaluative comments made by college students after completing this task. Subjects compiled a list of 200 myths, customs, fables, rituals, and beliefs from their family of origin and then reflected upon the relevance and meaning of such items. The research and instructional tool described in the paper should be of considerable interest to teachers who work to promote self-reflection amongst adolescents as well as case study researchers and therapists who wish to study identity formation and values.

Anxiety And Depression As Comorbid Factors In Drinking Behaviors Of Undergraduate College Students Attending An Urban Private University In The Northeastern United States, Charles J. Vohs, Robert K. Gable, Cynthia V.L. Ward, Ronald L. Martel, Joseph Barresi, Dameian Slocumb

Higher Education

High-risk drinking is the number one public health concern on college campuses (Berkowitz, 2003; Kapner, 2003; Wechsler, 2002). To date, high-risk drinking prevention programs have met with limited success (Kapner, 2003).

This study examined differences among four drinking behavior groups: non-drinkers [(ND), (n = 128)], low-risk drinkers [(LRD), (n = 252)], high-risk drinkers [(HRD), (n = 272)], and frequent high-risk drinkers [(FHRD), (n = 290)] with respect to anxiety and depression for male (n = 457) and female (n = 485) undergraduates (N = 942) attending an urban private university in the northeastern United States; and, the perceptions of two …

Learning About Self Far From Home: A Pre-Service Teacher’S Intercultural Development During An International Program, Helen A. Marx

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

Preparing teachers to effectively teach culturally diverse students, teacher educators advocate for the use of cross-cultural field experiences, including international study abroad programs. This paper reports on a qualitative case study of two pre-service teachers’ intercultural development during a semester-long teacher education study abroad program in London, England. Findings indicate that international experiences provide a catalyst to move pre-service teachers forward in their intercultural development. Implications include the need for multicultural teacher educators to take a developmental approach to pre-service teacher education informed by theories of intercultural development and cultural learning developed within intercultural communications.

Addressing Misconceptions About Heat Transfer In Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Instruction, Katharyn E. K. Nottis, Michael J. Prince, Margot A. Vigeant

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

Understanding heat, energy and temperature can be difficult. Misconceptions about heat transfer have been found to persist, even after instruction. New instructional methods are needed to address them. This pilot study examined whether researcher-developed, inquiry-based activities could increase conceptual understanding of heat transfer. Twenty-two undergraduate chemical engineering students were assessed before and after instruction with inquiry-based activities. Participants had significantly higher scores on the post-test. An examination of assessment questions revealed substantial improvement on questions closely related to activities. However, participants had difficulty applying concepts in new and related contexts. Educational implications and suggestions for future research will be discussed.

Attitudes Of University Students Toward Individuals With Exceptionalities And Inclusive Practices: A Baseline Analysis Of Students Enrolled In The Introductory Course, Maureen Walsh, Sheila Dove Jones, James Krause, Emeka Obiozor, Angela Pang, Deborah Stryker, Barbara Wert, Barbara Wilson, Walter Zilz, Eileen Astor-Stetson

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This research is investigating Bloomsburg University students’ attitudes toward individuals with exceptionalities and inclusive practices. Members of the “Introduction Course Teaching Team” are collaboratively conducting a mixed methodological study using pre and post-survey data from the Sentiments, Attitudes and Concerns about Inclusive Education Scale (quantitative data) and content analysis data of students’ essays entitled Personal Belief Statements on Inclusive Practices (qualitative data) in order to determine the variables that influence attitudes. Since the Introductory Course at Bloomsburg University includes a large number of students from various academic backgrounds, this large, diversified sample may be reflective of attitudes of the general …

Learning To Lead: Examining The Moderator Role In Debrief Conversations Among Professional Developers, Heather K. Harkins

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This paper reports on a study wherein the author examined her own practice when moderating debrief conversations. The analysis applied a multifaceted theoretical framework from professional learning. The findings suggest that the moderator's role as it was implemented primarily arranged organizing circumstances (Spear and Mocker, 1984) provoked by her own basic psychological needs (Deci and Ryan, 2000), her mental models (Seel, 2001), and her perception of these individual attributes in others. The implications for her future practice as a moderator are discussed.

