Digital Commons Network^™

An Evaluation Of The Relationship Between Criterion-Referenced Competency Test Reading Comprehension And Lexile Scores And Fountas And Pinnell's Guided Reading Levels In A Georgia Public School District, Lynnda G. Higgins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the current study was to compare Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell's guided reading levels to the reading comprehension and Lexile scores on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT). The researcher designed a correlational study to answer the following question: How do the Fountas and Pinnell guided reading levels among third grade students who were instructed in guided reading correlate with the reading comprehension and Lexile scores which were generated by the CRCT? The purpose was also to determine whether guided reading levels, gender, and ethnicity had a correlation to reading comprehension and Lexile scores on the …

The Khazars And The Jews, Thomas D. Ice

Article Archives

One of the tactics used by some anti-Christian Zionists is to say that most modern Jews are not true descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This errant theory is based upon wrong conclusions that they have drawn from the history of a medieval nation in which some converted to Judaism. Khazaria was a nation composed largely of Turkish stock that lived between the Black and Caspian Seas during the seventh to tenth centuries.1 Some holding to replacement theology and many neo-Nazis are attracted to this theory in which they conclude that the Jews are not really Jews.

Christianity And Communication: Kierkegaard, Hamann, And The Necessity Of Indirect Communication, Benjamin D. Cates

Masters Theses

In 1849, Kierkegaard praised Hamann's dedication to written and spoken language as derived from the Divine Logos. This thesis examines Hamann and Kierkegaard in order to understand both thinkers' impact upon verbal and written communication. Hamann's dedication to the idea of communication as given graciously and solely by God is apparent in his authorship. Kierkegaard's model of indirect communication is ultimately one of Christian existence. Given the fact that Kierkegaard owed much to Hamann and was perhaps even led back to faith in God through his exhaustive reading of the German linguist, this thesis examines the possibility of a Hamannian …

Kept From The Hour, Thomas D. Ice

Article Archives

Critics of the pretrib rapture position often say that we cannot produce one single passage that teaches our position. I believe that Revelation 3:10 is a verse which answers their challenge. Of course they neglect the fact that they cannot produce one single passage teaching their view either. I believe that Revelation 3:10 is a verse teaching that the church is promised exemption from the seven-year tribulation period, thus supporting the pretrib rapture. In addition, posttribers cannot produce one verse supporting their assumption that the church will enter and pass through the tribulation. We all agree that believers will be …

Ezekiel 38 & 39, Thomas D. Ice

Article Archives

No abstract provided.

Viewing The World Through Oprah's Eyes: A Framing Analysis Of The Spiritual Views Of Oprah Winfrey, Marianne Jeanette Crosby

Masters Theses

Oprah Winfrey is an American icon. She has a hand in almost every form of media: movies, television, books, Internet, and radio. In her rise to success, another place that she has infiltrated is the church. Because of her wide range of influence, her thoughts and teaching on spirituality have made their way into both the home and church. Over ten years ago, talk shows had a reputation for portraying mainly negative topics. To combat this stereotype, she made a push to encourage more positive topics of discussion on her show. Yet after receiving criticism for "preaching," she withdrew from …

Curriculum Implementation: A Study Of The Effect Of A Specialized Curriculum On Sixth Grade Mathematics Summative Test Scores In A Rural Middle School, Libby Plath Bicknell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine curriculum implementation in sixth grade mathematics as it related to standardized testing in a rural district. The school in the study contained two groups of students, one group who had been taught the new statemandated curriculum and another group who was taught an outdated curriculum. The purpose was to determine if there was a statistically significant disparity between the criterion-reference test scores of the two groups while controlling for differences in student ability level through the use of pre-test scores as measured through an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The hypothesis was that …

04-28-09 (The Liberty Champion, Volume 26, Issue 22)

2008 -- 2009

No abstract provided.

The Perfect Dilemma: Aspect In The Koine Greek Verbal System, Accepted And Debated Areas Of Research, Christopher H. Johnson

Senior Honors Theses

Verbal aspect is a recent but very promising field of study in Koine Greek, which seeks to describe the semantic meaning of the verbal forms. This study surveys the works of the leading contributors in this field and offers critiques of their major points. The subject matter is divided into three sections: methods, areas of agreement, and areas of dispute, with a focus on the latter. Overall, scholarship has provided a more accurate description of the Greek verbal system through the theory of verbal aspect, though there are topics that need further research. This study’s suggestions may aid in developing …

Making Sense Of Cultural Complexity: An Experimental Study Of Third Culture Individuals’ Interpersonal Sensitivity As A Result Of Intercultural Adaptation, Allyn D. Lyttle