An Activity Theoretical Approach To Designing Curriculum And Instruction That Shift The Means And Ends Of History Education, Thomas H. Levine

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

Reformers want history education to help students learn to engage in historical inquiry, read critically across conflicting sources, and engage in civil discussion of controversial issues. How can we help teachers and students shift the roles, norms, and activity in history classrooms to achieve these aims? An activity-theoretical framework suggests the value of explicitly attending to multiple aspects of human activity when designing and presenting reform-oriented pedagogies or curricula. Such attention increases the odds that teachers who implement new approaches or curriculum will achieve significant shifts in the means and ends of history education.

Rigorous Curriculum And Sat, Feifei Li, Thanos Patelis, Robert Lissitz

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

The main purposes of this study are to investigate the relation between course-taking pattern and the SAT score, and examine the invariance of this relation across subgroups. In addition, we are also going to verify the accuracy of self-reported information from the SAT Questionnaire by examining the actual high school transcripts, and build the link between SAT and the achievement by correlating SAT scores with state assessment scores. If the SAT score is a function of high school course-taking behaviors regardless of students' gender, socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnicity, every student should be provided with equal opportunity for rigorous curriculum.

Preservice, Secondary Social Studies Teachers' Perceptions Of Gender Equity, Margaret M. Monaghan

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This study examines preservice, social studies teachers’ perceptions of gender equity. The assumption that preservice teachers recognize gender as an important issue and are willing and able to take the initiative to remedy inequities in their classroom structures and content is considered. Six participants were interviewed using Seidman’s (2006) three-round, interview protocol. A focused life history was compiled to situate participants’ perceptions within their personal and professional experiences. Findings suggest a disconnect between preservice teachers' intentions and their practice in regards to gender equity. More explicit attention to gender equity in teacher education programs is recommended.

Relationship Among Essential Leadership Preparation Practices And Leader, School, And Student Outcomes In K-8 Schools, Donna Braun, Robert K. Gable, Stacey L. Kite

K-12 Education

A questionnaire was administered to school principals (N=88). The questionnaire data, along with student data, were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression to investigate the relationships among leadership preparation practices, self rated leader behavior, the school learning environment, and student achievement. After controlling for demographic variables, the amount of variance explained was incremented a statistically significant degree between: preparation practices and leader behaviors ( R2 = 5%); preparation practices and student achievement ( R2 = 5%); preparation practices and leaders’ instructional knowledge ( R2 = 6%); and leaders’ instructional knowledge and instructional practices in schools ( R2 = 5%).

Relationship Among Essential Leadership Preparation Practices And Leader, School, And Student Outcomes In K-8 Schools, Donna Braun, Robert K. Gable, Stacey L. Kite

K-12 Education

No abstract provided.

Relationship Among Essential Leadership Preparation Practices And Leader, School, And Student Outcomes In K-8 Schools, Donna Braun, Robert K. Gable, Stacey L. Kite

Teacher Education

A questionnaire was administered to school principals (N=88). The questionnaire data, along with student data, were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression to investigate the relationships among leadership preparation practices, self rated leader behavior, the school learning environment, and student achievement. After controlling for demographic variables, the amount of variance explained was incremented a statistically significant degree between: preparation practices and leader behaviors (R2 = 5%); preparation practices and student achievement (R2 = 5%); preparation practices and leaders’ instructional knowledge (R2 = 6%); and leaders’ instructional knowledge and instructional practices in schools (R2 = 5%).

The Impact Of High-Stakes Testing: Recommendations For Professional School Counselors And Other Support Personnel, Gerra Perkins, Nelda Wellman

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The positive and negative effects of high-stakes testing are well-documented (Gratz, 2000; Heubert and Hauser, 1999). The development of an accountability system that is based on the results of students’ tests has intensified the pressure to perform for students and schools (Gratz). Many policy decisions and often the promotion of students are determined by these test results – hence the term “high-stakes testing” (Heubert and Hauser). Because of the high stakes involved, pressure for improving scores has an impact on teachers and their practices (Heubert and Hauser; Merrow, 2002).

Nature And Application Of Knowledge And Its Significance To Organizational Management Leaders, Heidi Gregory-Mina

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Epistemology is a branch of philosophy, which provides an individual with tools for understanding what he or she knows, but epistemology cannot be separated from an individual’s metaphysics. It is almost impossible to separate a thinker’s epistemology from his or her metaphysics, because epistemology connects with specific ethics and politics and metaphysics connects all of that, in a coherent philosophical system. Metaphysics connects the philosophical system because epistemology does not fit well with randomness but does connect with specific ethics and politics. In 1854, the term epistemology appears to have been used for the first time, correlating with an intense …

The Symbiotic Nature Of The Leader-Follower Relationship And Its Impact On Organizational Effectiveness, Jillian Gilbert, Sergio Matviuk

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The field of leadership studies is overflowing with discussions and explorations of leadership contribution and influence (Winston & Patterson, 2005; Miller, 2007). Unfortunately, as some researchers such as Frye, Kisselburgh & Butts (2007) point out, discussions and research on the full capacity and capabilities of followership are scarce. This lack of research limits our understanding about the impact of followership in organizations. The lack of research derives from a leader-centered approach that has traditionally dominated the field of leadership studies (Lord and Brown, 2003). Also, out of the academic circles society still tends to focus on leadership as positions contained …

How To Build A Better Vision Statement, Shelley Kirkpatrick

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

It is a fact-of-life that an organization must have a formal vision statement. Like any leadership tool, it is only effective if it is done right. Research has demonstrated time and again that a vision statement can improve organizational performance as well as individual follower performance, but only if the vision contains certain characteristics (Baum, Locke, & Kirkpatrick, 1998; Kirkpatrick, 2004; Kirkpatrick & Locke, 1996; Kirkpatrick, Wofford, & Baum, 2002).

Importance Of Eq Skills For On-Line Professors, Joseph Neptune

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Distance learning has become widely used around the world and is available in a number of forms that greatly reduce the restrictions imposed on by the traditional class room environment. Various platforms allow the professors to hold live lectures, utilize PowerPoint presentations, and provide a learning environment that is as close to the campus lecture experience. Distance learning has grown and is continuing to grow in popularity as more and more colleges and universities are offering distance and hybrid programs.

A Systematic Approach For Training Candidates To Use The Teacher Work Sample, Beth Walizer, Taggart Germaine, Keith Dreiling

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The purpose of this paper is to describe the benefits of scaffolding the work sample criteria through a teacher preparation program for elementary education candidates. This article illustrates the way that Fort Hays State University’s teacher education program has successfully implemented a work sample process. A process of scaffolding the criteria was woven throughout the elementary teacher education program to instruct candidates on how to develop, implement, and assess instructional units of study. As a way to describe the teacher work sample process, the authors have contextualized the model, provided components of a teacher work sample, and presented a program …

Principals As Mentors In Teacher Education: How Preservice Teachers’ Voices Informed Practice, Anita Varrati, Amy Smith

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Principals in today’s schools clearly have their work cut out for them. The job has never been easy and the addition of accountability for state standards and assessments just adds to the load. The implications of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) for principals involve spending significant amounts of time on the development of effective classroom teachers. The content of induction programs for new teachers now includes federal and state requirements for licensing and recertification (Highly Qualified Teachers) in addition to aligning new teacher needs with school mission and goals. As a result, the principal’s role with beginning teachers has never …

The Corporatization Of American Education: Analyzing The Relationship Between Job Satisfaction And Productivity Among University Professors, Benjamin Marte

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The relationship between job satisfaction and productivity is one that has been examined at great length over the years. Consider Locke’s claim that as of 1976, approximately 3,350 articles on this topic were in circulation (Okpara 2004). In 1992 Cranny et al. reported the existence of at least 5,000 of such manuscripts (Okpara 2004). Numerous studies have been conducted in this field of inquiry, and this paper endeavors to build upon that collective effort. Here, the focus is on the relationship between job satisfaction and productivity among the professors of a major research university in south Florida; while its scope …