Masters Theses

This study examined third culture individuals, defined as people who lived in a country other than that of their nationality during their developmental years, seeking to determine a difference in interpersonal sensitivity between third culture individuals and mono-cultured persons. While popular literature asserts such specialized skills developed as a result of intercultural adaptation, this assertion has not been empirically supported. Data was collected using web-based surveys, which yielded a sample size of 142. The instrument measured participants' intercultural experience and interpersonal sensitivity in two classifications, emotional sensitivity and social sensitivity. Results showed third culture individuals as having significantly higher social …

The Benefits Of Socio-Rhetorical Analysis For Expository Preaching, Joseph R. Buchanan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Over the past twenty years, the field of Biblical studies has witnessed a marked increase in the interest devoted to the subject of socio-rhetorical analysis. Much of the work done one this subject reveals that it has great potential for shedding new light on the Biblical text. However, in order for this type of analysis to reach its maximum value for the church it must be integrated with the field of homiletics. Surprisingly, a review of the literature reveals that little attention has been given to showing how this type of analysis can be incorporated into the ministry expository preaching. …

The Library, The Labyrinth, And "Things Invisible": A Comparative Study Of Jonathan Swift's A Tale Of A Tub And Jorge Luis Borges' Ficciones, Amber Lockard

Masters Theses

One of the most difficult and yet perhaps most revealing means of investigating the proclivities and flaws of the contemporary age is to compare the literatures of this time with the literatures of a past time. The benefits of such a comparison can first highlight the ways in which talented authors from different ages employ similar methods in skillful ways; but moreover, the assessment can help to place postmodern literature, culture, and individuals within a proper and perceivable historical context. To do so is to recognize the advances, discoveries, promises, limitations, and flaws in the present manner of thinking and …

Class Notes, Liberty University

April/May 2009

No abstract provided.

Towards Understanding: The Study Of Hughes' Poetry As The Epitome Of The Expressive, Cultural, And Political Elements Of African American Literature, Brianne Nicole Trudeau

Masters Theses

Unfortunately, a disconnection currently exists between the academic world and the sweet, soulful study of African American literature (AA literature). Because there is limited exposure to AA literature in academics, except for specialized courses in which it serves as the intended focus, most people do not know how to approach it as serious academic study because of its stark differences from Western literature. In sum: African American writers often do not utilize Standard English (SE), so their work is misinterpreted as non-academic in comparison to other Western works of prominence; AA literature tells a different cultural story that most of …

A Visual Rhetorical Analysis Of Selected Nexium Prescription Drug Advertisements According To The Methodology Of Sonja Foss, Jonathan Henry Ryan Law

Masters Theses

Direct‐to‐consumer advertising has gathered much negative attention. It’s purpose is filled with questions of ethics and legitimacy. This analytical study takes a deeper look into the advertisements that promote prescription drugs. The advertisements can be seen at the flip of a magazine, click of a button, or a walk down the road. The methodology for analyzing visual images according to Sonja Foss provided a framework to provide results. This preliminary study found evident problems in the drug advertising industry. Further research was beckoned due to the findings of this exploratory project.

You Could Say That Again: Examining The Probability Of Parallels Between Stephen And Moses In Acts 6-7, Samuel Cooper Smith

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis posits the idea that the author of Acts intentionally creates a literary parallel between Stephen and Moses. Comparative analysis seemingly confirms that Stephen is being portrayed as a parallel of Christ. However, little scholarly attention has been given to the possibility that the author of Acts 6-7 intentionally creates a connection between Stephen and Moses. Following an attempt to provide an objective foundation for asserting such parallels, the Stephen-Moses connections will be presented. Two implications follow from this parallel which impact the Stephen episode as well as the larger Acts narrative. The pertinent literature involves commentaries on the …

The Effect Of The Use Of Christian-Published Science Textbooks On The Act Science Reasoning Subtest Scores Of Midwest Christian High Schools, Janice Marie Guthrie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Statistics indicate that students in conservative Christian schools earn higher standardized test scores in mathematics, reading, science, and writing compared to their public school counterparts, while many are criticized for using curricular materials deemed inferior in quality and for employing uncertified and ill-trained teachers. This study investigates the effectiveness of Christian-published science textbooks in preparing students for college-level science courses as measured by the Science Reasoning subtest of the ACT college entrance examination. A questionnaire was sent to conservative Christian high schools in five Midwest states which are affiliated with the American Association of Christian Schools, Association of Christian Schools …

Multiethnic Worship Representative Of Heaven: A Mixed Methods Study, Sherree Vernet Lane

Masters Theses

This mixed-methods research studies inclusive worship of multiethnic Protestant congregations across Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. I used a model of worship based upon Liesch‘s characteristics of heavenly worship, examining how it applies to the multiethnic church. I observed worship services and rehearsals at Minneapolis Multicultural Church to determine how worship is constructed at this multiethnic church that became multiethnic due to changing neighborhood demographics.

In the second phase of research I surveyed multiethnic church pastors and worship leaders to determine attitudes and practices towards inclusive worship. I found a possible connection between multiethnic churches that start through inward and outward motivations …

Staying On Course: School Of Religion Continues To Be Rudder Of The University, Liberty University

February/March 2009

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between The Dynamic Indicators Of Basic Early Literacy Skills (Dibels) Oral Reading Fluency (Orf) And The Alaska Standards Based Assessment (Sba) For Proficiency In Reading, Polly Shuman Rowell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The impact of No Child Left Behind and making Adequate Yearly Progress is influencing classroom instruction with Curriculum Based Measures such as the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS). The primary population of this study was from a small school in rural Alaska. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the first grade scores of the DIBELS Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) and the subsequent third grade scores of the Alaska Standards Based Assessments (SBAs) in reading. A Pearson's r statistical test was performed on the data from both scores. The results indicated that there …

Islam In The North Caucasus: A People Divided, Yavus Akhmadov, Stephen R. Bowers, Marion T. Doss, Jr., Yulii Kurnosov

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Religious diversity has had a dramatic impact on the development of the North Caucasus region. People do not identify primarily with either a national or international Islamic community. This paper examins religious issues in the Caucases (Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Northern Ossetia, Kabardin-Balkaria, Karachayevo-Cherkessia, and Adygeiya), with special emphasis on the Chechen conflict.

North Caucasus Baseline Project: Adygea, Oxana Klimenko, Stephen R. Bowers, Lena Solovyeva

Faculty Publications and Presentations

As of 2007, there are few signs that the Muslim community of the Adygea Republic embraces the radical Islamic tendencies seen in other parts of the North Caucasus. There is no reason to suppose that the socio-political situation in the republic is being aggravated by the Islamic revival in places such as Chechnya.

Yet, there are trends that threaten to change this. The influx of Middle Eastern men, especially Muslim clerics, who visit the region on a regular basis, is a source of popular unease. Given the fact many Muslims in Adygea distrust the local clergy, the Middle Eastern missionaries …

Inclusive Learning Environments: An Analysis Of Early Intervention Service Options For Preschoolers With Special Needs, Mimi L. Heath

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the quest to restructure educational programming toward higher student outcomes for preschoolers with special needs, professional educators are continuously challenged to provide with integrity a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restricted environment (LRE) as mandated by law. This study analyzed the effectiveness of an inclusive programming model for preschoolers with special needs by examining achievement gains in the developmental domains of adaptive, motor, and cognitive skills as assessed by the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition. Analysis of an inclusive learning environment for six preschoolers with special needs as guided by IEP committee recommendations occurred. In order …

A Time To Define: Making The Specific Learning Disability Definition Prescribe Specific Learning Disability, Kenneth A. Kavale, Lucinda S, Spaulding, Andrea P. Beam

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Unlike other special education categories defined in U.S. law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), the definition of specific learning disability (SLD) has not changed since first proposed in 1968. Thus, although the operational definition of SLD has responded to new knowledge and understanding about the construct, the formal definition has remained static for 40 years, creating a schism between theory and practice. Using concepts gleaned from the scientific study of formal and operational definitions as well as the history of another special education category (i.e., mental retardation), in this article we demonstrate why change in the SLD definition is necessary. …

Theology Proper, Don Fanning

Bible Doctrines

Bible Doctrines are divided up into nine major categories for connivence. This will be a resource tool for the Bible teacher who can project an image directly from his computer in PowerPoint. A few related topics to the main doctrine are occasionally added for more clarity. The perspective of the author is a firm conviction in the authority and infallibility of God's written Word as the basis for all doctrines.

Eschatology, Don Fanning

Bible Doctrines

Bible Doctrines are divided up into nine major categories for connivence. This will be a resource tool for the Bible teacher who can project an image directly from his computer in PowerPoint. A few related topics to the main doctrine are occasionally added for more clarity. The perspective of the author is a firm conviction in the authority and infallibility of God's written Word as the basis for all doctrines.

Bibliology, Don Fanning

Bible Doctrines

Bible Doctrines are divided up into nine major categories for connivence. This will be a resource tool for the Bible teacher who can project an image directly from his computer in PowerPoint. A few related topics to the main doctrine are occasionally added for more clarity. The perspective of the author is a firm conviction in the authority and infallibility of God's written Word as the basis for all doctrines.

The Dark Age Church Period Of Barbarian Invasions, Don Fanning

History of Global Missions

No abstract provided.

Holism And Tentmaking Ministries, Don Fanning

Trends and Issues in Missions

The following trends and issues are faced everyday on the foreign field and need to be analyzed and evaluated before getting involved so as to know how to plan and react. This is a vital area of training for the contemporary foreign missionary.

Dependencies And Partnerships, Don Fanning

Trends and Issues in Missions

The following trends and issues are faced everyday on the foreign field and need to be analyzed and evaluated before getting involved so as to know how to plan and react. This is a vital area of training for the contemporary foreign missionary.