New Technology And Record Keeping In Educational Management: Levels Of Secondary School Principals’ Computer Literacy And Phobia, Afolakemi Oredein

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

While research on school improvement is now into its third decade, systematic research on what the principal actually does and its relationship to stability and change is quite recent. Some of the earlier implementation research identified the role of the principal as central to promoting or inhibiting change (Sammons, 1999; Goleman, 2000), but it did not examine the principal’s role in any depth or perspective as regards to the utilization of new technology for record-keeping. During the 1980’s research and practice focusing on the role of the principal-ship, vice-principal-ship, and other school leaders mounted, resulting in greater clarity, but also …

Sports Metaphors As A Motivational Leadership Strategy, Kay Woelfel

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

In schools, the theme of sports can be used throughout the building to motivate staff and students. The students are players, staff members are coaches, and the administration are head coaches. All are necessary members of the team, and all must work together to achieve team goals. This theme kicks off the school year by having a training camp for staff (professional development) to launch the beginning of the school year. Sports-themed snacks including peanuts, popcorn, and crackerjacks and giveaways such as pompoms in school colors, pennants, and sports-themed school supplies generate interest.

Turkish Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers’ Beliefs About Mathematics Teaching., Nihat Boz

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the beliefs of mathematics teacher trainees about their chosen profession before they began their service. Specific topics included instructional approaches, the role of the teacher, interaction among students, and interaction between teacher and students during class. Data were collected by use of an open-ended questionnaire administered to 46 pre-service mathematics teachers. Most of the participants in the study held non-traditional beliefs about mathematics teaching. This finding has several implications for teacher education.

Mentors’ Views About Developing Effective English Teaching Practices, Peter Hudson, Jan Millwater

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Effective mentoring in English is considered paramount to a preservice teacher’s development. What are mentors’ views about developing effective English teaching practices in their mentees? This study used quantitative data (survey) and qualitative data (questionnaire) on 24 mentors’ perceptions of mentoring second-year preservice teachers for teaching English and, in particular, the teaching of writing. Quantitative data measured mentors’ perceptions of their attributes and practices across five factors for mentoring (i.e., Personal Attributes, System Requirements, Pedagogical Knowledge, Modelling, and Feedback) with 67% or more of these mentors (n=24) agreeing or strongly agreeing they provided all of the advocated attributes and practices …

Student Motivation: Premise, Effective Practice And Policy, Stuart Levy, Holly Campbell

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The purpose of this article is to outline how motivation of first year university students can be enhanced through effective pedagogic practices and to discuss policy level decisions that impact upon the cultivation of student motivation. It reports on practices within a specific first year unit, Understanding University Learning, which successfully incorporates teaching and learning strategies to enhance academic motivation.

Using Poetry To Improve Fluency And Comprehension In Third-Grade Students, Karen E. Newsome

Georgia Educational Researcher

This study examined the effects of repeated choral reading of poetry on fluency and comprehension of third-grade students (N = 76) in the southeastern United States. Student attitudes toward poetry were also measured. Students served in regular, remedial, and special education were taught reading using the school’s basal series for four weeks. Choral repeated reading of poetry was then added to the curriculum. The DIBELS ORF test, STAR reading assessment, and an attitude survey were used to assess student performance. Statistically significant gains were made during the poetry intervention in fluency (M = 18.78, p < .01) and comprehension (M = 0.33, p < .05). Slight improvements in students’ attitudes toward poetry were also observed.

Strategies In Values Education: Horse Or Cart?, Laurie Brady

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This article describes briefly the growing emphasis in Australia on values education as evidenced by the Australian Government’s National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools (2005), and the responses of the respective States and Territories. Arguing that the major approaches to the teaching of values (the trait approach often taught through moral biography; values clarification; the cognitive developmental approach taught typically by discussion of moral dilemmas; and role playing) are markedly different in theory and practice, and that the National Framework is not prescriptive about the nature of teaching, the author suggests that the strategies embedded in the approaches, …

Inside Unlv, Diane Russell, Shane Bevell, Michelle Mouton, Erin O'Donnell, Mamie Peers, Grace Russell, Deana Waddell

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.